{"id":1736,"date":"2022-11-28T14:01:59","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T14:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=1736"},"modified":"2022-11-28T21:23:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T21:23:02","slug":"psat-reading-science-passages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/psat\/psat-reading-science-passages\/","title":{"rendered":"PSAT Reading: Science Passages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a title=\"PSAT Reading Prep Lessons\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/psat\/psat-reading-prep-lessons\/\">PSAT Reading Test<\/a> will contain either two single Science passages or one single Science passage and one set of paired Science passages. Science passages differ from other passage types because:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They often contain a lot of jargon and technical terms.<\/li>\n<li>They can utilize unfamiliar terms and concepts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While Science passages can be tricky due to unfamiliar language, you will never need to employ knowledge outside of the passage when answering questions. Use the following strategy when approaching Science passages on the PSAT:<\/p>\n<p><div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue836' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry av-iconlist-empty\"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Locate the central idea in the first paragraph.<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue836' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Note how each paragraph relates to the central idea.<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Does the paragraph\u2026Explain? Support? Refute? Summarize?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue836' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Don\u2019t be distracted by jargon or technical terms. <\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Unfamiliar terms will generally be defined within the passage or in a footnote.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><br \/>\nLet\u2019s look at the following example of an abbreviated Science passage and question set. After the mapped passage, the left column contains questions similar to those you\u2019ll see on the PSAT Reading Test on Test Day. The column on the right features the <a title=\"PSAT Reading: How to Raise Your Score\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/psat\/psat-reading-how-to-raise-your-score\/\">strategic thinking<\/a> a test expert employs when approaching the passage and questions presented.<\/p>\n<p>Note how a test expert can quickly condense the entire passage into a few words and use his or her Passage Map to ask questions that build a prediction for the correct answer.<br \/>\n<div   class='hr hr-short hr-center   avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_icon_box '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<article  class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr  \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color\" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue83f' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Reminder<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>When you encounter more than one theory or idea, paraphrase each in as few words as possible in your Passage Map.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><br \/>\n<div   class='hr hr-short hr-center   avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_icon_box  el_before_av_heading '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_half  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Sample PSAT Reading Practice Question: Science<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div first  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_one_half  \" ><div   class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-6  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><p>\nQuestions 1-2 are based on the following passage. This passage is adapted from an essay about the characteristics of lunar eclipses.<\/p>\n<p>Many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse, but are surprised to learn that lunar eclipses are often just as spectacular and are both more common and easier to observe. The filtering and refraction of light from the Earth\u2019s atmosphere during a lunar eclipse creates stunning color effects that range from dark brown to red, orange, and yellow. Each of these light shows is unique since they are the result of the amount of dust and cloud cover in the Earth\u2019s atmosphere at the time of the eclipse. While total solar eclipses last only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilo- meters, total lunar eclipses can last for several hours and can be seen over much of the planet. In fact, the beauty and stability of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers. Lunar eclipses generally occur two to three times a year and are possible only when the Moon is in its full phase. When we see the Moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the Moon. When the Earth is positioned in between the Moon and the Sun, however, the Earth\u2019s shadow falls on the Moon and a lunar eclipse occurs. To better understand this process, it\u2019s helpful to imagine the Earth\u2019s shadow on the Moon as a pair of nested cones, with the Earth at the apex of the cones, and the Moon at their bases. The outer, more diffuse cone of shadow is called the penumbral shadow, while the inner, darker cone is the umbral shadow.<\/p>\n<p>1.&nbsp;According to the passage, the colors of a lunar eclipse are the result of<br \/>\n(A) the penumbral shadow.<br \/>\n(B) the stability of lunar eclipses.<br \/>\n(C) filtering and refraction of light.<br \/>\n(D) the sunlight reflected off the moon.<\/p>\n<p>2. In lines 26-27, the phrase \u201cpair of nested cones\u201d serves to<br \/>\n(A) offer support for a previous statement.<br \/>\n(B) describe the diffraction of light through the atmosphere.<br \/>\n(C) explain why lunar eclipses are favorites of photographers.<br \/>\n(D) provide a concrete example to help readers visualize a phenomenon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div   avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_hr  \" ><div  class=\"togglecontainer    avia-builder-el-8  avia-builder-el-no-sibling \" >\n<section class=\"av_toggle_section\"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\"  >    <div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  >        <p data-fake-id=\"#toggle-id-1\" class=\"toggler \"  itemprop=\"headline\"    role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"toggle-id-1\">Step 1: Read Actively<span class=\"toggle_icon\" >        <span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p>        <div id=\"toggle-id-1\" class=\"toggle_wrap \"  >            <div class=\"toggle_content invers-color \"  itemprop=\"text\"   ><p>\u00b61: lun ecl more common than solar ecl (central idea), created by light filt &amp; refract<br \/>\n\u00b62: info about how lunar ecl occurs<\/p>\n            <\/div>        <\/div>    <\/div><\/section>\n<div  style='height:50px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-9  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_toggle_section\"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\"  >    <div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  >        <p data-fake-id=\"#toggle-id-2\" class=\"toggler \"  itemprop=\"headline\"    role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"toggle-id-2\">Question #1 Explained<span class=\"toggle_icon\" >        <span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p>        <div id=\"toggle-id-2\" class=\"toggle_wrap \"  >            <div class=\"toggle_content invers-color \"  itemprop=\"text\"   ><p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Examine the question stem<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>What keywords are in the question stem?<\/em> \u201cThe colors of a lunar eclipse\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Predict and answer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Look at the Passage Map notes. Where does the author discuss how lunar eclipses are created?<\/em> The first paragraph<\/li>\n<li><em>What are the colors the result of?<\/em> \u201cFiltering and refraction of light\u201d (lines 4-5)<\/li>\n<li><em>What answer choice matches this prediction?<\/em> Choice (C)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>        <\/div>    <\/div><\/section>\n<div  style='height:50px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_toggle_section\"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\"  >    <div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  >        <p data-fake-id=\"#toggle-id-3\" class=\"toggler \"  itemprop=\"headline\"    role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"toggle-id-3\">Question #2 Explained<span class=\"toggle_icon\" >        <span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p>        <div id=\"toggle-id-3\" class=\"toggle_wrap \"  >            <div class=\"toggle_content invers-color \"  itemprop=\"text\"   ><p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Examine the question stem<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>What clue is in this question stem?<\/em> A phrase from the passage and a line reference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Predict and answer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Read around the cited line reference. What does the author state before introducing this phrase?<\/em> \u201cTo better understand this process, it\u2019s helpful to imagine \u2026\u201d (lines 24-25)<\/li>\n<li><em>What answer choice matches this?<\/em> Choice (D)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>        <\/div>    <\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div   class='hr hr-short hr-center   avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_heading '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >PSAT Reading Question Explanations<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nFor practice question #1, use the Passage Map to find where the author mentions color. Because the author mentions both \u201cfiltering\u201d and \u201cdust,\u201d you know that the right answer will include those. Choice (C) mentions \u201cfiltering\u201d and is, therefore, correct.<\/p>\n<p>For practice question #2, ask \u201cWhy did the author choose those words\u2014what are they doing?\u201d Could you picture how an eclipse worked? Predict that the phrase helps the reader understand the concept. Choice (D) matches exactly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Previous:<\/strong> <a title=\"PSAT Reading: History\/Social Studies Passages\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/psat\/psat-reading-historysocial-studies-passages\/\">PSAT Reading: History\/Social Studies Passages<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Next:<\/strong> <a title=\"PSAT Reading: Global Questions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/psat\/psat-reading-global-questions\/\">PSAT Reading: Global Questions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The PSAT Reading Test will contain either two single Science passages or one single Science passage and one set of paired Science passages. Science passages differ from other passage types because: They often contain a lot of jargon and technical terms. They can utilize unfamiliar terms and concepts. While Science passages can be tricky due [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41880,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[240],"tags":[195,321],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1736"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1736"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1736\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41884,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1736\/revisions\/41884"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}