SAT Math and Writing Overview

Content Areas:
- Heart of Algebra: Linear equations, inequalities, and functions.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, and interpreting data.
- Passport to Advanced Math: Concepts involving polynomial equations and functions.
Calculator Use:
- Some questions allow calculator use, while others do not.
- Familiarity with the calculator is crucial for efficiency.
Tips:
- Master basic formulas (e.g., area, volume).
- Practice word problems and translating them into equations.
- Review and understand different types of functions.

Content Focus:
- Standard English conventions: Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Expression of Ideas: Organization, development, and effective language use.
- Research Skills: Interpreting and revising text based on context.
Key Strategies:
- Read the passage carefully, focusing on clarity and conciseness.
- Look for the most effective way to convey ideas.
- Eliminate answer choices that introduce errors in grammar.

Passage Types:
- Literature: Prose and poetry analysis.
- History/Social Studies: Non-fiction texts interpreting historical documents.
- Science: Analyzing research information and experimental results.
Key Skills:
- Identifying main ideas, themes, and author's purpose.
- Understanding vocabulary in context and making inferences.
- Analyzing arguments and evidence presented in passages.

Format:
- Students read a passage and analyze how the author builds an argument.
Key Elements to Address:
- Understanding the author's use of evidence, reasoning, and stylistic elements.
- Organizing the essay clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Using specific examples from the passage to support analyses.
Scoring:
- Essays are scored on a scale of 2-8 across three dimensions: Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

Time Management:
- Allocate time per question and keep track of time spent.
- Prioritize questions based on comfort level and difficulty.
Answering Techniques:
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers to improve odds on multiple-choice questions.
- Make educated guesses when unsure; there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
Practice:
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
- Review incorrect answers to understand mistakes.
Stay Calm:
- Use breathing techniques to manage test anxiety.
- Maintain a positive mindset to enhance focus and performance.

Heart of Algebra covers linear equations, inequalities, and functions.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis focuses on ratios, percentages, and data interpretation.
Passport to Advanced Math includes polynomial equations and functions.
Some questions allow calculator use, while others require manual calculation; familiarity with the calculator is essential for efficiency.
Key formulas to master include area and volume.
Practicing word problems is crucial for translating real-world situations into mathematical equations.
Understanding various types of functions is important for tackling different problems.

Standard English conventions tested include grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Expression of Ideas evaluates organization, development, and language effectiveness.
Research Skills involve interpreting and revising text based on context.
Careful reading of passages focuses on clarity and conciseness.
Look for the most effective phrasing to convey ideas.
Eliminate choices that introduce grammatical errors.

Passage types include Literature for prose and poetry analysis, History/Social Studies for interpreting historical documents, and Science for analyzing research information.
Key skills involve identifying main ideas, themes, and the author's purpose.
Understanding vocabulary in context is essential for inference making.
Analyzing presented arguments and evidence is crucial for developing insight into the text.

Students analyze how the author constructs an argument through a provided passage.
Key elements include understanding the author's evidence use, reasoning, and stylistic choices.
Essays should be organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Specific examples from the passage must be used to support analysis.
Scoring ranges from 2 to 8 across dimensions of Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

Effective time management involves allocating time per question and keeping track of overall time.
Prioritize questions based on your comfort and familiarity with the material.
Use answering techniques such as eliminating incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions to improve chances.
Make educated guesses when uncertain; there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
Full-length practice tests under timed conditions help improve performance.
Review incorrect answers to gain insight into mistakes made during practice.
Stay calm using breathing techniques to manage anxiety and maintain focus with a positive mindset.