PSAT Critical Reading

Master the skills to understand, analyze, and interpret reading passages on the PSAT.

Understanding Passage TypesFinding Main IdeasMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author's Purpose and ToneInterpreting Evidence and DataUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Applying Critical Reading in Everyday LifeEvaluating Arguments and ClaimsSynthesizing Information from Multiple Sources
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management on the TestEliminating Wrong Answers
Understanding Passag...Finding Main IdeasMaking InferencesAnalyzing Author's P...Interpreting Evidenc...Understanding Vocabu...Applying Critical Re...Evaluating Arguments...Synthesizing Informa...Active Reading Techn...Time Management on t...Eliminating Wrong An...
Advanced Topics

Understanding Vocabulary in Context

More Than Definitions

Vocabulary-in-context questions ask what a word or phrase means as used in the passage. Sometimes, words have special meanings in different contexts.

Steps to Success

  • Reread the Sentence: See how the word fits.
  • Check Surrounding Words: Nearby clues often reveal the meaning.
  • Plug In Your Own Word: Substitute your guess and see if it makes sense.

Beyond the Test

Mastering context clues helps you understand new words in books, instructions, or conversations.

Examples

  • The word ‘volatile’ in a science passage means ‘unstable’ rather than ‘angry’.

  • ‘Novel’ in a research context means ‘new’ rather than ‘book’.

In a Nutshell

Decoding words in context helps you understand passages and learn new vocabulary naturally.

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Applying Critical Reading in Everyday Life