SAT Reading 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 intertwined with the SAT Reading Test. The questions for

this test are included alongside the reading comprehension questions. The SAT WL Test includes

grammar and usage question similar to those on the ACT and old SAT Test. However, this section may

pose an additional difficulty for students as they must quickly alternate between reading for content on the

Reading Test and usage/mechanics on the SAT WL Test.