SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Marking and Distribution Scheme

Hafsha Qureshi
Hafsha Qureshi

Updated on - Jan 19, 2024

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 is released by the conducting authority, College Board. It comprises two tests in total. They are the math test and the evidence-based reading and writing test. There are multiple-choice questions throughout the exam (MCQs).

The SAT 2024 Math section is split into two sections: one without a calculator and one with one. It should be noted that occasionally, the College Board provides test questions for research.

In these circumstances, more time is given to attempt the questions. These questions won't be used in determining the score.

Know More: SAT Syllabus 2024

Table of Contents

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights

The highlights of SAT Exam Pattern 2024 are listed below for the reference of the candidates.

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights

SAT Components

Details

Mode of SAT Exam

Paper-based

Exam Duration

3 hours

Total Number of Questions

154

Total Number of Sections

Score Range

400-1600

Negative Marking

No

Medium of Instruction

English

Read More: SAT Exam Centre List 2024

SAT New Exam Pattern 2024

The new exam pattern that has been introduced for SAT 2024 is given in detail in the table below.

SAT New Exam Pattern 2024

Category

New SAT Exam Pattern 2024

Total Duration

3 hours

Sections

Reading Test

Writing and Language Test

Math

Key Features

Emphasise knowledge, skills, and understanding.

Emphasises the meaning of words in extended contexts and the impact of word choices on the meaning and the sentence

No penalty for wrong answers

Scores

Ranges between 400 and 1600

The scale ranges from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; and 200 to 800 for Math.

Subscore Reporting

Subscores are provided for educators, counsellors, etc. 

SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Section-Wise Distribution

The section-wise distribution of SAT Exam Pattern 2024 is tabulated below for the reference of the candidates.

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 Section-Wise Distribution

Sections

Number of Questions/Tasks

Time Allotted (in minutes)

Mathematics

44

70 Minutes

Reading and Writing

54

64 Minutes

Total

98

2 hrs 24 minutes

SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Mathematics Section

The SAT Math component is used to evaluate a candidate's aptitude for math. Candidates will now be able to use calculators for the duration of the SAT's Math section according to recent modifications to the exam format.

Refer to the table below for more information on how this section is organised.

SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Mathematics Section

Components

Details

Number of Questions

44

Types of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Duration

70 minutes

Questions

Heart of Algebra

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Geometry

Trigonometry

Complex Numbers

SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Reading & Writing Section

The passages in the SAT Reading & Writing section are the basis for the questions. For this part, questions will be framed as multiple-choice questions. Candidates must decide which response better suits the passage's intended meaning after reading it. A number of the questions are also based on the available tables and graphs from the passage.

The passage generally comes from a published publication and/or has anything to do with science, literature, history, or social studies. Find the SAT Reading section details here.

SAT Exam Pattern 2024: Reading Section

Components

Details

Number of Questions

54

Types of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Passages

4-5

Topics 

Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science

Duration

64 minutes

What Does the SAT Math Test Measure?

The following skills of test-takers are assessed in the SAT Mathematics section:

  • Applications: A candidate's ability to assess a situation and identify the components needed to resolve the issue at hand will be assessed here.
  • Understanding of Concepts: Candidates will need to demonstrate their understanding of math relationships, operations, and concepts.
  • Fluency: The ability to solve a problem accurately, and flexibly, and to recognise the most effective ways to do so from the information provided will be tested.

What Does the SAT Reading Test Measure?

The following are assessed by the SAT Reading Test section.

  • Ability to Deduce: The solutions will be based on the information given or indicated in the paragraph. As a result, a candidate's aptitude for accurately interpreting the test and the responses will be assessed.
  • Words in Context: These kinds of questions will concentrate on the words and phrases used in relation to certain topics.
  • Examining Hypothese: A candidate's aptitude for understanding the intended meaning of the provided content will be assessed.
  • Evidence Command: The candidate's capacity to locate the most relevant evidence in support of the response will be assessed.

What Does the SAT Writing Test Measure?

The following are the results of the SAT Writing and Language Test:

  • Words in Context: This section will evaluate the candidate's aptitude for making the best word choice given the circumstances. The passage should be clearer, more specific, and have a better tone, among other improvements.
  • General English Construction: The candidate's skills and knowledge will be assessed based on things like sentence form, punctuation, word choice, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, parallel construction, etc.
  • Study of Subjects and Topics: Some of the readings would deal with social studies, science, or history. Candidates may be asked to amend this material and make the necessary modifications to enhance or improve it.
  • Command of Evidence: In this type of question, the candidate's capacity to develop an argument assertion using relevant evidence from the passage will be evaluated.
  • Ability to Express Ideas: In this section, the candidate's capacity to arrange, enhance, and contribute to making sentences and paragraphs flow naturally will be evaluated.

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