Tips and Strategies for SAT English
Is the SAT Still Relevant?
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized test taken by students applying for universities and colleges in the United States. Despite some schools deeming the SAT to be test-optional in recent years, it remains an important part of the US application process, nonetheless. The most competitive universities will utilise SAT scores, while some of the most prestigious institutions, such as MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown, require either the SAT or the ACT for all applicants. For high achievers, a strong SAT score will provide a competitive edge and improve their chances of university admission. For selective schools, a strong SAT score can also help with scholarship and financial aid opportunities. While the trend toward test-optional policies has decreased the SAT's role, it remains a useful, standardised metric for universities and colleges to compare applicants and a valuable tool for students to showcase their academic potential.
What Is Included in SAT English?
The SAT is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam. The English portion of the exam, called Reading and Writing, is split across two modules. The first module contains an assortment of questions in varying degrees of difficulty. Depending on how candidates perform in the first module, the questions found in the second module will either be more difficult or less difficult.
Each module of the Reading and Writing section is split into four skill areas:
Craft and Structure
Information and Ideas
Standard English Conventions
Expression of Ideas.
Across each of sections, candidates are tested on their ability to comprehend and analyse texts, interpret information from various sources, and apply standard English grammar and punctuation rules.
The total time number of questions across both modules is 54, with students having 64 minutes to complete the entire English portion of the SAT.
Tips and Strategies for Studying for SAT English
In the absence of a tutor, students are advised to prepare for their SATs by creating a self-study schedule and implementing the most effective methods during this time. For example, reviewing key grammar rules and improving reading comprehension by practising active reading techniques such as skim-reading, summarising a text, and outlining its purpose. Those sitting the SAT are also encouraged to work through full-length SAT past papers and review their results, using mark schemes and answer explanations to identify any areas of weakness. Those preparing for SAT English are also advised to read from a wide variety of literary texts. For example, SAT candidates should be comfortable understanding more archaic and scientific language as extracts from classical literature and scientific articles will likely form part of the exam.
The Importance of Time Management for SAT English
Time management is crucial for SAT English. Candidates have 64 minutes to complete the entirety of the Reading and Writing section, which equates to roughly 1 minute and 11 seconds for each question. Effective time management will undoubtedly result in a higher score as students will be able to complete all questions within their allotted time. A good strategy for improved SAT time management is to practice the paper's more advanced command of evidence, inference, and cross-text connection questions, which typically include long passages of text and graphs to interpret. For time-consuming questions that require more extensive reading and careful analysis, those taking the SAT should practice techniques such as skim-reading, making informed predictions, and forming conclusions using a process of elimination.
SAT English Question Types
Within the four categories of the SAT’s Reading and Writing section, specific question-types will appear on each sitting.
For example, Craft and Structure questions will include questions focused around a text’s structure and purpose. In particular, how the author’s technique has been used to achieve this purpose. SAT candidates will additionally be testing on specific words and their meaning within a passage.
The Information and Ideas section of the SAT English section will evaluate a student’s ability to understand and interpret information from both passages of text and visualised data such as graphs or tables. Candidates will be tasked not only with drawing conclusions from a single text, but comparing and contrasting two passages.
SAT questions on Standard English Conventions are focused on an individual’s knowledge of grammar and punctuation. For example, sentence boundaries, such as commas, semicolons, and apostrophes, as well as grammar rules including subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and pronoun agreement questions.
Finally, within the Expression of Ideas section of the SAT, students are assessed on their ability to improve a passage's clarity, coherence, and development. For example, by selecting the most appropriate transitions, adding phrases to a passage to support its central argument, and rewriting sentences using clearer and more precise language.
Common Student Mistakes in SAT English
There are common mistakes that candidates routinely make in their SAT English paper. One of the most frequent occurs when students select answers that match their prior knowledge, rather than ones supported by the text. Additionally, many students lose marks in the Standard English Conventions section due to a misunderstanding of fundamental grammar rules. Here, one of the most common punctuation mistakes is the misuse of commas. For example, joining two independent clauses together with only a comma (creating a comma splice), adding unnecessary commas between subjects and verbs, and misplacing commas around names and titles. To avoid these mistakes, those sitting the SAT should ensure they are regularly revising key grammar and punctuation rules.
How a BartyED SAT English Tutor Can Support Your Journey
BartyED offers highly experienced, specialist SAT tutors. Through comprehensive support and personalised guidance, BartyED tutors are committed to helping students improve their score and increase their chances of being accepted into their chosen university or college. Our tutors will ensure all students have a strong foundational knowledge of the fundamental conventions assessed in the paper’s Reading and Writing section. Through a holistic mentoring approach, BartyED’s one-to-one lessons will continue to prime candidates to achieve top marks in their SATs by specifically targeting areas of weakness and providing students with an effective study plan for targeted revision. Through unparalleled support, BartyED tutors have a consistent track record in securing top marks for SAT candidates.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from a BartyED SAT tutor, contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017), email (enquiries@bartyed.com), or through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Although some institutions have become test optional, many colleges and universities still look for an SAT score for undergraduate applications.
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There are 54 questions split across two modules.
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Candidates have 64 minutes to complete both modules.
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With 64 minutes for 54 questions, students have 1 minute and 11 seconds per question.