PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) Reading and Craft & Structure Syllabus

Reading and Craft & Structure syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Reading and Craft & Structure in PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Words in Context

   3 topics

   • High-Utility Academic Vocabulary
     • Determining word meaning from surrounding sentences
     • Multiple-meaning words and their precise sense
   • Completing Sentences with Precise Words
     • Matching connotation and register to context
     • Filling blanks with the logically required word
   • Tone and Word Choice Effects
     • How diction shapes meaning
2. 2

   Text Structure and Purpose

   3 topics

   • Identifying the Overall Structure of a Text
     • Cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution
     • Chronological and logical sequencing
   • Determining the Main Purpose of a Passage
     • To inform, persuade, describe, or argue
   • Function of a Specific Sentence or Phrase
     • Role of an underlined portion within the whole
     • Transitions as structural signals
3. 3

   Cross-Text Connections

   3 topics

   • Comparing Two Related Short Passages
     • Identifying points of agreement
     • Identifying points of disagreement
   • Synthesizing Authors' Viewpoints
     • How one author would respond to another
     • Relating evidence across paired texts
   • Perspective and Stance
     • Distinguishing author claims from cited views

Reading and Craft & Structure flashcards for PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

18 of 50 cards from the Reading and Craft & Structure deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In SAT/PSAT vocabulary, what does the word "ambivalent" mean?

   Having mixed or conflicting feelings about something; uncertain or undecided between two options.

2. Define the high-utility academic word "undermine" as used in PSAT passages.

   To weaken, damage, or gradually erode the strength, effectiveness, or validity of something.

3. What does "nuanced" mean in academic reading contexts?

   Characterized by subtle, fine distinctions or shades of meaning rather than being simple or one-sided.

4. Define "substantiate" as it appears in PSAT Reading questions.

   To provide evidence that supports or proves the truth of a claim or statement.

5. What does the academic word "arbitrary" mean?

   Based on random choice or personal whim rather than on reason, system, or principle.

6. Define "skeptical" as commonly tested on the PSAT.

   Doubtful or not easily convinced; inclined to question claims rather than accept them.

7. What does "ubiquitous" mean?

   Present, appearing, or found everywhere; extremely common or widespread.

8. Define the word "empirical" as used in scientific passages.

   Based on observation, experiment, or direct experience rather than on theory alone.

9. What does "viable" mean in academic usage?

   Capable of working successfully; feasible or practical.

10. Define "paradox" as a literary/academic term.

    A statement or situation that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may reveal an underlying truth.

11. On the PSAT "Words in Context" questions, what is the single best strategy for choosing the precise word?

    Read the surrounding sentence(s) for contextual clues, predict your own word for the blank, then match the answer choice closest to your prediction.

12. In a sentence-completion item, what role do transition words like "however," "despite," or "although" play?

    They signal a contrast or reversal, so the correct word should oppose the idea in the other part of the sentence.

13. In sentence completion, what do continuation signals like "moreover," "furthermore," and "in addition" indicate about the missing word?

    They signal agreement or continuation, so the correct word should align with and extend the surrounding idea.

14. Why should you avoid picking a vocabulary answer just because it is the most difficult or unfamiliar word?

    The PSAT tests precise meaning in context; the hardest word is often a trap. The correct choice is the one whose definition fits the sentence's logic, regardless of difficulty.

15. When two answer choices are near-synonyms in a Words-in-Context question, how do you decide between them?

    Check connotation and exact fit: choose the word whose subtle shade of meaning matches the sentence's tone and logic; if both fit equally, neither is correct, so re-read for a distinguishing clue.

16. What is "connotation" and why does it matter for word-choice questions?

    Connotation is the emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal definition (denotation); it determines whether a word feels positive, negative, or neutral in context.

17. What is "tone" in a reading passage?

    The author's attitude or feeling toward the subject, conveyed through word choice, style, and details.

18. Name three common tone words and what they describe: "critical," "admiring," and "objective."

    Critical = disapproving/finding fault; Admiring = approving/expressing respect; Objective = neutral/factual without personal feeling.

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