SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing: Syllabus, Score, Skills Measured, Preparation Tips, and More

Written ByRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

Among the two main sections of the SAT exam, the Evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW)comprise 50% of the SAT composite score which is 1600. The SAT evidence-based reading and writing is composed of reading and writing with a language test. Candidates preparing for the SAT exam need to give equal importance to both SAT Math and SAT EBRW.

Though the content is similar to high school, the exam pattern and question types of SAT Evidence-based reading and writing are quite distinct.

SAT Evidence-based Reading

The SAT EBRW starts with the reading section where the candidates are presented with questions that are based on active and evidence-based circumstances. The SAT EBRW’s reading part concentrates on the fundamental high school informative knowledge which is also considered in colleges during their undergrad.

SAT EBRW at a glance:

Comprises of MCQs based on passages;
Few passages are paired with other passages;
Few passages consist of graphs, tables, charts but no math is needed;
Earlier topic-specific knowledge is not assessed;
Majorly the reading passages are excerpted from literary work or information published works;

SAT EBRW Year Wise Mean Score

SAT Evidence-based Reading: Syllabus

The SAT evidence-based reading test provides questions with reading passages and graphical representations that are to be interpreted. Few SAT evidence-based reading questions ask you to uncover a piece of information or idea which is provided directly. The candidate also needs to recognize the author’s words and the meaning implemented.

What type of reading passages are on SAT?

1 passage from classic or contemporary U.S. or world literary work;
1 or more passages from the U.S. established passage or an excerpt from the Great Global Conversation;
From economics, social science, psychology or sociology;
2 science-related passages (or 1 passage and 1 pair) about earth science, biology, physics, or chemistry

Also, check out: SAT Chemistry Subject Test

SAT Evidence-based Reading: Skills Measured

When applying for an undergraduate degree in any of the renowned universities, the candidates are examined based on different skill sets in SAT Evidence-based reading:

Authority of Evidence: Few SAT evidence-based reading questions ask the candidates to
1. Find evidence in the passage to support the answer of a previous question or pillar the conclusion;
2. Recognize author’s way of using evidence to support their statements;
3. Identify the sync between the graphic and the reading passage
Contextual words: These are vital and popular words that will be regularly used in undergraduate programs. It assesses the candidate’s ability to:
1. Implement contextual clues to find which meaning of a word is used;
2. Determine the choice of words and phrases the author is using to shape the meaning of the content
Examination in history/social studies and science: This is information that the candidates are required to know for their undergraduate programs. From the reading passages they might get to read about an experiment and:
1. Asses a hypotheses
2. Interpret data
3. Focus on implication

SAT Evidence-based Writing and Language

The SAT evidence-based writing and language test focuses on assessing the candidate’s ability to evaluate a piece of writing which has deliberate mistakes. This requires you to be an editor and:

READ;
Find errors and fragile points;
Correct them

These are the regular tasks that you must have performed during your high school classes and that are exactly what the SAT evidence-based writing test assesses.

SAT Evidence-based writing and language test: At a Glance:

35 minutes for 4 passages
The SAT evidence-based writing and language test questions consist of 44 MCQs;
Few passages are attached with informational graphics, tables, charts but nothing requires math
Previous knowledge about the topic is not required
Topics include career, science, history/social studies, and humanities

SAT Evidence-based Writing and Language: Syllabus

The SAT evidence-based writing and language test sometimes requires the candidates to focus on single sentences to find the meaning, and sometimes on the whole piece of passage and analyze a graphic. The passage might ask the candidate to select the sentence that rectifies a misinterpretation of a scientific chart.

The passages of the SAT evidence-based writing and language which require improvement will extend from arguments to non-fiction pieces.

SAT Evidence-based Writing and Language: Skills Measured

The SAT evidence-based writing and language measures certain skills which are required during the undergraduate degree and they are:

Authority of evidence: Candidates will be asked to provide pieces of evidence to support the development of the passage. One can select an answer which focuses on boosting the argumentative claim or add a detail;
Contextual words: Here, candidates will be required to opt for the most suitable words which enhance the writing piece. They can also change the tone, style, syntax, and more thereby making the passage full of brevity;
Examination in history/social studies and science: Candidates will be reading the subject related passages and make improvements in an editorial manner;
Interpreting ideas: Candidates will be asked to identify the structural changes that would enhance the presentation of the passage;
Standard English Rules: These include implementing the correct grammatical usage, spellings, sentence structure, and more.

What is the SAT Writing and Language Score?

The SAT writing and language section assesses punctuation, grammatical accuracy, sentence construction, word selection, flow, and tone. The writing score is paired with the reading score and the total score range on which it is calculated is 200 – 800.

How is SAT Evidence based Reading and Writing Score Calculated?

The SAT Evidence based reading and writing test is scored out of 200 - 800. The SAT score is further categorized into test scores for both SAT evidence-based reading and evidence-based writing and language of 10 - 40. Though the universities generally consider the sectional scores of SAT Math and evidence based reading and writing SAT, the test scores are also looked into.

For instance, a candidate has scored a 28 on reading and 25 on writing and language test, adding both of them results in 53 and multiplying that with 10 results in 530 which is the sectional score.

How do I Prepare for SAT Reading and Writing?

Learn the fundamentals of English grammar;
Trust on your first answer, give no chance to second-guessing;
When it comes to paired passages, take one at a time;
Rigorous practice to ace evidence based reading and writing SAT scores

SAT Evidence based Reading and Writing Practice Test

Candidates need to practice numerous SAT practice papers to have a proper understanding of the SAT EBRW along with learning the concepts.

SAT Evidence based Reading and Writing Test 1	SAT Evidence based Reading and Writing Practice Test 2
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*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.