1. PSAT & TJ Test Prep: Tips and Strategies
Seneca Ridge Middle School
May 12, 2014
Created by:
Cheryl Golden Diane Scott Claudia Allen-Williams

2. TJ vs AOS Test Similarities TJ Differences AOS Differences
2 hrs for math and
verbal sections
Can move back and
forth between
sections
No calculators
Must write essay
in Pen
Scrambled
Paragraphs
Logical reasoning
questions
Each section has
different time frame
No returning to
previous section or
working ahead
Grammar section
No logical reasoning
Use of calculator
Grid –in section of
math
lose ¼ point for
incorrect answer
Math (Algebra and Geometry)
Reading passages
Multiple Choice Questions
Essay writing
Organization of paragraphs
Timed

3. What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT, gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and the application test when applying to AOS.

4. Know the AOS Test The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections
Two 25-minute critical reading sections
(sections 1 & 3)
Two 25-minute math sections (sections 2 & 4)
One 30-minute writing skills section (section 5)
AOS adds a 30 minute timed writing prompt

5. Know the TJ Test The TJ test is a two hour standardized test
45 verbal questions
5 scrambled paragraph exercises
15 logical reasoning questions
5 reading passages with 5 questions each
50 multiple-choice math word and
computational problems

6. Know the TJ Test cont. SIS (Student Information Sheet) 10 minute break
Three questions for TJ to learn more about the student
90 minutes to answer the questions
Each can only be 1650 characters or about 380 words.
10 minute break
One thirty minute essay portion
One real-world problem solving prompt with
ethical component

7. General Tips Learn the directions ahead of time
Take practice timed tests
Know the topics/sections of the test
Learn the directions ahead of time
Keep track of the time
Can’t flip between sections on PSAT but can on TJ
Can flip back and forth within a section
Skip hard ones and come back to them
Mark answers in testing booklet and grid five or more answers at a time
Beware of answers being TOO easy – read carefully
Cover the answer choices and predict the answer
Don’t spend too much time on any one question - don’t 2nd guess yourself

8. Scoring 1 point for each correct answer
-1/4 of a point for each wrong answer - PSAT
0 point for skipped questions
0 point for wrong answers on the
Grid-in - PSAT
50/50 guessing

9. Math Strategies –PSAT Take practice timed tests
Know the sub-topics/sections of the test
25 minutes each
28 Regular multiple choice
10 Grid-in
Two types:
Multiple choice
Self-answer Grid-in– Never skip the Grid-in Questions
(you can only earn points)
Arranged easiest to hardest

10. Math Strategies –TJ Take practice timed tests
Know the sub-topics/sections of the test
50 questions
Approximately 1 hour
Types:
Multiple choice
Computational
Word Problems

11. Math Tips Review Algebra I and Geometry skills
Formulas are provided at the beginning of all math sections
Review common math terms such as quotient, absolute value, prime, variable etc.
PSAT – calculators allowed – but not necessary
TJ – NO calculators allowed

12. Reading Strategies- PSAT
Take practice timed tests
Know the sub-topics/sections of the test PSAT
25 minutes each
13 Sentence Completion (single and double blanks)
35 Reading Comprehension including short, long
and paired-passage sets
Subjects include biographies, historical events,
descriptions of scientific phenomena, art,
music or human interest stories
Read a variety of genres in preparation

13. Reading Strategies - TJ
Take practice timed test
Know what the section includes
5 passages of words
5 multiple choice questions for EACH passage
Subjects include biographies, historical events, descriptions of
scientific phenomena, art, music or human interest stories
One question will always be main idea
Other questions will be about factual details and making
inferences
Read a variety of genres in preparation

14. Reading Tips Positive/Negative Charges to a word Parts of speech
Identify roots, prefixes and suffixes
Context Clues
Sentence Completion easiest to hardest - PSAT
Reading Comprehension – NOT in order of difficulty

15. Writing Strategies Take practice timed tests
Know the sub-topics/sections of the test TJ
Within 2 hrs
Scrambled Paragraphs
No Grammar questions
PSAT
30 minutes
20 Improving Sentences
14 Identifying Sentence Errors
5 Improving Paragraphs

16. Writing/Grammar Tips
PSAT Sentence Errors and Improving Sentences - arranged easiest to hardest within each section
PSAT Improving Paragraphs– NOT in order of difficulty
Write daily (journaling)
Read a variety of genres especially non-fiction/informational texts
(The New Yorker, Smithsonian, The New York Review of Books, National Geographic, Natural History, Harper’s Magazine)

17. Verbal Reasoning Tips
This section assesses your ability to reason logically.
Don’t jump to conclusions
Best strategy is to read carefully
Look for relationships/positions of things or people

18. Scrambled Paragraph Tips
TJ – review how paragraphs are set up (topic sentences, supporting details, transition words, conclusion or transition sentences)
Scrambled paragraphs are worth double what other questions are worth
All five sentences in scrambled paragraphs must be in the correct order – no partial credit is given

19. Essay Strategies Practice writing to a prompt timed (30 minutes)
PSAT – 1 Essay (Not an official part of the PSAT/NMSQT by College Board) TJ – 1 Essays
Practice writing to a prompt timed (30 minutes)
1 minute read the prompt
5 minutes plan your essay
20 minutes write your essay
4 minutes review/re-read for errors/additions
Write it like you would write the essay for the SAT
(three practice prompts are on the school website)
Stay on topic and support with evidence from :
reading, studies, observations, experiences, literature,
history , the arts, science, technology or current events
3-5 paragraphs

20. Q & A