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PSAT/NMSQT
Two 25
minute VERBAL sections = 52 questions
13 Sentence Completions
13 Analogies
26 Critical reading questions
Two 25
minute MATH sections = 40 questions
20 Regular multiple choice
12 Quantitative comparisons
8 Student?produced responses or grid?ins
One 30
minute WRITING SKILLS section = 39 questions
19 Identifying sentence errors
14 Improving sentences
6 Improving paragraph questions
The format ans substance of the
questions are the same for the PSAT as the SAT except for the Writing Skill
questions.
We've listed the most common errors
below.
WRITING SKILLS SECTION
FIND THE ERROR (almost half - 19 of 39)
1. The
error must be in the underlined portion
2. Don't
worry about improvements - just find the error
3. Use your
ear - no correction or explanation is necessary
4. 10 -
20% of the time the sentence is correct
Common Errors to look for
* Subject
- verb agreement
Ex. Every one of you is (not are) invited to the performance.
* Pronoun
- antecedent problems
Ex. An outstanding trait of primitive man was his (not their) belief in superstitions.
_ * Misuse of adjectives
Ex. I sometimes forget basic mathematical principles.
NOT: I sometimes forget basic mathematics principles.
* Dangling modifiers
Ex Errors: Prepare to make an incision in the abdomen as soon as completely
anesthetized.
OR: When only a small boy, my father took me with him to Denver.
SENTENCE CORRECTION
1. Choose
the best from 5 choices
2. Ignore
choices that repeat obvious errors you see in the underlined portion
3. If you
don't see the error in the underlined portion, look for the changes in the answers
that points out the error in the underlined portion
4. Make
sure all parts of the sentence are logically connected (overuse of "and" is
a frequent error)
5. Make
sure parallel structure exists
6. Attend
to shorter answers. (Paragraph Correction too) Good writing is economical
PARAGRAPH CORRECTION
You will
find a flawed essay w/six questions. You select the answer in which you:
- best rewrite and combine portions of 2 separate sentences
- show where in the essay a sentence best fits
- choose what sort of information would strengthen the writer's argument
1. Read
the passage first then go to the questions
2. Go to
improving individual sentences first (takes less time), then look to strengthening
the passage
3. Consider
whether the addition of transitions would provide:
Contrast-
although, despite, however, in contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the
other hand
Support
- additionally, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover
Cause &
effect - accordingly, as a result of, because, consequently, hence, therefore,
thus
4. Refer to the passage with the questions
COMMON GRAMMAR & USAGE ERRORS
1. The
run -on sentence
Ex. The current was swift he could not swim to shore.
2. Sentence
fragment
Ex. I made little progress. Finally giving up all my efforts.
3. Error
in the case of a noun or pronoun
Ex. He gave the car to my father and I.
4. Error
in subject - verb agreement
Ex. The risk of the workers seem great.
5. Error
in pronoun - antecedent agreement
Ex. An outstanding trait of primitive man was his (not their) belief in superstitions.
6. Error
in the tense or form of a verb
Ex. He saw (not seen) me yesterday.
7. Failure
to use the subjunctive mood
Ex. If the apple were ripe, it would be good.
8. Error in comparison
9. Misuse
of adjectives and adverbs
Ex. I sometimes forget basic mathematical principles. NOT: I sometimes
forget basic mathematics principles.
10. Dangling
modifiers
Ex. Prepare to make an incision in the abdomen as soon as completely anesthetized.
OR: When only a small boy, my father took me with him to Denver.
11. Parallel
structure
Ex. The boys played with tennis racquets. (NOT a tennis racquet)
12. Error
in diction or idiom
Ex. He is ( NOT are) going to watch the football game.