The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is owned and developed by the College Board, a non-profit organization that also administers other tests such as the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. For students taking the SAT in Nepal, the non-US regional fee is $49, making the total SAT fee $101. The SAT exam with Essay is $68 plus a non-US regional charge. The SAT is composed of several modules or sections, each designed to measure different skills and abilities. Here are the modules that make up the SAT:
1. Reading Test: This module measures a student's ability to read and understand complex texts. It includes passages from various disciplines, such as science, history, and literature, followed by multiple-choice questions that assess comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills. The Reading Test is one of the four sections of the SAT, which assesses a student's ability to read and understand complex texts. Here are some details about the Reading Test:
Format: The Reading Test consists of 52 multiple-choice questions, based on 5 passages, each approximately 500-750 words in length. The passages come from various disciplines, such as science, history, social studies, and literature. The passages may be accompanied by charts, graphs, or tables, and questions may ask students to interpret or analyze this information.
Skills assessed: The Reading Test assesses a student's ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex texts. Questions may ask students to identify a passage's main idea or purpose, analyze the author's tone or point of view, identify specific details or figurative language, and make inferences or draw conclusions based on the text.
Timing: The Reading Test is timed and lasts for 65 minutes. Students are expected to pace themselves, spending approximately 13 minutes per passage and 12-13 minutes answering questions related to each passage.
Scoring: Each correct answer is worth one point, with no penalty for incorrect answers or guessing. The Reading Test is scored out of a maximum of 52 points. The Reading Test score is combined with the Writing and Language Test score to create a maximum score of 800 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
Preparation: To prepare for the Reading Test, students should practice reading complex texts from a variety of disciplines and genres. Students can also practice identifying main ideas, analyzing tone and point of view, and making inferences based on the text. Vocabulary building can also be helpful, as some questions may ask students to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in context. Overall, the Reading Test assesses a student's ability to read and understand complex texts, a skill that is crucial for success in college-level courses. By practicing reading and analyzing a variety of texts, students can improve their reading comprehension skills and perform well on the Reading Test.
2. Writing and Language Test: This module assesses a student's ability to edit and revise written passages for clarity, grammar, and syntax. It includes multiple-choice questions that require students to identify and correct errors in sentence structure, punctuation, and usage. The Writing and Language Test is one of the four sections of the SAT, which assesses a student's ability to revise and edit written texts. Here are some details about the Writing and Language Test:
Format: The Writing and Language Test consists of 44 multiple-choice questions, based on 4 passages, each approximately 400-450 words in length. The passages cover a range of topics, such as social studies, science, history, and humanities. The passages contain errors in grammar, punctuation, and usage, and questions ask students to identify and correct these errors.
Skills assessed: The Writing and Language Test assesses a student's ability to revise and edit written texts. Questions may ask students to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and usage, as well as to improve sentence structure, word choice, and organization. Students may also be asked to analyze the tone or style of the passage and to make suggestions for improving its clarity or effectiveness.
Timing: The Writing and Language Test is timed and lasts for 35 minutes. Students are expected to pace themselves, spending approximately 8-9 minutes per passage and 8-9 minutes answering questions related to each passage.
Scoring: Each correct answer is worth one point, with no penalty for incorrect answers or guessing. The Writing and Language Test is scored out of a maximum of 44 points. The Writing and Language Test score is combined with the Reading Test score to create a maximum score of 800 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
Preparation: To prepare for the Writing and Language Test, students should practice identifying and correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, and usage. Students can also practice improving sentence structure, word choice, and organization. Vocabulary building can also be helpful, as some questions may ask students to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in context. Overall, the Writing and Language Test assesses a student's ability to revise and edit written texts, a skill that is crucial for success in college-level courses. By practicing identifying and correcting errors and improving writing skills, students can perform well on the Writing and Language Test. Here are some examples of questions that might appear on the Writing and Language Test:
1. Select the grammatically correct sentence:
A) Me and my friend went to the mall last weekend.
B) My friend and I went to the mall last weekend.
C) My friend and me went to the mall last weekend.
D) Me and my friend was at the mall last weekend.
2. In the following sentence, which word should be replaced to create a more precise and effective sentence? "The politician made some comments about the economy that were not completely truthful."
A) Politician
B) Comments
C) Economy
D) Truthful
3. Math Test - No Calculator: This module assesses a student's ability to solve math problems without the aid of a calculator. It includes questions on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and requires students to use reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems. The SAT Math Test is one of the four sections of the SAT, which assesses a student's understanding and ability to solve mathematical problems. The Math Test is divided into the No Calculator section and the Calculator section. In this answer, we will focus on the No Calculator section. Here are some details about the No Calculator section:
Format: The No Calculator section consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 grid-in questions, for a total of 25 questions. The questions are based on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis, and advanced math topics such as trigonometry and geometry. Students are not allowed to use a calculator during this section of the test.
Skills assessed: The No Calculator section assesses a student's ability to solve math problems without the aid of a calculator. Questions may ask students to solve equations, interpret and analyze data, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Students may also be asked to apply advanced math concepts such as trigonometry and geometry to solve problems.
Timing: The No Calculator section is timed and lasts for 25 minutes. Students are expected to pace themselves, spending approximately 1 minute per question.
Scoring: Each correct answer is worth one point, and incorrect answers or guesses do not result in a penalty. The No Calculator section is scored out of a maximum of 25 points. The Math Test score is combined with the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test scores to create a maximum score of 1600 for the SAT.
Preparation: To prepare for the No Calculator section, students should practice solving math problems without a calculator. Students should review algebraic concepts such as linear equations, factoring, and systems of equations, as well as advanced math concepts such as trigonometry and geometry. Students should also practice interpreting, analyzing data, and applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Here are some examples of questions that might appear in the No Calculator section of the SAT Math Test:
If x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0, what are the solutions for x?
A) x = -3 and x = -2
B) x = -1 and x = -6
C) x = -2 and x = -3
D) x = -6 and x = -1
A store sells a product for $20, which is a 25% increase from its original price. What was the original price of the product?
A) $15
B) $16
C) $18
D) $19
What is the slope of the line that passes through points (2, 4) and (4, 8)?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Overall, the No Calculator section of the SAT Math Test assesses a student's ability to solve math problems without a calculator. Students can perform well on the No Calculator section of the SAT Math Test by practicing algebraic concepts, advanced math concepts, and problem-solving skills.
4. Math Test - Calculator: This module assesses a student's ability to solve math problems using a calculator. It includes questions on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and requires students to use a combination of reasoning, critical thinking, and calculator skills to solve problems. The SAT Math Test is divided into the No Calculator section and the Calculator section. In this answer, we will focus on the Calculator section. Here are some details about the Calculator section:
Format: The Calculator section consists of 38 multiple-choice questions and 8 grid-in questions, for a total of 46 questions. The questions are based on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis, and advanced math topics such as trigonometry and geometry. Students are allowed to use an approved calculator during this section of the test.
Skills assessed: The Calculator section assesses a student's ability to solve math problems using a calculator. Questions may ask students to solve equations, interpret and analyze data, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Students may also be asked to apply advanced math concepts such as trigonometry and geometry to solve problems.
Timing: The Calculator section is timed and lasts for 55 minutes. Students are expected to pace themselves, spending approximately 1-2 minutes per question.
Scoring: Each correct answer is worth one point, and incorrect answers or guesses do not result in a penalty. The Calculator section is scored out of a maximum of 46 points. The Math Test score is combined with the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test scores to create a maximum score of 1600 for the SAT.
Calculator: Students are allowed to use a calculator during the Calculator section, but must use an approved calculator. Approved calculators include most graphing calculators and scientific calculators. Students should practice using their calculator calculators to solve math problems, including how to input equations, interpret data, and use advanced functions.
Preparation: To prepare for the Calculator section, students should practice using their approved calculator to solve math problems. Students should review algebraic concepts such as linear equations, factoring, and systems of equations, as well as advanced math concepts such as trigonometry and geometry. Students should also practice interpreting, analyzing data, and applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Here are some examples of questions that might appear in the Calculator section of the SAT Math Test:
The price of a car is $15,000. If the sales tax is 7%, what is the total cost of the car?
A) $15,450
B) $15,600
C) $16,050
D) $16,200
What is the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle if the legs have lengths 3 and 4?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8
What is the equation of the line that passes through the point (2, 3) and has a slope of -2?
A) y = -2x + 5
B) y = -2x - 1
C) y = -x + 5
D) y = -x - 1
Overall, the Calculator section of the SAT Math Test assesses a student's ability to solve math problems using a calculator. By practicing with an approved calculator, reviewing algebraic and advanced math concepts, and interpreting and analyzing data, students can perform well on the Calculator section of the SAT Math Test.
5. Essay (optional): This module is not required by all colleges and universities. It is an optional essay that measures a student's ability to analyze and construct a persuasive argument. Students are given a prompt and are expected to write a well-reasoned essay within a given time frame. Each module is timed and scored separately. The Reading, Writing, and Language, and Math modules are worth 800 points, for a total possible score of 1600. The Essay is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 8 points. The total SAT score is the sum of the scores on the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math modules, for a possible maximum score of 1600 plus the essay score. Overall, the SAT is designed to assess a student's readiness for college by measuring a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and reading comprehension. Many colleges and universities in the United States require SAT scores as part of their admissions process, along with other factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. The SAT Reading and Writing sections assess a student's English language and literature proficiency. Here are some examples of English questions that may appear on the SAT:
Reading Section:
Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?
A) The benefits of exercise for mental health
B) The history of the Olympic Games
C) The evolution of sports medicine
D) The relationship between physical activity and brain function
Which word in the passage most closely means "to make less severe"?
A) Aggravate
B) Exacerbate
C) Alleviate
D) Procrastinate
Writing and Language Section:
The author suggests replacing "big" with which of the following words in the following sentence: "The Company had a big impact on the local economy."
A) Significant
B) Substantial
C) Considerable
D) Profound
Which of the following sentences uses the correct punctuation?
A) My favorite colors are blue, green, and yellow.
B) I have three siblings, two sisters and a brother.
C) After dinner, we decided to go for a walk.
D) The movie was good, but it was too long.
These are just a few examples of the types of English questions that may appear on the SAT. It is important to note that the exam may include various formats, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and passage analysis questions. The best way to prepare for the SAT English sections is to practice answering a variety of question types and familiarize oneself with the SAT format and test-taking strategies. The SAT Essay is an optional section of the SAT that measures a student's ability to analyze and construct a persuasive argument. Students are given a prompt and are expected to write a well-reasoned essay within a given time frame. The essay is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 8 points, and it is recommended to write at least 2 pages or 500-600 words to provide a comprehensive response.
Here are some examples of past SAT Essay prompts:
i. Is it more important to prioritize happiness or success? Write an essay in which you explain your position on this issue and provide reasoning for your perspective.
ii. Do people have an obligation to speak out against injustice when they witness it? Write an essay in which you explain your position on this issue and provide reasoning for your perspective.
iii. Should individuals take responsibility for their own success, or should society be responsible for providing equal opportunities? Write an essay in which you explain your position on this issue and provide reasoning for your perspective.
iv. Does progress require struggle? Write an essay in which you explain your position on this issue and provide reasoning for your perspective.
When writing an SAT Essay, it is important to read the prompt carefully, plan and organize one's thoughts, and provide specific examples and evidence to support one's argument. A well-written SAT Essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point or argument. While there is no specific word count requirement, it is recommended to write at least 2 pages or 500-600 words to fully develop one's ideas and provide a comprehensive response.