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

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.

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

There are 98 questions in total. 54 questions for reading and writing. 44 questions for math. It is very fast. The modules have a set time limit. Much better than the old long test.

Q:   Are SAT sample papers available in all formats?
A:

Yes, SAT sample papers are available in all formats. Applicants who are to appear for SAT can get hold of them for practice. After registration 4 practice tests are available for free on Bluebook App. The availability of sample papers may vary with the area of residence.

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.

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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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