SAT Practice Test 2020

Course details

The SAT Test is a standardized exam used in the admissions process by most colleges and universities in the U.S. The SAT Test is similar in purpose to the ACT, GRE and GMAT. Both the SAT and ACT tests are only one factor that colleges use in their admissions processes, but it can be an important factor so you should prepare and strive to do well on the test.

THE NEW SAT OVERVIEW/OUTLINE

The SAT test was redesigned in 2016. The stated purpose of the changes was to have the test better predict success in college and beyond. The new SAT has four components and an optional essay. The table below summarizes the sections.

Section                                          Time Limit                                        #of Questions

Reading                                              65                                                          52

Writing and Language Test             35                                                          44

Math Test (NO calculator)               25                                                          20

Math Test (Calculator)                     55                                                           38

Essay (optional)                                50                                                       1 essay

Totals                                               180                                                  154 + essay

                                                (230 with essay)

SAT READING

The SAT Reading component consists of 52 multiple choice questions based on reading passages. You are given 65 minutes to complete the section. The passages are presented either individually or paired with another passage. Some of the passages may contain tables, graphs, or charts - but require no math or topic-specific knowledge.

The passages will always include:

• One passage from classic or contemporary literature (from the US or worldwide)

• One passage about a social science topic (e.g., sociology, psychology, or economics)

• One passage (or a pair of passages) from (or inspired by) a U.S. founding document (e.g., the U.S. Constitution or a speech by a President)

• Two passages (or a passage and a passage pair) that are science focused, including Earth science, chemistry, physics, or biology.

The SAT Reading section attempts to measure the following:

• Command of Evidence - find evidence that best supports an answer; determine how authors support their claims with evidence; identify relationships between informational graphics and reading passages.

• Words in Context - determine how meaning, tone, and style are shaped by the author's word choice; identify the meaning of a word based on context clues in the passage.

• Analysis in History/Social Studies and Science - examine hypotheses; interpret data; draw conclusions; consider implications.

SAT WRITING AND LANGUAGE

The SAT Writing and Language component consists of 44 multiple choice questions. You are given 35 minutes to complete this section. This section presents reading passages that contain deliberate errors. You are asked to correct the errors by choosing the best possible replacement.

All the questions in this section will test your ability to improve a passage's writing style. This section still requires a firm grasp of grammar rules including punctuation and common English usage.

The SAT Writing and Language component assesses the following skills:

• Standard English Conventions - you'll revise punctuation, words, clauses, and sentences. You'll be tested on: comma use, parallel construction, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement.

• Expression of Ideas - you'll be given questions about a passage's organization and impact. You'll be asked to select which words or structural changes will improve a passage.

• Words in Context - you'll be asked to select the best word choice based on the context of the sentence. You are expected to choose words that will improve the tone, style or syntax of the selection.

• Command of Evidence - you'll be given questions that require you to improve the way a reading passage develops ideas and information.

• Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science - you'll be given passages on history, social studies, and science. You are expected to select changes to the passages that improve them.

SAT MATH

The SAT Math section is broken up into two sections. The No Calculator section has 20 questions with a 25 minute time limit. The calculator permitted section has 38 questions with a 55 minute time limit.

There are two types of questions in the math section - traditional multiple choice and "grid in" questions which require you to determine the answer with selecting from choices.

The SAT Math section focuses on the following math topics:

• Heart of Algebra - create, solve and interpret linear expressions in one or two variables; interpret variables and constants in linear functions within context; understand connections between graphical and algebraic representations.

• Problem Solving and Data Analysis - solve single and multi-step problems involving: measurements, units, unit conversions, percentages, ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and scale drawings; evaluate graphs and scatterplots; compare and contrast linear and exponential growth; summarize categorical data, retrieve frequencies, and calculate conditional probability of two-way tables; utilize statistics to analyze shape, spread, and center.

• Passport to Advanced Math - create and solve quadratic and exponential functions; create equivalent forms of algebraic expressions; add, subtract, and multiply polynomial expressions; understand relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials.

• Additional Topics in Math - volume formulas; Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric ratios; complex numbers; arc lengths and radian measures; congruence and similarity problems about lines, angles, and triangles; two variable equations about circles in the coordinate plane.

SAT ESSAY

The optional SAT essay component will require you to read a passage and write an essay that explains how the author develops a persuasive argument. You'll be expected to support your explanation with evidence from the passage. You are given 50 minutes to complete the essay.

Every SAT essay prompt is nearly identical to this example:

As you read the passage below, consider how [author] uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.

• evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.

• reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.

• stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

Write an essay in which you explain how [author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience that [authors claim]. In your essay, analyze how [author] uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [authors] claims, but rather explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.

The SAT topic is different every time, but will always have the following attributes:

• examine trends, debates, or ideas in political, cultural, or arts and sciences

• argue a point

• cover complex subjects

• express subtle views

• support claims using evidence and logical reasoning

The SAT Essay will measure your writing ability on the following three categories:

• Reading - how well you comprehend the passage and effectively use textual evidence.

• Analysis - how well you examine the author's reasoning, use of evidence, and persuasive techniques.

• Writing - how well your essay is organized; appropriate use of grammar; effective use of style and tone.