Answer easy questions first. The easier
questions are usually at the start of the section, and the
harder ones are at the end. The exception is in the critical
reading section, where questions are ordered according to
the logic and organization of each passage.
Make educated guesses. If you can rule
out one or more answer choices for multiple-choice
questions, you have a better chance of guessing the right
answer.
Skip questions that you really can't
answer. No points are deducted if an answer is left blank.
Limit your time on any one question. All
questions are worth the same number of points. If you need a
lot of time to answer a question, go on to the next one.
Later, you may have time to return to the question you
skipped.
Keep track of time. Don't spend too much
time on any group of questions within a section.
Use your test booklet as scratch paper.
Mark the questions in your booklet that
you skipped and want to return to.
Check your answer sheet to make sure you
are answering the right question.
Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil. It is
very important that you fill in the entire circle on the
answer sheet darkly and completely. If you change your
response, erase it as completely as possible.
The SAT Structure
Critical Reading
Question Type
Number of Questions
Sentence completions
19
Passage-based Reading
48
Time: Two 25-minutes sections; one
20-minute section.
Total: 70 minutes
Writing
Question Type
Number of Questions
Identifying sentence errors
18
Improving sentences
25
Improving paragraphs
6
Essay writing
One essay
Time: Two 25-minute sections; one
10-minute section.
Total: 60 minutes
Math
Question Type
Number of Questions
Multiple-choice
44
Grid-ins
10
Time: Two 25-minute sections; one
20-minute section. Total: 70 minutes
Here are
sequential study packets for the SAT... we can review any questions you
may have on each section.
The following are the SAT essay prompts or questions given by the
College Board for the different test periods. Go through some of them to
see the types of essay prompts you will most likely encounter. Try
writing some of them following the
SAT Tips For The Writing Section.
Start from the more recent questions.
The prompts consists of two parts: The first part is a quote that
relates to the assignment. The second part is what you should write
about in your assignment or essay.
The
books at the left are recommended resources for those who want to write
effectively. They can supplement any secondary, college, or
graduate-level writing project. If you would like to obtain either
book, click at left. The Writers Harbrace Handbook
is a basic guide and rulebook for writers. It has particularly
useful resources on rhetoric. Adventures in Writing
is designed as a practical guide for the writing process. The book
is designed for people who want to improve their writing, including
students from non-English based learning environments.
Commas are covered in Adventures in Writing on pages:
189, 313, and
406. For questions, contact
Tim@WritingResource.org/
