🧐Words in Context: What Even is it?

In the SAT Writing and Language section, you'll come across different types of questions that test your reading comprehension, language skills, and grammar. One specific question type is called "Words in Context."

"Words in Context" questions aim to test your ability to understand the meaning of a word or phrase within a given passage. These questions focus on your vocabulary knowledge and how well you can grasp how words are used in a sentence or paragraph. When you encounter a "Words in Context" question, you'll see an underlined word or phrase in the passage, followed by multiple answer choices. Your task is to choose the answer choice that best defines or provides a synonym for the underlined word based on its context in the passage.

To provide some background information, the "Words in Context" question type in the SAT Writing and Language section is part of a subscore. An SAT subscore is a score that focuses on a specific area or skill within a particular section of the SAT exam. Subscores allow you and colleges to assess your strengths and weaknesses in different areas of the test. Read more about SAT Scoring here.

🤪Tips and Tricks - Words in Context

Before we get into it, here are some tips and tricks when approaching this question type in the Writing and Language section of the SAT.

📖 Read the Surrounding Text

Pay close attention to the sentences and paragraphs surrounding the underlined word or phrase. Understanding the context is crucial for determining the meaning of the word.

Some examples of using this tip include:

• If the underlined word is "enormous," you might find clues such as "huge," "gigantic," or "immense" in the surrounding text. 

• If the underlined word is "reluctant," you might find clues such as "eager," "enthusiastic," or "willing" in the surrounding text. 

🔍 Look for Clues

The passage may provide clues about the word's meaning through other words, phrases, or the overall tone. Pay attention to positive or negative descriptions, comparisons, or contrasting information that can help you infer the intended meaning.

• Postive or negative description example:

  • If the underlined word is "exquisite," the passage might describe something as "beautifully crafted," "elegant," or "superb," indicating a positive meaning.

• Comparisons example:

  • If the underlined word is "faster," the passage might mention that something is "speedier than ever," "quicker," or "more rapid" when comparing it to another object or action.

• Contrasting information example:

  • If the underlined word is "however," the passage might present a statement and then introduce a contradictory/opposing statement or idea, indicating that the word is signaling a shift or contrast in the argument.

🤔 Analyze Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

Familiarize yourself with common prefixes, suffixes, and root words, as they can offer hints about the word's meaning. Break down the word into its smaller parts and see if you can recognize any familiar components.

Wait...what are these three terms?

1. 🐓 A root word is the basic, core word that carries the primary meaning of a term. For example, the root word "act" in "action" or "actor" carries the meaning of doing or performing something.

2. 👈🏼 A prefix is something added to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning. For example, adding the prefix "un-" to the root word "do" results in the word "undo." Note that adding the prefix in this instance reversed the action.

3. 👉🏼 A suffix is something added to the end of a root word to change its meaning or function in a sentence. For example, adding the suffix "-able" to "comfort" creates a new word, "comfortable", that signifies "able to be comforted."

Understanding this concept can help you in this section! An example is:

• If the underlined word is "disinterested," the prefix "dis-" suggests the lack of, and the root word "interest" means attention or involvement, indicating that the word means "neutral" or "impartial".

⚠️ Pay Attention to the Tone of the Passage

Consider the overall tone or mood of the passage. If the passage has a positive tone, the underlined word is more likely to have a positive meaning. Likewise, if the passage has a negative tone, the underlined word is more likely to have a negative meaning.

Take a look at this passage: "The party was filled with laughter, joyful music, and colorful decorations. Everyone was dancing and having a great time, creating an atmosphere of celebration and happiness."

In this passage, the positive tone is evident through words like "laughter," "joyful," "colorful," "great time," and "celebration." If an underlined word were "festive," you could understand that it means lively or joyful, matching the positive tone of the passage.

🔌 Read the Sentence with the Answer Choice

Before finalizing your selection, read the sentence with the chosen answer choice. Make sure it makes sense and maintains the passage's flow and coherence.

👀 Words in Context: What Does It Look Like?

Wondering what "words in context" questions look like on the SAT? No problem! During your official SAT, you can expect around 7-9 questions that focus on understanding the meaning of words or phrases in the passage. These types of questions can be encountered in both the reading and writing and language sections of the SAT.

Questions may look like this:

Passage: "John was known for his impeccable manners and genteel demeanor. He always treated others with respect and courtesy, regardless of their social status. His behavior was a testament to his innate civility."

Question: In the passage, what does "genteel" most likely mean?

• A) Rude

• B) Arrogant

• C) Polite

• D) Unkempt

Your task is to not only interpret words and phrases based on their dictionary definition but also understand how the author specifically uses them in the passage. If you encounter an unfamiliar word or phrase, don't sweat it. The text usually provides hints or clues nearby that will guide you toward its meaning 😮‍💨

So there you have it, my SAT-slaying friends! The "Words in Context" questions might seem like tricky word puzzles, but fear not! With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you'll be wielding the power of context like a word wizard. Happy studying, and may the vocabulary be ever in your favor! 🪄