When you’re working with the passage-based reading questions on the PSAT, do all of the following except: A) Make sure you read each question thoroughly. B) Try to answer each question before you look at the answers. C) Plan to spend most of your time reading the passage. D) Make sure your answer choice is the most correct number.
When you’re working with the passage-based reading questions on the PSAT, do all of the following except: A) Make sure you read each question thoroughly. B) Try to answer each question before you look at the answers. C) Plan to spend most of your time reading the passage. D) Make sure your answer choice is the most correct number.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: D) Make sure your answer choice is the most correct number.
Explanation
The PSAT Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret passages from various disciplines such as literature, history, science, and social studies. To perform well, it’s important to follow effective test-taking strategies — but not all strategies are equally helpful. The question asks what you should NOT do, so let’s examine each option:
- A) Make sure you read each question thoroughly.
This is essential. Misreading a question can lead you to select a wrong answer, even if you understand the passage. Reading carefully ensures you know exactly what is being asked, including subtle distinctions like tone, inference, or purpose. - B) Try to answer each question before you look at the answers.
This is a recommended strategy. Formulating your own answer before looking at the options can prevent you from being swayed by misleading or “trap” answers. It encourages active reading and critical thinking. - C) Plan to spend most of your time reading the passage.
While you shouldn’t overread, spending sufficient time to understand the passage is critical. Rushing through it to get to the questions often leads to misinterpretation. A solid understanding makes answering the questions faster and more accurate. - D) Make sure your answer choice is the most correct number.
This option is incorrect because it is nonsensical in the context of reading comprehension. The PSAT reading questions are not math problems — there are no “correct numbers” involved. This phrase likely results from a misunderstanding or misstatement and does not apply to the reading section.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer to the “except” question, as it is the one action that you should not (and realistically, cannot) do when working on passage-based reading questions.
