SAT Writing Section (SAT Essay)

Despite what you may think, the SAT Writing Section is actually pretty easy. In fact, we expect Princeton Review students to have their biggest score gains in this section.

SAT Writing Section at a Glance

• 49 multiple-choice questions total testing grammar, usage, and word choice
• 60 minutes total divided into three sections: one 25 minute section, one 10 minute section, and one 25 minute essay.

SAT Writing Section Question Types:

The SAT Essay

Students need to read an assignment and write a response, in which they state a position supported with examples from schoolwork, literature, history, or their own experience.

These are just similar to the Improving Sentence questions except...you guessed it...you'll be reading and improving paragraphs. There are only 6 of these.

Identifying Sentence Errors

You'll be presented with a sentence that may have a grammatical or syntactical error. You'll be asked to identify the error or indicate whether there is no error. There are 18 "Error ID" questions.

Improving Sentences

Students will be asked to read a sentence and try to improve it without changing its meaning. There are 25 Improving Sentence questions.

Improving Paragraphs

These are just like the Improving Sentence questions except...you guessed it...you'll be reading and improving paragraphs. There are only 6 of these.

Other SAT Sections

SAT Math Section | SAT Critical Reading Section | Back to the SAT Sections 

Not Sure When to Take the SAT?

We can help you decide when to take the SAT, or you can speak with an advisor at 800-2Review to come up with a plan that makes the most sense for you.