SAT Reading Writing Test
The new Redesigned SAT Reading Test features reading passages from both primary and secondary sources. Vocabulary and English grammar will be tested within the context of each reading passage. The new SAT includes passages from a diverse set of sources with a new emphasis on the social sciences and civics. Social science passages include those from the disciplines of political science, economics, and psychology. The civics passages cover texts from historical figures and speeches (e.g. FDR’s Day of Infamy Speech). Social science and natural science passages are in some cases accompanied by graphics followed by a multiple choice question. This extension ensures that students can convert their knowledge and understanding from a reading passage to a graphical analysis and interpretation. The graphical questions will carry a heavy weight in the new SAT subscores.
TSG trains and prepares students to master each question type on the SAT Reading Test. 80% of accuracy on reading comprehension questions comes from the student’s first read. Consequently, we begin with a comprehensive tutorial in reading for meaning, tone, and theme. We then introduce students to passages that may appear on their actual SAT test. We encourage students to underline and annotate the passages before beginning the test questions. On the test day, there are no surprises. TSG students know exactly what to expect both in terms of passage difficulty, type, and questions.
The SAT Writing and Literature (WL) Test is the second test section after the Reading Test. The SAT WL Test includes grammar and usage question similar to those on the ACT and old SAT Test. Scores from the Reading Test and the WL Test are combined to form a student’s combined Reading and Writing Score (800 points).
SAT Math Test
The SAT Math Test includes both calculator and non-calculator sections (total 800 points). The calculator section will continue the SAT’s legacy of a strong emphasis on Algebra 2 topics like functions and graphing. There will be a new emphasis on classroom topics like trigonometry. The test will feature fewer pure logic questions and place a heavier emphasis on computation.
The non-calculator section will test a battery of math skills including problem recognition, computation, and carry-out. Students must quickly recognize which type of question they are facing (algebraic, geometric, etc…), and solve the problem without making any careless mistakes.
The new SAT Math Test more closely aligns with the data analysis skills that students need for college courses. The essential data analysis skills include a full understanding of slope, lines of best fit, and basic regression analysis. In addition to graphs, students will analyze data displayed in charts and encounter more practically based math questions like those concerning exchange rates.
SAT Essay
The SAT essay is technically optional, although we encourage all students to opt in. Most colleges and universities will require the SAT essay, as they currently require the ACT essay. The SAT essay will require scholarly analysis of an argument. Students will not be required to bring in outside texts as evidence. Rather, they will logically evaluate a prompt, poke holes in logical fallacies, and suggest how an argument can be bolstered.
