The New SAT: The Language of the Test

How can you perform well on the new reading section of the SAT if you don’t fully understand the language being used in the directions and in the questions? Learn this list of 150 words that are based on our analysis of the words likely to appear in question stems, answer options and test directions.

Here are all of our word lists to help you prepare for the new SAT (debuting March of 2016): The Language of the Test, Multiple-Meaning Words, and Words to Capture Tone.
150 words 13933 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. abstract
    not representing or imitating external reality
    The most likely purpose of the parenthetical information in lines 54–55 (“(which is a sequence of DNA that controls gene activity)”) is to: illustrate an abstract concept. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  2. accompanying
    occurring at the same time, along with, or as a consequence
    After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages and in any accompanying graphics (such as a table or graph). (College Board)
    Taken from the reading section directions.
  3. adapt
    make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
    This passage is adapted from Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome, originally published in 1911. Mattie Silver is Ethan’s household employee. (College Board)
    Taken from the reading section directions.
  4. address
    direct one's efforts towards something, such as a question
    The first paragraph serves mainly to: describe a natural phenomenon and address its importance. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  5. advance
    bring forward for consideration or acceptance
    Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages? Passage 2 refutes the central claim advanced in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  6. allude
    make an indirect reference to
    The analogy in the final sentence of Passage 2 has primarily which effect? It alludes to the past to evoke a nostalgic response. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  7. analysis
    a detailed investigation or examination of something
    Which choice best describes the developmental pattern of the passage? A careful analysis of a traditional practice. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  8. analyze
    consider in detail in order to discover essential features
    The main purpose of the first paragraph is to: analyze a reaction. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  9. appeal
    earnest or urgent request
    As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed. (College Board)
    Taken from the essay section directions.
  10. argue
    present reasons to support one's views
    Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages? Passage 2 argues against the practicality of the proposals put forth in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  11. argument
    an assertion offered as evidence that something is true
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? Passage 2 restates in different terms the argument presented in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  12. assumption
    a statement that is held to be true
    The passage indicates that the assumption made by gift-givers in
    lines 36–39 may be... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  13. author
    a person who writes professionally
    The authors of both passages would most likely agree with which of the following statements about women in the eighteenth century? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  14. capture
    succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
    Which statement best captures Ken Dial’s central assumption in setting up his research? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  15. central
    serving as an essential component
    The central claim of Passage 2 is that space mining has positive potential but... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  16. challenge
    take exception to
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? Passage 2 strongly challenges the point of view in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  17. character
    an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction
    The author includes the descriptions of the sunset, the clouds, and the hemlock shadows (lines 30–32) primarily to: emphasize the acuteness of two characters’ sensations. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
    Note: This word appears in this list twice because there are multiple meanings used in the language of the test.
  18. character
    attributes that determine one's moral and ethical actions
    The main purpose of the fifth paragraph is to: provide support for the idea that ethics is about character. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
    Note: This word appears in this list twice because there are multiple meanings used in the language of the test.
  19. characterize
    describe or portray the qualities or peculiarities of
    According to chart 2, the years 2000–2010 were characterized by... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  20. cite
    refer to for illustration or proof
    Which choice does the author explicitly cite as an advantage of automobile travel in North America? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  21. claim
    an assertion that something is true or factual
    Which choice best supports the claim that Quilotoa was not responsible for the Little Ice Age? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  22. clarify
    make clear and comprehensible
    The most likely purpose of the parenthetical information in
    lines 54–55 is to: clarify a claim.
    Taken from an answer choice.
  23. compare
    examine and note the similarities or differences of
    The main purpose of each passage is to: compare brain function in those who play games on the Internet and those who browse on it. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  24. comparison
    the act of examining resemblances
    What function does the discussion of water in lines 31–35 serve in Passage 1? It continues an extended comparison that begins in the previous paragraph. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  25. concept
    an abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances
    Which concept is supported by the passage and by the information in the graph? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  26. conclusion
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
    Which choice best supports the conclusion that public transportation is compatible with the use of personal electronic devices? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  27. confirm
    establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
    The authors’ main purpose of including the information about X-ray evidence and density is to: confirm the relationship between the density of DNA and the known chemical formula of DNA. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  28. consistent
    in agreement or reliable
    Is the main conclusion presented by the author of Passage 2 consistent with Morgan’s canon, as described in Passage 1? (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  29. contend
    maintain or assert
    In lines 34–37 (“Prosecutions...sense”), what is the most likely reason Jordan draws a distinction between two types of “parties”? To contend that Hamilton was too timid in his support for the concept of impeachment. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  30. context
    discourse that surrounds and helps explain a word or passage
    In the context of the passage, the author’s use of the phrase “her light step flying to keep time with his long stride” (line 3) is primarily meant to convey the idea that... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  31. contradict
    be in opposition to
    A student claims that nitrogenous bases pair randomly with one another. Which of the following statements in the passage contradicts the student’s claim? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  32. contrast
    put in opposition to show or emphasize differences
    The author refers to reed warblers and sparrows (line 32) primarily to: contrast the loggerhead turtle’s migration patterns with those of other species. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  33. controversy
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
    The stance Jordan takes in the passage is best described as that of: a scholar researching a historical controversy. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  34. convey
    serve as a means for expressing something
    In the context of the passage, the author’s use of the phrase “her light step flying to keep time with his long stride” (line 3) is primarily meant to convey the idea that... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  35. counter
    speak in response
    In lines 34–37 (“Prosecutions...sense”), what is the most likely reason Jordan draws a distinction between two types of “parties”? To counter the suggestion that impeachment is or should be about partisan politics. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  36. counterargument
    an opinion offered in opposition to another position
    The main purpose of the fifth paragraph (lines 40–49) is to: develop a counterargument to the claim that greed is good. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  37. criticize
    find fault with; point out real or perceived flaws
    The main purpose of the first paragraph is to: criticize a tradition. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  38. critique
    appraise or judge in an analytical way
    Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages? Passage 2 critiques the conclusions drawn from the research discussed in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  39. data
    a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
    Which choice is supported by the data in the first graph? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  40. define
    explain the meaning of a word
    The most likely purpose of the parenthetical information in
    lines 54–55 is to: define a term. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
    Note: This word is also used in the language of the test as "show the form or outline of."
  41. demonstrate
    show the validity of something, as by example or explanation
    The author uses the phrase “is written in” most likely to: demonstrate the concept of the hands-on nature of the work done by scientists. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  42. describe
    give a statement representing something
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  43. description
    a statement that represents something in words
    Over the course of the passage, the focus shifts from: a description of a recorded event to its likely cause. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  44. determine
    find out or learn with certainty, as by making an inquiry
    The narrator indicates that many previous explorers seeking the North Pole have: failed to determine its exact location. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  45. develop
    elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
    As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses: reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. (College Board)
    Taken from the essay section directions.
  46. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    The primary purpose of the passage is to: explain the development of a branch of scientific study. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  47. dictate
    determine, order, or control how something is done
    According to the experiment described in Passage 2, whether the author’s ravens continued to show interest in a formerly new object was dictated primarily by whether that object was... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  48. difference
    the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
    Data in the graph indicate that the greatest difference between per-pound profits from fair trade coffee and those from regular coffee occurred during which period? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
    Note: This word is also used in the language of the test as "the quality of being unlike or dissimilar."
  49. disagree
    be of different opinions
    The author of the passage would most likely consider the information in chart 1 to be: representative of a perspective with which the author disagrees. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  50. discuss
    consider or examine in speech or writing
    Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages? Passage 2 critiques the conclusions drawn from the research discussed in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  51. discussion
    an extended communication dealing with a particular topic
    Within Passage 1, the main purpose of the first two paragraphs (lines 1–7) is to: offer interpretive context in order to frame the discussion of an experiment and its results. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  52. dispute
    take exception to
    In lines 53–56, the author of Passage 2 refers to a statement made in Passage 1 in order to: dispute the assertion made about women in the first sentence of Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  53. distinct
    not alike; different in nature or quality
    The main rhetorical effect of the series of three phrases beginning in line 3 (“the diminution, the subversion, the destruction”) is to: indicate that Jordan thinks the Constitution is prone to failure in three distinct ways. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  54. elaborate
    add details to clarify an idea
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? Passage 2 elaborates on the proposal presented in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  55. emotion
    any strong feeling
    As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses: stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed. (College Board)
    Taken from the essay section directions.
  56. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    The author includes the descriptions of the sunset, the clouds, and the hemlock shadows (lines 30–32) primarily to: emphasize the acuteness of two characters’ sensations. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  57. empirical
    derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
    As used in line 1, “not readily verifiable” most nearly means: without empirical support. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  58. establish
    set up or lay the groundwork for
    The main purpose of the opening sentence of the passage is to: establish the narrator’s perspective on a controversy. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  59. evaluate
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    The primary purpose of the passage is to: evaluate the research that led to a scientific discovery. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  60. evidence
    an indication that makes something apparent
    Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  61. evoke
    call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
    The analogy in the final sentence of Passage 2 has primarily which effect? It alludes to the past to evoke a nostalgic response. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  62. examine
    consider in detail in order to discover essential features
    Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages? Passage 2 takes a high-level view of a result that Passage 1 examines in depth. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  63. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses: evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. (College Board)
    Taken from the essay section directions.
  64. experiment
    the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
    Which choice best reflects the overall sequence of events in the passage? An experiment is proposed but proves unworkable; a less ambitious experiment is attempted, and it yields data that give rise to a new set of questions. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  65. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    The primary purpose of the passage is to: explain the development of a branch of scientific study. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  66. explanation
    a statement that makes something comprehensible
    Is the main conclusion presented by the author of Passage 2 consistent with Morgan’s canon, as described in Passage 1? Yes, because the conclusion offers a satisfyingly simple explanation of the ravens’ behavior. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  67. explicit
    precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable
    Which choice does the author explicitly cite as an advantage of automobile travel in North America? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  68. expose
    make visible or apparent
    The sentence in lines 8-11 (“For years . . . other”) mainly serves to: expose a side of the narrator that he prefers to keep hidden. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  69. fact
    a piece of information about events that have occurred
    As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses: evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. (College Board)
    Taken from the essay section directions.
  70. factor
    anything that contributes causally to a result
    The passage identifies which of the following as a factor that facilitated the baby Chukars’ traction on steep ramps? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  71. favor
    promote or prefer over another
    What function does the third paragraph (lines 18–30) serve in the passage as a whole? It acknowledges that a practice favored by the author of the passage has some limitations. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  72. figurative
    not literal
    Which choice most closely captures the meaning of the figurative “sixpence” referred to in line 60(“sixpence?”)? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  73. focus
    special emphasis attached to something
    Over the course of the passage, the main focus of the narrative shifts from the... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  74. foreshadow
    indicate by signs
    The author includes the descriptions of the sunset, the clouds, and the hemlock shadows (lines 30–32) primarily to: foreshadow the declining fortunes of two characters. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  75. function
    what something is used for
    What function does the third paragraph (lines 18–30) serve in the passage as a whole? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  76. graph
    a visual representation of the relations between quantities
    Which choice is supported by the data in the first graph? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  77. graphic
    a visual image
    After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages and in any accompanying graphics (such as a table or graph). (College Board)
    Taken from the reading section directions.
  78. highlight
    move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent
    The main purpose of the passage is to: highlight the severity of social divisions. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  79. hypothesis
    a tentative insight that is not yet verified or tested
    The most likely purpose of the parenthetical information in
    lines 54–55 (“(which is a sequence of DNA that controls gene activity)”) is to: describe a new hypothesis.
    Taken from an answer choice.
  80. hypothetical
    based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence
    What function does the discussion of water in lines 31–35 serve in Passage 1? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  81. identify
    recognize as being
    It can reasonably be inferred that “the strong-minded” was a term generally intended to: identify women who demonstrate intellectual skill. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  82. illustrate
    make clear or understandable by giving an example
    The description of how Lady Carlotta “put the doctrine of non-interference into practice” (lines 13–14) mainly serves to: illustrate the subtle cruelty in her nature. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  83. implicit
    suggested though not directly expressed
    Which point about the resources that will be highly valued in space is implicit in Passage 1 and explicit in Passage 2? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  84. imply
    express or state indirectly
    The passage most clearly implies that other people regarded Lady Carlotta as... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  85. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    The author includes the descriptions of the sunset, the clouds, and the hemlock shadows (lines 30–32) primarily to... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  86. indicate
    give evidence of
    The passage indicates that Edward Crimsworth’s behavior was mainly caused by his... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  87. infer
    conclude by reasoning
    What can reasonably be inferred about gliding animals from the passage? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  88. influence
    have and exert an effect
    Based on information in the passage, it can reasonably be inferred that all internal waves: may be caused by similar factors but are influenced by the distinct topographies of different regions. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  89. information
    a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
    The author of the passage would most likely consider the information in chart 1 to be... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  90. intention
    an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions
    The main purpose of the opening sentence of the passage is to: contrast the narrator’s good intentions with his malicious conduct. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  91. interpret
    make sense of; assign a meaning to
    The author uses the phrase “is written in” (line 6) most likely to: reinforce the idea that the evidence is there and can be interpreted by scientists. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  92. introduce
    bring before the public for the first time
    Within Passage 1, the main purpose of the first two paragraphs (lines 1–7) is to: introduce a scientific principle in order to show how an experiment’s outcomes validated that principle. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  93. item
    a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group
    ...you may wish to also review the sample items in their fully formatted version. (College Board)
    Taken from the reading section directions.
  94. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    The author of the passage would most likely consider the information in chart 1 to be... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  95. mention
    make reference to
    Which of the following does the author suggest about the “female goats” mentioned in line 51?
    Taken from a question stem.
  96. mimic
    imitate, especially for satirical effect
    The crows in Passage 1 and the ravens in Passage 2 shared which trait? They mimicked the actions they saw performed around them. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  97. motivation
    psychological feature arousing action toward a desired goal
    In the second paragraph (lines 10–27), the incident involving the local rancher mainly serves to: reveal Ken Dial’s motivation for undertaking his project. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  98. motive
    the reason that arouses action toward a desired goal
    The authors refer to work by Camerer and others (line 49) in order to: question a motive. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  99. narrative
    an account that tells the particulars of an act or event
    Over the course of the passage, the main focus of the narrative shifts from the... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  100. narrator
    someone who tells a story
    During the course of the first paragraph, the narrator’s focus shifts from... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  101. option
    one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
    Please choose from one of the following options. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  102. paragraph
    one of several distinct subdivisions of a text
    The first paragraph serves mainly to... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  103. passage
    a section of text, particularly a section of medium length
    Which choice best reflects the overall sequence of events in the passage? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  104. pattern
    a repeated design, structure, or arrangement
    Which choice best describes the developmental pattern of the passage? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  105. percent
    a proportion in relation to a whole
    Based on data in the table, in what percent of colonies with colony collapse disorder were the honeybees infected by all four pathogens? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  106. percentage
    a proportion in relation to a whole
    Based on the table and passage, which choice gives the correct percentages of the purines in yeast DNA? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  107. perspective
    a way of regarding situations or topics
    The main purpose of the opening sentence of the passage is to: establish the narrator’s perspective on a controversy. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  108. phrase
    an expression consisting of one or more words
    Stanton uses the phrase “high carnival” (line 13) mainly to emphasize what she sees as the... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  109. point of view
    a mental position from which things are perceived
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? Passage 2 strongly challenges the point of view in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  110. portray
    depict in words
    As used in line 53, “document” most nearly means: portray. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  111. possess
    have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
    As used in
    line 43, “take the slightest interest in” most nearly means: possess little regard for. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  112. predict
    make a guess about what will happen in the future
    Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages? Passage 2 predicts the negative reactions that the findings discussed in Passage 1 might produce. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  113. previous
    just preceding something else in time or order
    Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  114. primarily
    for the most part
    In the context of the passage, the author’s use of the phrase “her light step flying to keep time with his long stride” (line 3) is primarily meant to convey the idea that... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  115. primary
    most important
    The primary purpose of the passage is to... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  116. principle
    a basic generalization that is accepted as true
    The stance Jordan takes in the passage is best described as that of: an idealist setting forth principles. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  117. propose
    present for consideration, examination, or criticism
    Do the data in the table support the authors’ proposed pairing of bases in DNA? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  118. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  119. purpose
    an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions
    The main purpose of the first paragraph is to... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  120. refer
    make a remark that calls attention to
    The author of Passage 2 refers to the novel War and Peace primarily to suggest that Woody Allen... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  121. reflect
    manifest or indicate
    Which choice best reflects the overall sequence of events in the passage? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  122. reflection
    a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
    During the course of the first paragraph, the narrator’s focus shifts from: reflection on his expectations of life as a tradesman to his desire for another job. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  123. refute
    overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
    Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages? Passage 2 refutes the central claim advanced in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  124. reinforce
    make stronger
    Woolf uses the word “we” throughout the passage mainly to: reinforce the need for respect among a group of people. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  125. relationship
    a state involving dealings between people, parties, or ideas
    Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  126. restate
    to say or perform again
    Which best describes the overall relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2? Passage 2 restates in different terms the argument presented in Passage 1. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  127. reveal
    make known to the public information previously kept secret
    How does the graph support the author’s point that internal waves affect ocean water dynamics? It reveals the degree to which an internal wave affects the density of deep layers of cold water. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  128. rhetorical
    relating to using language effectively
    The main rhetorical effect of the series of three phrases beginning in line 3 (“the diminution, the subversion, the destruction”) is to... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  129. shift
    change in quality
    Over the course of the passage, the main focus of the narrative shifts from the... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  130. significant
    important in effect or meaning
    According to Peacock, the ability to monitor internal waves is significant primarily because... (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  131. similar
    having the same or nearly the same characteristics
    The narrator indicates that Claude, Wilfrid, Irene, and Viola are: similar to many of their peers. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  132. stance
    a rationalized mental attitude
    The stance Jordan takes in the passage is best described as that of... (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  133. substantiate
    establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
    The passage indicates that the assumption made by gift-givers in
    lines 36–39 may be: substantiated. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  134. suggest
    imply as a possibility
    The passage most strongly suggests that beekeepers’ attempts to fight mite infestations with commercially produced insecticides have what unintentional effect? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  135. suggestion
    an idea that is proposed
    The main purpose of the first paragraph is to: question a suggestion. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  136. summarize
    briefly present the main points of something
    Which choice best summarizes the passage? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  137. supplementary
    functioning in a supporting capacity
    Questions 6–8 are based on the following passage and supplementary material. (College Board)
    Taken from the reading section directions.
  138. support
    establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
    Which claim about traffic congestion is supported by the graph? (College Board)
    Taken from a question stem.
  139. symbolic
    serving as a visible sign for something abstract
    The main purpose of the opening sentence of the passage is to: offer a symbolic representation of Edward Crimsworth’s plight. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  140. table
    a set of data arranged in rows and columns
    Based on data in the table, which of the four pathogens infected the highest percentage of honeybee colonies without colony collapse disorder? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  141. tend
    have a disposition to do or be something; be inclined
    What can reasonably be inferred about gliding animals from the passage? Their young tend to hop along beside their parents instead of flying beside them. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  142. term
    a word or expression used for some particular thing
    The most likely purpose of the parenthetical information in lines 54–55 is to: define a term. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  143. theory
    a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world
    Over the course of the passage, the focus shifts from: a criticism of a scientific model to a new theory. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  144. tone
    a quality that reveals the attitudes of the author
    How do the words “can,” “may,” and “could” in the third paragraph (lines 17–37) help establish the tone of the paragraph? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  145. trait
    a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
    The crows in Passage 1 and the ravens in Passage 2 shared which trait? (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  146. underscore
    give extra weight to
    The author uses the phrase “is written in” (line 6) most likely to: underscore the sense of importance that scientists have regarding their work. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  147. validate
    give evidence for
    In lines 53–56, the author of Passage 2 refers to a statement made in Passage 1 in order to: validate the concluding declarations made by the authors of Passage 1 about gender roles. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  148. value
    the quality that renders something desirable
    Over the course of the passage, the main focus of the narrative shifts from the: value a character attaches to the wonders of the natural world to a rejection of that sort of beauty in favor of human artistry. (College Board)
    Taken from an answer choice.
  149. vary
    be subject to change
    Based on the table, is the percentage of adenine in each organism’s DNA the same or does it vary, and which statement made by the authors is most consistent with that data? (Khan Academy)
    Taken from a question stem.
  150. yield
    give or supply
    It can be inferred that the authors of Passage 1 believe that running a household and raising children: yield less value for society than do the roles performed by men. (Khan Academy)
    Taken from an answer choice.
Created on Tue Sep 08 09:33:11 EDT 2015 (updated Mon Jan 04 17:19:25 EST 2016)

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