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