Compare PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT: Writing and Language
| Element | PSAT 8/9 | Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Allotted | 30 minutes | 35 minutes | ||
| Passage Word Count | 1,500 words total from 4 passages; 350–400 words per passage | 1,700 words total from 4 passages; 400–450 words per passage | ||
| Questions | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Total | 40 | 100% | 44 | 100% |
| Expression of Ideas | 24 questions | 60% | 24 questions | 55% |
| Standard English Conventions | 16 questions | 40% | 20 questions | 45% |
| Words in Context (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests) |
8 questions | 20% | 8 questions | 18% |
| Command of Evidence (Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests) |
8 questions | 20% | 8 questions | 18% |
| Analysis in History/Social Studies (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests) |
6 questions | 13% | 6 questions | 14% |
| Analysis in Science (Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests) |
6 questions | 13% | 6 questions | 14% |
| Passage Contents | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Careers | 10 questions | 25% | 1 passage; 11 questions | 25% |
| History/Social Studies | 10 questions | 25% | 1 passage; 11 questions | 25% |
| Humanities | 10 questions | 25% | 1 passage; 11 questions | 25% |
| Science | 10 questions | 25% | 1 passage; 11 questions | 25% |
| Graphics | Number | Number | ||
| 1 or more graphics in 1 or more passages and/or questions | 1 or more graphics in 1 or more passages and/or questions | |||
| Text Types | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Argument | 1 passage | 25% | 1–2 passages | 25%-50% |
| Informative/ Explanatory Text | 2 passages | 50% | 1–2 passages | 25%-50% |
| Nonfiction Narrative | 1 passage | 25% | 1 passage | 25% |
| Text and Graphical Complexity | ||||
| Text Complexity | A range from grades 6–10 across 4 passages | A range from grades 9–10 to postsecondary entry across 4 passages | ||
| Graphical Data Representations (tables, graphs, charts, etc.) |
Basic | Basic to somewhat challenging (low to moderate data density, few variables, simple to moderately challenging interactions) | ||