PSAT Writing

PSAT Writing teaches students to master grammar, punctuation, and effective writing skills needed for the PSAT and beyond.

Advanced Topics

Rhetorical Skills & Purpose

Understanding Rhetoric

Writers use rhetorical skills to persuade, inform, or entertain. On the PSAT, questions may ask why an author chose a particular word, phrase, or structure.

Identifying Purpose

  • Is the passage meant to convince, explain, or describe?
  • Does the tone match the author’s goal?

Applying Rhetoric

Recognizing rhetorical moves helps you analyze speeches, ads, and articles—and craft your own effective writing.

Beyond the Test

These skills are valuable in debate, leadership, and any career involving communication.

Examples

  • A call to action in an advertisement.

  • An author using statistics to support an argument.

In a Nutshell

Rhetorical awareness helps you understand and create persuasive writing.

Rhetorical Skills & Purpose - PSAT Writing Content | Practice Hub