Grade: Grade 6 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Algebra Readiness SAT: Algebra ACT: Math

Timed Drill

Learn

Speed matters on standardized tests. The SAT gives you about 1.5 minutes per math question, and the ACT gives you about 1 minute. This lesson helps you build automaticity with basic algebra skills.

Why Timed Practice?

  • Build automaticity: When basic skills become automatic, you have more brainpower for harder problems
  • Reduce test anxiety: Familiarity with time pressure makes test day feel more normal
  • Identify weak spots: Slow problems reveal skills that need more practice

Timing Guidelines for Grade 6

Problem Type Target Time
Evaluate (one variable) 20-30 seconds
One-step equations 20-30 seconds
Combine like terms 30-45 seconds
Translate words to equation 30-45 seconds

How to Use This Drill

  1. Set a timer for 8 minutes
  2. Work through all 12 problems
  3. Mark problems you skip or guess on
  4. Check answers and record your time
  5. Repeat the drill until you can finish in under 6 minutes with no errors

Quick Examples (Review)

Fast Evaluation: If x = 5, then 2x + 1 = 2(5) + 1 = 11

Fast Solving: n + 8 = 15 means n = 15 - 8 = 7

Fast Combining: 4a + 3a = 7a

Timed Drill: 12 Problems in 8 Minutes

Instructions: Start your timer now. Write answers on scratch paper. Go!

1. If x = 4, what is 3x + 2?

2. Solve: n - 6 = 11

3. Simplify: 5y + 2y

4. If a = 3, what is 4a - 5?

5. Solve: p + 9 = 20

6. "A number times 6 equals 42." Write the equation.

7. Simplify: 8b - 3b + 2

8. If m = 7, what is 2m + 3?

9. Solve: 4k = 24

10. Simplify: 3c + 4 + 2c - 1

11. "15 less than a number is 8." Write the equation.

12. If x = 2 and y = 5, what is x + 2y?

Answer Key

  1. 14
  2. n = 17
  3. 7y
  4. 7
  5. p = 11
  6. 6n = 42
  7. 5b + 2
  8. 17
  9. k = 6
  10. 5c + 3
  11. n - 15 = 8
  12. 12

Check Your Understanding

1. How many problems did you answer correctly?

2. How long did it take you to complete the drill?

3. Which problem types felt slowest? Circle them for extra practice.

4. Did you make any careless errors? What will you do differently next time?

Track Your Progress

Attempt Time Correct
1______/12
2______/12
3______/12

Goal: Under 6 minutes with 12/12 correct

Next Steps

  • Repeat this drill until you reach the target time
  • Note which problem types slow you down
  • Move on to Review Mistakes to learn from errors
  • Come back to this drill weekly to maintain speed