Transcript http://www.petersons.com/college-search/free-psat

THE PSAT
WHAT IS IN IT FOR
YOU?
WHAT CAN YOU
GAIN FROM IT?
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE
ABOUT THE PSAT?
 This gives you first hand experience in taking a standardized test.
 Taking the PSAT will also help you with dealing with strict time
limits.
 This helps you gauge how well you’ll do on the SAT and compare
your skill level with other students nationwide.
 According to recent studies, students who take the PSAT as a
sophomore or junior score 233 points higher on their SAT.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE
ABOUT THE PSAT?
 Helps you create a plan to succeed when taking the SAT.
 You have the chance to qualify for scholarships and recognition
programs such as the National Honor Society.
 You can earn up to $2,500.00 dollars in scholarships.
 Helps you figure out a possible career path based on what areas
you are strong in.
WHAT IS ON THE PSAT?
 Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections.
 Two 25 minute Math sections- Able to use a calculator.
 One 30 minute Writing Skills section.
 The entire test lasts two hours and ten minutes.
 While taking the test, it is more important to focus on the subject
area as opposed to the time limits.
CRITICAL READING
 This section is broken down into parts which consist of “sentence
completion” and “passage-based readings.”
 There are 13 sentence completion questions in this section.
• Tips:
• Read the entire sentence to yourself
• Be mindful of connecting words such as “but”, “not”, or “because.”
• In sentences containing two blanks, make sure the answers make
sense for both blanks.
• Before marking your answer, read the complete sentence to yourself.
CRITICAL READING
 There are 35 “passage-based reading questions.
• Tips:
• Do not skip introductions to passages.
• Read each passage and any related information.
• Make notes for yourself but do not devote too much time to
this.
• Select the choice that best answers the question asked. Don’t
select just because it is a true statement.
• It could be beneficial to read through the questions first before
reading the passage.
CRITICAL READING
 Example of Sentence Completion:
• The practice of storytelling for entertainment and instruction was at
one time so widespread that it was virtually ---- .
(A) rigorous
(B) universal
(C) elevating
(D) uncommon
(E) unknown
MATH
 There will be two 25-minute math sections which will total 38
questions.
• One section will consist of 28 multiple-choice math questions.
• The second section will consist of 10 student-produced
responses.
 Tips:
• Look at the answer choices before you begin to work on each
question.
• Read each question carefully, don’t let the form of the questions
keep you from answering it.
• If you do not see your answer, try writing it in a different format.
MATH
 Sample question for the multiple choice portion of the test:
• If xy = 2 and xy 2 = 8, what is the value of x ?
(A) 1/2
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 8
(E) 16
(from the October 17, 1998 test)
WRITING SKILLS
 Tips:
• Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly.
• Look at all the choices (A through D) to see whether
anything needs to be changed.
• Don’t waste time searching for errors in the sentences.
(If you notice there are not errors, select answer E)
• Choose the best answer from among the choices given,
even if you can imagine another correct response.
WRITING SKILLS
Sample Question:
• Gordon Parks is almost as skillful a writer as he is a
director.
• (A) almost as skillful a writer as he is a director
(B) almost equally skilled, whether a writer or a director
(C) of the same skill as a writer and as a director, almost
(D) a skillful director, with almost as much skill in
writing
(E) skilled as a director and almost so skilled in writing
TEST PREPARATION
 Take multiple practice tests leading up to the test date.
 When taking the practice tests, work on each section separately.
Specifically block off individual times to take Critical Reading, Math, and
Writing Skills.
 You can find practice tests online. http://www.petersons.com/collegesearch/free-psat-practice-test.aspx
 You can find a different sample question every day online.
http://www.collegeboard.com
TEST PREPARATION
 Before the test date, learn the directions to each section. How
could this benefit you?
 Instead of using scratch paper, use your test book to work out
answers.
 Try educated guessing- Who can tell me what this means?
 You’re better off leaving an answer blank as opposed to taking a
uneducated guess for a question you don’t know the answer to.
TEST PREPARATION
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IMPORTANT DATES
 The PSAT test dates are Wednesday October 17th and
Saturday October 20th which you will take in school during the
day.
 On average, you will receive your test results approximately
in a month or month and a half. (I’m not sure on this so any
clarification would be appreciated.)
BEFORE THE TEST
In your opinion, what are some things to
do the night before the test?
What should you do the morning of the
test?
BEFORE THE TEST
 Make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before. This will
ensure that you are focused and not tired while taking the test. You
don’t want this to be you. --------->>>>
 It is imperative to eat a light dinner the night before and eat a light
but filling breakfast. (I.E. Yogurt, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fruit)
THE BIG DAY
 What to bring:
• Two No. 2 pencils
• An approved calculator
• UCTECH school issued I.D.
 Do not bring:
• Any kind of alarm clock
• Cell phone, Smart phone, Tablet, IPod, or Laptops (No one wants to hear
your new ‘hot’ ringtone or cool notification sound while taking the test.)
• Dictionaries or any other books
• Food and beverages unless there is a medical reason why you need it. In
this situation, we need a doctor’s note.
QUESTIONS?