ACCUPLACER Reading key terms

The most important point a passage makes about its topic, stated or implied. It summarizes what the author wants readers to understand after reading the whole text.

A fact, example, reason, or description that explains, proves, or develops the main idea. Details answer questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining information in the text with background knowledge. It is not stated directly, but it must be logically supported by the passage.

Information that is directly and clearly stated in the text, leaving no need for guessing. Readers can point to the exact words that express it.

An idea suggested by the text but not stated outright. Readers must infer it from word choice, details, and the overall logic of the passage.

A brief restatement of a passage's main points in the reader's own words. A good summary keeps essential ideas, leaves out minor details, and does not add opinions.

A rewording of a short passage that keeps the original meaning but changes the wording and sentence structure. It is usually similar in length to the original.

The main assertion an author asks readers to accept, often appearing in an argumentative text. It is the position that the rest of the passage is designed to support.

Specific information such as facts, statistics, examples, or quotations used to support a claim. Strong evidence is relevant, accurate, and sufficient for the point being made.

The meaning a reader assigns to a text after considering its details, language, and context. Different readers may interpret a passage differently, but supportable interpretations rely on textual evidence.

The reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Purpose shapes what information is included and how it is presented.

The attitude an author expresses toward the subject or audience, revealed through word choice and details. Tone might be serious, humorous, critical, sympathetic, or neutral.

The perspective from which a text is written, such as first person, third person, or an expert's viewpoint. It affects what information readers receive and how they judge it.

A particular way of seeing or thinking about an issue, shaped by a person's background, role, or beliefs. In reading, identifying perspectives helps explain why authors emphasize different details.

The way an author organizes ideas in a passage, such as chronological order, cause and effect, comparison, or problem and solution. Structure helps readers follow the author's line of reasoning.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer. It encourages readers to think, emphasizes a point, or leads them toward the author's intended conclusion.

The specific words an author selects to convey meaning and tone. Careful word choice can make writing precise, vivid, persuasive, or emotionally charged.

The feelings or associations a word suggests beyond its literal meaning. For example, "childlike" often sounds positive while "childish" sounds negative.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from the emotions or associations it may carry. Denotation is the basic meaning readers can verify in a dictionary.

Information in nearby words, sentences, or paragraphs that helps a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues may be definitions, examples, contrasts, or restatements.

A set of reasons and evidence presented to support a claim and persuade an audience. A strong argument addresses opposing views and avoids unsupported assumptions.

An opposing view or objection to an author's claim. Acknowledging and responding to counterarguments can make an argument more convincing and balanced.

A tendency to favor one side, idea, or group in a way that can distort fair judgment. Bias may appear in what an author includes, leaves out, or emphasizes.

The intended readers of a text. Authors adjust vocabulary, tone, examples, and structure depending on what their audience already knows and values.

A reading and writing strategy that examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It helps readers see relationships and evaluate competing ideas.

The process of combining information from two or more sources to form a new understanding or conclusion. Synthesis goes beyond summarizing each source separately.

The act of connecting ideas from multiple sources and using them together to answer a question or support a point. It requires noticing agreements, conflicts, and gaps.

A person, document, study, or website that provides information used in a text. Evaluating a source involves checking its author, date, purpose, and reliability.

To confirm or support a statement or finding with additional evidence from another source. Corroborating information increases confidence that a claim is accurate.

To state the opposite of another claim or to provide information that conflicts with it. Recognizing contradictions helps readers compare sources and judge which is more credible.

A broad statement drawn from specific examples or observations. Valid generalizations are supported by enough evidence; faulty ones are based on too few cases.

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create vivid comparisons or effects, such as similes, metaphors, and personification. It can shape tone and reveal implied ideas.

A word or phrase that connects ideas and shows how sentences or paragraphs relate, such as "however," "therefore," or "for example." Transitions guide readers through a text's structure.

The special importance an author gives to an idea through repetition, placement, strong wording, or punctuation. Noticing emphasis helps readers identify key points and the author's attitude.

A statement that can be verified or proven true through evidence. Facts differ from opinions, which express beliefs, feelings, or judgments.

A statement expressing a belief, feeling, or judgment that cannot be proven true or false. Opinions may be supported by facts but are not themselves verifiable.

Selecting the exact word that best expresses an intended meaning, rather than a vague or approximate one. Precision improves clarity and helps readers understand subtle distinctions.

An unstated belief that an argument relies on. If an assumption is false, the argument's conclusion may not follow from its evidence.

To limit or moderate a claim by adding conditions, exceptions, or degrees of certainty. Qualified statements are often more accurate and credible than absolute ones.

A central message or insight about life or human nature that a text conveys. Themes are usually implied rather than stated and are supported by the whole passage.