SAT Critical Reading – An overview of the SAT Critical Reading sections
The SAT Critical Reading sections consist of two types of questions: sentence completion and reading passage questions. There are two types of sentence completion questions: vocabulary-in-context questions and logic-based questions. These questions come in two forms: one-blank or two-blank questions. The reading passage questions focus on single or paired passages (approximately 100 to 850 words long) drawn from the humanities, social studies, natural sciences, and literary fiction. There are three types of reading passage questions: extended reasoning questions, vocabulary-in-context questions, and literal comprehension questions. Below you can find more detailed information about each type of question.
Sentence Completion Question Types
There are a total of 19 Sentence Completion questions in the Critical Reading sections of the SAT. These questions contain either one blank or two blanks.
|
Type of Question |
Explanation |
|
Vocabulary-in-Context Questions |
In order to answer this type of question, students need to know the meanings of the answer choice words and how the words are used in the context of the sentence. |
|
Logic-Based Questions |
In order to answer this type of question, students need to know the meanings of the answer choice words and how the words are used in the context of the sentence and be able to decipher the logic of the sentence. |
To access sample Sentence Completion questions, visit the College Board website.
Reading Passage Question Types
There are a total of 48 Reading Passage questions in the Critical Reading sections of the SAT.
|
Type of Question |
Explanation |
|
Extended Reasoning Questions |
Extended reasoning questions require students to draw conclusions based on the information provided in a passage. These questions may ask about the main idea of a passage or paragraph; the primary purpose of a passage; the meaning of a word, phrase, or quotation; the author’s tone or attitude; etc. |
|
Vocabulary-in-Context Questions |
Vocabulary-in-Context questions require students to determine the meaning of a word or phrase as it is used in the context of a sentence and/or a passage as a whole. |
|
Literal Comprehension Questions |
Literal Comprehension questions require students to locate and understand information directly stated in a passage. |
To access sample Reading Passage questions, visit the College Board website.
Related Topics
- For more general information about the SAT Test, visit our SAT Test page.
- For information about the SAT Math sections, visit our SAT Math page.
- For information about the SAT Writing sections, visit our SAT Writing page.
- For information about how the SAT is scored, visit our SAT Scoring page.
- For information about upcoming SAT test dates, visit our SAT Test Dates page.
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