Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 7, 2020 11:29 IST

The Essay Section of the SAT exam requires candidates to read a passage, clarify how the author has shaped an argument to influence an audience and finally support his explanation with evidence from the passage. The Essay Section of the SAT is optional in nature, however certain courses and universities require candidates to appear for the SAT Essay Section. Read: Essential SAT Tips and Strategies

Test Format

Number of questions - candidates are required to complete one essay

Duration - 50 minutes

Nature – Optional

The key takeaway of this exercise is to see how well the candidate understands the passage and uses it as a foundation for a well written thought-out argument. The areas that are evaluated in this section include the reading ability of the candidate, his analysis prowess and above all his writing skills. Read: SAT Tips and Strategies

It is imperative for the candidate to successfully read and understand the passage paying careful attention to important details and central ideas hidden within the story. The candidate then would be required to analyze the author’s use of reasoning and evidence and other persuasive and stylistic techniques and finally, the candidate should be able to flesh all this out in a precise and organized manner, thus depicting his writing prowess.

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Tips

Candidates are required to understand the structure of this particular section. Before attempting it. Candidates are always advised to practice unfamiliar passages and use the help of our SAT Preparation Tips and SAT Practice Papers to be able to score well in their exams. Candidates should always keep aside time every day to read a short passage or a storybook to be able to score big in this section.








Q:   Where can I find SAT exam sample papers?

A:

The internet is filled with SAT sample papers and study materials. Prospective applicants can go for these resources based on their requirements. SAT sample papers can be downloaded or they can be attempted online on the Bluebook App. The applicants have a plethora of options to choose from and they can go for these resources also if they have prepared from these resources in the past. SAT sample papers are basically an assessment for the applicant's performance based on their preparation. Hence, solving sample papers can help students in understanding their standing based on their preparation of the exam.

Q:   What is the total number of questions asked in Digital SAT?

A:

The overall number of questions on SAT are 98 questions. The questions are divided section wise and they are as follows:

  • SAT Section 1 - Reading & Writing has 54 questions
    • Module 1 has 27 questions and Module 2 also has 27 questions
  • SAT Section 2 - Mathematics has 44 questions
    • Module 1 has 22 questions and Module 2 also has 22 questions

All these questions are timed and each module has a set time limit, section 1 is for 64 minutes and section 2 is for 70 minutes. 

Q:   How can SAT sample papers help me?

A:

SAT sample papers will help applicants with the following:

  • Understand how much more preparation they need.
  • Check how much can they score and aim for universities abroad accordingly.
  • Understand the key areas of strength and weakness to prepare.
  • SAT sample papers will also help students understand their time that is being taken to attempt one section on SAT.
  • Applicants who are able to attempt the SAT sample papers in entirety can also assess how much time they are taking on each question and which type of questions. 

Overall, SAT sample papers will help students in understanding their position of preparation so that they can improve later on. 

Q:   Are SAT sample papers available in all formats?

A:

Yes, the SAT sample papers are avaiable in all formats - PDF, books, hard copy, soft copy, etc. Applicants who are to appear for SAT exam can look for the sample papers and attempt them to score higher in their main exam format. The availability of sample papers for SAT may vary with the area of residence of the applicant. 

Q:   Can SAT sample papers have same questions as on the main exam?

A:

Yes, it is quite possible that the questions may be similar on SAT sample paper and on the SAT's main exam paper. The applicants can come across such situations but the questions may be altered based on test options also. This is basically luck to find applicants coming across already answered questions in the previously attempted SAT exam paper and on the current SAT exam paper too. Thus, it will be an added advantage for students to go for the main SAT exam and be able to attempt the questions on SAT sample papers also. Hence, it is alaways advised that applicants attempt these sample papers.

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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