Official r/SAT June 2025 International Test Discussion Megathread

Reddit Digital SAT | June 2025 International

The Digital SAT's Reading and Writing section combines skills in a new, fast-paced format. The best way to prepare is to get your hands dirty with real practice questions, breaking down not just what the right answer is, but why.

In this complete reddit guide, we will analyze a wide variety of questions transcribed directly from practice materials. We'll cover everything from single-word vocabulary choices to complex grammar rules and the intricate logic of reading comprehension. Let's dive in.

Part 1: Building Your Vocabulary

The Digital SAT tests vocabulary in context, but a strong foundational vocabulary is still your greatest asset. Let's start with a list of common SAT-level words and then apply the skill to a question.

Key Vocabulary List:

• contradicted: To assert the opposite of a statement; to be in conflict with.

• hampered: To hinder or impede the movement or progress of.

• attributed: To regard something as being caused by someone or something else.

• exhaustiveness: The quality of including all elements so as to be complete.

• myriad: A countless or extremely great number.

• Substantiated: To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.

• exorbitant: (Of a price or amount) unreasonably high.

• undermine: To lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually.

• conflate: To combine two or more ideas or texts into one.

• reinforces: To strengthen or support, especially with additional material or evidence.

Vocabulary in Context: The "Most Precise Word" Question

These questions give you a blank and ask for the single best word to complete the sentence. The key is to understand the surrounding context.

Question:

Fitness trackers and other small electronic devices tend to ______ batteries that can't be easily taken out and swapped for new ones. Environmental policy researcher Jean-Pierre Schweitzer warns that when these internal batteries stop working, the devices are usually thrown away, becoming harmful waste.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) discover
B) prepare
C) imagine
D) contain

Analysis:

1. Read the Context: The sentence describes the relationship between small electronic devices and their batteries. These batteries are internal and cannot be easily swapped.

2. Test the Words:

   • Do devices "discover" batteries? No, that doesn't make sense.

   • Do they "prepare" batteries? No, they use them.

   • Do they "imagine" batteries? Certainly not.

   • Do they "contain" batteries? Yes. A device physically holds, or contains, its battery. This word fits perfectly.

3. Conclusion: The logic of the sentence is about the physical components of a device. Therefore, (D) contain is the most precise and logical choice.

Part 2: Cracking the Grammar Code

The SAT tests a specific set of grammar rules. Mastering these patterns is essential for scoring high. We'll look at sentence structure, non-essential clauses, and punctuation.

A. Sentence Structure and Boundaries

You must be able to identify a complete sentence and correctly connect clauses without creating fragments or run-on sentences.

Question 1:

Pigeons have long played an important role as messengers, as a result of their homing ability, speed, and altitude. ______ a time when the city was surrounded by Prussian troops.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) During the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the French military used pigeons to transport messages to Paris,
B) During the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, pigeons were used by the French military to transport messages to Paris,
C) Pigeons were used to transport messages to Paris during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871,
D) In 1871, during the Franco-Prussian War, the French military using pigeons to transport messages to Paris.

Analysis:

• The second part of the text, "a time when the city was surrounded by Prussian troops," is a noun phrase that re-describes "Paris." We need to choose an option that ends logically with "Paris" so this description can follow.

• A) & B): Both options create complete sentences that end with "Paris,". The difference is "used" vs "were used by." Both are grammatically sound. The first phrase "During the Franco-Prussian War in 1871" sets a time and context, making the sentence flow historically. Option (B) with the passive "pigeons were used" provides a slightly better link to the first sentence which also focuses on pigeons, but either could work grammatically.

• D): This is a sentence fragment. "the French military using pigeons..." is not a complete verb phrase. It should be "the French military used pigeons...".

• Correct Choice: Based on the common answer format for this known question, (C) 

Question 2:

The 1921 founding of the Orden Hijos de América and the 1966 Katzenbach v. Morgan court decision are regarded as important events in US civil rights ______ former establishing a Latino rights advocacy group and the latter legally affirming the rights of Latino voters.

Which choice completes the text...?
A) history, the
B) history the
C) history, as the
D) history. The

Analysis:Correct Choice: (a)

B. Non-Essential Clauses & Punctuation

Information that is extra or "non-essential" to the main point of a sentence must be set off with punctuation, usually a pair of commas.

Question:

Which choice completes the text...?

A) supraspinatus are cylindrical in shape, which are skeletal muscles, and help
B) supraspinatus are cylindrical, which are skeletal muscles, in shape and help
C) supraspinatus are cylindrical in shape and help, which are skeletal muscles,
D) supraspinatus, which are skeletal muscles, are cylindrical in shape and helP

C. Using Colons

A colon is used to introduce an explanation, an example, or a list.

Question:

Exemplars of Stigler's law ______ there is the Chandrasekhar limit; in mathematics, the Argand diagram; and in physics, the Cavendish balance. All the aforementioned share the trait of being named after individuals who were not their initial discoverers or inventors.

Which choice completes the text...?
A) abound in astrophysics:
B) abound, in astrophysics,
C) abound in astrophysics;
D) abound: in astrophysics,

Analysis:
The first part of the sentence, "Exemplars of Stigler's law abound," is a complete thought. What follows is a list of those exemplars. The perfect punctuation mark to introduce a list that follows a complete sentence is a colon.

• Correct Choice: (D) abound in astrophysics.

Part 3: Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning

These questions ask you to understand the author's argument, find evidence, or determine the function of a particular sentence.

A. Supporting a Hypothesis

Question:

To detect information about water flow, fish have sensors running from the snout tip down the sides of the head... researchers... found that the greatest pressure difference is closer to the snout for narrower heads... and farther from the snout for wider heads... Based on this finding, a second team of researchers has hypothesized that the sensors where information is greatest are likely more sensitive than the rest.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the second research team's hypothesis?
A) The lake sturgeon...has a much narrower head...and the most sensitive sensors for both are very close to their snouts.
B) The lake sturgeon...has a much narrower head...and the most sensitive sensors for the anglerfish are closer to the snout than are those for the lake sturgeon.
C) The lake sturgeon...has a much narrower head...and the most sensitive sensors of the lake sturgeon are closer to the snout than are those of the anglerfish.
D) The lake sturgeon...has a much narrower head...and while the sensors nearest the snout for the lake sturgeon are more sensitive...for the anglerfish, all sensors are equally sensitive.

Analysis:

1. Hypothesis 1 (from first team): Narrower head = greatest pressure near the snout.

2. Hypothesis 2 (from second team): Area of greatest pressure = most sensitive sensors.

3. Connecting the Dots: We need to find evidence that links a narrow head to having sensitive sensors near the snout.

4. Evaluate the Options:

   • (A) says the sensors for both narrow and wide-headed fish are near the snout. This contradicts Hypothesis 1.

   • (B) says the narrow-headed sturgeon's sensors are farther from the snout than the anglerfish's. This contradicts the logic.

   • (C) states that the narrow-headed lake sturgeon's most sensitive sensors are closer to the snout than the wider-headed anglerfish's. This directly connects a narrow head to sensitive sensors near the snout, perfectly supporting the hypothesis.

   • (D) says the anglerfish's sensors are all equally sensitive, which doesn't help compare the two.

5. Conclusion:(C) is the only option that provides a direct link between the cause (head shape) and the effect (location of sensitive sensors).

B. Determining the Function of a Sentence

Question:

[First, Sucena studied convergent evolution via a shared genetic mechanism.] Meanwhile, Patricia J. Wittkopp and colleagues have investigated how convergence occurs through different genetic mechanisms. [Then, the text states the prevalence of each is poorly understood, which motivated Green and Extavour to evaluate both in one paper.]

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A) It gives an example of how some scientists had studied a phenomenon...
B) It introduces researchers who will be discussed in greater detail...
C) It outlines a study that was influenced by the researchers mentioned later in the text.
D) It clarifies a concept that is unclear...

Analysis:
The paragraph sets up a scientific contrast: Sucena's approach vs. Wittkopp's approach. The final sentence introduces a third set of researchers (Green and Extavour) who were "motivated" by this situation. The underlined sentence about Wittkopp isn't an example of the first study, and it doesn't introduce the main researchers of the paragraph (Green/Extavour). Instead, it (A).

C. Drawing a Logical Conclusion

Question:

...wild chimpanzees lack adaptations to seasonal variations in...UVB... [Researchers] found that [zoo] chimpanzees' vitamin D levels were significantly lower in autumn than in summer and appeared unaffected by oral supplementation of vitamin D... Mötle and colleagues point out, however, that supplementation was rare, highly varied, and poorly tracked, and therefore ______.

Which choice most logically completes the text?
A) the possibility that zoo chimpanzees...would benefit from supplemental vitamin D during autumn cannot be excluded.
B) the effect of supplemental vitamin D...can more clearly be observed in summer than in autumn.
C) differences in vitamin D supplementation likely explain more of the difference...than seasonal differences in UVB irradiation do.
D) vitamin D levels...may be higher during autumn than Mötle and colleagues' data appear to indicate.

Analysis:

1. The Core Logic: The study found that vitamin D supplements seemed not to work.

2. The Keyword: "however." This word signals a contradiction or a problem with the previous statement.

3. The Problem: The supplementation was done badly ("rare, highly varied, and poorly tracked").

4. The Conclusion: If the experiment was bad, you can't trust its results. You can't conclude that the supplements are ineffective. Therefore, the possibility that they might work if done properly is still open.

5. Correct Choice: (C)

Part 4: More Practice Snippets

To ensure full coverage, here are the other phrases and sentences from our session. Think about what each one is testing:

• "A notable shift in Barragán's design aesthetic reflects the influence of his time abroad." (Testing: Identifying a main idea or cause-and-effect relationship).

• "The 12th episode of The Mystery Squadron was viewed by more people than was any previous episode in the series." (Testing: Reading and interpreting a direct statement of fact, possibly for a data-based question).

• "Consumer surveys show low excitement for new products that were announced a long time before they were released." (Testing: Understanding a finding and its implications for business or marketing).

• "Individual 5 and individual 2 directed a higher proportion of peering events at permanent residents of their home regions than did individual 13 and individual 15." (Testing: Careful reading and comparison of specific data points within a text).

• "Both are Indigenous authors who have written horror fiction." (Testing: Identifying a point of similarity between two subjects).

  Excellent! Let's integrate these math questions into the comprehensive guide. Here is the updated blog post.

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  Part 5: Conquering the Digital SAT Math Section

  The Math section of the Digital SAT tests a broad range of concepts, often in multi-step problems. Precision, strategy, and a solid understanding of foundational rules are key. Let's break down some common and challenging problem types.

  A. Advanced Algebra: Polynomials and Factoring

  These questions require you to manipulate complex expressions and equate coefficients—a core skill in advanced algebra.

  Question 22 (Student-Produced Response):

  The expression 6x⁴ + 59x² + 19 can be rewritten as (3x² + a)(2x² + b), where a and b are positive integers, or as (3x² + c)(2x² + d), where c and d are positive nonintegers. What is the value of a + c?

  Answer: 29.5

  Analysis:
  This problem has two parts. First, find a, then find c.

  1. Find a (the integer case):

     • Expand the factored form: (3x² + a)(2x² + b) = 6x⁴ + 3bx² + 2ax² + ab = 6x⁴ + (2a + 3b)x² + ab.

     • Compare this to the original expression 6x⁴ + 59x² + 19. By comparing the coefficients, we get two equations:

       • ab = 19

       • 2a + 3b = 59

     • Since a and b are positive integers, the only factors of 19 are 1 and 19. Let's test both pairs:

       • Case 1: If a=1 and b=19. Plug into the second equation: 2(1) + 3(19) = 2 + 57 = 59. This works! So, a = 1.

       • Case 2: If a=19 and b=1. Plug into the second equation: 2(19) + 3(1) = 38 + 3 = 41. This does not work.

     • We have found that a = 1.

  2. Find c (the non-integer case):

     • The setup is identical, but c and d are non-integers. The equations are:

       • cd = 19

       • 2c + 3d = 59

     • We can solve this system. From the first equation, d = 19/c. Substitute this into the second equation:

       • 2c + 3(19/c) = 59

       • 2c + 57/c = 59

     • To eliminate the fraction, multiply the entire equation by c: 2c² + 57 = 59c.

     • Rearrange into a standard quadratic equation: 2c² - 59c + 57 = 0.

     • We can solve this using the quadratic formula, but we already know the solutions from our work in step 1! The solutions for c will be 1 and 28.5.

       • If you run the quadratic formula [ -b ± sqrt(b²-4ac) ] / 2a, you get [ 59 ± sqrt(3481 - 456) ] / 4 = [ 59 ± sqrt(3025) ] / 4 = [ 59 ± 55 ] / 4. This gives the two solutions c = 114/4 = 28.5 and c = 4/4 = 1.

     • The problem states that c is a positive non-integer. Therefore, we must choose c = 28.5.

  3. Final Calculation:

     • The question asks for a + c.

     • a + c = 1 + 28.5 = 29.5.

  B. Systems of Equations: No Solution

  A system of linear equations has "no solution" when the lines are parallel—they have the same slope but different y-intercepts.

  Question 19 (Student-Produced Response):

  In the given system of equations, p is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of p?

  (3/16)x + (7/16)y = 9/4 - (7/16)x
  (5/8)x + (7/8)y = py + 3/4

  Provided Answer: -7/4 (Note: A discrepancy exists here, let's solve)

  Analysis:
  Our strategy is to get both equations into the standard form Ax + By = C and then use the "no solution" condition: A₁/A₂ = B₁/B₂.

  1. Rewrite Equation 1:

     • (3/16)x + (7/16)y = 9/4 - (7/16)x

     • Add (7/16)x to both sides: (3/16 + 7/16)x + (7/16)y = 9/4

     • (10/16)x + (7/16)y = 9/4 --> (5/8)x + (7/16)y = 9/4

  2. Rewrite Equation 2:

     • (5/8)x + (7/8)y = py + 3/4

     • Subtract py from both sides: (5/8)x + (7/8)y - py = 3/4

     • Factor out y: (5/8)x + (7/8 - p)y = 3/4

  3. Apply the "No Solution" Condition:

     • For our two equations: A₁ = 5/8, B₁ = 7/16 and A₂ = 5/8, B₂ = 7/8 - p.

     • Set the ratio of the coefficients equal: A₁/A₂ = B₁/B₂

     • (5/8) / (5/8) = (7/16) / (7/8 - p)

     • 1 = (7/16) / (7/8 - p)

     • Therefore, the denominators must be equal: 7/8 - p = 7/16.

     • Solve for p: -p = 7/16 - 7/8 -> -p = 7/16 - 14/16 -> -p = -7/16

     • p = 7/16

  Important Note: Our calculated answer is p = 7/16. The answer provided in the image is -7/4. Given the straightforward nature of the calculation, it's highly likely the provided answer key in the image is incorrect. For the SAT, trust your process. The correct value of p that makes the lines parallel is 7/16.

  C. Trigonometry: Cofunction Identities

  The SAT loves to test your knowledge of the relationship between sine and cosine.

  Question 16 (Multiple Choice):

  For two acute angles, ∠Q and ∠R, cos Q = sin R. The measures, in degrees, of ∠Q and ∠R are x + 27 and 4x + 3, respectively. What is the value of x?
  A) 8
  B) 12
  C) 30
  D) 63

  Answer: B) 12

  Analysis:

  1. Recall the Cofunction Identity: The key relationship you must know is: If cos A = sin B for acute angles A and B, then A + B = 90°.

  2. Set Up the Equation: Apply this identity to the given angles:

     • m∠Q + m∠R = 90

     • (x + 27) + (4x + 3) = 90

  3. Solve for x:

     • Combine like terms: 5x + 30 = 90

     • Subtract 30 from both sides: 5x = 60

     • Divide by 5: x = 12.

  D. Percentages and Algebraic Translation

  These questions test your ability to translate word problems into precise mathematical equations.

  Question 12 (Multiple Choice):

  A number f is 160% greater than a positive number g. A number h is 65% less than the number f. The number h is how many times the number g?
  A) 0.56
  B) 0.91
  C) 1.04
  D) 1.69

  Answer: B) 0.91

  Analysis:

  1. Translate the First Sentence: "f is 160% greater than g" means f is equal to the original g plus 160% of g.

     • f = g + 1.60g

     • f = 2.6g

  2. Translate the Second Sentence: "h is 65% less than f" means h is the original f minus 65% of f.

     • h = f - 0.65f

     • h = 0.35f

  3. Combine the Equations: The question asks for h in terms of g. Substitute the expression for f from step 1 into the equation from step 2.

     • h = 0.35 * (2.6g)

     • h = 0.91g

  4. Answer the Question: The equation h = 0.91g shows that h is 0.91 times the number g.

  E. Quadratics and Interpretation

  Often, you won't just solve a quadratic; you'll need to match your solution to a specific format.

  Question 15 (Multiple Choice):

  2x² - 20x - 17 = 0
  One solution to the given equation can be written as x = h + (1/2)√k, where h and k are integer constants. What is the value of h + k?
  A) 139
  B) 71
  C) 67
  D) 22

  Answer: A) 139 (Note: The provided image highlights B, which appears to be incorrect.)

  Analysis:
  The form of the solution is a huge hint to use the quadratic formula.

  1. Apply the Quadratic Formula: For ax² + bx + c = 0, the formula is x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a.

     • Here, a=2, b=-20, c=-17.

     • x = [ -(-20) ± √((-20)² - 4(2)(-17)) ] / (2*2)

     • x = [ 20 ± √(400 + 136) ] / 4

     • x = [ 20 ± √536 ] / 4

  2. Simplify to Match the Target Form: We need to manipulate [ 20 ± √536 ] / 4 to look like h ± (1/2)√k.

     • Simplify the radical. Look for perfect square factors of 536. 536 = 4 * 134.

     • So, √536 = √(4 * 134) = 2√134.

     • Substitute this back into our solution: x = [ 20 ± 2√134 ] / 4.

     • Now, split the fraction: x = 20/4 ± (2√134)/4.

     • x = 5 ± (√134)/2.

  3. Identify h and k:

     • Rewriting our solution slightly gives x = 5 ± (1/2)√134.

     • Comparing this to x = h ± (1/2)√k, we can clearly see that h = 5 and k = 134.

  4. Final Calculation:

     • The question asks for h + k.

     • h + k = 5 + 134 = 139.

  F. Statistics: Mean vs. Median

  You must understand the fundamental difference between mean (the average) and median (the middle value) and how they are affected by changes in a data set.

  Question 2 (Multiple Choice):

  Data set X: 14, 16, 19, 22, 25, 26, 28, 40
  Data set Y: 14, 16, 19, 22, 25, 26, 28, 35
  Data set Y is created by replacing the number 40 in data set X with the number 35. Which of the following statements is true about the means and medians of data set X and data set Y?
  A) The mean of data set X is greater than the mean of data set Y, and the median of data set X equals the median of data set Y.

  Answer: A

  Analysis:

  1. Analyze the Change on the Mean: The mean is the sum of the values divided by the count of values. Data set Y was created by replacing a larger number (40) with a smaller number (35). This decreases the total sum of the data set while the count of values (8) remains the same. A smaller sum divided by the same count results in a smaller mean. Therefore, Mean(X) > Mean(Y).

  2. Analyze the Change on the Median: The median is the middle value of a sorted data set.

     • Both data sets are already sorted.

     • Both sets have n=8 values (an even number). The median is the average of the 4th and 5th values.

     • For Set X, the middle values are 22 and 25. Median(X) = (22+25)/2 = 23.5.

     • For Set Y, the middle values are also 22 and 25. Median(Y) = (22+25)/2 = 23.5.

     • The change from 40 to 35 occurred at the end of the data set and did not affect the two middle numbers. Therefore, Median(X) = Median(Y).

  3. Combine the Findings: The correct statement is that the mean of X is greater than the mean of Y, and their medians are equal. This matches choice A.

Final Thoughts

Success on the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section comes from this multi-layered approach. Build your core vocabulary, master the essential rules of grammar and punctuation, and practice actively deconstructing the logic of reading passages. By breaking down questions like we did today, you'll build the confidence and skills needed to ace the test. Happy studying