College Board · SAT Digital · 2024–2025 Style

SAT English
Master Test

20 Essential Questions · All Major Domains

5
Grammar & Usage
5
Vocabulary
5
Reading & Evidence
5
Rhetoric & Transition

Core Concepts & Must-Know Rules

Master these before you tackle the test

Domain 1

Grammar & Standard English Conventions

The SAT tests your ability to use standard written English correctly: punctuation, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, pronoun reference, and sentence structure.

📌 Must Memorize

  • Subject–verb agreement: "The list of items is long." (subject = list)
  • Comma splice: Never join two independent clauses with just a comma.
  • Semicolons join two independent clauses; colons introduce examples/lists.
  • Who (subject) vs. Whom (object): "Give it to whom it concerns."
  • Apostrophe: its = possessive; it's = it is. Never: it's own.
  • Parallel structure: "She likes swimming, hiking, and biking."

📝 Quick Example

The committee, along with its advisors, ___ the proposal.

(A) approve  (B) approves  (C) are approving  (D) have approved

Answer: B — The subject is "committee" (singular); "along with its advisors" is a parenthetical phrase and does not change agreement.

Domain 2

Vocabulary in Context

You must identify the meaning of a word as it is used in a specific passage. The "dictionary definition" is often a trap — context is everything.

📌 Must Memorize

  • Read the full sentence and surrounding sentences before choosing.
  • Replace the word with each answer choice; only one will fit perfectly.
  • High-frequency SAT words: assert, contend, illuminate, refute, bolster, nuanced, tenuous, proliferate, arduous, seminal.
  • Words with multiple meanings: "address" (speech vs. to deal with), "sound" (noise vs. valid), "table" (furniture vs. to postpone).

📝 Quick Example

"The scientist's argument was sound." In this context, "sound" most nearly means:

(A) loud  (B) noise  (C) valid  (D) resonant

Answer: C — In academic writing, "sound" means logically valid or well-founded.

Domain 3

Reading Comprehension & Evidence-Based Questions

These questions ask you to find the main idea, identify supporting evidence, interpret data from graphics, or choose a quote that best supports a claim.

📌 Must Memorize

  • Main idea = what the ENTIRE passage is about, not one paragraph.
  • Evidence questions: the best quote directly proves the specific claim.
  • Inference: the answer must be strongly implied, not merely possible.
  • Author's tone: look for adjectives, verbs, and loaded language.
  • Graph/data questions: trust the numbers, not your prior knowledge.

📝 Quick Example

If a passage argues "renewable energy is economically viable," the best supporting evidence would be a quote showing:

(A) People like solar panels  (B) Wind is cleaner than coal
(C) Solar projects now cost less per kWh than coal plants  (D) Many countries use renewables

Answer: C — Only C directly proves economic viability with a specific, comparable data point.

Domain 4

Rhetoric, Transitions & Logical Flow

These questions test whether you can choose the best transition word, complete a sentence logically, or identify the purpose of a sentence within the argument.

📌 Must Memorize

  • Contrast: however, nevertheless, yet, in contrast, on the other hand
  • Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition, also
  • Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus
  • Example: for instance, for example, specifically, namely
  • Concession: although, even though, while, despite
  • Always read both sentences around the blank before choosing!

📝 Quick Example

"The medicine reduced inflammation. ___, patients still experienced fatigue."

(A) Therefore  (B) However  (C) Furthermore  (D) For example

Answer: B — The sentence introduces a contrasting negative result; "However" signals contrast.

SAT English Test
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SAT English Practice Test

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