PSAT Reading Comprehension Techniques

Understanding the PSAT Reading Section

The PSAT Reading section includes one long section:

• 47 multiple-choice questions
• 60 minutes total
• 5 passages from U.S. and world literature, history/social studies, and science

Each passage (or pair of passages) is followed by 9–11 questions testing your understanding of central ideas, textual evidence, word meaning, and structure.

1. Read the Questions First (Strategically)

Before reading the full passage, glance at the questions—not to answer them right away, but to know what to look for. Focus especially on:

• Line reference questions (“In line 23, the word ‘elaborate’ most nearly means…”)
• Main idea or tone questions
• Questions asking for function (e.g., “What is the effect of paragraph 2?”)

2. Use Active Reading Techniques

Don’t passively read the passage. Stay engaged with active strategies:

• Underline key phrases: Author’s thesis, opinions, shifts in argument
• Note tone and structure: Is the author analytical, critical, supportive?
• Summarize as you go: After each paragraph, briefly summarize in your head

3. Identify the Main Idea Quickly

Almost every passage has a core idea or purpose. Ask yourself:

• Why did the author write this?
• What is the central message or claim?
• Is the passage informing, persuading, analyzing, or narrating?

4. Master “Command of Evidence” Questions

These questions ask you to select a line or lines that best support your answer to a previous question. Tackle them like this:

• Answer the first question independently before looking at evidence choices
• Re-read all line references carefully
• Look for direct support—not loose associations

5. Handle Paired Passages Efficiently

On the PSAT, one passage set may involve a pair of texts. These compare two authors’ views on a topic. Strategy:

• Read Passage 1 and answer its questions
• Then read Passage 2 and answer its questions
• Finally, tackle comparison questions (e.g., “How would author A respond to author B?”)

6. Understand the Types of Questions

Familiarity with common question types will improve your confidence:

• Main Idea: Central message or claim
• Vocabulary in Context: Understand the word’s meaning based on how it's used
• Function: Why is a sentence or paragraph included?
• Inference: What’s implied but not directly stated?
• Evidence: Find proof to support a previous answer
• Author’s Technique: Use of rhetorical devices, tone, point of view

7. Don’t Get Tricked by Attractive Wrong Answers

Wrong answer choices are often close to correct—but slightly off. Avoid them by:

• Going back to the passage for proof
• Eliminating answers with extreme wording (e.g., “always,” “never”)
• Avoiding answers that are true but not relevant to the question

8. Learn to Pace Yourself

You have 60 minutes for 5 passages—about 12 minutes per passage. Strategy:

• Spend 3–4 minutes reading each passage
• Answer questions in order, but skip tough ones and return later
• Use process of elimination to narrow down choices quickly

9. Practice with Purpose

Use high-quality practice materials. After each reading set:

• Review all wrong and right answers
• Ask: Why was this correct? Why were others wrong?
• Keep a reading mistake log for review

10. Improve Your Reading Stamina

The PSAT requires reading dense material for a full hour. Build your stamina by:

• Reading non-fiction articles from sources like The Atlantic or Scientific American
• Setting a timer and reading under timed conditions
• Summarizing what you read to improve retention

Tips for Test Day

• Bring a wristwatch to manage time (if allowed)
• Mark skipped questions to return to them later
• Use your test booklet to underline and annotate passages
• Don’t panic if a passage is boring—focus on the structure

Final Thoughts

Reading comprehension isn’t about reading fast—it’s about reading smart. With the right techniques, strategies, and practice habits, you can turn PSAT Reading into one of your strongest sections. Focus on staying engaged with the passage, eliminating trap answers, and supporting every choice with evidence from the text.