session 1: reading psat skills review. overview of sections/question types: psat section 1: critical...
TRANSCRIPT
Overview of Sections/Question Types: PSATSection 1: Critical Reading (25 minutes/24
questions)Sentence completion/vocabulary in context (8)Reading comprehension (16)
Section 2: Math (25 minutes/20 questions) Section 3: Critical Reading (25 minutes/24
questions)Sentence completion/vocabulary in context (5)Reading comprehension (19)
Section 4: Math (25 minutes/18 questions)Section 5: Writing Skills (30 minutes/39 questions)
Correctness and effectiveness of expressionGrammar and usage errorsRevising Writing
Today’s Focus: Critical ReadingCareful Reading of “Critical Reading” Item
StemsCareful Reading of “Writing” Item StemsCoding Item StemsVocabulary DevelopmentPassages: Vocabulary Meaning in ContextVocabulary Sentence Completion
Careful Reading of Item Stems1/3 of the time, questions answered
incorrectly because student misinterpreted the item
You MUST read the item carefully and correctly, or you will get it wrong, even if you know the material.
The ability to focus on each question and read with precision will help you on ALL areas of the test.
Understanding what the question is asking can be practiced by analyzing question stems.
Careful Reading of Critical Reading: Passage Item StemsHomework: pp. 40-41 (1-15) Quick Check
and QuestionsIn class practice: pp. 42-43 (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
5 minutes-GO!
What patterns do you see in the types of questions? How can this help you as you are reading?
Careful Reading of Writing Item StemsThis will help you with “Improving
Paragraphs” and “Essay Prompts” on the writing sections.
Homework: pp. 52-53 (1-10) Quick Check and Questions
What patterns do you see among the questions? What do you need to practice or learn to answer these types of questions?
Critical Reading: Reading ComprehensionMost students are pressed for time on these
sections.Time can be saved by looking for correct answers
as you read the passage for the first time.This type of reading requires answering questions
at a rate of less than one per minute.It is recommended that you do a careful reading
of the passage (not skimming).Knowing the correct item-type can help you know
the characteristics you are looking for in the correct answer and the strategy to use to find it.
Seven Types of Critical Reading Items1. Main Idea- What is the unifying theme?2. Explicit Detail- What is explicitly
mentioned?3. Vocabulary- How are certain words used?4. Development- How are ideas constructed
and arranged?5. Implied Idea- What can be inferred?6. Application- How can the information be
applied to new situations?7. Voice- What does the writer reveal through
attitude, tone, or voice?
Three Levels of Reading Comprehension1. General Theme – Main Idea
2. Specific Points- Explicit Detail, Vocabulary, Development
3. Evaluation- Implied Idea, Application, Voice
Coding Stems on PSAT Form SGroups of 3-4/Timed CompetitionPages 4-5 in test booklet (#s 13-22) 10
minutes- GO!Quick Check- Winners!
Questions?Reflection: How can knowing the item-
types and comprehension levels being tested help you on the Critical Reading passages?
Vocabulary!Can be learned through direct instruction, but words
don’t “stick” until you’ve read them (or used them!) multiple times.
Can use word parts and context clues to infer meaning.Can use logical structure of a sentence to predict
appropriate words.
SUGGESTIONS:Read, read, READ! Highlight word parts/words on pages 59-75 that you
already know. Figure out “tricks” for certain words.Think through context and double check meaningsPay attention to vocabulary in AP Language and Comp next
fall!