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.