Basic Concepts
Understanding Passage Types
What Kinds of Passages Will You See?
The PSAT Critical Reading section features a variety of passage types. You'll encounter literature, historical texts, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each has its own style, vocabulary, and tone.
- Literary Passages: These come from novels, short stories, or memoirs and focus on characters, themes, and narrative style.
- Historical Texts: Excerpts from speeches, essays, or documents that require you to grasp arguments and context.
- Social Sciences: Passages about psychology, anthropology, or sociology, often presenting studies or theories.
- Natural Sciences: Discuss discoveries, experiments, or explanations in fields like biology, chemistry, or physics.
Knowing these types helps you approach each passage with the right mindset.
Why It Matters
Recognizing the passage type quickly lets you predict what information to look for and how to read efficiently.
Tips for Each Passage
- Skim the first few sentences for context.
- Notice the tone: Is it formal, informal, persuasive, or narrative?
- Watch for author’s purpose clues.
Examples
A passage from a novel describing a character’s emotions.
An excerpt from a historical speech analyzing the speaker’s argument.
In a Nutshell
Identifying passage types prepares you to read with the right focus.