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How to Solve Words in Context for the NEW Digital SAT
Mastering Vocabulary in Context
Understanding words in context is a crucial skill for reading comprehension. In your test, you'll encounter vocabulary-in-context questions frequently, with at least one appearing in every passage or set of paired passages. These questions are relatively straightforward and less dependent on your understanding of the passage as a whole.
Types of Vocabulary-in-Context Questions
You'll encounter two main types:
1. Alternate meanings of common words (most frequent)
2. First meanings of less common, more challenging words
You might also see questions about short phrases used figuratively.
For instance, "in its wake" doesn't literally mean behind a ship – it means "as a consequence."
The Golden Rule: Context Determines Meaning
In your test, words can take on meanings that authors choose, regardless of their dictionary definitions. Remember this key principle:
You don't need to know the exact definition of a word to answer correctly. What matters is your ability to:
1. Use context clues to understand the word's meaning in the passage
2. Understand the definitions of the words in the answer choices
Here's a surprising fact: common words are often used in uncommon ways. If you see a word's usual definition among the answer choices, be skeptical – it's likely not the correct answer!
For example, if you see a question asking about the word "spill," it will likely not mean "knock over." That would be too obvious for the test.
When you see a question that says, "In line 14, 'want' most nearly means...," you can think of it as asking, "In line 14, '____' most nearly means." The specific word being tested is less important than its context.
Strategies for Success
1. The Substitution Method
Replace the tested word with your own word, then find the matching answer choice.
Pro: Intuitive and often effective
Con: The correct answer might be a less common synonym you didn't think of
2. The Plug-and-Play Approach
Insert each answer choice into the original sentence and see what fits best.
Pro: Helps you hear what sounds right
Con: You might eliminate the correct answer if it sounds unfamiliar
3. The Positive/Negative Game
Determine if the context suggests a positive or negative meaning, then eliminate choices that don't match.
Pro: Quickly narrows down options
Con: Requires careful reading of the surrounding context
When Context Isn't Enough
Sometimes, a single sentence doesn't provide enough context. In these cases:
Expand your search! Read the sentences before and after the one containing the word. One of these will likely provide a synonym or clarifying information.
Choosing Your Approach
While some test-takers prefer using a single approach for all vocabulary-in-context questions, it's often beneficial to be flexible. Certain questions lend themselves better to specific strategies.
For straightforward questions, plugging in your own word might be easiest. For less clear-cut questions, a combination of the positive/negative approach and process of elimination could be most effective.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering vocabulary-in-context questions is practice. Try different strategies and see what works best for you. Remember, flexibility is key – some questions might require a combination of approaches.
Try It Yourself:
In the sentence "The chef's innovative dishes sparked a culinary revolution," the word "sparked" most nearly means:
The Golden Rule: Context is King
When approaching vocabulary questions in your test, remember this key principle:
The meaning of a word depends on how it's used in the passage, not its dictionary definition.
Authors may use words in unexpected ways. Your job is to figure out the intended meaning based on the surrounding text.
Systematic Approach: The DECODE Method
D - Determine the word in question
E - Examine the surrounding context
C - Consider possible meanings
O - Omit inappropriate choices
D - Decide on the best fit
E - Explain your choice (mentally)
Applying the DECODE Method: Example 1
"Despite its diminutive size, the hummingbird's tenacious nature allows it to defend its territory against much larger birds."
D: The word in question is "tenacious"
E: Context clues: "Despite its diminutive size" contrasts with defending against larger birds
C: Possible meanings: strong, persistent, determined
O: Omit any choices that don't fit this idea of strength despite small size
D: Choose the answer that best captures the idea of persistence or determination
E: The word shows how the small bird can stand up to larger ones, emphasizing its strong will
Example 2: Practice Question
"The scientist's novel approach to climate change research, while unconventional, yielded groundbreaking results that challenged existing theories."
In this context, "novel" most nearly means:
A) fictional
B) innovative
C) lengthy
D) commonplace
DECODE Process:
D: The word in question is "novel"
E: Context clues: "unconventional" and "groundbreaking results that challenged existing theories"
C: Possible meanings: new, original, unusual
O: Omit "fictional" (off-topic), "lengthy" (unrelated), "commonplace" (opposite of context)
D: "Innovative" best fits the context of an unconventional approach yielding groundbreaking results
E: This meaning aligns with the idea of challenging existing theories and being unconventional
Therefore, the correct answer is B) innovative.
Key Takeaways
• Always prioritize context over dictionary definitions.
• Look for contrasting ideas or supporting details to help determine meaning.
• Use the DECODE method consistently for all vocabulary-in-context questions.
• Practice regularly to improve your skill in decoding words in context.
Tricky Words
Deciphering word meanings in complex, historical passages is a crucial skill for your test. Let's explore advanced strategies for understanding words in context, especially when dealing with antiquated language and tricky word usage.
The HISTORY Method
H - Hone in on the sentence containing the word
I - Investigate surrounding sentences for context
S - Sense the tone and style of the passage
T - Think of a modern equivalent for antiquated phrases
O - Overlook the most common definition of the word
R - Replace the word with each answer choice
Y - Yield to the choice that best fits the context and tone
Example 1: Navigating Historical Language
"The suffragette's impassioned speech galvanized the assembly, transforming a tepid gathering into a fervent rally for women's rights."
In this context, "galvanized" most nearly means:
A) coated with zinc
B) shocked
C) energized
D) analyzed
Example 2: Tricky Word Usage
"The philanthropist's seemingly altruistic gesture was, in fact, a calculated move to improve his public image."
In this context, "calculated" most nearly means:
A) computed
B) strategic
C) estimated
D) solved
Key Strategies for Complex and Historical Passages
1. Be wary of the most common definition - it's often a trap.
2. Pay attention to idiomatic usage, especially in older texts.
3. Look for contrasts between appearances and reality.
4. Consider the author's tone and attitude towards the subject.
5. When dealing with archaic language, try to find modern equivalents.
6. Use the context to infer meaning, even if individual words are unfamiliar.
Practice Exercise
Apply the HISTORY method to this passage from a 19th-century political speech:
"The honorable gentleman's argument, while specious in its presentation, fails to address the fundamental concerns of our constituents."
What does "specious" most likely mean in this context?
A) brilliant
B) misleading
C) lengthy
D) precise
The Evolution of Vocabulary Testing
In recent years, test makers claimed to eliminate "obscure" vocabulary, focusing instead on "relevant" words in context. However, this shift is more nuanced than it appears:
• Many words previously considered "obscure" are actually common in college-level reading.
• These words often appear unremarkable to well-read adults but challenging to high school students.
• The test still includes sophisticated vocabulary, now deemed "relevant" by virtue of their inclusion.
Key Insight: The change in vocabulary testing is more about presentation than actual difficulty. The challenge remains - you must understand complex words in context.
The CONTEXT Method for Complex Words
C - Consider the overall tone and theme of the passage
O - Observe surrounding words and phrases for clues
N - Note any contrasts or comparisons in the text
T - Try substituting the word with a simpler term
E - Examine the word's grammatical function in the sentence
X - X-out clearly incorrect answer choices
T - Test your chosen meaning within the larger context
Example: Applying CONTEXT to Historical Text
"I wish to speak to-day, not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a Northern man, but as an American, and a member of the Senate of the United States. It is fortunate that there is a Senate of the United States; a body not yet moved from its propriety, not lost to a just sense of its own dignity and its own high responsibilities, and a body to which the country looks, with confidence, for wise, moderate, patriotic, and healing counsels. It is not to be denied that we live in the midst of strong agitations, and are surrounded by very considerable dangers to our institutions and government."
In this context, "agitations" most nearly means:
A) considerations
B) decisions
C) disturbances
D) defenses
CONTEXT Process:
C: The tone is serious, discussing national concerns
O: "Strong" and "dangers" suggest a negative connotation
N: Contrasts with "wise, moderate, patriotic, and healing counsels"
T: Could be replaced with "troubles" or "unrest"
E: Noun, object of "in the midst of"
X: Eliminate A, B, and D as they don't fit the negative context
T: "Disturbances" aligns with the idea of dangers to institutions
The correct answer is C) disturbances.
Second Meanings: A Subtle Challenge
Your test may use words with dual meanings in answer choices, adding an extra layer of complexity.
Advanced Strategy: When encountering familiar words in answer choices, consider if they have alternative meanings that might fit the context better.
Example: Navigating Second Meanings
"Yogi Berra, the former Major League baseball catcher and coach, once remarked that you can't hit and think at the same time. Of course, since he also reportedly said, "I really didn't say everything I said," it is not clear we should take his statements at face value. Nonetheless, a widespread view in both academic journals and the popular press is that thinking about what you are doing, as you are doing it, interferes with performance."
The passage indicates that focusing on one's actions as they are performed:
A) is an important component of improving a skill.
B) is more common among experts than it is among other people.
C) can result in a compromised performance.
D) leads to a superior level of performance.
Analysis:
The key here is the word "compromised" in answer C.
• While "compromised" often means "reached an agreement," here it means "impaired" or "weakened."
• The passage states that thinking while doing "interferes with performance," aligning with this second meaning of "compromised."
• This example demonstrates how understanding secondary word meanings can be crucial for selecting the correct answer.
The correct answer is C) can result in a compromised performance.
Key Takeaways
• Don't be intimidated by seemingly difficult words. Focus on context for understanding.
• Use the CONTEXT method to systematically approach challenging vocabulary.
• Be aware of potential second meanings, especially in answer choices.
• Practice regularly with college-level texts to expand your vocabulary naturally.
Mastering Vocabulary in Context FAQ
What are vocabulary-in-context questions on the SAT?
Vocabulary-in-context questions assess your ability to understand the meaning of a word based on the surrounding text. These questions often rely on context clues rather than strict dictionary definitions.
What types of vocabulary-in-context questions can I expect?
There are two main types of vocabulary-in-context questions:
- Alternate meanings of common words (most frequent)
- First meanings of less common, more challenging words
How can I determine the meaning of a word in context?
To determine a word's meaning in context, consider these steps:
- Read the surrounding sentences carefully for clues.
- Think about the overall tone and purpose of the passage.
- Look for synonyms or explanations nearby that might clarify the word's meaning.
What strategies can help me succeed with vocabulary-in-context questions?
Here are some strategies you can use:
- The Substitution Method: Replace the tested word with your own word, then find the matching answer choice.
- The Plug-and-Play Approach: Insert each answer choice into the original sentence to see what fits best.
- The Positive/Negative Game: Determine if the context suggests a positive or negative meaning to narrow down options.
What should I do if the context isn't clear enough?
If a single sentence doesn't provide enough context, expand your search by reading the sentences before and after the one containing the word. This broader context can often provide additional clues.
How important is practice in mastering vocabulary in context?
Practice is crucial. The more you work with vocabulary-in-context questions, the more familiar you will become with the types of words and contexts you'll encounter on the SAT. Regular practice will help you improve your skills and confidence.
Can you provide an example of a vocabulary-in-context question?
Certainly! Here's an example:
"In the sentence 'The chef's innovative dishes sparked a culinary revolution,' the word 'sparked' most nearly means:"A) ignited, B) extinguished, C) brightened, D) shocked. The correct answer is A) ignited, as it implies starting or initiating something significant.
TTA Pro Tip: When faced with vocabulary questions, always rely on context rather than memorizing definitions. Context is your best friend in understanding how words are used in passages!
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