Compare PSAT/NMSQT and SAT: Reading

**Comparison of the Reading Test Content Specifications: Redesigned SAT and PSAT/NMSQT**
Element	Redesigned SAT		Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT
Time Allotted	65 minutes		60 minutes
Passage Word Count	3,250 words total from 4 single passages and 1 pair; 500–750 words per passage or paired set		3,000 words total from 4 single passages and 1 pair; 500–750 words per passage or paired set
Questions	Number	% of Test	Number	% of Test
Total	52	100%	47	100%
Words in Context (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests)	10 questions	19%	10 questions	21%
Command of Evidence (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests)	10 questions	19%	10 questions	21%
Analysis in History/Social Studies (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests)	21 questions	40%	19 questions	40%
Analysis in Science (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests)	21 questions	40%	19 questions	40%
Passage Contents	Number	% of Test	Number	% of Test
U.S. and World Literature	1 passage; 10 questions	20%	1 passage; 9 questions	20%
History/Social Studies	2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair	40%	2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair	40%
Science	2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair	40%	2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair	40%
Graphics	Number		Number
Graphics	1–2 graphics in 1 History/Social Studies and 1 Science passage		1–2 graphics in 1 History/Social Studies and 1 Science passage
Text and Graphical Complexity
Text Complexity	A range from grades 9–10 to postsecondary entry across 4 passages and 1 pair		A range from grades 9–10 to postsecondary entry across 4 passages and 1 pair
Graphical Data Representations (tables, graphs, charts, etc.)	Somewhat challenging to challenging (moderate to moderately high data density, few to several variables, moderately challenging to moderately complex interactions)		Somewhat challenging to challenging (moderate to moderately high data density, few to several variables, moderately challenging to moderately complex interactions)