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Top 3 Trap Answers for Passages -sounds good, but not mentioned in passage -opposite of what's correct -everything is correct, except one teeny-tiny word 5 Most Common Differences Between Paired Passages -Passage 2 is a rebuttal to the argument presented in Passage 1. -Passage 2 offers a solution to a problem discussed in Passage 1. -Passage 2 offers an anecdote or personal perspective on the topic discussed in Passage 1. -Passage 2 offers evidence that challenges or refutes the argument presented in Passage 1. -Passage 2 is more tempered, or conversely, severe, in tone than Passage 1. [Note; tempered means milder, while severe would be more harsh.] Tone Words: pragmatic practical, sensible Tone Words: sardonic satirical, sarcastic, mocking Tone Words: appreciative grateful for, supporting Tone Words: ironic sarcastic, satirical, opposite of what is expected, causing wry amusement Tone Words: equivocal ambiguous, open to interpretation, uncertain Tone Words: unequivocal indisputable, not ambiguous, leaving no doubt Tone Words: reverent showing deep respect, admiring Tone Words: irreverent disrespectful, contemptuous, scornful Tone Words: satirical sarcastic, acerbic, ironic Tone Words: wistful nostalgic, yearning, reflective Tone Words: impartial unbiased, unprejudiced, neutral Tone Words: irate livid, angry, furious Tone Words: derisive mocking, jeering, scoffing, contemptuous Tone Words: quizzical inquiring, questioning, curious, perplexed Tone Words: scornful mocking, scoffing, jeering, contemptuous Tone Words: nonchalant calm, composed, unconcerned, casual Tone Words: accusatory accusing, blaming Tone Words: somber solemn, earnest, dark, sober Tone Words: laudatory complimentary, praising Tone Words: ambivalent equivocal, uncertain, unsure Tone Words: qualified "to make less strong or positive" for instance, an author may express positive thoughts about a topic, but has some slight doubts or reservations, therefore the author's tone would be "qualified admiration" Tone Words: veiled an attitude that is disguised, hidden, or not fully expressed if a character in a PSTA reading passage expresses disdain or contempt for another character, but does so indirectly, the character could be described as employing "veiled contempt." Tone Words: tempered to soften or restrain if an PSAT reading passage is making an argument that is controlled or restrained, then the tone of the passage is tempered Sentence Completion Strategies: -figure out if the words in the correct answer will be similar or opposite -don't choose based on how they sound (the PSAT tries to trip you up) -for word in context: if the PSAT gives you a non-vocab word, the answer will ALWAYS be the secondary, less obvious and often figurative definition (not the first association that comes to your mind) Secondary Meaning: weather to withstand or endure, to face something with courage Secondary Meaning: table to set aside, to put something, such as an idea or agenda, on temporary hold Secondary Meaning: champion to financially support or endorse a person or cause Secondary Meaning: novel new, innovative, unconventional Secondary Meaning: dispassionate unbiased, objective, fair Secondary Meaning: compromise to lower or reduce the quality of something Secondary Meaning: principal primary, main Secondary Meaning: unwitting ignorant, unaware Secondary Meaning: temper to lessen, diminish the severity, or make more mild Secondary Meaning: host a large number