Transcript PSAT SKILLS REVIEW

PSAT SKILLS REVIEW
Session 1: Reading
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. 40-41 (1-15) Quick Check and Questions
 In class practice: pp. 42-43 (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. 52-53 (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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Main Idea-What is the unifying theme?
Explicit Detail- What is explicitly mentioned?
Vocabulary- How are certain words used?
Development- How are ideas constructed and arranged?
Implied Idea-What can be inferred?
Application- How can the information be applied to new
situations?
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:
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Read, read, READ!
Highlight word parts/words on pages 59-75 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. 76-77 (1-10) Context and pp. 78-79 (1-12)
Sentence Completion
 Group challenge: pp 80-81
 Flexibility- give three words for each
 Fluency- do as many as you can working together