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
Passage Contents
  SAT PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
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
Text Types
  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%
Text and Graphical Complexity
  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)