The PSAT Writing Section

Length Question Types
One 36-Minute Section 20 Improving Sentences
14 Identifying Sentence Errors
5 Improving Paragraphs

PSAT Writing Multiple-Choice Questions

The Identifying Sentence Errors and Improving Sentences questions are based on single, unrelated sentences on a variety of topics. The Improving Paragraph questions are based on a brief passage.

In terms of scoring, if you get a multiple-choice question right, you earn 1 point. If you get it wrong, you lose ¼ of a point. If you omit the question, you neither gain nor lose any points.

STRATEGY SESSION:
Kaplan's 4-Step Strategy for the SAT Writing Multiple-Choice Questions

STEP 1: Read the Whole Sentence, Listening for the Mistake

STEP 2: If You Clearly Hear the Mistake, Choose It and Move On

STEP 3: If Not, Read Each Underlined Choice and Eliminate Choices That Contain No Errors

STEP 4: Choose From the Remaining Choices

Kaplan ACT Preparation Strategies Preview Class