ACT English vs. SAT Writing and Language: What’s the Difference? 

For students in Singapore and around the world preparing to apply to universities, particularly in the United States, choosing between the ACT and SAT is a pivotal decision. Both examinations are widely accepted by admissions offices, yet they differ in structure, content, and approach differences that can significantly influence a student’s performance and preference. Among the key distinctions are the ACT English section and the SAT Writing and Language section, which assess language skills critical to academic success.

At The Princeton Review Singapore, we recognize that understanding these differences is essential for students to make informed choices and optimize their preparation. This blog provides a detailed comparison of the ACT English and SAT Writing and Language sections, focusing on their format, question types, timing, and scoring. Additionally, it explores how these variations align with different strengths, offering practical guidance for Singaporean and international students to determine which test may best suit their abilities and goals. 

Scoring, Structure, and Format: A Detailed Comparison 

When comparing the ACT English section with the SAT Writing and Language section, it is essential to understand how each is structured, scored, and delivered. Although both sections assess similar language skills, their differences in format and scoring have a direct impact on students’ preparation and test-taking experience. 

Scoring Systems 

ACT English is one of the four core sections that contribute to the ACT composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36. The English section is scored individually on this scale and then factored into the average that forms the composite score. The ACT also offers an optional Writing (Essay) section, which is scored separately and does not affect the composite score. 

SAT Writing and Language, in contrast, is combined with the Reading section to generate a single “Reading and Writing” score ranging from 200 to 800. This score is then added to the Math score to determine the total SAT score out of 1600. There is no separate Writing or Essay section in the current SAT format. 

Key Difference: The ACT English score directly influences the composite score, whereas the SAT Writing and Language score contributes to a broader section score shared with Reading. 

Section Format and Structure: ACT English vs. SAT Reading and Writing 

The ACT English section includes 75 multiple-choice questions, distributed across five longer passages, with 15 questions per passage. It assesses a student’s understanding of grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. With a strict time limit, students must answer quickly, spending approximately 36 seconds per question. 

For the digital SAT, the Reading and Writing section consists of 54 multiple-choice questions, each tied to a brief, independent passage, with one question per screen. These passages are concise and purposefully designed to assess specific reading and language skills. The section is divided into two modules, each 32 minutes long, totaling 64 minutes. It is also adaptive, meaning that performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second. 

Important Note on ACT Composite Scoring (2025) 

For students taking the online ACT in April, June, and July 2025, composite scores will be calculated using only the English, Math, and Reading sections. The Science section will not be factored into the composite score for these specific online test dates. 

Test Administration and Accessibility 

The SAT Reading and Writing section is administered entirely in digital format. Students complete the test on an approved device at a designated school or test centre. The digital SAT features adaptive modules, which adjust the difficulty level of questions in the second module based on performance in the first. 

The ACT English section is now available in both paper-based and digital formats for international students. The content, structure, and timing remain consistent across both formats, ensuring comparability of scores regardless of the delivery mode. 

Key Difference: The SAT’s digital delivery allows for streamlined navigation and computer-adaptive testing, offering a more individualized assessment experience. In contrast, the ACT retains a non-adaptive structure, with the added flexibility of choosing between paper and digital formats. 

What Skills Are Tested? 

Both the ACT English and SAT Writing and Language sections assess a student’s proficiency in standard written English. However, they differ in terms of structure, question format, and the types of passages used. The following is a breakdown of the key skill areas tested in each exam. 

ACT English Section 

The ACT English section comprises 75 multiple-choice questions based on five longer passages, each accompanied by 15 questions. The primary focus is on grammar and usage, sentence structure, and rhetorical effectiveness within extended written content. 

Key Skill Areas: 

• Usage and Mechanics: This includes grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and correct word usage. Students must identify and correct errors in standard English conventions. 

• Rhetorical Skills: These questions evaluate the ability to organize ideas effectively, revise for clarity and tone, and ensure consistency in style and content. 

• Contextual Understanding: Students must consider the broader context of entire passages and make decisions that improve the overall flow and coherence of the writing. 

Format: Each question presents an underlined portion of text with several revision options, including the choice to leave it unchanged. The focus is often on correcting specific grammar rules or enhancing sentence construction at the paragraph or passage level. 

Emphasis: The ACT tends to test rules-based grammar and sentence-level corrections more frequently and directly than the SAT. 

SAT Writing and Language Section (Now part of the combined Reading & Writing section) 

As part of the Digital SAT, the Writing and Language content is now integrated into a combined Reading and Writing section. It includes 54 multiple-choice questions, each tied to a short, one-question-per-passage format, distributed across two modules. The passages are shorter and more targeted than those in the ACT. 

Key Skill Areas: 

• Standard English Conventions: Students are tested on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, much like in the ACT. 

• Expression of Ideas: This includes revising for clarity, precision, logical flow, tone, and conciseness appropriate to the given context. 

• Command of Evidence: Test-takers may need to strengthen arguments or clarify ideas using relevant evidence from the text. 

• Data Interpretation: Certain questions include charts or tables, requiring integration of visual information with written content. 

Format: Each screen contains one short passage followed by one question. This structure is designed to reduce cognitive load and allow students to focus on precise comprehension and editing skills. 

Emphasis: The SAT focuses more on analytical reading and effective communication. It requires students to understand the purpose of a passage and make edits that improve coherence and relevance rather than just correct errors. 

Comparison Overview 

Key Differences at a Glance 

When comparing the ACT English and SAT Writing and Language components (now part of the Digital SAT’s Reading and Writing section), it’s important to understand their structural and strategic distinctions. Below is an overview of the key differences: 

. Question Style 

• ACT English: 
  Focuses on sentence-level corrections within longer passages. Students are frequently asked whether to revise or retain an underlined portion and if revised, which alternative is best. Questions are more direct and rules-based, primarily testing grammar, punctuation, and structure. 

• SAT Writing and Language (Digital SAT – Reading & Writing): 
  Questions are more analytical and context-driven. Students must identify and improve text based on tone, clarity, conciseness, and purpose. The focus is on effective communication rather than just grammatical accuracy. 

 Visual Elements 

• ACT English: 
  Contains no visual elements such as graphs or tables. All questions are based on written passages, typically five essays with multiple underlined sections for potential revision. 

• SAT Writing and Language: 
  Occasionally incorporates data-based visuals like tables or charts. Students may be asked to edit or interpret accompanying text based on the information presented visually testing data literacy and integration skills. 

 Pacing 

• ACT English: 
  75 questions in 45 minutes → approx. 36 seconds per question. 
  Requires rapid decision-making and familiarity with common grammar patterns. 

• SAT Reading and Writing: 
  54 questions (across 2 modules) in 64 minutes → approx. 71 seconds per question. 
  The Writing-related questions are fewer but require more thoughtful analysis of short passages. 

 Strategy Needed 

• ACT English: 
  Success depends on strong grammar knowledge, pattern recognition, and quick judgment. Regular timed practice is essential to manage the fast pace. 

• SAT Writing and Language: 
  Requires reading comprehension, contextual editing, and precision of language. Students must pay attention to the passage’s purpose, tone, and logic, along with grammatical accuracy. 

Which One Might Suit You Better? 

Choosing between the SAT and ACT depends on a student’s individual strengths and preferences. Below are some guiding factors to consider: 

Student Preferences and Strengths 

Students who are detail-oriented and comfortable with straightforward grammar corrections may find the ACT English section more aligned with their abilities. On the other hand, students who prefer shorter passages, analytical editing, and contextual reasoning may perform better on the SAT Writing and Language section. 

When to Take a Diagnostic Test 

If you are unsure which test format is right for you, taking a diagnostic test for both the ACT and SAT is a practical first step. These practice tests can: 

• Highlight your current strengths and weaknesses 

• Familiarize you with the structure and pacing of each test 

• Help you understand which exam format feels more intuitive 

• Inform your preparation strategy by targeting specific areas for improvement 

It is recommended to take both diagnostic tests under timed conditions to simulate real testing environments. Based on your performance and comfort level, you can then decide which test to prepare for more intensively. 

Final Thoughts 

When comparing the ACT English and SAT Writing and Language sections, it is important to recognize that each test assesses similar core skills in different ways. The best test for any student will depend on their individual learning style, pacing ability, and comfort with question formats. Understanding the key differences not only helps in selecting the right exam but also in planning a more targeted and effective preparation strategy. 

Quick Tips 

To help students make the most of their test preparation, here are a few practical suggestions: 

• Take full-length diagnostic tests for both the SAT and ACT to evaluate which format suits you better. 

• Analyze your performance in the English/Writing sections to identify specific areas of improvement. 

• Practice under timed conditions to build familiarity with pacing and test-day pressure. 

• Review grammar rules and sentence structure basics, as both exams demand strong command over standard English conventions. 

• Stay updated on test format changes, especially if you are planning to take the ACT in or after September 2025. 

How The Princeton Review Singapore Can Help 

At The Princeton Review Singapore, we understand that every student has unique learning needs. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized test preparation to help students succeed in both the SAT and ACT. Here’s how we support you: 

• Expert Faculty: Our experienced instructors are trained in the latest test formats and strategies, ensuring students are well-prepared for any updates or changes. 

• Diagnostic Testing & Personalized Guidance: We offer full-length diagnostic tests and provide one-on-one performance reviews to help students choose the right exam and study plan. 

• Targeted Curriculum: Our SAT and ACT prep courses are designed to focus on high-yield topics and commonly tested question types, with special emphasis on grammar, writing, and reading skills. 

• Flexible Learning Formats: Students can choose from in-person classes, live online courses, or private tutoring based on their learning preferences and schedules. 

• Proven Results: With a history of helping over 10 million students worldwide and a presence in 17 countries, The Princeton Review is trusted for delivering effective test prep solutions. 

Whether you are preparing for university applications in Singapore or aiming for top colleges abroad, our team is here to help you reach your target score and achieve your academic goals.