2: PSAT/SAT Reading and SS
Social Studies Support for PSAT/SAT
The PSAT/SAT focuses primarily on a student's reading, writing, language, and mathematics skills that indicate readiness for and success in postsecondary education. However, there are many areas in Social Studies that can support success on the PSAT/SAT and in life beyond high school! This is a brief overview of the Social Studies related skills students will find on the PSAT/SAT and how teachers can help better prepare students for these types of questions.
All information specific to the PSAT/SAT Test comes from The Redesigned SAT Teacher Implementation Guide.
Social Studies Content Specifications for the SAT Reading Test
How do Social Studies related items contribute to a student's score?
Contributions of Items to Subscores and Scores:
- Analysis in History/Social Studies: 21 questions (all history/social studies questions): 40% of the test
Passage Contents:
- U.S. and World Literature: 1 passage; 10 questions: 20% of the test
- History/Social Studies: 2 passages, or 1 passage and 1 pair; 10– 11 questions each: 40% of the test
Graphics:
- 1–2 graphics in 1 History/Social Studies passage
Graphical Data Representations:
- Tables, graphs, charts, etc.: Somewhat challenging to challenging (moderate to moderately high data density, few to several variables, moderately challenging to moderately complex interactions)
What Instructional Strategies can a Social Studies teacher employ to support students on the Reading Test?
- Require students to practice reading and analyzing primary and secondary source texts.
- Use both fiction and nonfiction appropriate to the time/region of study.
- Include graphs, tables, and charts in reading assignments.
- Analyze passages from U.S. Founding Documents and texts important in history. See the primary source documents specified in your course's TEKS for ideas.
PSAT/SAT Reading - Social Studies Sample Questions
PSAT/SAT Reading - Social Studies Sample Questions
PSAT/SAT Reading - Social Studies Sample Questions
Information compiled by Amy Mount, PK-12 Social Studies Coordinator at Garland ISD. For questions or comments, please email almount@garlandisd.net. Connect with Amy on Twitter at @msmrocks.