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SAT Exam Sections 2025: Everything You Need To Know

14 April, 2025
Priyal Kakaye

SAT Exam Sections 2025: The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test used by most US and Canadian universities for their admissions process. The SAT evaluates applicants based on their skills in mathematics, evidence-based reading, and writing. Before preparing for the test, one must have a clear understanding of the SAT exam pattern and syllabus.

SAT Exam Sections

 

The SAT, an examination conducted annually and taken by over 1.97 million students, facilitates admission to universities throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally. It is important for students to understand the comprehensiveness of the SAT exam structures. The test has two main sections: Reading and Writing and Mathematics. The overview of this content will give you a complete understanding of the structure.

 

SAT Exam: Overview 

Attribute Details
Conducted by College Board
Duration 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes)
Exam Type Undergraduate Admissions
Registration Fee $68 (plus a $43 international fee for test-takers in India, totalling $111) 
Language English
Sections Two: 1. Reading and Writing 2. Math 
Number of Questions 98 total: 54 in Reading and Writing, 44
Mode of Exam Digital 
Score Range 400–1600
Negative Marking No

Read More: SAT Exam 2025: Overview of The Exam

SAT Exam Sections 2025: Updates for SAT Syllabus 

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) comprises two primary components: (1) the Reading and Writing section and (2) the Mathematics section. Test-takers are allotted 64 minutes for the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Mathematics section, totaling 134 minutes or 2 hours and 14 minutes.

 

Each section of the exam is segmented into two modules of equal duration, with a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Mathematics section. 

 

The initial (first) module of each section has a diverse range of questions from easy-medium to complex. Subsequent to how you performed in the first module, the second module will include questions of either more or less difficulty.

A Comprehensive Explanation of SAT Exam Sections 2025

1. Reading & Writing

Students have 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) to complete the Reading and Writing section, and each section is divided into two modules of equal length. The first module would be a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. 

Your performance in the first module will determine the level of difficulty of the second one. You have to answer short passages based on four content domains—Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. 

A single multiple-choice question follows each of these passages. To make things easier for you, questions that test similar skills and knowledge are grouped together and arranged from easiest to hardest. 

Read More: SAT Exam Syllabus

2. Mathematics

This 70-minute-long section comprises 44 questions to evaluate the candidate’s mathematical reasoning. The score range is between 200 to 800 and has 40 operational questions, 4 pre-test questions. 

The digital SAT lets you use a calculator throughout the entire Math section, which differs from the previous paper-based format, which had separate calculator and no-calculator portions. Test takers are allowed to use an approved calculator provided during the exam.

These questions would measure your understanding of, fluency, and ability to apply the essential math concepts, skills, and practices.

Description of SAT Exam Sections 2025

Reading and Writing The passages that students have to go through in this section range from 25 to 150 words, and they represent the subject areas of humanities, literature, history/social studies, and science.
Mathematics In this section, candidates are tested on the areas of math that are detrimental to their success in college and career. Mostly, the questions are related to Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry, Advanced Math, and Problem-solving and Data Analysis.

Read More: SAT Exam Preparation

Types of Questions in SAT Reading and Writing Test

SAT Exam Sections: The questions in the SAT Reading and Writing section are based on four categories that are as follows:

1. Information and Ideas

The questions under this category measure comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills. In addition, your ability to identify, evaluate, interpret, and compile information and ideas from informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs) and texts are put to the test.

2. Craft and Structure

The questions in this section measure vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, comprehension, and reasoning skills. If you possess the knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and can put phrases into context, connect topically related texts, and evaluate texts rhetorically, then you can score well in this section.

3. Expression of Ideas

Your ability to revise texts to improve, make the written expressions more effective, and meet specific rhetorical goals are put to the test in this category.

4. Standard English Conventions

The questions require you to edit text according to the core conventions of standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

Types of Questions in SAT Mathematics Test

The types of questions asked are based on the SAT exam Maths Syllabus, which is divided into four primary categories:

 

a)Algebra, which focuses on testing the candidate’s mastery of linear equations and systems 

b) Problem-solving and Data Analysis require them to answer questions with ratios, proportional reasoning, percentages, probability and conditional probability, and data interpretation

c) Advanced Math challenges their capabilities to solve complicated equations and functions of mathematics

d) Geometry and Trigonometry that tests your abilities to solve problems related to area and volume formulas, lines, angles, and triangles, and right triangles and trigonometry.

Breakdown of the Number of Questions Asked in Each Type

Types of Math Number of Questions
Algebra 13-15
Problem Solving and Data Analysis 5-7
Advanced Math  13-15
Geometry and Trigonometry 5-7

SAT Exam Sections 2025: Conclusion

In conclusion, the SAT Exam Sections 2025 offers Indian students a structured framework to assess their readiness for college-level education in the United States and Canada. Understanding the detailed exam pattern, which contains critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills, is crucial for adequate preparation. 

Indian students aiming for high scores should focus on familiarizing themselves with the exam’s format, practising with sample questions, and developing test-taking strategies.