Are you gearing up for the SAT? Perhaps you’re beginning to chart your SAT exam preparation journey, but you’re not entirely sure what subjects you need to focus on. While you may have a general sense that the SAT includes math and reading, you might be craving a more detailed roadmap. To help you be clear, we have compiled a comprehensive guide. Here, we will not only break down the subjects you’ll encounter in each section of the SAT but also provide you with essential tips to elevate your SAT preparation.
SAT: Sections And Timing
Before we discuss the subjects, let’s start by taking a bird’s-eye view of the SAT’s structure. The SAT comprises three primary sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. While there used to be an optional essay section (which was discontinued in June 2021), the core sections remain instrumental for your SAT score. Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect:
- Reading: 65 minutes, 52 questions
- Writing and Language: 35 minutes, 44 questions
- Math: 80 minutes, 58 questions
- Total: 3 hours, 154 questions
The sequence of SAT sections remains consistent, commencing with Reading and culminating with Math. The Math section is further divided into two segments: one that forbids calculator use (25 minutes, 20 questions) and another that permits calculator use (55 minutes, 38 questions).
Now, let’s move toward the SAT exam subjects that each section encompasses.
Navigating The Subjects On The SAT Reading
The SAT Reading section revolves around assessing your reading comprehension abilities through carefully crafted passages. Here’s an in-depth look:
- You’ll encounter five passages, each featuring a total of 52 multiple-choice questions, which translates to roughly 10-12 questions per passage.
- Some passages are interrelated with others, and certain passages are enriched with visual aids like tables, graphs, or charts.
- Within the SAT Reading test, you can anticipate at least one passage from each of the following topics:
- U.S. or World Literature
- U.S. Founding Documents or Texts Inspired by Them
- Social Science (covering areas such as economics, psychology, sociology, etc.)
- Science (encompassing Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics)
The SAT Reading evaluation revolves around three primary skills:
- Command of Evidence: The ability to identify evidence within a passage that substantiates answers to questions.
- Words in Context: The skill of using contextual clues to decipher the meanings of words.
- Analysis in History/Social Science and Science: The capacity to analyze hypotheses, interpret data, and contemplate implications.
A Look At The Subjects On The SAT Writing And Language
Much like the Reading section, the SAT Writing and Language section centers on passages. It consists of four passages, each followed by 11 questions, culminating in a total of 44 questions. Each passage aligns with one of the following subjects:
- Careers: These passages often delve into trends or debates within major professional fields like medicine, technology, or business.
- Social Studies: Expect topics spanning history, anthropology, psychology, political science, or sociology in these passages.
- Humanities: These passages can feature renowned authors or explore trends in literature, drama, art, music, or dance.
- Science: Science passages focus on Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.
- The passages in this section may adopt argumentative, explanatory, or nonfiction narrative forms and are often complemented by visual elements such as diagrams. SAT Writing evaluates candidates based on four primary skills:
- Command of Evidence
- Words in Context
- Expression of Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
Unveiling The Subjects Tested On The SAT Math
SAT Math consists of two distinct sections. The first section, which prohibits calculator use, lasts for 25 minutes and comprises 15 multiple-choice questions and five grid-in questions. In contrast, the second section, where calculator usage is permitted, extends for 55 minutes and features 30 multiple-choice questions and eight grid-ins, including a challenging Extended Thinking question.
The College Board categorizes the question types into three primary subject areas:
- Heart of Algebra
- Passport to Advanced Math
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Additionally, there exists a fourth category known as “Additional Topics,” constituting roughly 10% of the SAT Math section. This category encompasses questions related to geometry, fundamental trigonometry, and complex numbers.
Subjects Explored In This Section
SAT Math delves into a total of 24 core topics distributed across four primary sections. The initial two sections, basic algebra and advanced algebra, both fall under the College Board’s overarching “Heart of Algebra” subject area.
Basic Algebra:
- Linear functions
- Single variable equations
- Systems of linear equations
- Absolute value
Advanced Algebra:
- Manipulating polynomials
- Quadratic equations
- Dividing polynomials
- Exponential functions
- Function notation
- Solving exponential equations
Problem Solving and Data Analysis:
- Ratios and proportions
- Scatter Plots and graphs
- Categorical data and probabilities
- Experimental interpretation
- Measures of central tendency (median, mode) and variability (standard deviation)
Additional Topics:
- Coordinate geometry, including lines and slopes
- Coordinate geometry, focusing on nonlinear functions
- Geometry principles applied to circles
- Geometry involving lines and angles
- Solid geometry encompassing three-dimensional shapes
- Geometry pertaining to triangles and polygons
- Fundamentals of trigonometry
- Introduction to complex numbers
It’s essential to note that algebra constitutes the majority of questions, comprising more than half of the SAT Math section. Consequently, dedicating ample study time to algebra is highly advisable. Moreover, while up to 10% of questions involve geometry and trigonometry, these inquiries primarily cover fundamental concepts, ensuring that even those without extensive coursework in these areas can grasp the required knowledge with relative ease.
Strategies For Effective SAT Preparation: Some Additional Tips
Now that you’re well aware of the SAT Suite of Assessments, let’s explore some additional tips to elevate your SAT preparation:
Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Help
The SAT journey can be tough, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Here’s why seeking help is a smart move:
- New Point of View: Tutors and test prep courses offer fresh perspectives. Sometimes, a different way of explaining things can help you understand tough concepts.
- Personalized Support: Tutors can create a plan just for you. They figure out your strengths and weaknesses and make a study plan that fits you best.
- Staying Motivated: Studying for the SAT can be long and hard. A tutor or course can help you stay motivated and organized so you don’t give up.
Dive Deep Into High-Quality Practice Questions
Understanding the subjects is important, but familiarity with SAT-style questions is equally vital. It’s not sufficient to simply grasp algebra, geometry, or trigonometry; you must also comprehend how these subjects manifest in SAT questions. The most effective way to achieve this understanding is by actively engaging with practice questions. You can source these questions from practice exams or trusted SAT prep resources.
Take Practice Exams
To truly ace your SAT preparation, consider taking at least one (preferably three to four) complete practice SAT exams. This immersive experience closely mirrors the real SAT, offering valuable insights. Completing practice exams helps you become accustomed to the test’s format, timing constraints, and question diversity. It also enables you to gauge your endurance and adaptability to the evolving subjects within each section. Make sure that you simulate real testing conditions: take the entire test in one sitting, adhere to time limits, and minimize distractions. Whenever possible, utilize official practice tests, as they provide the closest approximation to the real SAT. There are numerous SAT practice tests available that you can incorporate into your preparation regimen.
Target Your Weak Points
Identifying your areas of weakness is a necessary step in your SAT preparation journey. After completing practice exams or sets of practice problems, meticulously review your performance. Scrutinize the subjects or question types where you tend to stumble. Strive for precision in pinpointing your shortcomings. For instance, you may excel in algebra but encounter challenges in geometry. This level of granularity will empower you to direct your efforts effectively. Dedicate the bulk of your study time to these specific areas. By concentrating on your weakest points, you’re likely to witness rapid and substantial score improvements.
Consistent Practice
Consistency is your best friend when it comes to achieving the SAT. It means creating a study plan and sticking to it. Regular, focused practice works better than last-minute cramming. Over time, you’ll get better, and your confidence will grow.
- Regular practice helps you remember things better. When you revisit and reinforce what you’ve learned often, it sticks in your brain. This makes it easier to remember during the real test.
- Consistency also reduces stress. When you know you’ve been working hard regularly, you approach the test day more calmly. This reduces anxiety and helps you do your best.
Summing It Up
To thrive in the SAT, you have to navigate the subjects that each section comprises. While the SAT probes a diverse array of topics, diligent preparation, extensive practice, and targeted improvement efforts can steer you toward SAT success. Armed with a profound understanding of the subjects and armed with effective study strategies, you’re ready to kickstart your quest for your best SAT score. You can get yourself registered at TORUS for the ultimate SAT preparation. We have a comprehensive range of SAT courses online that you can take and ace your preparation.