Prepare for the PSAT 8/9®:
A Step to the Future
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A Brief Overview of the Presentation
Notify students and parents about the PSAT/NMSQT ®:
 What is the PSAT 8/9?
 Skills Tested on the PSAT
8/9
 Test Preparation
Strategies
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What is the PSAT 8/9?
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What is the PSAT 8/9®?
 The PSAT 8/9 is an assessment given to 8th and
9th grade students that is closely aligned to the
PSAT/NMSQT.
 Consists of questions in Evidence-Based
Reading and Writing and Math.
 The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and
knowledge as the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT, but
the questions are at the 9th grade level.
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Benefits of the PSAT 8/9®
 Establishes a baseline for students as they enter high
school and begin to prepare for T24 readiness.
 Gives students a chance to preview (without pressure)
the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT.
 Once students receive their test results they can connect
to the Khan Academy to get free personalized study
recommendations for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT.
 Students receive feedback on skills they need to work on
for continued success through high school and college.
 The PSAT 8/9 identifies academic strength areas.
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What Skills are Tested on the PSAT
8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 is highly relevant to your future
success. Specifically, it measures:
• What you learn in school
• What you need to succeed in any T24 option
There are 2 major components of the test:
• Evidence- Based Reading and Writing –
Reading Test and Writing and Language Test
• Math
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Reading Test
What the Reading Test is Like:
The Reading test will focus on the ability to:
 Use context clues in a passage to figure out which meaning of a word
or phrase is being used.
 Decide how an author’s word choice shapes meaning, style, and tone.
The Reading Test always includes:
 One passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or World
Literature.
 One passage from a U.S. founding document or a text in the great
global conversation they inspired.
 A selection about economics, psychology, sociology or some other
social science.
 Two science passages that examine foundational concepts and
developments in Earth Science, biology, chemistry or physics.
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Mathematics Test
The Math test covers a range of math practices with an
emphasis on problem solving, modeling, using tools
strategically and using algebraic structure.
Quick Facts:
 Most math questions will be multiple choice, but
some ask you to come up with the answer rather
than select the answer. These are called “grid-ins”.
 The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math test
with calculator and math test without a calculator.
 Some parts of the test include several questions
about a single scenario.
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Calculators are Encouraged
A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended.
Bring a familiar calculator. Test day is not the time
to figure out how to use a new calculator.
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Writing Test
The Writing and Language Test will ask students to:
• Read.
• Find mistakes and weaknesses.
• Correct the mistakes.
Quick Facts:
• All questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
• Some passages have informational graphs.
• The test measures:
• Command of Evidence
• Words in Context
• Analysis in History and Science
• Expression of Ideas
• Standard English Conventions
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Test Preparation Strategies
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How to prepare for the PSAT 8/9
The best way to prepare is to:
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Take challenging courses.
Do your homework.
Prepare for tests and quizzes.
Ask and answer lots of questions.
Points are earned for correct answers. There
is no penalty for guessing. It’s best to answer
each question in order to get the most
beneficial feedback.
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Test Preparation: Long-Term
READ!
 Continuous reading improves vocabulary and develops
essential skills.
 Read more books than just those required for class.
Take Challenging Courses!
 This will help you to develop and strengthen your critical
thinking skills.
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Test Preparation: Test Readiness
Strategies
When you sit down to take the test:
 Read all of the directions.
 Read all of each question’s answer choices.
 Do scratch work in the test book.
 Work at a steady pace.
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Take the PSAT 8/9
Test Day/Date:
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
Time:
8:00 a.m. start time
Location:
Shadle Park High School
Bring:
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Two #2 Pencils
Calculator (optional)
Visit collegeboard.org
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