PSAT Structure The Format Of The Test

If you are planning to take the PSAT it is good to understand the structure of the exam. Understanding the exam helps you prepare strategically and focus on your weak areas. Moreover, the fall of 2015 will see a new, redesigned PSAT. Let us now look at some of the details of PSAT structure. The new SAT will test your skills in evidence based reading and writing, along with math. The test is 35 minutes longer than the older PSAT and will last 2 hours and 45 minutes. The exam has a continued emphasis on reasoning and skills that are important for college and career readiness. Unlike the previous PSAT, there are no points deduced for wrong answers. PSAT is moving closer to the SAT. The scoring pattern also borrows components from the new SAT. This scale range is 400-1600 for the total score. The section scores have follow a 200-800 range whereas 10-40 is followed for test scores. Here is a closer look at the PSAT structure The evidence-based reading section is 60 minutes long and covers 47 questions. It presents 5 reading passages. The contents range from US and World Literature, History/Social Studies and Science. The test takers are required to answer questions based on the conclusions from the passages, make inferences and identify the words in context. The history/social studies and science passages can also contain graphical questions. The writing and language section of the PSAT is 35 minutes long and covers 44 questions. The passage content can range from careers, history/social studies, humanities and science. In this section, you will have to check and correct areas such as grammar, usage and punctuations in the passage. The math section of PSAT is 70 minutes long – 45 minutes with calculator and 25 without one. Test takers have to face 47 questions. It focuses on algebraic problems, problem solving and data analysis and some advanced math. You will face two types of questions in this section. One is the typical multiple choice question where students are required to choose the correct answer. The other type is the grid-in questions where students have to enter an answer. PSAT, as we said before, is moving closer to the new SAT. Getting a high score will keep you in good stead for the actual SAT. So, go ahead and give it your best shot! Start Preparing.