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- Format: 65 minutes to answer 52 questions across 4 reading passages of 700-750 words each from literature, history/social studies, science, or careers.
- Question Types: Multiple choice, select-in-passage, and select multiple answers. May assess vocabulary, main idea, details, inferences, analysis, and synthesis.
- Reading Skills: Evaluating meaning from context, identifying logical relationships, distinguishing facts vs opinions, determining author's point of view and purpose.
- Scoring: Questions are graded on a scale from 200-800 points total. Points are deducted for incorrect answers. Reading makes up half the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score.
- Practice: Read complex texts from various genres and annotate to improve analysis. Take full-length practice tests with thorough review of mistakes.
- Strategies: Preview topics, determine purpose, read actively and take notes, assess relevant vs redundant details, identify relationships between ideas.
- Calculator: Not permitted as it tests reading comprehension, not calculations.
- Content: Passages represent highest level of complexity found in typical U.S. college coursework in humanities, social studies, and natural sciences.
- Importance: This section assesses comprehension and higher-order reasoning skills important for academic success in postsecondary education.