ISEE Reading Comprehension key terms

The central point a passage is built to communicate, broad enough to cover the whole text rather than one section. It is usually stated in a single sentence and supported by every paragraph.

An underlying message or insight about life, people, or society that a literary passage conveys through events, characters, and details. Themes are usually implied rather than directly stated.

A single sentence, often near the start of an informational passage, that announces the author's central claim. Everything after it should support, explain, or illustrate that claim.

The sentence that states the focus of a single paragraph, usually placed first. It links the paragraph's details to the passage's larger argument.

A specific fact, example, statistic, or description that backs up a broader claim in the passage. Removing it would weaken the reader's reason to accept the main idea.

Content stated directly in the words of the passage, so a reader can point to the exact sentence that answers the question without reasoning beyond the text.

The portion of a passage, such as a quotation, figure, or example, that justifies a conclusion. Strong answers cite evidence rather than relying on outside knowledge.

A concrete example or brief narrative used to make an abstract claim easier to grasp. It clarifies an idea rather than proving it with data.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining stated details with reasonable assumptions. It is strongly supported by the text but never written out directly.

A meaning a passage suggests without stating outright, often signaled by word choice or what the author leaves unsaid. Readers must read between the lines to detect it.

A hint or indirect indication in a text that points toward a conclusion. It is weaker than a direct statement and requires the reader to supply the connection.

An unstated belief a writer or speaker treats as true in order to make an argument work. Identifying it helps a reader judge whether the reasoning holds up.

A reasonable guess about what will happen next or what the passage will discuss, based on clues already given. It must follow from the text, not from personal preference.

A judgment reached after weighing the passage's details. In reading questions it refers to what the text as a whole allows a careful reader to decide.

Information in nearby words, sentences, or the overall passage that helps a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Types include definition, contrast, example, and cause-effect clues.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Calling a plan "cheap" versus "economical" describes the same fact with different attitudes.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional shading. Questions about denotation ask what a word strictly names, not what it hints at.

A context clue in which the passage repeats an unfamiliar word's meaning in simpler terms, often after a dash, comma, or the phrase "in other words."

A context clue that directly explains a term's meaning within the sentence, frequently introduced by "is," "means," or a colon. It is the most straightforward type of clue.

A context clue that reveals a word's meaning by setting it against an opposite idea, often signaled by "but," "however," "unlike," or "rather than."

Word use that departs from literal meaning to create a comparison or vivid image, as in metaphor, simile, and personification. It shapes tone and reveals attitude.

A direct comparison that describes one thing as if it were another, without using "like" or "as." It transfers qualities to help readers see a subject in a new way.

A comparison using "like" or "as" to link two unlike things, highlighting a shared quality. It makes an abstract or unfamiliar idea concrete for the reader.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel what is described. It often carries the passage's emotional tone.

An extended comparison that explains an unfamiliar idea by showing how it resembles a familiar one. It is used to clarify reasoning, not merely to decorate a sentence.

The reason a writer composes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a process. Purpose shapes the passage's structure, word choice, and level of detail.

Writing intended to move readers toward a belief or action by appealing to logic, emotion, or the writer's credibility. It often anticipates and answers objections.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice, sentence style, and details. Tone might be humorous, solemn, critical, admiring, or detached.

The feeling a passage creates in the reader, such as suspense, calm, or unease. Mood arises from setting, imagery, and pacing rather than from the author's stated opinion.

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

The stance a writer or a character takes toward a subject or audience, revealed through evaluative language. It is closely related to tone but may shift within a passage.

The way a passage organizes its ideas, such as chronological order, cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or problem and solution. Recognizing it helps readers locate key information quickly.

A word or phrase that signals the relationship between ideas, such as "however," "therefore," or "meanwhile." Transitions guide readers through shifts in logic or time.

The order in which events or steps are presented, often signaled by dates, numbers, or words like "first" and "then." It is central to narratives and process explanations.

A question posed for effect rather than to obtain an answer, used to emphasize a point or nudge readers toward the writer's view. It often appears in persuasive passages.

Deliberate reuse of a word, phrase, or sentence pattern to emphasize an idea or create rhythm. It can reinforce tone and make a claim memorable.

The perspective from which a passage is told, such as first person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. It determines what information the reader can access.

A restatement of a passage's meaning in different words, keeping the original sense intact. Correct answers often paraphrase the text rather than repeat its exact wording.

A brief account of a passage's most important points, omitting minor details. A good summary captures the main idea and the key supporting ideas in order.

Combining information from two passages or from several parts of one passage to form a unified understanding. Questions may ask how the texts agree, differ, or build on each other.

A structure that examines similarities and differences between two subjects or passages. Signal words include "similarly," "likewise," "whereas," and "in contrast."