SHSAT ELA Section
57 questions · 90 minutes · Revising/Editing & Reading Comprehension
Master the English Language Arts Section
The ELA section of the SHSAT tests a student's ability to revise and edit written passages and comprehend complex reading material. It accounts for roughly half of the total SHSAT composite score, making it just as important as the Math section.
Many students underestimate the ELA section, focusing most of their preparation on Math. This is a mistake. With targeted practice, ELA scores can improve dramatically — and the gains can be the difference between acceptance and rejection at your target school.
Dr. Donnelly teaches specific strategies for each ELA question type, building the analytical skills students need to work quickly and accurately under timed conditions.
ELA Question Breakdown
Revising/Editing: Standalone
Each question presents a single sentence or short passage with an underlined portion. Students must identify the best revision for grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, or word choice.
- Subject-verb agreement
- Pronoun-antecedent agreement
- Comma usage and punctuation
- Sentence fragments and run-ons
- Parallel structure
- Precise word choice
Revising/Editing: Passage-Based
Students read a multi-paragraph passage and answer questions about improving the text. These go beyond grammar to test organizational and rhetorical skills.
- Adding or removing sentences
- Reordering sentences within paragraphs
- Improving transitions
- Strengthening topic sentences
- Combining sentences effectively
- Supporting claims with evidence
Reading Comprehension
Students read literary and informational passages, then answer questions testing their understanding of main ideas, details, vocabulary, tone, and structure.
- Main idea and central theme
- Supporting details and evidence
- Vocabulary in context
- Author's purpose and point of view
- Inference and conclusions
- Text structure and organization
How Dr. Donnelly Teaches ELA
Grammar Rules, Not Guessing
Students learn the specific grammar rules tested on the SHSAT, so they can identify errors with confidence rather than relying on what "sounds right."
Active Reading Techniques
Dr. Donnelly teaches annotation and passage-mapping strategies that help students process complex texts efficiently within the time limit.
Elimination Strategy
For every question type, students learn how to systematically eliminate wrong answers, increasing accuracy even on the most challenging passages.
Timed Practice Drills
Regular timed sections build pacing skills so students can complete all 57 ELA questions within the 90-minute time limit without rushing.
Boost Your ELA Score
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