Digital SAT Exam Pattern – A Comprehensive Guide

Digital SAT Exam Pattern 

The current SAT exam, now in a digital format, comprises two main sections: Reading and Writing (RW) and Math. Both the RW and Math sections are individually scored within the range of 200-800. In the digital SAT, questions in these sections are predominantly multiple-choice (MCQ), with certain math questions requiring written answers rather than selections. A notable advantage of the new SAT format is the continuation of the 'no negative marking' system.

The SAT exam pattern for 2023 has undergone a few changes, including a reduction in the overall exam duration. Additionally, the use of calculators is now permitted for all Math questions. Another modification is the consolidation of the Reading and Writing sections into a single, unified section.

The below table provides an idea about the Digital SAT Exam pattern. Candidates will get to know about the duration, the number of questions, the score range, and more.

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The Digital SAT question paper structure is based on two main sections – evidence-based reading and writing, and mathematics. There is an optional essay section that is opted for by candidates sometimes.

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Order of the Sections:

During the final Digital SAT examination, a particular order is followed based on the subjects, starting from:

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section

Digital SAT Reading Test:

• 27 multiple-choice questions in passages to test in 30 minutes

• A literary passage of American or international fiction, such as short stories or novels.

• One or two passages from the founding documents of the United States or the Great Global ConverDigital SATion on topics such as freedom, justice, and human dignity.

• A selection of passages on economics, psychology, sociology, etc.

• Two passages from the works of science

• Students must read the passage and answer the question by telling a story or arguing or explaining a study or experience.

Type of questions

The Digital SAT EBRW questions are divided into different categories:

Order and Test: These questions test the interpretation of the data presented in the graphs, the analysis of the evidence, the relationship between the text and the graphs, as well as the author's understanding of the use of the evidence.
Information and Ideas: This question type focuses on finding direct or implicit information, finding passages that describe the information, analyzing key topics, identifying summaries, and analyzing connections between ideas.
Rhetoric: Questions about the author's meaning, style, or tone. The drafting issues have more to do with effect than definition. Text structure problems can be solved using structure strategies such as cause and effect or problem-solving techniques.
Words in Context: On the Digital SAT question template, asking questions about words in context focuses on advanced vocabulary. According to the College Board, the focus should be on "very useful academic words and phrases."

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Digital SAT Writing Test:

• The Digital SAT Writing and Language Test consists of 27 multiple-choice questions in  passages that must be completed in 30 minutes.

• Requires students to review and edit passages

• Topics covered are career, natural sciences, humanities, history, and social sciences.

• Ways of writing passages are narrative, argumentative, and informative/explanatory.

• There is at least one passage for each of the above writing modes.   

Type of questions
The writing and language questions for the Digital SAT are:

Expressing the idea: improving the structure, organization, and way in which the idea is articulated in the passage, as well as the overall effectiveness of the language. The organization is part of the expression of ideas. Development problems center on strengthening the passage by adding or removing information. 
Standard English Conventions: The Digital SAT Writing and Language Assessment focus on the use of standard English conventions, such as consent, conjugation, and word choice. The second point is a sentence structure that focuses on identifying independent and dependent sentences, using transitions and conjunctions.

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Digital SAT Math Section:

• Digital SAT Math with a calculator from 

• 44 questions to test in 60 minutes

• 80% of the questions are multiple-choice questions, 20% are grid questions

• Various formulas and references are provided at the beginning of the test.

• The section is specifically geared toward science, technology, engineering, or math students.

• In real-world settings, questions are asked about topics from the natural sciences, social sciences, and professional contexts.

The sections are primarily made up of questions on the topics above and also include questions on additional math topics, including:

Area and volume, Coordinate Geometry, and Basic trigonometry

Type of questions
The math sections of the Digital SAT paper sample include question categories in three different math areas:

Heart of Algebra – Create, edit, and solve algebraic equations as systems and linear equations Problem-solving and data analysis: Interpret graphs and tables and solve problems in real situations using ratios, percentages, and proportional arguments. Passport to Advanced Mathematics – Edit, manipulate, and solve complex mathematical equations and functions.

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Exam Pattern in Detail

The test is divided into 10 sections- the first section is an essay followed by two readings, two math, one writing, and one experimental section of 25 min each (in random order), and then one 20 min reading, one 20-min math, and one 10-min writing section. The two mathematics sections of 25 minutes each can be really tricky if you are weak in math.