The SAT English section is divided into two main components. The Reading section contains 52 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 65 minutes, covering 5 different passages. The Writing and Language section has 44 questions in 35 minutes, focusing on grammar and rhetorical skills across 4 passages. Together, these sections are scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points, with no penalty for incorrect answers. Understanding this structure is crucial for effective time management and test preparation.
Effective reading comprehension on the SAT requires mastering active reading strategies for five distinct passage types. These include literature passages from fiction or poetry, history and social studies texts, two science passages, and paired passages that present contrasting viewpoints. The key to success lies in previewing questions first, then reading with purpose to identify the main idea, author's purpose, and key supporting details. Use annotation techniques like circling key terms, underlining topic sentences, and making brief margin notes to track important information. This systematic approach helps you navigate complex passages efficiently and answer questions accurately.
SAT Reading questions fall into four main categories that require specific solution approaches. Information and Ideas questions test your understanding of explicit and implicit content. Rhetoric questions focus on author's craft and purpose. Synthesis questions require you to analyze relationships between paired passages or graphics. Command of Evidence questions ask you to identify supporting textual evidence. For every question, follow a systematic five-step process: read the question carefully, identify the question type, return to the passage to find relevant evidence, eliminate obviously wrong answers, and select the best remaining choice. Effective elimination focuses on answers that use extreme language, lack textual support, contradict the passage, or are too narrow or broad in scope.
The SAT Writing and Language section tests fundamental grammar concepts that are essential for clear communication. Key areas include subject-verb agreement, where singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs. Pronoun usage requires matching pronouns to their antecedents in number and gender. Parallel structure demands that items in a series follow the same grammatical pattern. Modifier placement ensures that descriptive words and phrases are positioned next to what they modify. Verb tense consistency maintains the same time frame throughout related sentences. When correcting errors, first identify the specific grammar rule being tested, then apply the correct form while checking that your correction maintains clarity and consistency with the surrounding context.
Rhetorical skills on the SAT focus on higher-level writing concepts beyond basic grammar. These include varying sentence structure to create rhythm and emphasis, using logical transitions to connect ideas smoothly, and organizing paragraphs for maximum clarity and impact. Effective expression requires eliminating redundancy, combining choppy sentences into more sophisticated structures, and choosing precise vocabulary that enhances meaning. When revising passages, consider whether changes fit the context, improve clarity and conciseness, enhance logical flow, and maintain an appropriate tone. The goal is to transform weak, repetitive writing into strong, engaging prose that communicates ideas effectively and efficiently.