The SAT Literature Subject Test

UPDATE: As of June 2021, the SAT Subject Tests are no longer administered. For more on the cancellation of all Subject Tests, see our post here.

Let’s take a look at the SAT Literature Subject Test.

What Does the Literature Subject Test Look Like?

The Literature Subject Test is a passage-based, multiple-choice exam with 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Three types of passages are presented on this test: prose, poetry, and drama. Passages are always written in English and are typically pulled from popular American and British literary works. These works can be sourced from a wide range of historical periods—anywhere from the Renaissance era all the way to the twentieth century. Each passage is followed by 6–8 multiple-choice questions that test a student’s ability to correctly identify and interpret meaning, purpose, form, language, narrative voice, and characterization.

Example:

How is the Exam Scored?

Correct answers are worth +1 points, incorrect answers are worth –0.25 points, and omitted answers are worth no points. Points are added to form a raw score. Then, the raw score is converted to a scaled score from 200–800. The average score on this exam is about a 590.

What Skills from School Will Help Me on the Test?

First and foremost, the Literature Subject Test is an exercise in critical reading. If your English teachers assigned you multiple readings from a variety of sources, then you are well on your way to building a strong foundation for the exam.

Second, you have likely already studied several helpful literary terms and devices at some point along your high school career. The Literature Subject Test loves to incorporate these concepts. From the more commonly used terms like imagery and metaphor to highly technical jargon such as anthropomorphism and metonymy, you will be asked to both identify and analyze a variety of literary devices as they are used in a passage. If your English teacher had you writing flashcards and reciting terms, you just might thank her later on!

Are There Any Specific Classes I Can Take that Will Help Me Prepare?

While not required, it may be helpful to take an AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) Literature or Language class. Although these classes do not perfectly overlap with the content tested on the Literature Subject Test, they do expose students to a breadth of reading material and literary concepts.

What about strategy?

Most AP and IB classes are more focused on academic content than they are on test-taking strategies. For example, students may learn the definition of a term or even how to spot it in context, but they likely won’t learn how to spot wrong answer choices, how to use the time to their advantage, or how to minimize the guessing penalty. To learn how to game the test, consider working with a prep book, study program, or tutor who specializes in the Literature Subject Test.

Find out exactly how much strategy and content from your current AP or IB courses can be applied to the SAT Literature Subject Test! Download our handy guide here.

Are There Any Tricks I Can Use to Immediately Improve My Score?

The fastest way that you can improve your score is by learning to take the test in the best order for you. Too many students fall into the habit of reading passages and answering questions in the order that they appear. This causes students to spend too much time on hard questions and not enough time on the questions they can definitely get correct. To avoid this trap, learn to identify your strengths and prioritize those portions of the exam first.

Another way you can improve your score is by learning to trust your instincts. Students have a bad habit of reading a Literature question and then jumping straight to the answers for guidance. Those answers are designed to trick you! Instead of falling for the SAT’s tricks, think up your own answer first. Then, compare each answer to your answer to see which one is correct.

I'm an International Student. Any Tips for Me?

The Literature Subject Test is incredibly western-centric. With only about 10% of its passages originating from countries other than the United Kingdom or United States, this test definitely favors students who have read western works of literature extensively. If your program of study does not offer these texts, be sure to reserve plenty of time for outside reading.

Main Takeaways:

• There are three types of passages presented on the Literature Subject Test: prose, poetry, and drama. They are typically pulled from popular American and British literary works, and can be sourced from a wide range of history periods.
• The average score on this exam is about a 590 (out of 800).
• This is a test of critical reading as well as literary terms and devices. You have probably already covered these at some point in your high school career—review assigned readings from a variety of sources and any literary term flashcards you may have saved!
• Take the test in the best order for you, not necessarily in the order the questions appear.
• For international students, it’s important to put aside time for outside reading and become familiarized with western works of literature, as the Literature Subject Test consists of about 90% western-centric works.