Compare PSAT 8/9 to PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT: Reading

Compare Reading content in the PSAT 8/9 to PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT to help understand how to use the assessments over time.

  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
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* 10 24% 10 21%
Command of Evidence* 10 24% 10 21%
Analysis in History/Social Studies** 17 40% 19 40%
Analysis in Science** 17 40% 19 40%
*Across Reading and Writing and Language Tests
**Across Math, Reading, and Writing and Language Tests
Reading Passage Content
  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
Element 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
  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
PSAT/NMSQT
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)