Grade: Grade 12 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Final Tune-Up SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Question Types Mastery

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In the final weeks before your SAT or ACT, mastering question type recognition is one of the highest-impact strategies you can employ. When you can instantly identify what a question is asking and which approach works best, you save precious time and reduce errors.

SAT Question Type Categories

The SAT organizes questions into predictable patterns:

  • Reading & Writing: Words in Context, Text Structure, Central Ideas, Command of Evidence, Rhetorical Synthesis, Standard English Conventions
  • Math: Linear Equations, Systems of Equations, Quadratics, Exponential Functions, Ratios/Rates/Proportions, Data Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry

ACT Question Type Categories

The ACT follows its own structure:

  • English: Usage/Mechanics (punctuation, grammar, sentence structure) and Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization, style)
  • Math: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry
  • Reading: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science passages
  • Science: Data Representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints

Pattern Recognition Strategy

For each question type, develop a mental checklist:

  1. Read the question stem first to identify the type
  2. Recall the specific strategy for that type
  3. Apply the strategy systematically
  4. Verify your answer matches the question's requirements

Examples

Work through these examples to see question type recognition in action.

Example 1: SAT Math - Recognizing a Systems Problem

Question: If 3x + 2y = 12 and x - y = 1, what is the value of x + y?

Type Recognition: Two equations, two unknowns = Systems problem

Strategy: Elimination or substitution. From the second equation, x = y + 1. Substitute into first: 3(y+1) + 2y = 12, so 5y + 3 = 12, y = 1.8, x = 2.8. Therefore x + y = 4.6

Example 2: ACT Reading - Identifying a "Main Idea" Question

Question: The primary purpose of the passage is to...

Type Recognition: Keywords "primary purpose" = Main Idea question

Strategy: Look for the answer that encompasses the whole passage, not just one detail. Eliminate answers that are too narrow or mention only one paragraph's content.

Example 3: SAT Reading - Command of Evidence

Question: Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

Type Recognition: "Best evidence" = Command of Evidence paired question

Strategy: Work backwards - check each line reference and see which one directly supports your previous answer. If none match, reconsider your previous answer.

Practice

Identify the question type and best approach for each of the following. Do not solve - focus on recognition.

1. A store sells notebooks for $3.50 each. If Maria has $20 and buys as many notebooks as possible, how much money will she have left?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

2. In line 47, the word "profound" most nearly means...

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

3. The author mentions the "industrial revolution" primarily to...

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

4. If f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3, what is f(5)?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

5. Which choice most effectively combines the underlined sentences?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

6. According to Figure 1, which variable showed the greatest percent change between 2010 and 2020?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

7. A circle has a radius of 6. What is the area of a sector with a central angle of 60 degrees?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

8. The passage most strongly suggests that the researchers believe...

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

9. Based on the data in Trial 3, if the temperature were increased to 45C, the reaction rate would most likely...

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

10. Which choice provides the most relevant detail to support the main claim of the paragraph?

Identify: Question type? Strategy?

Check Your Understanding

Verify your question type identifications:

  1. Division with remainder - Divide $20 by $3.50, take the integer part, calculate remainder
  2. Words in Context - Read surrounding lines, substitute answer choices
  3. Purpose/Function - Ask "why did the author include this?"
  4. Function evaluation - Direct substitution into the function
  5. Sentence combining (Rhetorical Skills) - Look for concision without losing meaning
  6. Data interpretation (Graphs/Tables) - Calculate percent change for each, compare
  7. Geometry - Sector area - Use formula: (angle/360) x pi x r^2
  8. Inference - Find answer supported by text but not directly stated
  9. ACT Science extrapolation - Identify the trend, extend it logically
  10. Supporting evidence/detail - Match detail to the paragraph's main claim

Next Steps

  • Create flashcards for each question type with its key strategy
  • Practice categorizing 20 questions before solving them
  • Time yourself on type recognition - aim for under 5 seconds per question
  • Move on to Timed Drill Strategies when ready