How is the Reading & Writing Section of the SAT structured?

I understand there are different types of questions on the SAT Reading & Writing Section, such as Core Reading Questions, Command of Evidence (COE) type Questions, etc. Is there a structure that the test follows when it presents you with these different types of questions? Ex: 7 Core Reading questions and then 4 COE questions after that.

Dave Walker
Jan 23

First of all, nice avi! Second - excellent question. Every SAT Reading & Writing module does indeed follow a predictable pattern, though there's no set number for each question type. Here's the basic structure:

  1. Vocabulary in Context (usually 4 or 5 questions)

  2. Core Reading Questions (usually 4 or 5 questions, total). This question type has several subtypes. The order of the subtypes varies from module to module, and not every subtype appears on every module.

    • Function

    • Main Idea

    • Main Purpose

    • Details

    • Structure

    • Cross-Text Connections ("paired passages")

  3. Command of Evidence (usually 4 or 5 questions)

  4. Inference (usually 2 questions)

  5. Standard English Conventions ("grammar" - usually about 6 questions)

  6. Transitions (usually about 3 questions)

  7. Rhetorical Synthesis ("notes" - usually 2 to 4 questions)

For more details, check out Unit 3.2 of Walker Prep's SAT Reading & Writing Mastery Course: https://walkerprep.podia.com/view/courses/score-accelerator-sat-reading-writing/3047801-unit-3-digital-sat-overview/9926591-unit-3-2-recognizing-sat-reading-writing-question-types

Alucard Socrates
Jan 24

Thank you very much!