Question Types Mastery
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Understanding the different question types on the SAT and ACT is essential for developing targeted strategies and maximizing your score. Each test has distinct question formats that require specific approaches.
SAT Question Types
The SAT features two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.
Reading and Writing Section
- Craft and Structure: Questions about word meaning in context, text structure, and author's purpose
- Information and Ideas: Central ideas, supporting details, and command of evidence
- Standard English Conventions: Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
- Expression of Ideas: Rhetorical synthesis, transitions, and effective language use
Math Section
- Algebra: Linear equations, systems of equations, and linear functions
- Advanced Math: Quadratics, polynomials, and exponential functions
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, data interpretation, and statistics
- Geometry and Trigonometry: Area, volume, angles, triangles, and circles
ACT Question Types
The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
English Section
- Production of Writing: Topic development, organization, and unity
- Knowledge of Language: Word choice, style, and tone
- Conventions of Standard English: Grammar, usage, and mechanics
Math Section
- Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra: Basic operations, fractions, and simple equations
- Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry: Quadratics, functions, and graphing
- Plane Geometry/Trigonometry: Shapes, angles, and trigonometric functions
Key Differences Between SAT and ACT
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Calculator Use | Allowed throughout math | Allowed throughout math |
| Science Section | No dedicated section | Yes (40 questions) |
| Reading Passages | Shorter passages, more questions each | Longer passages, fewer questions each |
| Time Pressure | More time per question | Less time per question |
Examples
Example 1: SAT Craft and Structure (Word in Context)
The scientist's findings were revolutionary, overturning decades of accepted theory.
As used in the text, "revolutionary" most nearly means:
- relating to political upheaval
- circular in motion
- dramatically new and different
- violent and destructive
Answer: C - In this context, "revolutionary" describes findings that dramatically changed scientific understanding, not political revolution or circular motion.
Example 2: ACT Math (Coordinate Geometry)
What is the slope of the line passing through points (2, 5) and (6, 13)?
Solution: slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) = (13 - 5) / (6 - 2) = 8/4 = 2
Example 3: SAT Problem Solving and Data Analysis
A store offers a 20% discount, then applies a 10% coupon to the discounted price. What is the total percent reduction from the original price?
Solution: After 20% off, price is 80% of original. After 10% coupon, price is 90% of 80% = 72% of original. Total reduction = 100% - 72% = 28%
Practice
Complete these practice problems to build familiarity with different question types.
1. (SAT Algebra) If 3x + 7 = 22, what is the value of 6x + 14?
Show Answer
First solve for x: 3x = 15, so x = 5. Then 6x + 14 = 6(5) + 14 = 30 + 14 = 44. (Or recognize that 6x + 14 = 2(3x + 7) = 2(22) = 44)
2. (ACT English) Choose the best version: "The team, along with their coaches, are traveling to the championship."
- NO CHANGE
- is traveling
- were traveling
- have been traveling
Show Answer
B - "The team" is the subject (singular), so the verb should be "is traveling." The phrase "along with their coaches" is parenthetical and doesn't change the subject number.
3. (SAT Data Analysis) In a survey of 200 students, 60% preferred math and 45% preferred science. If 30% preferred both, what percentage preferred neither?
Show Answer
Using inclusion-exclusion: Math OR Science = 60% + 45% - 30% = 75%. Neither = 100% - 75% = 25%
4. (ACT Reading) Which question type asks you to identify what a word means based on the surrounding text?
- Main Idea
- Inference
- Vocabulary in Context
- Author's Purpose
Show Answer
C - Vocabulary in Context questions ask you to determine word meaning from surrounding text.
5. (SAT Geometry) A circle has a radius of 6. What is the area of a sector with a central angle of 60 degrees?
Show Answer
Sector area = (angle/360) x pi x r^2 = (60/360) x pi x 36 = (1/6) x 36pi = 6pi (or approximately 18.85)
6. (ACT Science) A graph shows temperature increasing linearly from 20C to 80C over 30 minutes. What is the rate of temperature change per minute?
Show Answer
Rate = (80 - 20) / 30 = 60/30 = 2 degrees Celsius per minute
7. (SAT Writing) Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Similarly
- However
- Therefore
Show Answer
C - "However" signals a contrast. "Furthermore" and "Similarly" show addition/comparison, while "Therefore" shows cause and effect.
8. (ACT Math) If f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1, what is f(-2)?
Show Answer
f(-2) = 2(-2)^2 - 3(-2) + 1 = 2(4) + 6 + 1 = 8 + 6 + 1 = 15
9. (SAT Evidence) A reading question asks which lines best support your answer to the previous question. What type of question is this?
Show Answer
This is a Command of Evidence question, where you must locate textual support for a previous interpretation.
10. (ACT English) Identify the error: "Between you and I, this test is easier than last year's."
Show Answer
The error is "Between you and I" - it should be "Between you and me" because "between" is a preposition requiring the objective case.
Check Your Understanding
1. Name three SAT Math domains.
Show Answer
Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry (any three)
2. What section does the ACT have that the SAT does not?
Show Answer
The ACT has a dedicated Science section (and an optional Writing section).
3. What are the three ACT English skill areas?
Show Answer
Production of Writing, Knowledge of Language, and Conventions of Standard English.
Next Steps
- Create a personal reference sheet for question types you find most challenging
- Practice identifying question types before solving them
- Move on to the timed drill lesson to practice under time pressure
- Track which question types you miss most frequently in your error log