* Reading Comprehension: This is the most fundamental skill tested. Students must understand the main idea of a passage, identify supporting details, infer meaning from the text, and determine the author's purpose and tone.
* Information Integration: Many questions require students to synthesize information from different parts of the passage, or to connect the passage's content to their own background knowledge (though this is less emphasized than direct comprehension).
* Vocabulary in Context: Students are tested on their ability to understand the meaning of words and phrases as they are used within the context of the passage. This isn't just about knowing definitions; it's about understanding how words function within the specific sentence and paragraph.
* Analysis of Text Structure: Questions may ask about the organization of the passage, the relationships between different sections, and how the author uses literary devices (e.g., metaphors, analogies) to convey meaning.
* Inference and Interpretation: Many questions go beyond literal comprehension and require students to draw conclusions based on evidence from the passage. Students must be able to infer the author's implied meaning and identify underlying assumptions.
In short, the PSAT Reading section aims to evaluate a student's ability to read critically, actively engage with complex texts, and extract meaning effectively. It's less about memorization and more about analytical and interpretive skills.