The Math section consists of 44 multiple-choice questions and 10 grid-in questions. The tasks cover algebra and some elements of geometry, and include set functions, absolute value, equations with radicals, exponents and functions. 70 minutes are allotted for the first part. For the Math section, the test taker receives from 200 to 800 points.
Critical Reading consists of 67 multiple-choice questions, which also take 70 minutes. The questions are divided into reading comprehension (48 questions) and sentence completions (19 questions). For this part of the test, the test taker receives from 200 to 800 points.
The third section (Writing) is divided into 49 multiple-choice questions and an essay. It also 'weighs' from 200 to 800 points. The questions test grammar knowledge and word choice. They are divided into three groups: Identifying Sentence Errors (18 questions), where one must identify grammatical or syntactical errors or prove they are absent; Improving Sentences (25 questions), where one must make the sentence more appealing in speech without changing the meaning; and Improving Paragraphs (6 questions, similar to the previous task but with more extended answers). Before writing the essay, test takers are given a sentence of 80 words that they must either refute or support. To reinforce their position, it is recommended to use knowledge from literature, history courses, or personal experience. The essay is not intended to reveal literary creativity. Test takers must develop or refute an idea using arguments. Of the 60 minutes of the last part of the test, 25 are allocated for the essay.
For more information about the test, visit www.collegeboard.com/testing. The SAT test can be taken at the American Councils for International Education.