Words In Context - PSAT Reading & Writing
Card 1 of 30
What is a context clue based on definition or restatement in the sentence?
What is a context clue based on definition or restatement in the sentence?
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A nearby rewording that directly explains the term’s meaning. The text often clarifies unfamiliar terms through direct explanation.
A nearby rewording that directly explains the term’s meaning. The text often clarifies unfamiliar terms through direct explanation.
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What context clue type uses an opposite idea signaled by words like “however” or “although”?
What context clue type uses an opposite idea signaled by words like “however” or “although”?
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Contrast clue. These transition words signal an opposing idea that helps define the term.
Contrast clue. These transition words signal an opposing idea that helps define the term.
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Identify the tone of “finicky” in: “The finicky reviewer rejected minor formatting issues.”
Identify the tone of “finicky” in: “The finicky reviewer rejected minor formatting issues.”
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Negative (suggests overly fussy or hard to satisfy). "Rejected minor issues" implies excessive pickiness.
Negative (suggests overly fussy or hard to satisfy). "Rejected minor issues" implies excessive pickiness.
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Identify the tone of “meticulous” in: “Her meticulous notes impressed the committee.”
Identify the tone of “meticulous” in: “Her meticulous notes impressed the committee.”
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Positive (suggests careful, thorough attention to detail). "Impressed the committee" shows approval of thoroughness.
Positive (suggests careful, thorough attention to detail). "Impressed the committee" shows approval of thoroughness.
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What does it mean to choose the meaning that best fits the context?
What does it mean to choose the meaning that best fits the context?
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Select the definition that makes the sentence logically and tonally coherent. The correct meaning must fit both the logic and emotional tone.
Select the definition that makes the sentence logically and tonally coherent. The correct meaning must fit both the logic and emotional tone.
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What is the most reliable first step for determining a word’s meaning in context?
What is the most reliable first step for determining a word’s meaning in context?
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Use surrounding clues (tone, logic, examples) before choosing a definition. Context clues reveal meaning better than memorized definitions.
Use surrounding clues (tone, logic, examples) before choosing a definition. Context clues reveal meaning better than memorized definitions.
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What is a context clue of the “tone” type in Words in Context questions?
What is a context clue of the “tone” type in Words in Context questions?
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The author’s attitude (approval, skepticism, irony) guides the meaning. Word choice reflects the author's perspective.
The author’s attitude (approval, skepticism, irony) guides the meaning. Word choice reflects the author's perspective.
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Choose the word that best fits: “The scientist was ____ about the claim, requesting more data before agreeing.”
Choose the word that best fits: “The scientist was ____ about the claim, requesting more data before agreeing.”
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Skeptical. Requesting more data shows doubt about claims.
Skeptical. Requesting more data shows doubt about claims.
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Choose the meaning of “disinterested” in: “The judge remained disinterested and evaluated only the evidence.”
Choose the meaning of “disinterested” in: “The judge remained disinterested and evaluated only the evidence.”
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Impartial; unbiased. Judges must remain neutral to be fair.
Impartial; unbiased. Judges must remain neutral to be fair.
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Choose the meaning of “qualified” in: “He is qualified to lead the lab because he has extensive training.”
Choose the meaning of “qualified” in: “He is qualified to lead the lab because he has extensive training.”
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Competent; meeting requirements. Training shows meeting job requirements.
Competent; meeting requirements. Training shows meeting job requirements.
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Choose the meaning of “qualified” in: “Her praise was qualified, noting several unresolved problems.”
Choose the meaning of “qualified” in: “Her praise was qualified, noting several unresolved problems.”
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Limited; conditional. Noting problems makes praise conditional.
Limited; conditional. Noting problems makes praise conditional.
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Choose the meaning of “sanction” in: “The league imposed a sanction for repeated violations.”
Choose the meaning of “sanction” in: “The league imposed a sanction for repeated violations.”
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Penalty; punishment. Context shows punishment for rule-breaking.
Penalty; punishment. Context shows punishment for rule-breaking.
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Choose the meaning of “sanction” in: “The committee sanctioned the new policy after debate.”
Choose the meaning of “sanction” in: “The committee sanctioned the new policy after debate.”
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Approved; authorized. Context shows official approval after discussion.
Approved; authorized. Context shows official approval after discussion.
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Choose the meaning of “temper” in: “After the delay, his temper flared and he snapped at staff.”
Choose the meaning of “temper” in: “After the delay, his temper flared and he snapped at staff.”
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Anger; irritability. Flaring and snapping indicate emotional state.
Anger; irritability. Flaring and snapping indicate emotional state.
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Choose the meaning of “temper” in: “The coach tempered criticism with praise to keep morale high.”
Choose the meaning of “temper” in: “The coach tempered criticism with praise to keep morale high.”
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Soften; moderate. Balancing criticism with praise shows moderation.
Soften; moderate. Balancing criticism with praise shows moderation.
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What is a context clue of the “definition or restatement” type?
What is a context clue of the “definition or restatement” type?
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The text directly defines the word, often with commas, dashes, or parentheses. Look for punctuation marks that introduce explanations.
The text directly defines the word, often with commas, dashes, or parentheses. Look for punctuation marks that introduce explanations.
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What is the most effective first step for determining a word’s meaning in context?
What is the most effective first step for determining a word’s meaning in context?
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Use nearby clues (definition, example, contrast) before outside knowledge. Context clues are more reliable than general definitions.
Use nearby clues (definition, example, contrast) before outside knowledge. Context clues are more reliable than general definitions.
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What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
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Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is implied emotional association. Dictionary meaning vs. emotional overtones.
Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is implied emotional association. Dictionary meaning vs. emotional overtones.
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What does it mean if the context requires a word with a negative connotation?
What does it mean if the context requires a word with a negative connotation?
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The correct choice should sound critical, harsh, or disapproving. Negative connotations express criticism or disapproval.
The correct choice should sound critical, harsh, or disapproving. Negative connotations express criticism or disapproval.
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What is a context clue of the “example” type?
What is a context clue of the “example” type?
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The text lists instances that illustrate the word’s meaning. Specific examples help clarify abstract terms.
The text lists instances that illustrate the word’s meaning. Specific examples help clarify abstract terms.
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What is a context clue of the “cause-and-effect” type?
What is a context clue of the “cause-and-effect” type?
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The text shows reasons or results that imply the word’s meaning. Look for 'because' or 'therefore' to link meaning.
The text shows reasons or results that imply the word’s meaning. Look for 'because' or 'therefore' to link meaning.
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What is the most reliable way to eliminate wrong answer choices in Words in Context?
What is the most reliable way to eliminate wrong answer choices in Words in Context?
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Eliminate choices that do not match the sentence’s meaning and tone. Test each choice in context for fit.
Eliminate choices that do not match the sentence’s meaning and tone. Test each choice in context for fit.
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Choose the meaning of “reserved” in: “She was reserved during the interview, answering briefly.”
Choose the meaning of “reserved” in: “She was reserved during the interview, answering briefly.”
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Restrained; not openly expressive. Context shows limited communication, not booking.
Restrained; not openly expressive. Context shows limited communication, not booking.
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What is a context clue of the “contrast” type?
What is a context clue of the “contrast” type?
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The text signals an opposite idea to narrow the word’s meaning. Words like 'but' or 'however' signal opposing meanings.
The text signals an opposite idea to narrow the word’s meaning. Words like 'but' or 'however' signal opposing meanings.
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Choose the meaning of “reserved” in: “The library reserved the room for a meeting at 3 p.m.”
Choose the meaning of “reserved” in: “The library reserved the room for a meeting at 3 p.m.”
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Set aside; booked. Context shows scheduling, not personality.
Set aside; booked. Context shows scheduling, not personality.
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What is a context clue of the “synonym” type?
What is a context clue of the “synonym” type?
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A nearby word or phrase has a similar meaning. Parallel words often share similar meanings.
A nearby word or phrase has a similar meaning. Parallel words often share similar meanings.
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Which option best defines “opaque” in the sentence: “The instructions were opaque, leaving readers confused”?
Which option best defines “opaque” in the sentence: “The instructions were opaque, leaving readers confused”?
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Hard to understand; unclear. Instructions that confuse readers lack clarity.
Hard to understand; unclear. Instructions that confuse readers lack clarity.
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Which option best defines “prolific” in the sentence: “A prolific inventor filed dozens of patents”?
Which option best defines “prolific” in the sentence: “A prolific inventor filed dozens of patents”?
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Producing much; highly productive. "Dozens of patents" indicates high productivity.
Producing much; highly productive. "Dozens of patents" indicates high productivity.
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Which option best defines “resilient” in the sentence: “After setbacks, the resilient team recovered quickly”?
Which option best defines “resilient” in the sentence: “After setbacks, the resilient team recovered quickly”?
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Able to recover quickly; tough. Quick recovery after setbacks demonstrates toughness.
Able to recover quickly; tough. Quick recovery after setbacks demonstrates toughness.
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Which option best defines “pragmatic” in the sentence: “Her pragmatic plan favored workable steps over ideals”?
Which option best defines “pragmatic” in the sentence: “Her pragmatic plan favored workable steps over ideals”?
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Practical; focused on what works. "Workable steps over ideals" emphasizes practical solutions.
Practical; focused on what works. "Workable steps over ideals" emphasizes practical solutions.
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