sat question types (2024)

the sat assesses a range of skills that reflect your readiness for higher education. understanding the specific types of questions you’ll encounter can significantly enhance your ability to prepare effectively and perform confidently on test day. this guide breaks down the sat question types you’ll face in both the reading & writing and math sections of the digital sat, providing detailed insights into each category and helpful tips.

• understanding the sat reading and writing question types
• understanding the sat math question types
• strategies for mastering sat question types

understanding the sat reading and writing question types

the sat reading & writing section of the digital sat is designed to evaluate your comprehension, analytical abilities, and command of the english language. 54 total questions are divided over two modules of 27 questions each. this section assesses how well you understand and interpret written texts, as well as your proficiency in standard english conventions. the questions are divided into four main content domains:

• craft and structure: 13 to 15 questions total; approximately 7 per module.
• information and ideas: 12 to 14 questions total; approximately 7 per module.
• standard english conventions: 11 to 15 questions total; approximately 7 per module.
• expression of ideas: 8 to 12 questions total; approximately 5 per module.

understanding the focus of each content area can help you prepare more effectively for the test. each of these domains can be broken down further, resulting in 11 unique question types on the sat. let’s look at the number of each type that you can expect to see, along with its purpose and the concepts it tests. additionally, we’ll mention some generalized examples and helpful advice on each question type.

craft and structure

text structure and purpose

• number: around 3 questions on the test
• purpose: assesses comprehension of the overall purpose of a passage and its structural features.
• concepts: understanding author’s intent, recognizing purpose (e.g., to inform, argue, entertain), and analyzing how structure serves the purpose.
• examples: identifying an author’s goal, understanding how structure supports purpose, and distinguishing between different modes of writing.
• tip: identify the passage’s goal early—is it meant to inform, argue, entertain, or explain? once you know the goal, you can assess how the structure (e.g., introductions, examples) serves this purpose.

cross-text connections

• number: around 1 question on the test
• purpose: tests ability to make connections and comparisons between multiple texts.
• concepts: synthesizing information across passages, comparing ideas, and recognizing thematic or argumentative links.
• examples: identifying a common theme between two passages, comparing authors’ approaches to similar topics, and analyzing how different texts address related issues.
• tip: look for common themes or opposing viewpoints—before comparing texts, determine if the authors agree, disagree, or discuss different aspects of the same theme. understanding this relationship can guide you to the correct answer more easily.

words in context

• number: around 11 questions on the test
• purpose: tests ability to interpret vocabulary in the context of a passage.
• concepts: understanding word meanings based on context, recognizing shifts in meaning depending on usage, and selecting precise language.
• examples: determining the meaning of a word as used in a passage, identifying words with nuanced meanings, and replacing words with contextually appropriate synonyms.
• tip: replace the word with a simpler one—if the word is challenging, mentally substitute it with a simpler term that fits. then, select the answer choice that best matches your substitute word.

information and ideas

central ideas and details

• number: around 4 questions on the test
• purpose: assesses ability to identify main ideas and supporting details in a passage.
• concepts: recognizing the main idea, summarizing information, and identifying details that support or elaborate on the central point.
• examples: determining the primary message of a passage, identifying which details reinforce the main idea, and understanding how examples support broader claims.
• tip: summarize each paragraph—try to capture the main point of each paragraph in a few words as you read. this practice makes it easier to locate the central idea and details that support it without rereading.

command of evidence – quantitative

• number: around 4 questions on the test
• purpose: evaluates ability to interpret data and link quantitative information to claims in a passage.
• concepts: analyzing tables, charts, and graphs; identifying evidence within data to support conclusions.
• examples: interpreting statistical evidence, matching quantitative data to arguments in the text, and understanding data representations.
• tip: identify trends and outliers first—look for patterns or notable data points in charts and graphs before diving into specific questions. this overview can help you find evidence that aligns with the text quickly.

command of evidence – textual

• number: around 4 questions on the test
• purpose: tests the ability to identify textual evidence that supports or refutes claims or answers.
• concepts: identifying where an idea is supported, finding evidence to justify a claim, and evaluating the strength of evidence provided.
• examples: choosing the best textual support for an answer choice, linking statements to evidence in the passage, and determining which part of the text reinforces a given point.
• tip: find the answer before checking evidence choices—try to identify the answer on your own, then locate the sentence or passage that supports it. this process helps you focus on relevant text instead of getting sidetracked by distractors.

inference

• number: around 4 questions on the test
• purpose: tests ability to make logical inferences based on information given in the text.
• concepts: drawing conclusions, understanding implications, and reading between the lines.
• examples: inferring an author’s intent, determining the meaning behind implied statements, and identifying unspoken connections or assumptions.
• tip: avoid overthinking—stick closely to the text and look for subtle clues rather than assuming too much. inferences on the sat are usually straightforward, so avoid “reading between the lines” too deeply.

standard english convention

boundaries

• number: around 6 or 7 questions on the test
• purpose: tests understanding of where sentences and ideas start and end to maintain clarity and avoid run-ons or fragments.
• concepts: identifying and correcting sentence fragments, run-ons, and misuses of punctuation.
• examples: distinguishing between complete and incomplete sentences, identifying unnecessary or missing punctuation, and revising sentences to ensure they are properly structured.
• tip: read sentences out loud in your head—if you find yourself pausing or feel like something is missing, you may have identified a fragment or run-on. this mental pause often highlights places where punctuation or sentence boundaries need adjustment.

form, structure, and sense

• number: around 8 questions on the test
• purpose: focuses on understanding how the organization and structure of a text contribute to its meaning.
• concepts: evaluating paragraph structure, sentence placement, and overall organization.
• examples: determining why a particular sentence is placed in a certain part of the passage, analyzing how structure enhances understanding, and evaluating the logical flow of ideas.
• tip: consider why each sentence is placed where it is—ask yourself if each sentence logically follows from or introduces the previous one. this approach helps you identify misplacements or redundant phrases.

expression of ideas

transitions

• number: around 5 questions on the test
• purpose: tests understanding of transitions between ideas to ensure logical flow and cohesion.
• concepts: using appropriate transitional words and phrases, connecting sentences and paragraphs effectively.
• examples: choosing the correct transition to link ideas, ensuring coherence between sentences, and selecting transitions that maintain the intended meaning.
• tip: look at the sentences before and after—identify the relationship between the ideas they contain (contrast, addition, cause/effect) and choose a transition that best connects them.

rhetorical synthesis

• number: around 6 questions on the test
• purpose: tests the ability to analyze and integrate ideas or information to draw meaningful conclusions, often in relation to the author’s argument or perspective.
• concepts: understanding how different pieces of information or rhetorical strategies contribute to a central claim or purpose; recognizing how an author’s use of evidence, reasoning, or persuasive techniques works to achieve a specific effect.
• examples: evaluating how two ideas are combined to strengthen an argument, understanding how supporting details contribute to the overarching purpose, and analyzing how a specific piece of evidence bolsters or nuances the author’s perspective.
• tip: focus on the author’s purpose—identify what the author is trying to achieve with certain examples or arguments. knowing the purpose helps you understand how each part of the text works together to support the main claim.

understanding the sat math question types

the math section of the digital sat is designed to assess a wide range of mathematical skills that are crucial for success in college and beyond. there are 44 math questions on the sat, divided into two modules of 22 questions each. all the questions fall under four main content domains:

• algebra: 13 to 15 questions total; approximately 7 per module.
• advanced math: 13 to 15 questions total; approximately 7 per module.
• problem-solving and data analysis: 5 to 7 questions total; approximately 3 per module.
• geometry and trigonometry: 5 to 7 questions total; approximately 3 per module.

within these domains, we further categorize the questions into 10 specific types that focus on particular mathematical concepts and skills. let’s look at the purpose and concepts of each sat math question type, along with some generalized examples and helpful tips for success.

algebra

algebra

• purpose: focuses on linear equations, expressions, and inequalities, assessing foundational algebraic skills.
• concepts: solving linear equations and inequalities, working with algebraic expressions, and interpreting linear functions.
• examples: solving for unknowns, understanding slope and intercepts, working with inequalities, and analyzing graphs of linear functions.
• tip: check your work with substitution—when time allows, substitute your answer back into the original equation or inequality to confirm it holds true, especially when equations seem straightforward but may contain small traps.

percents and ratios

• purpose: focuses on calculations involving ratios, proportions, and percentages.
• concepts: ratio and proportion problems, percent increase and decrease, unit conversions.
• examples: solving word problems with ratios, calculating discounts or tax rates, determining percentage change, and scaling recipes or measurements.
• tip: set up a proportion—many percent and ratio problems can be simplified by setting up proportions. it helps organize information and allows you to cross-multiply for quick solving.

advanced math

advanced math

• purpose: tests knowledge of more complex algebraic and function-based concepts.
• concepts: quadratic equations, polynomial expressions, rational expressions, systems of equations, and function notation.
• examples: solving quadratic equations, simplifying polynomials, interpreting and manipulating functions, working with exponents in equations, and solving multi-step algebraic expressions.
• tip: focus on function behavior—practice understanding how changes to equations impact their graphs. knowing how different parts of an equation (like coefficients) affect a function’s shape will help you work faster with transformations and solve complex equations.

powers and roots

• purpose: tests understanding of exponents, square roots, and radicals.
• concepts: simplifying expressions with exponents, working with square and cube roots, applying properties of exponents.
• examples: simplifying expressions involving exponents, solving equations with square roots, and manipulating powers in exponential functions.
• tip: remember key exponent rules—such as adding exponents when multiplying like bases and subtracting them when dividing. a solid grasp of these basics can prevent small errors that often arise in exponent problems.

problem-solving and data analysis

word problems

• purpose: requires translating real-world situations into mathematical expressions and solving.
• concepts: a variety of math concepts applied in contexts such as age, motion, work problems, and mixture problems.
• examples: problems that involve setting up equations from story-like scenarios, calculating travel times, mixing solutions, or dividing quantities.
• tip: identify keywords—terms like “per,” “total,” “difference,” or “combined” often indicate specific operations (like multiplication or addition). highlighting these keywords can guide your setup and help avoid misinterpretations.

statistics

• purpose: assesses understanding of statistical measures and their applications.
• concepts: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and interpreting sample and population data.
• examples: calculating and comparing averages, identifying outliers, understanding distribution shapes, and interpreting statistical graphs.
• tip: double-check data values—in questions requiring averages or medians, make sure to count all data points and verify values before computing. simple arithmetic mistakes can often arise from overlooking values.

data analysis

• purpose: measures skills in interpreting data and using quantitative reasoning.
• concepts: reading graphs, charts, and tables; analyzing trends; and interpreting statistical measures like mean and median.
• examples: calculating averages, interpreting bar and line graphs, making predictions based on data trends, and understanding relationships between variables in data sets.
• tip: look for patterns—before diving into calculations, glance at the data for any obvious patterns or trends. spotting these quickly can help you eliminate answers or make fast, accurate estimates when appropriate.

geometry and trigonometry

coordinate plane

• purpose: tests ability to interpret and solve problems using the coordinate plane.
• concepts: graphing points, lines, and shapes; understanding slope, distance, and midpoint formulas; and identifying geometric relationships.
• examples: finding the slope of a line given two points, calculating distance between points, plotting points on the plane, and interpreting linear equations in graph form.
• tip: memorize key formulas like slope, distance, and midpoint—these are fast to apply and save time. familiarity with these allows you to quickly set up and answer questions rather than re-deriving formulas on test day.

geometry

• purpose: tests understanding of shapes, angles, areas, and volumes.
• concepts: properties of triangles, circles, and polygons; perimeter, area, and volume calculations; pythagorean theorem.
• examples: finding the area of a triangle, determining the circumference of a circle, applying the pythagorean theorem, and solving for unknown angles in polygons.
• tip: draw and label diagrams—visualizing geometry problems can clarify relationships and make complex questions easier. labeling parts of your diagram helps you track known values and focus on what’s missing.

trigonometry

• purpose: tests basic trigonometric principles, primarily related to right triangles.
• concepts: sine, cosine, tangent ratios, and the use of trigonometric identities.
• examples: solving for side lengths or angles in right triangles, using trigonometric ratios, and applying pythagorean identities.
• tip: learn soh-cah-toa—this acronym helps you quickly recall which trigonometric ratio to use. practice with right triangles until you can confidently use sine, cosine, and tangent without second-guessing.

strategies for mastering sat question types

now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the various question types on the sat, it’s crucial to develop strategies to master them. here are some effective approaches to help you prepare:

create a targeted study plan

use the breakdown of question types to identify areas where you need the most improvement. allocate more study time to content domains and question types that are challenging for you. for instance, if you find trigonometry questions difficult, dedicate additional practice to that area. additionally, following a study schedule is a great way to stay on track.

practice!

learning about the various sat question types is one thing, but actually solving them is another. it’s essential that you practice with test-like questions to ensure that you’re prepared for test day. try out an sat practice question of each type with our diagnostic quiz.

review fundamental concepts and strategies for each question type

ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts underlying each question type. revisit basic grammar rules for the reading & writing section and foundational mathematical principles for the math section. a solid understanding of the basics will make it easier to tackle more complex questions.

you’ll also want to learn specific strategies tailored to each question type. for example, for “words in context” questions, practice using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. for “data analysis” questions, enhance your skills in interpreting graphs and charts quickly and accurately.

where’s a good place to start learning the fundamentals and strategies? check out some of magoosh’s free lessons.

take timed practice tests

time management is crucial on the sat. simulate testing conditions by taking timed practice tests. this will help you get comfortable with the pace you need to maintain and identify any timing issues you may have. you can take a free practice test on magoosh, and the college board—the makers of the sat—also have a free test on their website.

analyze your mistakes

after practicing, thoroughly review your incorrect answers to understand your mistakes. determine whether errors are due to content gaps, careless mistakes, or misinterpretations of the questions. this analysis will help you adjust your study plan accordingly.

closing thoughts

mastering the sat is not just about hard work; it’s about smart work. by understanding the specific question types and tailoring your study approach accordingly, you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness in preparing for the exam. remember, the sat assesses skills you’ve been developing throughout your education.

with focused preparation, practice, and the right strategies, you can approach test day with confidence and achieve the scores you’re aiming for. speaking of focused preparation, a great place to start is a magoosh sat premium plan . get a year of access, or try us for free first with a 1-week trial!