SAT literature is one of the five subject tests offered in the SAT exam. The SAT literature subject test tests the knowledge of historical genres and periods. There are a total of 60 MCQs to be solved in 60 minutes and marked on a scale of 200 - 800. Candidates taking the literature subject test are assessed based on their reading and interpretive skills.
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The SAT literature subject test assesses the candidate’s knowledge of reading, analyzing literary passages from a wide range of ancient periods and genres. Taking this SAT literature test will increase the chances of candidates to get admitted to top colleges.
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Following are the 9 main sub-topics based on which the English literature SAT subject test is built:
SAT Literature Subject Test Topics | Areas | Weightage |
---|---|---|
American Literature | Written by US Authors | 40 – 50% |
English Literature | Produced by British Authors | 40-50% |
Other English Literature | Written by authors from India, Ireland, Canada, and the Caribbean | 0-10% |
Chronology | ||
Renaissance and 17th Century | 30% | |
18th and 19th centuries | 30% | |
20th century | 40% | |
Genres | ||
Prose Passages | Mostly excerpts from passages and fiction | 40-50% |
Poetry | Mostly whole poems, few selections excerpted from longer works | 40-50% |
Drama and other | 0 – 10% |
From the detailed syllabus, we can figure out that the SAT literature subject test requires the candidates to cover certain skills:
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The SAT literature subject test questions comprise 6 to 8 reading passages taken from distinctive literary pieces which are followed by 4 to 12 questions. All the SAT English literature subject test questions are multiple-choice.
To be able to understand the question type even better, SAT literature subject test practice is required.
Also check SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Like every other SAT subject test, the SAT literature subject test is marked on a score range of 200 - 800. The scores fall 30 to 40 marks approximately higher or lower than the actual score since the performance level varies in each test.
The SAT literature subject test is calculated on the number of accurate answers received from the answer sheet which forms the raw scores. There is also percentile rank which marks the position of the candidate by comparing their score to other test-takers.
For instance, if a candidate has an SAT score of 650 whose percentile rank is 55 then he or she has scored better than 55% of the population.
SAT Literature Subject Test Scores | Percentile Ranks |
---|---|
800 | 99 |
750 | 90 |
700 | 74 |
650 | 55 |
600 | 38 |
550 | 25 |
500 | 16 |
450 | 9 |
400 | 4 |
350 | 1 |
From the above SAT literature subject test score and percentile table, it can be clearly understood that the higher the score the better the percentile rank. SAT literature subject test curve states the comparison of the performance level of other candidates.
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The SAT literature subject test answer sheet is securely delivered to the tracking center and then measured. The scanning process involves:
Note: To ensure better accuracy of analyzing, always use a No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser instead of a mechanical pencil. Cover the whole bubble completely and darkly. In case you modify a particular response, completely erase the answer.
The SAT subject test registration is either done online or by mail. Candidates will receive a notification demonstrating how to access their online SAT subject test score report. The schools and colleges receive the marks shortly after the candidates receive the same.
Since the SAT 2 literature test mainly tests high-school English knowledge, there are certain SAT preparation tips to be followed specifically for this subject test:
Also, check SAT Subject Test Preparation
The above-mentioned information about the SAT literature subject test will help the candidates in getting a clear idea of the syllabus, score, duration, and more.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.