SAT Reading v/s ACT Reading: Which One is More Easier?

SAT Reading v/s ACT Reading: Overview:

The SAT and the ACT, both are designed to test reading comprehension. Although both the SAT and the ACT tests a student's ability to "read between the lines" and interact with text, there exists a subtle difference between them.
Because even the slightest difference between the duo can impact the strategies for each test, we've listed some similarities and differences in reading sections of the SAT and the ACT.

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SAT Reading v/s ACT Reading: Comparison-

Features	SAT	ACT
The time allowed for the Reading Test	65 minutes	35 minutes
Number of questions	52 questions	40 questions
Time per questions	75 seconds	53 seconds
Number of passages	5 passages	4 passages
Subject of passages	1 – US/World Lit 2 – History/Soc. Studies 2 – Science	1 – Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative 1 – Soc. Studies 1 – Humanities 1 – Natural Sciences
Has paired questions	YES	NO
Questions are sequential	YES	NO
Includes charts and graphs	YES	YES
Sections require the reader to compare and contrast two different texts	YES	YES
Length of passages	600-750 words	450-800 words

Critical Differences Between SAT and ACT Reading Sections:

While going through making sure to keep your strengths and weaknesses in mind Follow these Guidelines:

Option #1: Breaking Down Long Passages-

ACT questions do not mention the line numbers from where the question is related. So, one has to go through the entire paragraph to find that answer to the question. Whereas, the SAT gives you line numbers. You just have to read the question, go to the lines mentioned, and mark your answers.

In the ACT test, one needs to have a strong memory to remember different sections of the passage. That would make it easier to review it at once and answer the questions. And in SAT, the student can directly approach the SAT Critical Reading section for the questions and then visiting different parts of the passage for answers.

Option #2: Exam Time-

When you compare ACT vs SAT, ACT has a total of 40 questions to be answered in 35 mins, and when you do the math, you get just 52 seconds to answer one question. Whereas the SAT has 52 questions to be answered in 65 minutes, giving you 75 seconds to answer one question. Now, this becomes a challenge as you have to spend time reading the passage and then answer the question.

Option #3: Evidence-Support Questions-

Evidence-Support Questions are only asked in SATs. If you appearing ACT, you’re saved from it. The answer to these questions is interconnected to other questions that are asked in this section. These questions are challenging and require higher-level thinking and strong reasoning skills.

Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

Students are appearing in both the SAT and ACT after the changes made to both of them in 2016. After the recent changes made to both ACT and SAT, its easier for students to prep for both tests concurrently — and earn competitive scores on both!

The best way you can decide which test to take between the SAT and ACT or both is by taking a full-length practice paper of each. While giving practice paper for each test you should focus on the types of questions you find most challenging and factors like how you handle time pressure to help you determine which test is a better fit.

Talk to our experts to decide which test to take: SAT, ACT, or Both?

SAT vs ACT FAQs:

Question 1: Is ACT reading easier than sat reading?

Answer 1: ACT uses more inference-based questions. In this respect, the SAT Reading Test is easier than the ACT Reading Test. The ACT Reading Test requires students to answer 40 questions in 35 minutes. This means that, on average students have 20 seconds more per question on the SAT than on the ACT.

Question 2: What is a good SAT score for reading and writing?

Answer2 : The average score on the Evidence-based Reading & Writing section is also 533.

Question 3: Does Yale prefer SAT or ACT?

Answer 3 : Yale requires applicants to report results from either the ACT or the SAT. Standardized tests are just one component of a student's application and are viewed within the context of the student's entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

Question 4: What is a good ACT reading score?

Answer 4 : Average Reading Section Scores on the ACT is 21.2

Question 5: Is ACT or SAT more accepted?

Answer 5 : The ACT and the SAT are both accepted by all colleges and universities in the U.S. The test that will make your application look better is the test on which your score is in a higher percentile nationally.