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

Making Inferences

What is an Inference?

An inference is a conclusion you draw based on evidence in the text and your own reasoning. The PSAT loves to ask questions that require you to "read between the lines"!

How to Infer

  • Combine clues from the passage with what you already know.
  • Look for unstated ideas that make the passage make sense as a whole.

Steps to Practice

  1. Read the passage carefully.
  2. Ask yourself: "What is the author hinting at, but not saying directly?"
  3. Eliminate obviously wrong choices in inference questions.

Real-World Value

Inference skills help you understand people’s motives, spot fake news, and read between the lines in everyday situations.

Examples

  • A passage says a character 'stared longingly at the trophy.' You can infer they want to win.

  • If a writer describes rain tapping against windows and people huddled inside, you can infer it’s cold or stormy outside.

In a Nutshell

Learn to figure out what the text suggests, even if it's not directly stated.

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Analyzing Author’s Purpose and Tone