ACT Reading key terms

The central point a passage is built to communicate, usually stated or strongly implied in one or two sentences. Distinguishing it from supporting details is the most common task in reading questions.

A specific fact, example, statistic, or reason a writer uses to explain, prove, or illustrate the main idea. Details answer questions like who, what, when, or how much rather than what the passage is about overall.

The position or assertion an author advances and then defends with reasoning and evidence. It is often arguable rather than a plain fact, and the rest of the passage typically serves to establish it.

The controlling statement of an argumentative or expository piece, usually appearing near the beginning and forecasting what the writer will demonstrate. It differs from a topic in that it takes a stance rather than naming a subject.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces what that paragraph will cover. It helps readers track how individual paragraphs build toward the passage's larger point.

A brief restatement of a text's most important points in your own words, omitting minor details and examples. A good summary preserves the author's emphasis and order of importance rather than listing every fact.

Restating a passage's meaning in different words while keeping the original sense intact. Unlike summary, paraphrase usually follows the source closely in scope and does not condense it.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus reasonable assumptions, rather than stated outright. Valid inferences must be supported by the passage and cannot contradict it.

A point the passage states directly in so many words, requiring no guesswork. Questions asking what the passage says, as opposed to what it suggests, are answered from explicit statements.

A meaning a passage suggests without stating it plainly, often through word choice or what is left unsaid. Recognizing implications helps answer questions about what the author would likely agree with.

The facts, examples, quotations, or data a writer offers in support of a claim. Evaluating whether evidence is relevant and sufficient is central to judging an argument's strength.

The order in which actions or developments occur in a narrative or historical passage. Tracking sequence helps you answer questions about causes, results, and why a later event depends on an earlier one.

A relationship in which one event or condition produces another. Passages often present causes and results across several sentences, so readers must connect them even when signal words are absent.

A pattern that examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Recognizing it helps you organize information and answer questions about how ideas relate to one another.

The way a passage arranges its ideas, such as chronological, cause-effect, comparison, problem-solution, or claim-and-support. Identifying the pattern makes it easier to locate information and predict where a point is heading.

The job a particular paragraph performs within the whole passage, such as introducing a topic, providing an example, countering an objection, or drawing a conclusion. Questions often ask why the author included a given paragraph.

The meaning a word carries in a specific sentence, which may differ from its most common dictionary sense. Correct answers fit the surrounding clues, tone, and grammatical role rather than just sounding sophisticated.

Information nearby in the sentence or paragraph that hints at a word's meaning, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause-effect relationship. Using clues lets you infer meaning without a dictionary.

The emotional or evaluative shading a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as the difference between inexpensive and cheap. Authors use connotation to signal attitude toward a subject.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional associations. Distinguishing denotation from connotation clarifies why an author chose one word over a near synonym.

Language that departs from literal meaning to create a comparison or effect, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole. Recognizing figures of speech prevents misreading a passage literally.

A direct comparison that describes one thing as another without using like or as, such as calling memory a warehouse. Metaphors shape how readers perceive a subject and often reveal the author's attitude.

A comparison using like, as, or than to link two unlike things, such as quiet as a held breath. Similes make abstract ideas concrete and can carry emotional weight.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create a vivid mental picture. Imagery often conveys mood and theme, so questions may ask what a particular image suggests.

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and details. Tone might be skeptical, admiring, nostalgic, or wry, and it differs from the reader's own reaction.

The emotional atmosphere a passage creates in the reader, shaped by setting, imagery, and pacing. Mood is the feeling evoked, while tone is the attitude expressed by the writer.

The distinctive personality or perspective that comes through a piece of writing, influenced by diction, syntax, and point of view. Voice helps readers sense who is speaking and how they regard the subject.

A writer's choice of words, ranging from formal to casual or concrete to abstract. Diction is a primary tool for establishing tone and revealing character or attitude.

The perspective from which a passage is told, such as first person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient, or in nonfiction the author's stance. It determines what information readers can access.

The voice telling a story or relating events, who may or may not be the author and may or may not be reliable. Distinguishing the narrator from the author matters when evaluating claims and attitudes.

The way a passage is organized and ordered, including its introduction, development, shifts, and conclusion. Questions about structure ask how parts relate or why information appears where it does.

A word or phrase that signals a relationship between ideas, such as however, therefore, or in contrast. Transitions reveal whether the author is adding, contrasting, or concluding.

A reasoned case in which a writer asserts a claim and supports it with evidence and logic, often addressing opposing views. Identifying the claim, reasons, and evidence is the core of analyzing argumentative passages.

The logical connection a writer draws between evidence and a claim, explaining why the evidence supports the conclusion. Weak reasoning may rely on assumptions the passage never justifies.

An unstated belief a writer relies on for an argument to work. Spotting assumptions helps you judge whether a conclusion really follows from the evidence given.

An opposing view that a writer acknowledges and then answers. Passages that include counterarguments are usually more balanced, and questions may ask how the author responds to the objection.

The writer's direct response to a counterargument, explaining why the objection fails or is outweighed. Recognizing rebuttals clarifies the author's final position.

A slant or partiality in how a writer presents information, which may show in selective evidence, loaded language, or omitted viewpoints. Detecting bias helps you evaluate whether a source is balanced.

Combining information from two or more passages or sources to form a unified understanding or conclusion. Synthesis questions ask how ideas agree, conflict, or complement one another.

Analyzing how two texts treat the same topic, including differences in emphasis, evidence, tone, or conclusion. These questions require holding both passages in mind and noting where they diverge or align.