PSAT Critical Reading

Master the skills to understand, analyze, and interpret reading passages on the PSAT.

Understanding Passage StructureFinding Main Ideas and Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneInterpreting Vocabulary in ContextEvaluating Evidence and Arguments
Reading for Real-World UnderstandingApplying Critical Reading to Group ProjectsUnderstanding Media and Advertising
Active Reading TechniquesEliminating Wrong AnswersTime Management on the PSAT
Understanding Passag...Finding Main Ideas a...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Interpreting Vocabul...Evaluating Evidence ...Reading for Real-Wor...Applying Critical Re...Understanding Media ...Active Reading Techn...Eliminating Wrong An...Time Management on t...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Passage Structure

Why Structure Matters

Reading is more than just recognizing words—it's about understanding how ideas fit together! On the PSAT, passages are carefully organized. Knowing how to spot the structure can help you predict what comes next, find key details, and quickly understand the author's intent.

Common Structures You'll See

  • Narrative: Tells a story in chronological order.
  • Argumentative: Presents a claim and supports it with evidence.
  • Expository: Explains a concept or process.
  • Compare and Contrast: Highlights similarities and differences.

How to Spot Structure

Look for signal words:

  • Sequence: "first," "next," "finally"
  • Contrast: "however," "but," "on the other hand"
  • Cause and effect: "because," "therefore," "as a result"

Why It Helps

When you can map out the structure, you can answer questions faster and with more confidence.

Examples

  • A passage that starts with a childhood memory and ends with a present-day reflection is likely narrative.

  • An article that lists pros and cons is using a compare and contrast structure.

In a Nutshell

Learn how passages are organized to read more efficiently and spot important ideas.

Key Terms

Passage Structure
The way information is organized in a reading passage.
Signal Words
Words that hint at the passage's organization or direction.
Next
Finding Main Ideas and Supporting Details