Compare PSAT 8/9 to PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT: Writing and Language

Compare Writing and Language content in the PSAT 8/9 to the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT to help understand how to use the assessments over time.

Issue PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
Time Allotted 30 minutes 35 minutes
Passage Word Count 1,500 words total from 4 passages; 350–400 words per passage 1,700 words total from 4 passages; 400–450 words per passage
Questions Number % of Test Number % of Test
Total 40 100% 44 100%
Expression of Ideas 24 60% 24 55%
Standard English Conventions 16 40% 20 45%
Words in Context* 8 20% 8 18%
Command of Evidence* 8 20% 8 18%
Analysis in History/Social Studies** 6 13% 6 14%
Analysis in Science** 6 13% 6 14%
*Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests
**Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests
Passage Contents
Issue PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
Element Number % of Test Number % of Test
Careers 1 passage; 10 questions 25% 1 passage; 11 questions 25%
History/Social Studies 1 passage; 10 questions 25% 1 passage; 11 questions 25%
Humanities 1 passage; 10 questions 25% 1 passage; 11 questions 25%
Science 1 passage; 10 questions 25% 1 passage; 11 questions 25%
Graphics Number Number
1 or more graphics in 1 or more passages, questions, or both 1 or more graphics in 1 or more passages, questions, or both
Text Types
Issue PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
Element Number % of Test Number % of Test
Argument 1 passage 25% 1–2 passages 25%–50%
Informative/Explanatory Text 2 passages 50% 1–2 passages 25%–50%
Nonfiction Narrative 1 passage 25% 1 passage 25%
Text and Graphical Complexity
Issue PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
Text Complexity A range from grades 6–10 across 4 passages A range from grades 9 or 10 to first year of college across 4 passages
Graphical Data Representations
(tables, graphs, charts, etc.)
Basic Basic to somewhat challenging (low to moderate data density, few variables, simple to moderately challenging interactions)