SAT Breakdown
There are two main divisions of the Verbal SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and the Optional Essay
Evidence-Based Reading:
65 Minutes
52 Questions
4 Single Passages and 1 Paired Passage
500-750 Words per Passage
10-11 Questions per Passage
1-2 Graphics per Test
Evidence-Based Writing:
35 Minutes
44 Questions
4 Passages
400-450 Words per Passage
10-12 Questions per Passage
1-2 Graphics per Test
Essay: (Optional-Depends on the College)
One prompt- Read and analyze a provided passage
50 minutes
Graded on three specific criteria: Reading, analyzing, and writing
Scoring: Each question is worth one (1) pt. There is NO penalty for a wrong answer
1. Total Score: Scale ranging from 400 to 1600
2. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200 to 800
3. 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay- Results reported separately
Test Tips #1: POE (Process of Elimination)
1. Always guess on an answer- There is NO penalty for a wrong answer
2. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, and make the best guess from what is available
3. Easy questions have easy answers- don’t spend too much time on these
Test Tips #2: Timing
1. Don’t spend too much time on a single question (harder questions are not worth more points).
2. If you don’t know…circle (star) it and go back. At the end make your best educated guess.
Quick Facts:
· All Reading and Writing Test questions are multiple choice (four answer choices A-D) and based on passages.
· Some passages are paired with other passages or informational graphics, such as charts, graphs, and tables.
· Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
· Total time of test including Math and Essay is 230 minutes (180 without Essay)