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...
Practical Applications

Understanding Media and Advertising

Spotting Hidden Messages

Advertisements, social media posts, and news often use persuasive techniques. Critical reading helps you see what's being claimed—and what's being left out.

  • Identify the purpose (to sell, inform, or entertain).
  • Evaluate the evidence for the claims.
  • Watch for emotional language and bias.

Real-World Benefit

These skills help you make better decisions about what to believe (and what to buy).

Examples

  • Analyzing a commercial to see if its claims are supported by facts.

  • Interpreting the tone of a social media post to decide if it's trustworthy.

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Active Reading Techniques