Strategy on the Test
Reading & Writing section structure:
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2 modules (adaptive), 32 minutes each
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54 questions total
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Scored from 200–800 (half of total SAT score)
STRATEGY TIP - Focus on careful reading and managing your time — understanding question types and eliminating wrong answers can boost your score!
SAT Reading & Writing Strategies to Boost Your Score
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Start with easier questions first – Don’t waste time on tough questions right away. Each question is worth the same, so answer the ones you find easier quickly to secure points.
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Read actively and annotate – Underline or note key ideas, transitions, and tone as you read passages to stay focused and understand the author’s purpose.
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Use process of elimination – Narrow down answer choices by crossing out clearly wrong or irrelevant options to improve your odds if you need to guess.
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Pay attention to grammar rules – For writing questions, recall rules about subject-verb agreement, parallel structure, punctuation, and sentence clarity to spot errors fast.
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Paraphrase questions in your own words – Before answering, restate the question to clarify what it’s asking and keep your focus sharp.
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Refer back to the passage – When unsure, go back to the relevant sentence or paragraph to find evidence supporting the correct answer.
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Watch out for extreme or absolute language – Choices using words like “always,” “never,” or “only” are often incorrect unless clearly supported by the text.
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Manage your time wisely – You’ll have about 35 seconds per question on average. Skip and flag confusing questions, then return if time allows.