Grade: Grade 12 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: College Readiness SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

SAT/ACT Question Types Mastery

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Understanding the different question types on the SAT and ACT is essential for maximizing your score. Each test has distinct formats and approaches that require specific strategies.

SAT Question Types

The SAT consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each has predictable question formats:

Reading and Writing Section

  • Information and Ideas: Questions about central ideas, details, and textual evidence
  • Craft and Structure: Questions about word choice, text structure, and purpose
  • Expression of Ideas: Questions about revising text for clarity and effectiveness
  • Standard English Conventions: Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure

Math Section

  • Algebra: Linear equations, systems, and functions
  • Advanced Math: Quadratics, polynomials, and exponential functions
  • Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, and statistical reasoning
  • Geometry and Trigonometry: Shapes, angles, and trigonometric concepts

ACT Question Types

The ACT has four required sections plus an optional writing section:

English Section

  • Production of Writing: Topic development and organization
  • Knowledge of Language: Word choice and style
  • Conventions of Standard English: Grammar and mechanics

Math Section

  • Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra: Basic operations and simple equations
  • Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry: Functions, graphs, and systems
  • Plane Geometry/Trigonometry: Shapes, proofs, and trig functions

Reading Section

  • Key Ideas and Details: Main idea and supporting evidence
  • Craft and Structure: Author's purpose and point of view
  • Integration of Knowledge: Comparing passages and drawing conclusions

Science Section

  • Data Representation: Reading graphs, tables, and charts
  • Research Summaries: Understanding experimental design
  • Conflicting Viewpoints: Comparing scientific perspectives

Examples

Let's examine how to identify and approach different question types:

Example 1: SAT Problem Solving and Data Analysis

Question: A survey of 200 students found that 35% prefer online classes. If the margin of error is plus or minus 5%, what is the range of students in the population who might prefer online classes?

Approach: This is a statistical inference question. Calculate 35% of 200, then apply the margin of error.

Solution: 35% of 200 = 70 students. With plus or minus 5% margin: 30% to 40%, or 60 to 80 students.

Example 2: ACT Data Representation

Question: Based on the graph showing temperature vs. enzyme activity, at what temperature does the enzyme show maximum activity?

Approach: Locate the peak of the curve on the y-axis and read the corresponding x-axis value.

Key Strategy: ACT Science questions rarely require outside knowledge. Focus on reading the data accurately.

Example 3: Identifying Question Type

Question: "Which choice best maintains the sentence pattern already established in the paragraph?"

Type: Expression of Ideas (SAT) or Production of Writing (ACT)

Strategy: Look at surrounding sentences for parallel structure and consistent style.

Practice

Identify the question type and select the best approach for each problem:

1. A store's revenue increased by 15% from Year 1 to Year 2, then decreased by 10% from Year 2 to Year 3. What was the overall percent change from Year 1 to Year 3?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

2. In the sentence "The committee, along with its advisors, (is/are) meeting tomorrow," which verb form is correct?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

3. According to the passage, what evidence does the author provide to support the claim that urban gardens improve community health?

Question Type: ____________________

Approach: ____________________

4. If f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1, what is f(3)?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

5. The scatterplot shows the relationship between hours studied and test scores. Which of the following best describes the correlation?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

6. Based on the experimental data, Scientist 1 concludes that temperature is the primary factor, while Scientist 2 argues that humidity plays a larger role. Which data point most directly contradicts Scientist 1's hypothesis?

Question Type: ____________________

Approach: ____________________

7. Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences at the underlined portion?

Question Type: ____________________

Strategy: ____________________

8. In a right triangle, if one leg is 5 and the hypotenuse is 13, what is the length of the other leg?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

9. The author's use of the phrase "whispered secrets" in line 15 most likely serves to:

Question Type: ____________________

Approach: ____________________

10. A solution contains 30 mL of acid in 200 mL total. What percent of the solution is acid?

Question Type: ____________________

Your Answer: ____________________

Check Your Understanding

1. What are the four main content areas tested in the SAT Math section?

2. How do ACT Science "Conflicting Viewpoints" questions differ from "Data Representation" questions?

3. Name two key differences between SAT and ACT Reading sections.

4. Why is identifying the question type before answering important for test-taking strategy?

5. Which question types on the SAT and ACT are most similar to each other?

Next Steps

  • Create flashcards for each question type and its associated strategy
  • Practice identifying question types before solving problems
  • Focus extra study time on your weakest question types
  • Move on to the Timed Drill lesson to practice under test conditions