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

Time Management on the PSAT

Beat the Clock

The PSAT is timed, so pacing is important. Don’t get stuck on one tough question—move on and come back if you have time. Skim passages first to get the gist, then dive deeper as you answer questions.

  • Spend no more than a minute per question on your first pass.
  • Mark tough questions and return to them after finishing the section.
  • Practice with a timer to build your speed.

Examples

  • Skip a confusing question and answer all the easy ones first.

  • Glance at the questions before reading the passage to know what to look for.