SAT^® Reading Practice Test

SAT Reading Practice Test (updated 2026)

The SAT^® Reading test assesses your ability to think critically and logically, and reason based on evidence and information you are given in reading passages.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free SAT Reading practice test!

What’s on the SAT Reading Test?

How to Improve your SAT Reading Score

Since time is a critical component for the SAT Reading Exam, you should plan ahead and prepare by timing yourself as you take SAT Reading practice tests. Doing this will allow you to get an idea of how quickly you will need to read through the passages and respond to the questions. Keep in mind that some passages may take several minutes to read, especially as you need to read for comprehension.

SAT Reading Practice Questions

One of the best ways to test your knowledge is by taking a practice test. Evaluate your reading skills by trying your hand at the three practice questions below!

Answer each question and read through the answer explanation, whether you got the answer right or wrong. This will help you ensure you’ve got the topic mastered.

Whether you struggled with these questions or aced them on your first try, be sure to take the full practice test to get a better idea of how prepared you really are!

1. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

The scientific method is a systematic approach to solving problems and answering questions. The first step is making careful observations of the natural world. By observing phenomena and gathering data, scientists can identify patterns or anomalies that pique their curiosity. These observations lead to the formation of hypotheses, which are educated guesses about the underlying explanations for what is observed. Subsequently, scientists design experiments to test these hypotheses and collect further data. Finally, they analyze the data to draw conclusions and advance our understanding of the natural world. The initial step of making observations is crucial, as it provides the foundation for scientific inquiry.

What does the order of the steps in the scientific method in this passage primarily serve to do?

A. Provide a chronological account of scientific discoveries B.  Persuade readers to engage in scientific research C.  Emphasize the importance of making observations D.  Explain the process of conducting experiments Submit

In this passage, the order of the steps in the scientific method serves primarily to emphasize the importance of making observations. The passage outlines the steps of the scientific method sequentially and highlights that it starts with making observations. This structure emphasizes the foundational role of observation in the scientific process. While the scientific method does involve forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data, the passage’s primary focus is on the initial step of making observations and how it contributes to scientific progress.

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2. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

Throughout history, literature has served as a mirror to society, reflecting its joys, struggles, and complexities. Novels like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shed light on issues of racial injustice, while George Orwell’s 1984 explores the dangers of totalitarianism. These literary works continue to provide valuable insights into the human condition.

What is the main role of literature, as described in the passage?

A. To entertain readers with fictional stories B.  To provide a glimpse into historical events C.  To reflect societal issues and human experiences D.  To promote the study of totalitarianism Submit

The main role of literature, as described in the passage, is to reflect societal issues and human experiences. The passage discusses how literature serves as a mirror to society, shedding light on issues such as racial injustice and totalitarianism. It emphasizes that literary works like To Kill a Mockingbird and 1984 provide valuable insights into the human condition by addressing and reflecting upon these societal issues and human experiences. While literature can certainly entertain and provide glimpses into historical events, the primary focus in this passage is on its role as a reflection of broader societal and human concerns.

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3. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

Passage 1: The Role of Folktales in Preserving Cultural Heritage

Folktales have long served as a means of preserving cultural heritage and passing down the values and traditions of a society from one generation to the next. These stories, often orally transmitted, contain moral lessons, historical narratives, and the collective wisdom of a community. For instance, in the folktales of many indigenous peoples, stories of ancestral spirits, nature, and bravery are shared to instill a sense of identity and connection to the land.

Passage 2: Literature as a Reflection of Societal Change

Throughout history, literature has reflected the shifts and changes in society. Novels, poems, and plays often capture the zeitgeist of their time, offering insights into the societal norms, values, and challenges. For instance, the works of Charles Dickens during the Industrial Revolution provide a vivid depiction of the social disparities and hardships faced by the working class.

Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?

A. Folktales are more effective than literature in preserving cultural heritage. B.  Both folktales and literature serve as means of preserving a snapshot of cultural heritage. C.  Folktales serve exclusively as historical records, while literature serves as a form of artistic expression. D.  Folktales are less effective than literature in reflecting societal change. Submit

In Passage 1, it is emphasized that folktales serve as a means of preserving cultural heritage and passing down values and traditions. In Passage 2, it is discussed that literature captures the zeitgeist of its time and reflects societal changes, implying that the culture is expected to shift, but that literature captures that moment of time, preserving a snapshot of it. Both passages highlight the role of their respective forms of storytelling (folktales and literature) in preserving cultural heritage.

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SAT Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online SAT prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!

Here’s what you’ll find in the SAT course:

Click below to check it out!

SAT Vocabulary

Top 50 SAT Vocab Words

To excel on the SAT, you need to be comfortable with vocabulary words that appear across various academic subjects. This will help you decode difficult passages and write more eloquent essays.

To help you out, we’ve compiled top 50 SAT vocab words you need to know into one free PDF, including 10 advanced vocab words and some learning tips!

Download Vocab Sheet Download SAT Vocabulary Sheet PDF

SAT Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle

Test your SAT vocabulary skills by playing one of our SAT crossword puzzles! Pick from three puzzles and download any of them as a PDF to print or save for later.

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By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

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