Understanding the 2020-21 SAT Syllabus & Exam paper

The SAT is a comprehensive test to assess college and career readiness, conducted by the College board 4 to 5 times a year. The test consists of four sections that include Evidence-based Reading and Writing along with two sections of Math. There is also an optional essay available at the end of the four sections. With the essay included, the test takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The intention of College board in organizing SAT is to ensure students are prepared for the challenges college academia pose and as a result, their comprehension in different areas of science, history, and problem-solving skills will be put to test.

The SAT paper pattern is as follows:

Section	Time	Number of questions
Reading	65 minutes	52
Writing and Language	35 minutes	44
Math - (No Calculator)	25 minutes	20 (15 Multiple choice)    (5 Grid-in)
Math- (Calculator)	55 minutes	38 (30 Multiple choice)   (8 Grid-in)

 

Due to its long duration, there are breaks available during the test. The breaks include:

i) A 10-minute break after the Evidence based Reading section and

ii) A 5-minute break after the Math- No calculator section.

 

SAT Score Summary

The score report for the SAT will consist of:

1)     Total score (400- 1600)

2)     Two section scores: a) Evidence Based Reading and Writing (200-800)

                              b) Math (200-800)

3)     Three test scores: a) Reading (10-40)

                              b) Writing and Language (10-40)

                              c) Math (10-40)

 

4)     Two cross-test scores: a) Analysis in Science (10-40)

                                  b) Analysis in History/Social studies (10-40)

 

5)     Seven sub-scores:  a) Expression of ideas (1-15)

                             b) Standard English Conventions (1-15)                                                                               

                            c) Heart of Algebra (1-15)

                             d) Passport to Advanced Math (1-15)

                             e) Problem solving and Data Analysis (1-15)

                             f) Words in Context (1-15)

                            g) Command of Evidence (1-15)

The SAT syllabus is explained below in detail.

Evidence Based Reading: The main idea behind the reading test is to analyze the test taker’s comprehension of large, complicated passages in areas of U.S and World literature, history, and science. Some questions also test the student’s ability to identify the relevant words in the context of the passage. Questions that ask for the central theme of the passage and the author’s point of view is also present in this section. Also, there will be graphical information present in a few passages. Test takers are expected to synthesize information from the graphs with the passage associated.

 

Evidence Based Writing: The Writing and Language test on the SAT tests the student’s ability to edit and revise large chunks of information and prove their command of the English language. Questions in this section ask the test-taker to choose the best of three choices to an underlined part of the passage. Few questions also require students to check whether the version given in the passage is the best version or not. The test expects the test-taker to don the hat of an editor and revise the passages given to them.

 

Math: The main aim of the math section on the SAT is to let students make decisions on using the right tools to solve several mathematical problems. The Math section has four major areas:

1)     Heart of Algebra

2)     Problem Solving and Data Analysis

3)     Passport to Advanced Math

4)     Additional topics in Math

Heart of algebra requires students to solve, analyze, understand and create linear equations along with inequalities along with their graphs.

Problem solving and Data Analysis include topics such as Ratios and proportions, Probability, Percentages, Unit and Rate conversions.

Passport to Advanced Math questions the student’s ability to create algebraic expressions. It also includes solving quadratic, exponential and other nonlinear equations.

Additional topics in Math deals with problems associated with finding area and volume of several geometrical shapes and applying basic geometrical theorems that involve triangles, circles, lines and angles. It also includes problems on right triangles and basic trigonometric definitions.