Welcome to the New SAT By: Mrs. Winard

The New SAT The new SAT is meant to more closely align with your classroom learning, creating a bridge between your high school work and the academics you will encounter in college and in your career.

Parts of the SAT Evidence-Based Reading Test and Writing and Language Test: 200-800 possible points. Mathematics Test: 200-800 possible points Optional Essay: 2 to 8 possible points on each of three traits (reading, analysis, and writing). Two scores will grade your essay on each trait on a 1 to 4 scale, then the two scores will be combined for a maximum total score of 8. Your essay score will not affect your Writing and Language test score.

Scores Reported scores now include sub-scores and cross-test scores. With these additional scores, the SAT is better at highlighting your strengths and showing colleges that you have been building skills and knowledge you need for college and career.

SAT Score Ranges Total score = the sum of 2 sections / 400-1600 Section scores (2) = Evidence Based Reading and Writing/Math / 200-800 Test scores (3) = Reading, Writing, and Language, and Math / 10-40 SAT Essay Scores (3) = OPTIONAL – Reading, Analysis, Writing / 2-8 Cross Test Scores (2) = Analysis in History/ Social Studies and Analysis in Science. Based on selective questions these scores show how you will use your skills to analyze texts and solve problems in these subject areas. / 10-40 Subscores (7) – Reading, Writing, Language, Command of Evidence and words in context. Expression of ideas and Standard English Conventions / 1-15

SAT Score Ranges contd. When you receive your results scores in Green show your strengths, scores in Yellow and Red show where you need to improve. Yellow – means approaching benchmark. Red- means need to strengthen skills.

Content: The Reading Test 65 minutes to answer 52 questions You will be required to: Analyze sources: The Reading Test will always contain 5 reading passages that include: One passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or word literature (10 questions) One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the great global conversation they inspired. The U.S. Constitution or a speech by Nelson Mandela, for example (10-11 questions) A selection about economics, psychology, sociology, or some other social science. (10-11 questions on each passage or paired passage) Two science passages (or one passage and one passage pair) that examine foundational concepts and developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics (10-11 questions on each passage or pair passage).

Level of Difficulty The passages will range from easier (9-10 grade reading level) to difficult (12+ or college level) in no particular order. They will not be arranged from easy to difficult. Use evidence: You will be asked to identify parts of the passages that support your answers to some of the questions Interpret data in informational graphics: Some passages will include charts or graphs that you have to interpret or relate to the ideas presented in the passage. Determine the meanings of words in context: Passages will contain unfamiliar words. You will be asked to use the context to figure out their meanings. Make inferences and conclusions based on what you have read, indentify the main idea, discover the author’s purpose and tone, and find supporting details.

The Language and Writing Test 35 minutes to answer 44 questions You will be required to: Edit passages so that they follow standard written English conventions, including grammar, usage, and punctuation Revise passages by keeping, adding, deleting or changing words and phrases to improve order, create transitions, or maintain tone. Determine which sentence would best support the central claim of a passage, provide a logical transition between paragraphs, or bring the passage to a satisfying conclusion. Relation information in charts and graphs to information in the text. Total time = 3 hours.

Essay Section The essay section is OPTIONAL, you will have 50 minutes to complete the essay You will be required to: Read a text from a previously published source. These texts will explore issues or trends in the arts, sciences, or in cultural life. Write a clear analysis that explains how the author of the text build an effective argument to persuade his or her audience. Identify and analyze the techniques the author employed to successfully build his or her argument. Use clear organization and essay structure, as well as follow standards English conventions.

To Guess or Not to Guess, that is the question On the SAT you will earn points for questions you answer correctly, but you will not lose points for questions that you answer incorrectly. This means that you should definitely guess, even if you have no idea what the right answers is. If you are running out of time on a section, you should fill in answers if you don’t have time to read the questions.

Works Cited Preparing for the New SAT: Amsco Publication (2016)