SAT ReadingWORD CHOICE"The student will determine how the selection of specific words and phrases or the use of patterns of words asnd phrases helps shape meaning and tone in a text."In other words,the SAT wants you to be able to determine WHY an author uses a specific word or phrase.Take a look at the following passage, then consider the underlined words in the space that follows:The following passage is from James Watson's autobiography detailing how he and his laboratory partner, Francis Crick, discovered the structure of DNA in 1953."I have never seen Francis Crick in a modest mood. Perhaps in other company he is that way, but I have never had reason so to judge him. It has nothing to do with his present fame. Already he is much talked about, usually with reverence, and someday he may be considered in the category of Rutherford or Bohr. But this was not true when, in the fall of 1951, I came to the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University to join a small group of physicists and chemists working on the three-dimensional structures of proteins. At that time he was thirty-five, yet almost totally unknown. Although some of his closest colleagues realized the value of his quick, penetrating mind and frequently sought his advice, he was often not appreciated, and most people thought he talked too much."Write down some words which could replace modest in this passage. In other words, what are some words which would mean the same thing that modest does in this passage? Then, answer the question which follows.__________________________________________________________________________________Now that you have considered other words which could replace modest in this passage, you can answer the following question:1. Which of the following words is most synonymous with modest as it is used in the passage?a. mediumb. quietc. humbled. introvertedYou cannot answer the question without considering context. If you were asked for a definition for modest with no context, perhaps you may think of a modest lunch, or a modest wage, or a modest way of life, each interpretation lending itself to a different definition of the word modest. It should be clear, then, that you must read beyond the first sentence alone to arrive at an answer. First, you should be able to eliminate choice (A). If (A) were correct, we should expect that the rest of the passage discusses "high" or "low" moods, yet the passage never discusses the extent of his mood, so this cannot be the correct answer. Similarly, since the passage never discusses whether Crick is either shy or extroverted, we know that choice (D) is not correct. Choice (B) is also incorrect. Perhaps you are led to choice (B) due to the last sentence which says Crick talked too much, so should therefore nwould have never been found in a quiet mood. However, notice that sentence 3 says "It [his lack of modesty] has nothing to do with his present fame." Fame and talkativity are not often contextually related. Choice (C), however, is contextually related to fame. The author further notes that, even when he was unknown, he was still not modest. This necessarily means that his fame should be expected to engender a lack of modesty. The only choice, then, that makes sense in this context is choice (C).

Now write down some words which could replace present in this passage. In other words, what are some words which would mean the same thing that present does in this passage? Then, answer the question which follows.__________________________________________________________________________________2. Which of the following words is most synonymous with present as it is used in the passage?a. giftb. currentc. showd. hereYou should quickly eliminate choices (A) and (C). Crick is not presenting time or receiving time as a Christmas present. Additionally, this usage of present is not similar to the usage "I am present," to communicate that "I am here," so choice (D) is also incorrect. The author contrasts his "present fame" with the fact that, in 1951, he was fairly unknown. In other words, he is comparing his fame now (currently) and at some past point, so choice (B) is correct.Now, consider the phrase "the category of Rutherford or Bohr." Perhaps you have heard of these scientists in your physics or chemistry classes. Keep in mind, however, that no scientific knowledge is necessary for the SAT. Just because you may know who these people are does not mean it is relevant to any of the SAT questions. In fact, when considering words and phrases in context, you should completely disregard facts about specific people or events unless specifically discussed in the text. Though these things may have some apparent context outside the text to you, the SAT is texting you only on what's actually in the passage. Keep this in mind when answering the following questions:3. From the passage, what can you conclude about Rutherford and Bohr?a. They are scientists.b. They are famous.c. They are held in high esteem.d. They share some personality traits with Francis Crick.Choice (A) is true, but incorrect. The passage does not discuss Rutherford or Bohr and makes no mention of their careers. Remember that just because an answer choice may be factually true, that does not mean it is the correct answer. Because the passage does not introduce either as scientists, you cannot draw this conclusion from the text. Similarly, the text simply does not discuss their character traits, and in context, it would make no sense to do so. As such, choice (D) is incorrect. A case could be possibly made for choice (B), since Rutherford and Bohr are indeed mentioned near the author's mention of Crick's present fame. However, consider the specific context in which Rutherford and Bohr are mentioned. The author notes that because he is often discussed "with reverence," he may some day be in the category of Rutherford and Bohr. This means that because he is held in high esteem, he may one day be considered in the category of Rutherford and Bohr. Clearly, then, choice (C) is the correct answer.4. What does the author mean when he says that Francis Crick may someday be placed "in the category of Rutherford and Bohr?"a. Crick's contribution to the discovery of the structure of DNA is as important as discoveries made by Rutherford and Bohr.b. Crick was respected by colleagues and one day may come to be well-regarded as Rutherford and Bohr.c. Because Crick's fame was growing, he might become as famous as Rutherford and Bohr.d. Crick might one day be remembered for having the same personality which Rutherford and Bohr had.This is, in essence, another way to ask question 3. Consider specifically what the text does and does not say about Crick and Rutrherford and Bohr. Choice (B) is the clear answer here.

Take a look at the following passage, then consider the underlined words in the space that follows:The following passage is from George Washington's farewell address in 1796. George Washington was the first president of the United States."Friends and fellow-citizens:The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, espeially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom the choice is to be made.I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the resolution which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no dimunition of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both."

5. As used in the passage, "administer" most nearly meansa. lead.b. inflict.c. endure.d. conduct.Washington is referring to the person Congress will select to be the new president. In other words, he is speaking about the next person to lead the executive government. Choice (A) is the correct answer.

6. As used in the passage, "distant" refers to a distance ina. location.b. time.c. emotional closeness.d. altititude.Hopefully clearly this refers to time, as later in the sentence he remarks that the time is not distant. Choice (B) is the correct answer.

7. As used in the passage, "designating" most nearly meansa. selecting.b. creating.c. concluding.d. dressing.Again, very straightforward (as a number of the questions on the SAT will be). He is addressing the individuals who will choose his successor, so choice (A) is correct.

8. As used in the passage, "clothed" most nearly meansa. dressed in.b. responsible for.c. confided with.d. given.(C)

9. As used in the passage, "apprize" most nearly meansa. reward.b. inform.c. award.d. trust.(B)

10. As used in the passage, "dimunition of zeal" most nearly meansa. "increase in fervor"b. "attrition of disappointment"c. "decline of passion"d. "surplus of happiness"(C)

11. As used in the passage, "step" most nearly meansa. clineb. partc. instructiond. decision(D)

The following passage is also from George Washington's farewell address in 1796. Answer the questions which follow:"The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political [connection] as possible. So far we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or a very remote relation. Hence, she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation, when we may choose peace or war as our interests, guided by justice, shall counsel.Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand on foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entagle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?"12. As used in the passage, "engagements" most nearly meansa. agreementsb. relationshipsc. marriagesd. events(B)

13. As used in the passage, "she" refers to a(n)a. personb. objectc. continentd. vehicle(D)

14. As used in the passage, "invites" most nearly meansa. asksb. encouragesc. necessitatesd. requests(B)

15. As used in the passage, "course" most nearly meansa. physical pathb. routec. set of actionsd. attitude(C)

16. As used in the passage, "counsel" most nearly meansa. determineb. lawyerc. suggestd. aid(C)

17. As used in the passage, "peculiar" most nearly meansa. uniqueb. strangec. newd. surprising(A)

18. As used in the passage, "own" most nearly refers toa. possessionsb. successesc. landd. a situation(C)

By now you should be starting to have an idea of the types of words the SAT will ask you to define. In the following exercise, read the passage and highlight or underline ten words you think the SAT would ask you to define. Then, define the words on the lines provided. Finally, answer the questions that follow, and see if any of your predicitions were correct.

PASSAGELINES AND QUESTIONS HERE.

Were any of your predictions correct? If so, you're on your way to cracking the SAT. Being an active reader and interacting with the text while you read is a key component of scoring well on the SAT. As you read, ask yourself "why is this important?" and "what could they ask me about this?" You'll find that you have the answers to many of the questions before you even get there.