Session 1: Reading PSAT SKILLS REVIEW

Overview of Sections/Question Types: PSAT Section 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 expression Grammar and usage errors Revising Writing

Today’s Focus: Critical Reading Careful Reading of “Critical Reading” Item Stems Careful Reading of “Writing” Item Stems Coding Item Stems Vocabulary Development Passages: Vocabulary Meaning in Context Vocabulary Sentence Completion

Careful Reading of Item Stems 1/3 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 Stems Homework: pp (1-15) Quick Check and Questions In class practice: pp (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 Stems This will help you with “Improving Paragraphs” and “Essay Prompts” on the writing sections. Homework: pp (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 Comprehension Most 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 Items 1. 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 Comprehension 1. General Theme – Main Idea 2. Specific Points- Explicit Detail, Vocabulary, Development 3. Evaluation- Implied Idea, Application, Voice

Coding Stems on PSAT Form S Groups of 3-4/Timed Competition Pages 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 that you already know. Figure out “tricks” for certain words. Think through context and double check meanings Pay attention to vocabulary in AP Language and Comp next fall!

Vocabulary Homework: pp (1-10) Context and pp (1-12) Sentence Completion Group challenge: pp Flexibility- give three words for each Fluency- do as many as you can working together