SAT vs ACT Reading

Today I want to tell you the biggest difference between the SAT vs ACT reading sections. 

Section 1 on the SAT is called “Reading Comprehension.” That’s worth 400 out of the 800 points in your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. 

Section 3 on the ACT is the “Reading” section. That’s one of the four sections scored from 1-36, then averaged to get your Composite score. 

On the SAT, there are five stories, and on the ACT there are four. On the SAT, you get more time per question—a minute and fifteen seconds—but more involved questions. On the ACT, you have less time per question—52.5 seconds—but generally more straightforward questions. On the SAT, two of those five stories are going to have tables, charts, and graphs. On the ACT, they’re going to save those tables, charts, and graphs questions for the science section. 

Both tests have one double-passage story, and both tests have stories on all different topics—like literature, natural science, social science, and humanities—but the SAT is going to have one or two stories with what’s called “archaic language,” written a hundred or more years ago, typically about anti-slavery and pro-women’s rights. 

If you have more questions about SAT vs ACT reading sections, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.