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...
Study Strategies

Eliminating Wrong Answers

Improve Your Odds

On the PSAT, every question has one best answer—but wrong choices may sound tempting! Use the process of elimination: cross out options that are clearly off-topic, too extreme, or unsupported by the passage. Often, the right answer is the last one standing.

  • Rule out answers that contradict the passage.
  • Look for subtle differences in wording.
  • Trust evidence from the text, not your memory.

Examples

  • Cross out any answer that uses words like 'always' or 'never' if the passage isn’t that absolute.

  • Eliminate choices that mention details not found in the text.

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Time Management on the PSAT