PSAT unit 2

what are the two ways vocabulary is tested on the PSAT?

1. Difficult words are in the readings and the questions. Learn all the vocabulary you can.

2. "In context" - especially words with multiple meanings

abstract

existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

Anthropology

the study and comparison of human cultures

comprehensive

thorough and complete; covering all relevant subjects

construe

to interpret in a particular way

discerning

showing a keen ability to distinguish subtle elements

discriminating

showing good taste or judgement

disseminate

to cast (something, usually information) widely, as seed is scattered

erudite

having or showing great knowledge or learning

indoctrinate

to teach someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically

insular

isolated from cultural and intellectual influences outside one's own experience

orthodox

conforming strictly to traditional teachings

pedantic

inclined to show off one's learning or knowledge; acting like a know-it-all

peruse

to read thoroughly and carefully

postulate

assume the existence or truth of something as a basis for reasoning

provincial

unsophisticated or narrow-minded; particular to the narrow views of an isolated community

revelation

a fact revealed in a surprising way

what are most of the words asked on the PSAT?

words with multiple meanings

What word has the most definitions?

set

how many ways is grammar tested on the PSAT?

two ways

What is editing?

makes a correct sentence

What is Revising?

makes a better sentence

what is every answer on a grammar question a direct result of?

a grammar rule

what is the 1st of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

know the difference between complete and run on sentences and sentences fragments

what is the 2nd of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

use logical connecting words

what is the 3rd of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

make logical comparisons

what is the 4th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

place descriptors in logical spots

what is the 5th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

remove repetitive and irrelevant wording

what is the 6th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

keep descriptors parallel

what is the 7th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

use active voice. It is better than passive voice

what is the 8th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

match subjects and verbs

what is the 9th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

accept vs except

what is the 10th of Barron's Top Ten Grammar Rules for the PSAT/NMSQT?

affect vs effect

what are types of questions on the PSAT?

vocab in context

edit and revise

main idea

authors purpose

details

what is vocab in context?

blank in a sentence and add a word, word in a sentence and define

what is editing and revising?

blank in the reading "According to the conventions of Standard English"

what are main idea questions?

- covers a majority of the details in the text

- not new ideas

- not one small or minor detail

- not contradict info in the text

what are detail questions?

usually answered from one particular sentence in text

what is author purpose questions?

why did the author write it?

what are the three main purposes?

1. to inform

2. to persuade

3. to entertain

what are all choices like in authors purpose questions?

the purpose and information in the text

how should you approach authors purpose questions?

- read carefully

- decide the purpose in your own words. Eliminate any choices which do not apply

- look at the choices carefully... BOTH PARTS MUST HE TRUE