Into The Weeds: ACT Versus SAT Reading

by Valerie Erde

Before I get into the weeds… if you really want to know which test will result in an easier study path and better results, you really have to do an apples-to-apples ACT vs. SAT comparison (and not PSAT vs. ACT). 

And I’m just going to say it straight out : We at Veridian do a better diagnostic than the large test centers.  It’s more detailed and more accurate. If you want to know how/why, specifically, please get in touch.

Note1:  The post below is intended as a companion piece Into The Weeds: ACT vs. SAT Math. Both offer a more detailed, expanded take on an earlier post about the test differences.

Note 2: This post applies to the current SAT; not the new SAT that will be released in 2023 int’l, 2024 U.S.

When students compare the SAT and ACT to try and figure out which test to take, one of the key differentiating factors is the reading comprehension section – especially for students who are stronger in math, but less so in reading and language arts.

Reading is the most challenging section to improve

All the test prep professionals I know agree: in general, the reading section of either the ACT or the SAT is the most challenging one to improve because it relies on solid foundational language arts skills that you’ve been building (or not) since elementary school. This is one reason getting a really good diagnostic on this particular section is so important.

Which test has the easier/harder reading section?

In my experience, I contend that, on average, the SAT favors stronger readers - but in many cases, it’s really six-of-one, half-dozen of the other. To do well on the reading section of either test, you still need to have solid foundational skills: how to read for main point and arguments, pick up on style and tone, be able to make inferences, understand fairly basic vocabulary words, get metaphors, etc.

One of the most frequent questions I get about the Reading sections is this: isn’t the ACT harder because you have less time? In fact, many students will say “I like the SAT reading section because I have more time per passage.”  That’s true, but sometimes it’s a wash because on the one hand, yes, you get more time per reading passage for the SAT, but the reading passages and accompanying questions can be more challenging and confusing.

Let’s look at some key ACT & SAT reading comprehension content differences that may help you better understand the difference in order to decide. But as I said above,

there is no substitute for doing a true apples-to-apples ACT vs. SAT diagnostic.

Have I emphasized that enough :)?

ACT and SAT Reading: Key Content Differences

Keep in mind, that both the ACT and SAT reading sections consist of primarily non-fiction reading.

Reading Comes First on the SAT, 3rd on the ACT

Unfortunately, the ACT and SAT tests begin at very teen-unfriendly early morning hours.  Some students prefer like that the ACT begins with English (aka grammar) and Math: two sections that kids usually (and have to) buzz through quickly, usually don’t run out of time on, and require less sustained focus than does reading one of the ~1,200 word passages - especially if that reading passage is on a topic with which you are unfamiliar and/or you find completely uninteresting. These students find doing the rapid-paced sections first serve almost as a brain warm-up. However, other students get fatigued more easily and find doing the ACT attention-heavy reading and science sections last more challenging.

Only The SAT Has 1700’s/1800’s diction Passages

This is often the real dealbreaker for some students who aren’t strong readers - especially if they don’t enjoy or aren’t well-versed in history. (Students who have taken/are taking honors or AP U.S. History have less of an issue with these primary-source passages.) Here’s a snippet from such a reading passage:

On the SAT, you can even be more unlucky if you are flummoxed by archaic diction: sometimes the SAT fiction passage is also in archaic English.a la Jane Austen, Nikolai Gogol, Edith Wharton, George Elliot…

Only The SAT Has Tricky “linked” questions: If You Get 1 Wrong, You May Get 2 Wrong

What stands out to students is that in the SAT Reading section, every passage contains at least one, but usually tow, two paired questions, that require you to “prove it:”  that is, back up your answers to the first question with a selection of line references given in the second question. For many students, this seems daunting because often if you get one of them wrong, you’ll get both of them wrong.

On the ACT, each question is a stand-alone on. You still need to find “evidence” in the passage to help you select the correct multiple choice answer, but the job falls on you to locate it. The same strategy is involved: looking at carefully at the text for support of your answer. Why that can be easier for many is that you are not being fed and asked to evaluate incorrect information. 

In fact, these types of questions don’t have to be scary at all. Think of evidence in another way—as proof. If you ask your student why she thinks Hamlet is a better Shakespeare play than Macbeth, she should be able to give details to support her opinion.  Those details, if they are specific enough, are the evidence. You use evidence in your job to explain why you’ve made a budgeting or to justify hiring another employee. Building this skill is a crucial one for 21st century students.

Additional Comments ABout COmparing ACT & SAT Reading Sections

1) You may run out of time the first time you try either the ACT or SAT reading section. Just as with a sports or musical instrument skills, speed comes with familiarity and practice.

2) You have to make sure you use correct and current ACT/SAT tests to do a valid comparison. Both tests have changes in small ways over the years. Some test centers administer old tests (which I really don’t get).

3) The PSAT doesn’t always include those 1700’s/1800’s passages many students find challenging and it’s shorter. So ,a PSAT vs. ACT comparison isn’t the best way to go.

In the end, choosing between the two tests is a personal decision. No matter which test you choose, the best thing you can do to prepare for the reading section is to read — a lot — especially non-fiction. As you practice, you can identify areas or question types that may be particularly difficult for you such as picking up on tone, or making inferences, or simply time management.

This is also where a tutor can be most helpful: When you have already identified the “sticky” areas, we can help you get unstuck. The most important thing to remember is that students can improve on either test with enough lead time, some internal motivation, work ethic, and practice! Please reach out to find out more about how we can help you choose and prepare for the ACT or SAT.

ACT & SAT, ACT & SAT Reading, Standardized TestingValerie Erde