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...
Advanced Topics

Interpreting Vocabulary in Context

Unlocking Tricky Words

The PSAT often tests your ability to figure out the meaning of a word based on how it's used. Even if you don't know the word, you can often guess its meaning from context.

Strategies

  • Look at the sentence before and after the word.
  • Check for explanations, synonyms, or contrasts nearby.
  • Replace the word with your own guess and see if the sentence still makes sense.

Why It Matters

These skills help you tackle unfamiliar vocabulary on the test—and in real life, too!

Examples

  • The word 'elated' in a passage about winning a prize probably means 'very happy.'

  • If a character is 'meticulous' and checks their work twice, the word likely means 'careful.'

In a Nutshell

Learn how to use sentence clues to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Key Terms

Context Clues
Hints in the surrounding text that help define unfamiliar words.
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Evaluating Evidence and Arguments