You'll encounter basic algebra questions, where you must solve for "x," and mathematical reasoning questions (word problems). In one section, you'll have multiple choice answers; select the best answer from the choices provided. In the other section, you'll have to write your own answer to the problem. You can use a calculator.
In the reading comprehension section, you must read a short paragraph of about two or three paragraphs, then answer questions based on the reading. The readings can be based on a wide range of topics, such as science, history or literature.
Read a sentence that is missing a word, then select the correct word from the choices provided. Effectively completing this section requires you to have a strong vocabulary, as you may need to know the definitions of all of the provided words.
This section tests your knowledge of correct grammar. You'll read a sentence that has several words underlined and labeled. The sentence may or may not have grammatical errors--if it does, the errors will be in the underlined sections. Select the letter that corresponds to the error, or select "E" if there is no error in the sentence.
Since 2005, students must write an essay as part of the exam. These essays are persuasive or opinion articles in which you must prove your position with supporting evidence. Typically, the question will present a short quotation from a book; you must write your essay either agreeing or disagreeing with the quoted statement.