SAT Exam Syllabus

The Digital SAT, or DSAT, is the new format of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) that was introduced in 2023 for international students and in 2024 for U.S. students. This computer-adaptive test is designed to assess college readiness. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the DSAT structure:

SAT Exam Syllabus

1. Reading and Writing Section:
● 54 questions to be completed in 64 minutes
● Divided into two equal modules of 27 questions each (includes two pre-test or experimental questions in each module)
● Each module is 32 minutes long
● Questions are based on short passages (25-150 words)
● Topics include literature, social studies, and science
● Tests comprehension, rhetoric, and English language skills

10 Minutes Break

2. Math Section:
● 44 questions to be completed in 70 minutes
● Divided into two equal modules of 22 questions each (includes two pre-test or experimental questions in each module)
● Each module is 35 minutes long
● Covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry
● Unlike old SAT, DSAT allows usage of calculator for all the questions

Key features of the DSAT

Adaptive testing: The difficulty of the second module in each section depends on performance in the first module
Total test time is 2 hours and 14 minutes, significantly shorter than the paper SAT
Scores range from 400-1600, with each section scored 200-800
Results are available within days instead of weeks
Built-in Desmos calculator for math sections
Tools like a reference sheet, highlighter, and answer eliminator are provided

The DSAT aims to be more accessible and relevant to students while maintaining the rigor of the traditional SAT. It’s designed to reduce test anxiety and provide a more accurate assessment of students’ skills and knowledge.

Digital SAT (DSAT) Detailed Syllabus

Reading and Writing Section (64 minutes, 54 questions)

Reading Comprehension

1. Information and Ideas

● Central Ideas and Details
● Command of Evidence Textual
● Command of Evidence Quantitative
● Inferences

2. Craft and Structure

● Text structure and purpose
● Cross-text connections
● Words in Context

Writing and Language

1. Expression of Ideas

● Transitions
● Rhetorical Synthesis

2. Standard English Conventions Form, Structure, and Sense

● Subject-verb agreement
● Pronoun-antecedent agreement
● Verb forms
● Subject-modifier placement
● Plural and possessive nouns

Boundaries

● Linking clauses
● Supplements
● Punctuation

Passage Types

● Literature
● Social Studies
● Science
● Career-related contexts

Understanding the English Section of the Digital SAT

Purpose of the Section

1. Assesses readiness for college and future careers.

2. Tests essential skills for higher education and beyond.

Reading Comprehension

Passage Topics: Includes literature, social studies, science, and career-related subjects.

Tasks

● Understand main ideas.
● Identify important details.
● Analyze connections between different parts of the text.

Skill Tested: Ability to comprehend, understand, and analyze text.

Grammar and Writing Skills

1. Focus Areas

● Subject-verb agreement.
● Correct use of pronouns.
● Proper verb forms.
● Modifier placement.
● Punctuation.

Importance: Ensures clear and effective communication in writing.

Analysis Skills

Tasks

● Understand how writers use language to make their points.
● Compare ideas from different texts.
● Interpret graphs and charts related to passages.
● Skill Tested: Synthesis of information and critical analysis.

Question Format

Type

Multiple-choice

Reading Questions :
● All information needed is within the passage.
● No outside knowledge required.
● Science
● May include choosing the best word for a blank or finding evidence in the text.
Vocabulary and Context:
Strategy: Ensure vocabulary fits both the sentence and the overall context of the passage.
● Preparation Tips
● Practice reading a variety of texts.
● Review grammar rules and writing principles.
● Work on comparing ideas and interpreting data.
Test Objective :
● Evaluate your ability to understand and work with written information.
● Skills needed for academic and professional success.

Digital SAT (DSAT) Math Detailed Syllabus

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

Ratios, Proportion, Rate, Percentages, Unit measurements, Graphs, Data interpretation, Statistical measures and, Surveying and sampling
Analysing and describing relationships using ratios, proportions, percentages, and units of measurement
Describing linear and exponential change by interpreting the parts of a linear or exponential model
Describing and analysing data and relationships using graphs, scatter plots, and two-way tables
Summarizing numerical data using statistical measures

Geometry and Trigonometry

Lines and Angles, Polygons, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles and 3-D objects, Basic Trigonometric Functions and Properties
Applying geometric relationships and theorems involving lines, angles, and triangles (isosceles, right, and similar) Pythagorean theorem.
Calculation angles, perimeter and areas of Quadrilaterals, Regular polygons, and Circles.
Measuring Surface areas and Volumes of prisms, pyramids and sphere.
Working with trigonometric functions of general angles measured in radians as well as degrees.

Heart of Algebra

Linear equations, System of equations, Inequalities, Coordinate Geometry and Functions
Solving various types of linear equations by manipulating and plugging values
Creating equations and inequalities to represent relationships between quantities and to use these to solve word problems
Algebraic Factoring using basic identities
Calculating midpoint, distance, and slope in the xy-plane
Graphing linear equations and inequalities in the xy-plane
Solving systems of linear equations and inequalities

Passport to Advanced
Math

Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Functions
Manipulating more complicated algebraic expressions including completing the square within a quadratic expressions
Solving more complex equations including quadratic equations with a leading coefficient greater than 1 as well as non-factorable quadratic equations.
Performing more advanced operations involving polynomial rational expressions, and rational exponents
Recognizing the relationship between the zeros, factors, and graph of a polynomial function

Understanding the Math Section of the Digital SAT

Types of Questions:
● Multiple-Choice: Four options to choose from.
● Student Produced Response (SPR): May require more than one correct answer.
Focus:
● Tests problem-solving skills, not just math knowledge.
● Reinforces foundational math concepts and their application.
Content Covered:
● Basic Math Skills: First-year algebra, geometry (no proofs), basic second-year algebra concepts.
● Purpose: Ensures a level playing field for all students.
Problem-Solving Approach:
● Simple Solutions: All problems have straightforward answers.
● Avoid Long Calculations: Look for simple, efficient solutions.

5. Time Management:
● Order of Questions: Tackle problems in the given order.
● Accuracy Over Speed: It’s better to answer fewer questions correctly than to rush.
6. Calculator Use:
● Options: Bring a calculator or use the integrated DESMOS calculator.
● Desmos: Can copy and paste equations, but still requires math skills for complex problems.

7. Test Strategy:
● Practice: Regular mock tests improve time management.
●Thinking Like a Test Writer: Train to approach problems as the test creators would.

8. Overall Approach:
● Learnable Test: Requires hard work and analytical thinking.
●Mastering the Test:Not about tricks but about understanding and practice.

The Math sections include two types of questions: Multiple-choice questions with four options and Student produced response questions (SPR) which may have more than one correct answer. They are designed to test your ability to solve problems, not to test your mathematical knowledge. Although, you do need to reinforce the foundational math and apply those concepts on questions that are most closely related to successfully pursuing college study and career training.

The mathematical skills tested on the SAT are basic: only first year algebra, geometry (no proofs), and a few basic concepts from second year algebra. However, this does not mean that the math section is easy. The medium of basic mathematics is chosen so that everyone taking the test will be on a fairly even playing field. This way students who are concentrating in math and science don’t have an undue advantage over students who are concentrating in English and humanities. Although the questions require only basic mathematics and all have simple solutions, it can require considerable ingenuity to find the simple solution.

As mentioned above, every SAT math problem has a simple solution, but finding that simple solution may not be easy. The intent of the math section is to test how skilled you are at finding the simple solutions. The premise is that if you spend a lot of time working out long solutions you will not finish as much of the test as students who spot the short, simple solutions. So, if you find yourself performing long calculations or applying advanced mathematics—stop. You’re heading in the wrong direction. Tackle the math problems in the order given, and don’t worry if you fail to reach the last few questions. It’s better to work accurately than quickly. By sufficient practice of mocks, you will achieve time management.

You may bring a calculator to the test, but you could also use the DESMOS scientific and graphing calculator integrated into the test environment. Students can copy and paste equations and values into the calculator, minimizing user error. However, it’s essential to remember that while Desmos is a powerful tool, it’s not a magic wand. Many problems still require math skills that calculators can’t handle (yet). Plus, the College Board is known for creating complex questions that will test students’ cognitive thinking skills.

Although the SAT is a difficult test, it is a very learnable test. This is not to say that the SAT is “beatable.” There is no bag of tricks that will show you how to master it overnight. The SAT cannot be “beaten.” But it can be mastered—through hard work, analytical thought, and by training yourself to think like a test writer. UWEZO classes and content are designed to prompt you to think like a Digital SAT test writer and achieve higher than your target score.

SAT Exam Syllabus