PSAT & TJ Test Prep: Tips and Strategies Seneca Ridge Middle School May 12, 2014 Created by: Cheryl Golden Diane Scott Claudia Allen-Williams

TJ vs AOS Test Similarities TJ Differences AOS Differences 2 hrs for math and verbal sections Can move back and forth between sections No calculators Must write essay in Pen Scrambled Paragraphs Logical reasoning questions Each section has different time frame No returning to previous section or working ahead Grammar section No logical reasoning Use of calculator Grid –in section of math lose ¼ point for incorrect answer Math (Algebra and Geometry) Reading passages Multiple Choice Questions Essay writing Organization of paragraphs Timed

What is the PSAT/NMSQT? It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT, gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and the application test when applying to AOS.

Know the AOS Test The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections Two 25-minute critical reading sections (sections 1 & 3) Two 25-minute math sections (sections 2 & 4) One 30-minute writing skills section (section 5) AOS adds a 30 minute timed writing prompt

Know the TJ Test The TJ test is a two hour standardized test 45 verbal questions 5 scrambled paragraph exercises 15 logical reasoning questions 5 reading passages with 5 questions each 50 multiple-choice math word and computational problems

Know the TJ Test cont. SIS (Student Information Sheet) 10 minute break Three questions for TJ to learn more about the student 90 minutes to answer the questions Each can only be 1650 characters or about 380 words. 10 minute break One thirty minute essay portion One real-world problem solving prompt with ethical component

General Tips Learn the directions ahead of time Take practice timed tests Know the topics/sections of the test Learn the directions ahead of time Keep track of the time Can’t flip between sections on PSAT but can on TJ Can flip back and forth within a section Skip hard ones and come back to them Mark answers in testing booklet and grid five or more answers at a time Beware of answers being TOO easy – read carefully Cover the answer choices and predict the answer Don’t spend too much time on any one question - don’t 2nd guess yourself

Scoring 1 point for each correct answer -1/4 of a point for each wrong answer - PSAT 0 point for skipped questions 0 point for wrong answers on the Grid-in - PSAT 50/50 guessing

Math Strategies –PSAT Take practice timed tests Know the sub-topics/sections of the test 25 minutes each 28 Regular multiple choice 10 Grid-in Two types: Multiple choice Self-answer Grid-in– Never skip the Grid-in Questions (you can only earn points) Arranged easiest to hardest

Math Strategies –TJ Take practice timed tests Know the sub-topics/sections of the test 50 questions Approximately 1 hour Types: Multiple choice Computational Word Problems

Math Tips Review Algebra I and Geometry skills Formulas are provided at the beginning of all math sections Review common math terms such as quotient, absolute value, prime, variable etc. PSAT – calculators allowed – but not necessary TJ – NO calculators allowed

Reading Strategies- PSAT Take practice timed tests Know the sub-topics/sections of the test PSAT 25 minutes each 13 Sentence Completion (single and double blanks) 35 Reading Comprehension including short, long and paired-passage sets Subjects include biographies, historical events, descriptions of scientific phenomena, art, music or human interest stories Read a variety of genres in preparation

Reading Strategies - TJ Take practice timed test Know what the section includes 5 passages of 350-450 words 5 multiple choice questions for EACH passage Subjects include biographies, historical events, descriptions of scientific phenomena, art, music or human interest stories One question will always be main idea Other questions will be about factual details and making inferences Read a variety of genres in preparation

Reading Tips Positive/Negative Charges to a word Parts of speech Identify roots, prefixes and suffixes Context Clues Sentence Completion easiest to hardest - PSAT Reading Comprehension – NOT in order of difficulty

Writing Strategies Take practice timed tests Know the sub-topics/sections of the test TJ Within 2 hrs Scrambled Paragraphs No Grammar questions PSAT 30 minutes 20 Improving Sentences 14 Identifying Sentence Errors 5 Improving Paragraphs

Writing/Grammar Tips PSAT Sentence Errors and Improving Sentences - arranged easiest to hardest within each section PSAT Improving Paragraphs– NOT in order of difficulty Write daily (journaling) Read a variety of genres especially non-fiction/informational texts (The New Yorker, Smithsonian, The New York Review of Books, National Geographic, Natural History, Harper’s Magazine)

Verbal Reasoning Tips This section assesses your ability to reason logically. Don’t jump to conclusions Best strategy is to read carefully Look for relationships/positions of things or people

Scrambled Paragraph Tips TJ – review how paragraphs are set up (topic sentences, supporting details, transition words, conclusion or transition sentences) Scrambled paragraphs are worth double what other questions are worth All five sentences in scrambled paragraphs must be in the correct order – no partial credit is given

Essay Strategies Practice writing to a prompt timed (30 minutes) PSAT – 1 Essay (Not an official part of the PSAT/NMSQT by College Board) TJ – 1 Essays Practice writing to a prompt timed (30 minutes) 1 minute read the prompt 5 minutes plan your essay 20 minutes write your essay 4 minutes review/re-read for errors/additions Write it like you would write the essay for the SAT (three practice prompts are on the school website) Stay on topic and support with evidence from : reading, studies, observations, experiences, literature, history , the arts, science, technology or current events 3-5 paragraphs

Q & A