PSAT Reading and Writing Flashcards: Words In Context

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Words In Context, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for PSAT Reading and Writing.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Choose the meaning of "novel" in: "The team proposed a novel solution to the recurring problem."

Answer: New; original. "Solution to recurring problem" requires innovation, not fiction.

Flashcard 2: Which context clue type clarifies meaning by giving instances introduced by "for example" or "such as"?

Answer: Example (illustration) clue. Specific instances illustrate the general term's meaning.

Flashcard 3: Choose the meaning of "underscore" in: "The data underscore the need for additional research."

Answer: Emphasize; highlight. Data supporting a need emphasizes importance.

Flashcard 4: What is the most reliable evidence for a word's meaning in a passage: dictionary meaning or surrounding context?

Answer: Surrounding context in the passage. Context reveals how the author uses the word, not its general definition.

Flashcard 5: Choose the meaning of "sound" in: "We heard a sound from the hallway."

Answer: Noise; audible vibration. "From the hallway" clearly indicates auditory perception.

Flashcard 6: What is the most reliable first step for determining a word's meaning in context?

Answer: Use surrounding clues (tone, logic, examples) before choosing a definition. Context clues reveal meaning better than memorized definitions.

Flashcard 7: Identify the meaning of "temper" in context: "The coach tried to temper expectations after the win."

Answer: to moderate or lessen. "After the win" suggests reducing excessive enthusiasm.

Flashcard 8: Identify the tone of "meticulous" in: "Her meticulous notes impressed the committee."

Answer: Positive (suggests careful, thorough attention to detail). "Impressed the committee" shows approval of thoroughness.

Flashcard 9: What is the best definition of a word's denotation in a passage?

Answer: Its literal, dictionary meaning. Denotation excludes emotional associations or implied meanings.

Flashcard 10: What is the most reliable way to eliminate wrong answer choices in Words in Context?

Answer: Eliminate choices that do not match the sentence's meaning and tone. Test each choice in context for fit.

Flashcard 11: Choose the meaning of "intractable" in: "The intractable stain remained after several washings."

Answer: Difficult to remove or solve. "Remained after several washings" shows stubborn persistence.

Flashcard 12: Choose the meaning of "reserved" in: "She was reserved during the interview, answering briefly."

Answer: Restrained; not openly expressive. Brief answers suggest emotional restraint.

Flashcard 13: Choose the meaning of "austere" in: "The room was austere, with bare walls and no decoration."

Answer: Plain and unadorned. "Bare walls and no decoration" defines austere's simplicity.

Flashcard 14: What does it mean when the context suggests a figurative (nonliteral) meaning?

Answer: The word is used symbolically, not in its concrete, literal sense. Metaphorical use requires interpreting beyond literal definition.

Flashcard 15: Which context clue type uses a restatement with commas, dashes, or parentheses to define a word?

Answer: Appositive (definition by renaming). Commas, dashes, or parentheses signal a renaming definition.

Flashcard 16: What should you do first if the tested word has multiple dictionary definitions?

Answer: Eliminate definitions that contradict the passage's idea or tone. Rule out meanings that clash with the passage.

Flashcard 17: Which context clue type clarifies meaning by showing an opposite or a contrast signal?

Answer: Antonym (contrast) clue. Words like "but" or "however" signal contrasting meanings.

Flashcard 18: Choose the meaning of "reserved" in: "She was reserved during the interview, answering briefly."

Answer: Restrained; not openly expressive. Context shows limited communication, not booking.

Flashcard 19: Choose the word that best matches the context: "The plan seemed   at first, but it succeeded in practice."

Answer: impractical. "But it succeeded" contrasts with unrealistic or unworkable.

Flashcard 20: Choose the word that best fits: "The scientist was   about the claim, requesting more data before agreeing."

Answer: Skeptical. Requesting more data shows doubt about claims.

Flashcard 21: Which context clue type indicates meaning through cause-and-effect relationships in the sentence?

Answer: Cause-and-effect clue. Results or causes can reveal what an unfamiliar word means.

Flashcard 22: Choose the meaning of "anomaly" in: "The warm day in January was an anomaly."

Answer: Something unusual; a deviation from what is typical. Warm January weather deviates from normal patterns.

Flashcard 23: What is the primary goal when answering a Words in Context question on the PSAT?

Answer: Choose the meaning that best fits the passage's context. Context determines which definition of a word applies.

Flashcard 24: What is the key difference between denotation and connotation in Words in Context questions?

Answer: Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is implied tone. Denotation = dictionary definition; connotation = emotional association.

Flashcard 25: What does it mean when a question asks for the meaning of a word "as used in the text"?

Answer: Use the passage's meaning, not the word's most common definition. Context overrides common usage.

Flashcard 26: Which option best defines "austere" in the sentence: "The room was austere, with bare walls and no decoration"?

Answer: Severely simple; plain. "Bare walls and no decoration" indicates extreme simplicity.

Flashcard 27: Which option best defines "resilient" in the sentence: "After setbacks, the resilient team recovered quickly"?

Answer: Able to recover quickly; tough. Quick recovery after setbacks demonstrates toughness.

Flashcard 28: Choose the meaning of "temper" in: "After the delay, his temper flared and he snapped at staff."

Answer: Anger; irritability. Flaring and snapping indicate emotional state.

Flashcard 29: What is the most reliable way to infer a word's tone in context?

Answer: Use the passage's attitude toward the subject and surrounding diction. Word choice and author's perspective reveal emotional coloring.

Flashcard 30: Choose the meaning of "reserved" in: "She was reserved in meetings, rarely volunteering opinions."

Answer: Quiet and restrained. "Rarely volunteering" indicates holding back or being restrained.

Flashcard 31: What context clue type uses a restatement such as "that is," "in other words," or "namely"?

Answer: Definition or restatement clue. These phrases signal a direct explanation follows.

Flashcard 32: What is an example context clue and how does it help define a word?

Answer: Gives instances of the idea, narrowing the word's meaning. Specific examples help define broader concepts.

Flashcard 33: Which option best replaces "mitigate" in: "The new policy aims to mitigate the risks of flooding."

Answer: Reduce. The policy lessens flooding dangers.

Flashcard 34: What is the "substitution test" for Words in Context questions?

Answer: Replace the word with the choice; choose the one that preserves meaning and tone. Substituting each option tests which maintains sentence coherence.

Flashcard 35: What does it mean to choose the meaning that best fits the context?

Answer: Select the definition that makes the sentence logically and tonally coherent. The correct meaning must fit both the logic and emotional tone.

Flashcard 36: Choose the meaning of "check" in: "The new policy is meant to check the spread of misinformation."

Answer: Restrain; stop from increasing. "Spread" implies controlling growth.

Flashcard 37: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The committee voted to sanction the proposal, allowing it to proceed."

Answer: Authorize or approve. "Allowing it to proceed" shows approval, not punishment.

Flashcard 38: Choose the meaning of "qualified" in: "He is qualified to lead the lab because he has extensive training."

Answer: Competent; meeting requirements. Training shows meeting job requirements.

Flashcard 39: What context clue type uses a specific instance to clarify a general term, often signaled by "for example"?

Answer: Example clue. Specific examples illustrate the broader concept being discussed.

Flashcard 40: Which context clue type uses examples introduced by "such as" or "for instance" to clarify meaning?

Answer: Example clue. Specific instances illustrate the general meaning of the word.

Flashcard 41: What is the best strategy if multiple answer choices seem plausible for a word in context?

Answer: Test each choice in the sentence and keep the best fit. Substitution reveals which choice maintains the sentence's logic.

Flashcard 42: Choose the meaning of "underscore" in: "These results underscore the need for further study."

Answer: Emphasize. "Underscore" means highlight importance, like underlining.

Flashcard 43: What is the best strategy when two answer choices are close in meaning for a Words In Context question?

Answer: Choose the option matching the passage's tone and logic. Consider which fits the author's purpose and style.

Flashcard 44: Which option best defines "candid" in the sentence: "His candid feedback was blunt but helpful"?

Answer: Frank; honest. "Blunt but helpful" suggests honest, direct communication.

Flashcard 45: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The committee will sanction the new policy next week."

Answer: Approve; authorize. Committee's action shows official approval of policy.

Flashcard 46: Which context clue type uses nearby words with similar meaning to clarify an unfamiliar word?

Answer: Synonym (restatement) clue. Similar words nearby help clarify the unfamiliar term's meaning.

Flashcard 47: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The league imposed a sanction on the team for cheating."

Answer: Penalty or punishment. "For cheating" indicates punishment, not approval.

Flashcard 48: What is denotation in word choice questions?

Answer: The literal, dictionary meaning of a word. The objective definition without emotional associations.

Flashcard 49: Identify the meaning of "sanction" in context: "The committee voted to sanction the new policy."

Answer: to approve or authorize. "Voted to" indicates official approval or endorsement.

Flashcard 50: Choose the meaning of "qualified" in: "She is qualified to lead the lab because of her training."

Answer: Competent; having the required credentials. Training and credentials context shows capability to lead.

Flashcard 51: Which context clue type reveals meaning through a specific case introduced by "for example" or "such as"?

Answer: Example/illustration clue. Concrete examples clarify abstract or unfamiliar terms.

Flashcard 52: What is the best definition of a word's tone in context?

Answer: The writer's attitude conveyed by word choice. Tone reflects emotional stance through diction.

Flashcard 53: Choose the meaning of "qualified" in: "The report offered a qualified endorsement, noting several risks."

Answer: Limited or conditional. "Noting several risks" shows endorsement with reservations.

Flashcard 54: Choose the meaning of "lucid" in: "The professor's lucid explanation made the concept easy to follow."

Answer: Clear and understandable. Context emphasizes clarity and comprehensibility.

Flashcard 55: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The agency sanctioned the new procedure after reviewing the data."

Answer: Approve. "After reviewing" suggests official approval was granted.

Flashcard 56: Which context clue type signals meaning by showing an opposite, often with words like "however" or "unlike"?

Answer: Contrast clue. Opposites help define meaning through comparison.

Flashcard 57: Choose the meaning of "prolific" in: "The prolific author published three books this year."

Answer: Producing many works; highly productive. Three books in one year shows high productivity.

Flashcard 58: What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Answer: Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is implied emotional association. Dictionary meaning vs. emotional overtones.

Flashcard 59: Choose the meaning of "qualify" in: "The author qualifies the claim by noting key exceptions."

Answer: Limit; modify to be less absolute. "Noting exceptions" adds limitations to claims.

Flashcard 60: What does denotation mean in a Words in Context question?

Answer: The word's literal or dictionary meaning. Denotation is the objective, factual definition.

Flashcard 61: What is a context clue based on definition or restatement in the sentence?

Answer: A nearby rewording that directly explains the term's meaning. The text often clarifies unfamiliar terms through direct explanation.

Flashcard 62: Choose the word that best matches the context: "The scientist was  , refusing to accept claims without data."

Answer: skeptical. "Refusing...without data" shows doubt requiring evidence.

Flashcard 63: Choose the meaning of "disinterested" in: "The judge remained disinterested and evaluated only the evidence."

Answer: Impartial; unbiased. Judges must remain neutral to be fair.

Flashcard 64: Identify the best meaning of "novel" in: "The scientist proposed a novel approach to the problem."

Answer: New and original. Context emphasizes innovation, not a fictional book.

Flashcard 65: Which option best replaces "temper" in: "The coach tried to temper expectations after the early win."

Answer: Moderate. Reducing expectations after success shows restraint.

Flashcard 66: Which context clue type gives a direct definition or restatement of a word?

Answer: Definition (appositive) or restatement clue. Appositives use commas or dashes to directly define terms.

Flashcard 67: Which option best defines "prolific" in the sentence: "A prolific inventor filed dozens of patents"?

Answer: Producing much; highly productive. "Dozens of patents" indicates high productivity.

Flashcard 68: What is the best strategy when a word has multiple dictionary definitions?

Answer: Select the definition that matches the passage's situation and tone. Context determines which dictionary meaning applies.

Flashcard 69: What should you do if you recognize a word but its common meaning seems wrong in the passage?

Answer: Assume an alternate meaning and test it in the sentence. Words often have multiple meanings beyond the common one.

Flashcard 70: Choose the meaning of "plastic" in: "The artist valued plastic materials for their flexibility in sculpture."

Answer: Moldable; capable of being shaped. "Flexibility in sculpture" indicates shapeable, not synthetic.

Flashcard 71: Which option best replaces "eschew" in: "The author chose to eschew clichés and write in a fresh style."

Answer: Avoid. Choosing not to use clichés means avoiding them.

Flashcard 72: Which signal words most strongly indicate an example list that clarifies meaning?

Answer: For example, for instance, such as, including, like. These phrases introduce clarifying examples.

Flashcard 73: Identify the meaning of "sanction" in context: "The agency imposed sanctions for the violation."

Answer: a penalty or punishment. "Imposed...for violation" indicates punitive measures.

Flashcard 74: Choose the meaning of "temper" in: "Her enthusiasm was tempered by the disappointing results."

Answer: Moderated; softened. "Disappointing results" reduce enthusiasm.

Flashcard 75: Which option best replaces "novel" in: "Her approach was novel, unlike any used in earlier studies."

Answer: New. "Unlike any used earlier" indicates originality.

Flashcard 76: Which context clue type uses a nearby restatement introduced by punctuation or phrases like "that is"?

Answer: Definition or restatement clue. The word is explained by commas, dashes, or clarifying phrases.

Flashcard 77: Which strategy best prevents choosing a definition that is correct but does not fit the passage?

Answer: Re-read the full sentence and surrounding lines before selecting. Context clues in surrounding sentences reveal the intended meaning.

Flashcard 78: Which option best defines "eschew" in the sentence: "The chef will eschew sugar to keep the dish savory"?

Answer: Avoid deliberately. Avoiding sugar to maintain savory flavor shows deliberate avoidance.

Flashcard 79: Choose the meaning of "prolific" in: "A prolific researcher published dozens of articles each year."

Answer: Producing much; highly productive. Context emphasizes high output and productivity.

Flashcard 80: Which context clue type uses "or," "that is," or parentheses to restate meaning?

Answer: Definition or restatement clue. These phrases introduce clarifying restatements.

Flashcard 81: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The agency imposed sanctions on companies that violated the rule."

Answer: Penalties or punishments. Context indicates negative consequences for violations.

Flashcard 82: Choose the meaning of "precipitate" in: "The announcement precipitated a rapid change in public opinion."

Answer: Cause to happen suddenly. The announcement triggered immediate opinion shifts.

Flashcard 83: Which context clue type uses nearby synonyms or parallel phrasing to suggest meaning?

Answer: Synonym or parallelism clue. Similar words or structures echo the target word's meaning.

Flashcard 84: What is a context clue based on contrast (signal words such as "however")?

Answer: Opposition to an idea that narrows meaning by showing what it is not. Contrasting ideas help define by showing what something isn't.

Flashcard 85: Choose the meaning of "sanction" in: "The league will sanction teams that break the rules."

Answer: Penalize; impose a punishment. Breaking rules leads to punishment.

Flashcard 86: Choose the meaning of "austere" in: "The austere room had bare walls and no decorations."

Answer: Plain and unadorned. Context shows lack of decoration or embellishment.

Flashcard 87: Which option best defines "ambivalent" in the sentence: "She felt ambivalent, excited yet uneasy about the move"?

Answer: Having mixed feelings. "Excited yet uneasy" shows conflicting emotions.

Flashcard 88: What is the best strategy when a word has multiple definitions in order to choose the correct one?

Answer: Match the definition to how the word functions in that sentence. Consider the word's grammatical role and meaning in that specific sentence.

Flashcard 89: What is the most reliable first step for defining an unfamiliar word in a passage?

Answer: Use nearby context clues to infer meaning before using prior knowledge. Context provides more accurate meaning than general knowledge.

Flashcard 90: Choose the meaning of "reserved" in: "Though reserved in public, she was lively with friends."

Answer: Quiet and restrained. Contrast shows she's quiet publicly but not privately.

Flashcard 91: Which context clue type signals meaning through an opposite idea using words like "however" or "although"?

Answer: Contrast clue. Transition words signal opposing meanings for context clues.

Flashcard 92: Choose the meaning of "pragmatic" in: "They took a pragmatic approach, focusing on what would work now."

Answer: Practical and results-oriented. Context emphasizes immediate effectiveness over theory.

Flashcard 93: What is a context clue of the "definition or restatement" type?

Answer: The text directly defines the word, often with commas, dashes, or parentheses. Look for punctuation marks that introduce explanations.

Flashcard 94: Which option best replaces "prolific" in: "A prolific researcher, he published dozens of articles each year."

Answer: Productive. Publishing "dozens of articles" shows high output.

Flashcard 95: What is the best way to check whether a chosen meaning fits the passage?

Answer: Substitute it into the sentence and verify the sentence still makes sense. The replacement test confirms contextual fit.

Flashcard 96: What does connotation refer to when choosing a word meaning in context?

Answer: The emotional or evaluative shading beyond the literal definition. Connotation adds emotional or cultural associations.

Flashcard 97: What is the most reliable way to confirm a candidate meaning for a word in context?

Answer: Substitute it back into the sentence and check coherence. If the sentence still makes sense, the meaning fits.

Flashcard 98: Which option best defines "bolster" in the sentence: "The new evidence will bolster the researcher's claim"?

Answer: Support; strengthen. Evidence strengthening a claim means providing support.

Flashcard 99: Which context clue type signals meaning by showing an opposite or shift (for example, "but," "however")?

Answer: Contrast clue. Contrast words signal opposite meanings to clarify terms.

Flashcard 100: Choose the meaning of "plastic" in: "The brain remains plastic, adapting to new challenges."

Answer: Malleable; capable of change. "Adapting" shows flexibility, not synthetic material.