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 |
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 |
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% |
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) |