SAT Exam Pattern and Subject-wise Format, Question Types & Syllabus

SAT Exam Pattern and Subject-wise Format, Question Types & Syllabus in 2024

In this article, we bring the light on SAT exam pattern and subject-wise format, question and syllabus on 2024. The candidates are familiar with SAT exam. But new candidates may face difficulties with SAT exam pattern, question types and syllabus. So we try to guide them. Welcome to SAT.

What is the SAT Exam Format?

The SAT was first set up in written form in 2024 in a digital, computer-adaptive format. The three hours of the Digital SAT are split into two primary sections including math and evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW). 50 minutes are added for the optional essay. The Math focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, on the other hand the EBRW deals with reading passage and grammar. Each section is further divided into two phases. The chart below shows additional information about each of the sections.

SectionNumber of QuestionsMinutes Given
Reading and Writing(Module 1)2732
Reading and Writing(Module 2)2732
Math (Module 1)2235
Math (Module 202235
Total982 hours, 14 minutes

SAT Section-wise Syllabus: SAT Exam Subjects

Language, reading, writing, and math are the common topics tested on the SAT Exam. The reading and writing parts cover a wide area of topics, including physics, psychology, social sciences, and history. The math section covers problem solving, advanced mathematics, data analysis, and algebra.

The SAT comprises of two varieties:

  • SAT General Test
  • SAT Subject Test

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 Overview

The SAT is administered in four main sections, each testing different skills. There are 52 questions in the Reading section, over 65 minutes. It consists of passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences in comprehension and reasoning. The Writing and Language section includes 44 questions within 35 minutes, testing grammar and usage through multiple-choice questions drawn from a variety of passages. The Math section has No Calculator with 20 questions within 25 minutes and Calculator with 38 questions in 55 minutes having arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. Total testing time is 180 minutes for 154 questions.

SectionContentQuestionsTime
ReadingPassages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences. Tests comprehension and reasoning.5265 min
Writing and LanguageMultiple-choice questions on grammar and usage, based on passages.4435 min
Math (No Calculator)Covers arithmetic, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.2025 min
Math (Calculator)Same topics as above, but calculators allowed.3855 min
Total154180 min

SAT Syllabus: Digital Pattern

While adhering to a more contemporary testing methodology, the new digital SAT format keeps the fundamental framework. Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), each of which is broken down into modules, make up the two main components. This style examines a wide range of skills, from advanced math to reading comprehension, making testing more efficient and effective.

Digital ParametersDigital Reading & Writing (RW) SectionDigital Math Section
FormatDivided into Two Stages: One assesses the Reading section, while the other focuses on the Writing section, each with its own separate time allocation.Divided into Two Stages: The math section is covered through two separately timed modules.
Test length1st module:25 operational questions2 pretest questions1st module:20 operational questions2 pretest questions
2nd module:25 operational questions2 pretest questions2nd module:20 operational questions2 pretest questions
Time Duration1st module: 32 minutes2nd module: 32 minutes1st module: 35 minutes2nd module: 35 minutes
Total Questions5444
Total Time Allocated64 minutes70 minutes
Scores ReportedTotal score calculation: RW + Math section scores
Question Type(s)Discrete; MCQs with four optionsMCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%)
Topics TestedLiterature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and ScienceScience, Social Science, and real-world related topics
Informational GraphicsTested, includes – tables, bar graphs, line graphsAlso tested

SAT Syllabus 2024: Pen and Paper Exam

The SAT exam schedule for 2024 is displayed in the table below, along with a breakdown of the portions that will have hidden adjustments. The exam lasts four hours overall, including breaks.

SectionQuestionsDurationScore range
SAT Reading52 multiple-choice questions65 minutesEvidence-based Reading & Writing score 200 to 800
Break10 minutes
SAT Writing & Language44 multiple-choice questions35 minutes
No Calculator – Math20 (15 multiple-choice and 5 Grid in questions)25 minutesMath score 200 to 800
Break5 minutes
Yes Calculator – Math38 (30 multiple-choice and 8 Grid in questions)55 minutes
Break2 minutes
SAT Essay (Optional)1 prompt50 minutesReading 2 to 8Analysis 2 to 8Writing 2 to 8

SAT Section Wise Syllabus 2024 

The SAT Section Wise Syllabus for 2024 consists of math and EBRW. The EBRW component is testing writing, vocabulary, understanding, and grammar based on literature, history, and the sciences through passages. The topics in the Math section include trigonometry, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The exam, computerized nowadays, is designed to test skills required for college readiness. Each section of the exam needs a proper order of testing; these are divided into modules.

Reading and Writing Exam Syllabus

The SAT digital exam for reading and writing is divided into four key sections: Craft and Structure (28%), which tests vocabulary, comprehension, and reasoning; Information and Ideas (26%). This will focus on analyzing complex texts, extracting information, and interpreting data. There will be a Standard English Conventions section (26%), which will evaluate grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Together, these sections test a range of reading, writing, and analytical skills essential for the SAT.

SAT Reading & Writing Section AreasQuestion DistributionWeightage Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas
Craft and Structure13-1528% Words in Context, Cross-Text, Text Structure and Purpose, Connections
Information and Ideas12-1426% Command of Evidence based on – Textual and Quantitative Inferences, and Central Ideas and Details
Expression of Ideas8-1220% Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions
Standard English Conventions11-1526% Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense

Maths Syllabus 

The SAT Digital Math syllabus is divided into four areas: Algebra (35%), involving topics on nonlinear equations, systems of equations, and equivalent expressions; Advanced Math (35%), where the focus would be placed on problem-solving and data analysis; Geometry and Trigonometry (15%), including topics like lines, angles, triangles, area, and volume; and finally, Problem Solving and Data Analysis (15%), topics like percentages, ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and interpreting two-variable data. Topics of this caliber make up the foundation of the math section of the SAT.

SAT Math SectionQuestion DistributionWeightage Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas
Algebra13-1535% Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables, Equivalent expressions, etc
Advanced Math13-1535% Problem-solving and Data Analysis
Geometry and Trigonometry5-715%Lines, angles, and triangles, Area and volume, etc
Problem- Solving and Data Analysis5-715%Percentages, Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units, Two-variable data: models and scatter plots, etc

Best of luck for anticipators of SAT.