SAT Reading & Writing key terms

Information such as a fact, statistic, quotation, or example that supports a claim. On this exam you often choose the specific detail that best backs a stated conclusion.

A statement the writer presents as true and tries to get the reader to accept. It may be the main point of a passage or a smaller assertion inside it.

A conclusion you draw from clues in the text rather than from a statement made outright. Valid inferences must be logically supported by what the passage says.

The central point a passage or paragraph is built to communicate. Everything else in the text usually explains, supports, or illustrates it.

A brief restatement of a text's most important points in your own words, leaving out minor details. A good summary captures the whole passage, not just one part.

Restating an author's idea in different words while keeping the original meaning. It differs from summary because it can restate a single sentence or short idea.

The material in a text that backs up a claim, such as reasons, data, or examples. Strong support is relevant to the claim and sufficient to justify it.

Numerical information presented in tables, graphs, or charts within a passage. Questions ask you to connect these figures to claims made in the accompanying text.

A general direction in which data moves over time or across groups, such as a steady increase or decline. Identifying trends helps you evaluate whether a claim matches the numbers.

An unstated belief that a writer's argument depends on. If the assumption were false, the reasoning would fall apart, so it is often the target of weaken questions.

A meaning that follows from a statement without being said directly. Recognizing implications helps you understand what the author expects readers to conclude.

The quality of being directly connected to the point being discussed. Evidence that is interesting but off-topic does not support a claim effectively.

A set of statements in which reasons are offered to persuade the reader of a conclusion. Identifying the conclusion and its reasons is the first step in analyzing it.

The specific words an author selects, which shape tone, emphasis, and connotation. Questions may ask why a particular word was used or how it affects meaning.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'thrifty' and 'stingy' describe similar behavior but feel different.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional shading. Distinguishing it from connotation helps you read the author's attitude accurately.

The surrounding words, sentences, or situation that clarify what a word or phrase means. Meaning in a passage depends heavily on context rather than on a single dictionary entry.

The straightforward sense of a statement taken at face value, without metaphor or implication. Some questions test whether a phrase is meant literally or figuratively.

Language that uses images or comparisons to convey meaning beyond the literal words, such as metaphor or simile. Recognizing it helps you interpret an author's intended point.

A comparison that describes one thing as if it were another, without using 'like' or 'as.' It can reveal an author's attitude and shape how readers picture an idea.

A comparison that uses 'like' or 'as' to link two unlike things. It is a form of figurative language that can emphasize a quality or create a vivid image.

The attitude an author expresses toward the subject, such as skeptical, admiring, or amused. Tone is revealed through word choice, details, and sentence structure.

The perspective from which a text is written, such as first person, third person, or that of a particular character or narrator. It affects what information the reader receives.

The way a text is organized, including its order of ideas, paragraph breaks, and use of comparison, cause and effect, or chronology. Structure shapes how meaning unfolds.

A word or phrase that connects ideas and signals how sentences or paragraphs relate, such as 'however,' 'therefore,' or 'for example.' Choosing the right transition clarifies logic.

The quality of a text in which sentences and paragraphs connect smoothly and logically. Cohesive writing uses transitions, repeated key terms, and clear references to keep readers oriented.

The reason an author includes a particular sentence or detail, such as to illustrate, contrast, or emphasize. Questions ask how a specific part functions within the whole passage.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb. Interrupting phrases between subject and verb often hide disagreement.

The rule that a pronoun must match the noun it refers to in number and gender. A singular antecedent requires a singular pronoun such as 'it' or 'she.'

The clarity of the relationship between a pronoun and the noun it stands for. Ambiguous or missing antecedents leave readers unsure who or what is meant.

The form of a verb that indicates when an action occurs, such as past, present, or future. Consistency and logical sequence of tenses keep a passage coherent.

An error in which two complete sentences are joined by only a comma. It can be fixed with a period, a semicolon, or a conjunction.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. Revising it requires separating the clauses or linking them properly.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Recognizing it helps you punctuate and combine sentences correctly.

A group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it begins with a subordinating word. It must attach to an independent clause.

A word, phrase, or clause that describes another part of the sentence. A misplaced or dangling modifier appears to describe the wrong element and confuses meaning.

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison, such as all verbs or all nouns. Consistency makes sentences clearer and easier to read.

Marks such as commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes that organize sentences and clarify relationships between ideas. Each mark follows specific conventions that questions test.