Compare PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT: Reading
| Element | PSAT 8/9 | Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Allotted | 55 minutes | 60 minutes | ||
| Passage Word Count | 2,800 words total from 4 single passages and 1 pair; 500–750 words per passage or paired set | 3,000 words total from 4 single passages and 1 pair; 500–750 words per passage or paired set | ||
| Questions | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Total | 42 | 100% | 47 | 100% |
| Words in Context (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests) |
10 questions | 24% | 10 questions | 21% |
| Command of Evidence (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests) |
10 questions | 24% | 10 questions | 21% |
| Analysis in History/Social Studies (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests) |
17 questions | 40% | 19 questions | 40% |
| Analysis in Science (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests) |
17 questions | 40% | 19 questions | 40% |
| Passage Contents | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| U.S. and World Literature | 1 passage; 8 questions | 20% | 1 passage; 9 questions | 20% |
| History/Social Studies | 2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair | 40% | 2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair | 40% |
| Science | 2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair | 40% | 2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair | 40% |
| Graphics | Number | Number | ||
| 1 graphic in 1 History/Social Studies passage and 1 in 1 Science passage | 1–2 graphics in 1 History/Social Studies and 1 Science passage | |||
| Text and Graphical Complexity | ||||
| Text Complexity | A range from grades 6–10 across 4 passages and 1 pair | A range from grades 9–10 to postsecondary entry across 4 passages and 1 pair | ||
| Graphical Data Representations (tables, graphs, charts, etc.) |
Somewhat challenging | Somewhat challenging to challenging (moderate to moderately high data density, few to several variables, moderately challenging to moderately complex interactions) | ||