Types of Words in Context Questions in SAT | Reading and Writing for Digital SAT PDF Download

High-Utility Academic Words and Phrases

The SAT places emphasis on "high-utility academic words and phrases," which are the types of vocabulary commonly encountered in difficult readings across various subjects. These high-utility academic words, such as "restrain," may appear in diverse types of texts. For instance, in a novel where the protagonist endeavors to hold back or control their emotions, or in a social studies text that talks about the use of embargoes to restrict or regulate trade between nations. It is important to note that the exact meaning of "restrain" can vary slightly based on the specific context in which it is used.

As illustrated in the previous example, high-utility academic words and phrases differ from other types of vocabulary you will come across in school, work, and daily life. These words are not typically part of everyday conversation, and if you are familiar with their common meanings, it is likely because you have encountered them through extensive reading or vocabulary lessons in school. Unlike technical terms such as "atomic mass," "ductile," and "isotope," which are generally used only in specific scientific contexts, high-utility academic words and phrases are found in a broad range of texts and discussions. Although technical terms are also essential to know, their usage is more limited than that of high-utility academic words and phrases. Due to the vast amount of information that cannot be tested on the SAT, the College Board has chosen to focus on high-utility academic words and phrases because of their significant role in comprehending complex texts encountered in high school, college, and beyond.

Words in Context Questions

The Words in Context category of questions requires you to analyze the meaning and function of words and phrases in specific passages and consider ways to enhance language usage. This category assesses several skills:

• Interpreting words and phrases in context (Reading Test)
• Analyzing word choice rhetorically (Reading Test)
• Making effective use of language (Writing and Language Test)

The ten Reading Test questions, typically two per passage, examine word and phrase meanings and rhetorical word choice, while the eight Writing and Language Test questions, also generally two per passage, aim to improve expression and accomplish specific rhetorical goals by combining sentences or parts of sentences.

Three main Types

1. Interpreting Words and Phrases in Context (Reading Test)

In the Reading Test, you will encounter several questions that require you to determine the exact meaning of a word or phrase based on its usage in a specific passage. It is important to note that you will be expected to choose the most appropriate definition of a word or phrase, as multiple dictionary definitions may be applicable. While the extended context, including the entire passage, can provide additional clues to the meaning, it is up to you to utilize these clues effectively and select the most sensible definition for the given context. For instance, the term "intense" is an example of a high-utility academic word, and while it may be associated with emotions or determination, its usage in a particular passage may require a different interpretation.

[. . .] The coming decades will likely see more intense clustering of jobs, innovation, and productivity in a smaller number of bigger cities and cityregions. Some regions could end up bloated beyond the capacity of their infrastructure, while others struggle, their promise stymied by inadequate human or other resources.

In this instance, the term "intense" is being utilized to denote degree rather than emotion or determination. The author suggests that in the coming decades, there will be a denser clustering of jobs, innovation, and productivity in fewer large cities and city-regions. While familiarity with the typical meaning of "intense" can be advantageous, it is necessary to read and comprehend the context to understand the precise meaning of the word in this specific situation.

2. Analyzing Word Choice Rhetorically (Reading Test)

• On the Reading Test, some Words in Context questions will ask you to analyze how an author’s specific word, phrase, or pattern of words and phrases contributes to the meaning, tone, or style of a passage. These questions may also examine the connotations, or associations, that certain words or phrases can evoke. For instance, consider how different words can be used to describe someone who is not in the company of others.
• Describing someone as “alone” is a straightforward statement of fact, while using the word “solitary” conveys a stronger sense of isolation. Describing the person as “forlorn” or “abandoned” takes it a step further by suggesting negative feelings. Skilled authors are adept at selecting just the right word or phrase to convey the intended meaning, and being able to recognize how word choice affects the audience is a vital skill for proficient readers.

3. Making Effective Use of Language (Writing and Language Test)

• The Writing and Language Test requires you to make decisions about effective language use while revising passages. The questions cover a variety of topics such as redundancy, precision, maintaining style and tone, and cohesion.
• You may have to choose a more concise way of conveying the same idea, replace informal language with a more formal expression, or combine whole sentences to make them flow better. These questions are not focused on grammar, usage, or mechanics; instead, they aim to help you think about how language can be used to achieve specific writing goals such as clarity, precision, and economy.