Grade: Grade 12 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Superscore Strategy SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Question Types Analysis

📖 Learn

Understanding the different question types on the SAT and ACT is essential for developing an effective superscore strategy. By categorizing questions and tracking your performance on each type, you can identify which areas offer the greatest potential for score improvement on retakes.

SAT Question Categories

The SAT is divided into two main sections, each with distinct question types:

Reading and Writing Section

  • Craft and Structure: Questions about word choice, text structure, and purpose
  • Information and Ideas: Questions about central ideas, details, and inferences
  • Standard English Conventions: Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
  • Expression of Ideas: Rhetorical skills, transitions, and organization

Math Section

  • Algebra: Linear equations, systems, and functions
  • Advanced Math: Quadratics, polynomials, and complex equations
  • Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, and data interpretation
  • Geometry and Trigonometry: Shapes, angles, and trigonometric functions

ACT Question Categories

The ACT has four main sections (plus optional Writing):

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 punctuation

Math Section

  • Preparing for Higher Math: Number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, statistics
  • Integrating Essential Skills: Multi-step problems combining concepts
  • Modeling: Real-world applications and representations

Creating Your Question Type Profile

To build an effective superscore strategy, create a personal profile that tracks:

  1. Your accuracy rate on each question type
  2. Time spent per question type
  3. Confidence level before answering
  4. Patterns in wrong answers (careless errors vs. knowledge gaps)

💡 Examples

Work through these examples to see how question type analysis informs superscore strategy.

Example 1: Student Score Analysis

Maria's first SAT attempt showed these results:

  • Algebra: 85% correct
  • Advanced Math: 60% correct
  • Problem Solving & Data Analysis: 75% correct
  • Geometry & Trigonometry: 50% correct

Analysis: Maria should focus her retake preparation on Geometry & Trigonometry and Advanced Math. Improving from 50% to 70% on geometry alone could add 20-30 points to her Math section score.

Example 2: Time-Based Analysis

James found that he spent an average of:

  • 45 seconds on Standard English Conventions questions (target: 30 seconds)
  • 90 seconds on Information and Ideas questions (target: 75 seconds)

Analysis: By improving speed on grammar questions through targeted practice, James can gain time to spend on more challenging reading comprehension questions, potentially improving both accuracy and completion rate.

✏️ Practice

Complete these exercises to analyze question types and build your superscore strategy.

Practice Item 1

A student scores 680 on SAT Math with the following breakdown: 90% on Algebra, 70% on Advanced Math, 65% on Problem Solving, and 55% on Geometry. Which area offers the greatest potential for score improvement?

Practice Item 2

On the ACT English section, a student consistently misses questions about sentence placement and paragraph organization. Which domain should they prioritize?

Practice Item 3

Classify this SAT question type: "Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences at the underlined portion?"

Practice Item 4

A student's error log shows 8 mistakes on comma usage, 3 on subject-verb agreement, and 2 on pronoun reference. Create a prioritized study plan.

Practice Item 5

Classify this ACT Math question type: "A store offers a 20% discount on all items. If an item originally costs $45, what is the sale price?"

Practice Item 6

For superscore planning, why might a student choose to focus on improving SAT Reading and Writing rather than Math between test attempts?

Practice Item 7

A student scores in the 75th percentile on ACT Science but 50th percentile on ACT Math. They plan to retake. Which section should they prioritize for maximum composite score improvement?

Practice Item 8

Create a question type tracking chart with columns for: Question Type, Questions Attempted, Questions Correct, Time Spent, and Notes. Fill in sample data for 5 question types.

Practice Item 9

Explain the difference between a "careless error" and a "knowledge gap" in the context of question type analysis. Give an example of each.

Practice Item 10

A student's SAT score report shows subscore of 12/15 on "Words in Context" but 8/15 on "Command of Evidence." Design a 2-week study focus for this student.

✅ Check Your Understanding

Test yourself with these review questions.

  1. What are the four main question domains in SAT Math?
  2. How does question type analysis help with superscore strategy?
  3. What information should you track in a personal question type profile?
  4. Why is it important to distinguish between careless errors and knowledge gaps?
  5. How can time-based analysis inform your test preparation?

🚀 Next Steps

  • Take a practice test and categorize every question you miss by type
  • Create a personal question type tracking spreadsheet
  • Identify your top 2-3 areas for improvement based on your analysis
  • Move on to the next lesson: Timed Drill Practice