The SAT Reading Section: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to apply to colleges in the United States, you’ve probably heard about the SAT – a standardised test which colleges use to assess applicants.  

The SAT is divided into two sections: Math and Reading & Writing. Each is worth 800 points out of a total of 1600 available. In this guide, we’re focusing on the Reading & Writing section (often just referred to as the Reading section).

The SAT Reading section tests your ability to understand and analyse written passages, as well as your knowledge of standard American English grammar. It can seem daunting – it’s timed, it features complex texts, and it challenges you with tricky questions. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to score highly in the Reading.

We’ll answer common questions on the structure of the section, you’ll learn what kinds of passages and questions to expect, and get proven tips on how to boost your Reading score. We’ll also walk through example SAT questions with explanations, so you can see how to tackle them in practice.

Structure

How long is the SAT Reading section?

The SAT Reading section is strictly timed, so knowing the timing is essential for your success. In the new digital SAT, the Reading and Writing section (which includes all of the reading questions) lasts a total of 64 minutes. This time is split into two modules of 32 minutes each, and you’ll answer reading and writing questions throughout those modules.

For comparison, in the old paper-based SAT (offered before 2023), the Reading section alone was 65 minutes long. That paper version had a separate Writing & Language section of 35 minutes. Today, those have been merged: the digital SAT’s single Reading & Writing section covers both reading comprehension and writing skills within that 64-minute time frame.

How do the two modules work?

The digital SAT Reading and Writing section uses an adaptive two-module structure, which means the test responds to how well you perform as you take it. You will complete two Reading and Writing modules, each lasting 32 minutes, and both modules contribute to your final score.

The first module contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions and is the same for all students. Its purpose is to assess your overall performance level. Based on how you do in this first module, the test then adjusts the difficulty of the second module. If you perform strongly in Module 1, you are likely to receive a more challenging set of questions in Module 2. If your performance is weaker, Module 2 will generally be easier. This adjustment does not mean you are doing badly; it is simply how the adaptive system works.

How is my SAT Reading score calculated?

Your Reading and Writing score is reported on a scale from 200 to 800 and is not calculated by simply counting the number of correct answers. Questions vary in difficulty and therefore in how much they contribute to your score.

Correct answers to more challenging questions typically have a greater impact than correct answers to easier ones. It is possible to miss some questions and still achieve a high score if you perform consistently well overall.

There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always attempt every question. A more difficult second module is often a sign that you performed well in the first module, not that you are struggling.

How many questions do you need to answer per minute?

Time management is key. You’ll need to balance your time across all the questions. In the digital SAT, you have 54 questions in total (27 per module) to complete in 64 minutes. That’s one minute and eleven seconds per question on average.

A key part of SAT preparation is building up your speed (while maintaining accuracy) to ensure you don’t run out of time on test day.

How many passages are in the SAT Reading section?

The number and length of passages in the SAT Reading section have changed with the new digital format. Currently, the digital SAT features a lot of passages – in fact, one short passage per question. That means you’ll see 54 passages (most of them just a single paragraph or a pair of short paragraphs) across the Reading & Writing section.

Each passage is very short (often about 100 words or less), and each one has just one question attached to it. (In a few cases, you might get a pair of tiny passages to compare for a single question, but they’re brief.)

Has this changed from how it used to be?

This is quite a difference from the old SAT Reading format. In the paper-based SAT, there were 5 long passages in the Reading section. Each of those passages was around 500–750 words long and was followed by about 10–11 questions. These included a mix of topics – typically literature, history/social studies, and science.

What types of passages are used?

On the digital SAT, because passages are so short, you’ll encounter an even wider range of topics and styles. Passages can come from classic literature, historical speeches or documents, social sciences, humanities (like arts or literature discussion), and scientific articles or charts.

The good news is that shorter passages can be easier to manage – you don’t have to wade through a full-page essay to answer a question. However, don’t be fooled – even a short passage can contain subtle details that you must catch to answer correctly.

In summary, expect 54 bite-sized passages on the digital SAT (one per question), as opposed to the five longer passages on the old SAT. Knowing this helps you prepare for the style of reading you’ll do: lots of quick comprehension and grammar exercises rather than deep dives into longer texts.

Is there writing on the SAT?

Yes – the SAT does include a writing component, but it might not be what you expect. You won’t have to write any essays as part of your SAT. (The SAT’s optional Essay was discontinued in 2021, so nowadays there’s no essay section at all.) Instead, “writing” on the SAT refers to the section that tests your understanding of grammar and effective language use.

In the current digital SAT, the Reading and Writing questions are mixed together in one section. This means alongside reading comprehension questions, you’ll also face questions that ask you to improve a sentence or choose the correct word to fix a grammar mistake. The writing questions test your knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing style. For example, a question might present a sentence with an underlined segment and ask which choice would correct a grammatical error or improve the sentence.

Has this changed, too?

On the old SAT (paper version), there was a separate section called Writing & Language, which lasted 35 minutes and had 44 questions. That section presented passages full of underlined sentences to edit for grammar or clarity. Now, with the digital format, those kinds of questions are just interspersed throughout the Reading & Writing section.

The key takeaway is that the SAT will test your writing skills, but not through an essay. Instead, you’ll demonstrate writing ability by answering multiple-choice questions about how to improve or correct written passages. So when preparing for the SAT, be sure to study grammar and usage rules in addition to practising your reading comprehension.

What types of questions are in the SAT Reading section?

The SAT Reading section will challenge you with a variety of question types. Understanding these will help you know what to look for when you read. Here are some common question types you’ll encounter:

Main Idea / Big Picture

These questions ask about the overall point or theme of the passage. For example, you might be asked, “Which of the following best summarises the passage?” To answer these, you need to grasp the passage’s central idea or the author’s main argument.

Detail (Little Picture)

Detail questions focus on specific facts or statements in the passage. They often begin with phrases like “According to the passage, …”. The answer will usually be a direct paraphrase of something explicitly stated. It’s important to locate the relevant line or sentence in the text to answer correctly.

Inference

Inference questions in the SAT Reading section require you to read between the lines. They won’t be directly stated in the text, but you can figure out the answer from hints or implications. A typical inference question might be, “The author would most likely agree with which of the following statements?” Success here means understanding the implications of the author’s words and tone.

Vocabulary in Context

These ask for the meaning of a specific word or phrase as used in the passage. The SAT Reading section often picks words that have multiple meanings or uncommon uses. For instance, if a passage says “She disciplined her mind to ignore the distractions,” a question might ask what “disciplined” most nearly means in this context. You’d need to use the surrounding context to determine the meaning (in this case, “trained” or “controlled”).

Function/Purpose

These questions focus on why the author included something — a particular sentence, phrase, or even paragraph. For example: “What is the purpose of the third paragraph in the passage?” or “Why does the author mention [a specific detail]?” To answer, consider how that part fits into the author’s overall argument or narrative.

Author’s Tone or Attitude

The SAT Reading section may ask about the author’s tone (how they feel) or attitude towards the subject. Words like “critical,” “optimistic,” “sceptical,” or “admiring” might describe the tone. Recognising tone comes from the author’s choice of words and the way they present their ideas.

These categories cover most of what the SAT Reading will throw at you. By practising each type, you’ll become comfortable with the variety of questions and know how to approach them.

Example SAT Reading Questions

Example 1: Differences in Perspective (Literature Passage)

Passage:

“The family’s new country house proved contentious. The mother found many little faults annoying, and the father grumbled that the ironwork was a complete nightmare of craftsmanship. The children, by contrast, declared the place a ‘fairy palace’ and spent their days exploring its every nook and cranny.”

Question:

Which statement best describes how the parents and the children feel about the new house?

A. The house is very well built, and the children wish it had more interesting features like their old home.
B. The children feel indifferent about the new house, whereas the parents consider it a great improvement over their old one.
C. Both parents and children find certain things to admire about the house, although they each have some complaints as well.
D. The parents see many faults in the house, but the children are enchanted by it.

Answer and Explanation:

In the passage, the parents clearly have a negative view of the new house – the father calls the ironwork a “nightmare” and the mother is annoyed by many faults – whereas the children are enchanted by it (they call it a “fairy palace”). The answer is D, which reflects this contrast.

A is incorrect because the father doesn’t think the house is well built, and the children aren’t missing their old home at all. B is wrong because it reverses who likes the house (the parents are the critical ones, not the enthusiastic ones). C is wrong because there’s no sign the parents admired any part of the house, and the children don’t have any complaints – they simply love it.

Example 2: Vocabulary in Context

Passage:

“Mr Thompson’s lectures were known for their lucidity; even complex scientific ideas were explained in a way that any layperson could understand.”

Question:

In the context of the sentence, what does “lucidity” most nearly mean?

A. Brilliance
B. Clarity
C. Length
D. Enthusiasm

Answer and Explanation:
Even complex ideas were explained in a way anyone could understand – in other words, the lectures were very clear. The word “lucidity” basically means clarity, so B is correct. The other choices don’t fit: “brilliance” refers to intelligence (not the focus here), “length” is irrelevant, and “enthusiasm” isn’t mentioned at all. In context, lucidity clearly means clarity.

How to Improve Your SAT Reading Score

Improving your SAT Reading score takes practice and the right approach. Here are some effective strategies to boost your performance:

Read regularly and actively

The best long-term way to get better at SAT Reading is to read a variety of challenging material. Try reading novels, quality journalism (newspapers or magazines), and scientific articles. This will train you to digest complex texts. As you read, practise summarising paragraphs in your own words and noting the main ideas – this builds the active reading habit that you’ll need for the exam.

Build your vocabulary

A stronger vocabulary will help you understand passages and answer those vocabulary-in-context questions. Whenever you encounter unfamiliar words (whether in practice tests or your daily reading), look up their definitions. You might keep a vocabulary journal or use flashcards to memorise common SAT words. Over time, you’ll find fewer words that can throw you off during the test.

Use official practice tests and questions

There’s no substitute for real SAT questions when it comes to preparation. The College Board offers official SAT practice tests, and you can also find practice questions online (for example, Dukes Plus provides a full SAT mock test with realistic questions). Take timed practice sections to get used to the pace.

Develop a passage strategy:

When tackling reading passages, have a plan. Some students prefer to skim the passage first to get the gist and then look at the questions, while others read the passage in detail upfront. On the digital test, passages are short, so you can usually read the whole thing attentively.

Either way, pay attention to topic sentences and conclusion sentences – they often carry the main point. Underline or jot down (if scratch paper is allowed) key ideas or transitions in the passage. This active engagement will help you locate information quickly when answering questions.

Find evidence and eliminate wrong answers

Always base your answers on evidence in the passage. If an answer choice sounds good but you can’t find a line or idea in the text to support it, it’s probably incorrect. Use the process of elimination – cross out choices that are clearly wrong (e.g. they contradict the passage or are off-topic). Narrowing down options increases your chances of picking the right answer, especially if you’re unsure at first.

Manage your time and don’t leave blanks

Timing can be a challenge, so practise moving at a steady pace. If a question is stumping you, it’s okay to skip it and come back later if time allows. On the digital SAT, each question stands alone, so you won’t lose context by jumping around.

Importantly, there’s no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT, so never leave a question blank. If you’re running low on time, put down your best guess for every question – you might get some right by chance, and a guess has the same potential for points as a confident answer.

Analyse and learn from mistakes

When you review practice questions, dig into why the correct answers are correct and why the wrong choices were wrong. Maybe you misunderstood a vocabulary word, or perhaps you overlooked a key detail in the passage. Identifying these patterns will help you avoid making the same mistakes in future. This reflection is where a lot of score improvement happens.

Stay calm and confident

Finally, keep a cool head on test day. If a passage seems difficult or unfamiliar, don’t panic – take a deep breath and tackle it step by step. Trust the strategies you’ve practised and remember that all the answers come from the passage itself. With enough preparation, you’ll be ready to handle whatever the SAT Reading section throws at you.

You can see more tips for the SAT (including the Math section) in our dedicated guide.

How Dukes Plus Can Help

Dukes Plus’s SAT preparation offers the highest level of support for students getting ready to take the test. From elite SAT tutoring with graduates of top colleges to rigorous courses, our support is proven to boost students’ scores. Our average tutee improves their score by 200+ points after a 25-hour programme.