"Words in Context" Questions

“Words in Context” Questions on the Digital SAT
 

Effective strategies and insider tips to conquer these tricky vocabulary-based questions.

As part of the new Digital SAT, the "Words in Context" question type, part of the broader "Craft and Structure" domain, is designed to assess a student's ability to understand sophisticated English words and how they're used in a given context.

A common misconception about this question type is that students only need to memorize complex English words and their definitions (see our vocabulary list). Simply memorizing words is not enough - students need to also to interpret the connotations and nuances these words or phrases acquire based on their usage in specific passages (context).

Students who frequently read and analyze English literature tend to have an easier time with "Words in Context" questions, but this kind of natural intuition can take years of reading to develop. That's why we wrote this guide - to help you tackle this tricky problem type in a reasonable timeframe.

Example Question:
 

The following text is from Charles Dickens’s 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities.

"Crush humanity out of shape once more, under similar hammers, and it will twist itself into the same tortured forms. Sow the same seed of rapacious license and oppression over again, and it will surely yield the same fruit according to its kind."

As used in the text, what does the word “rapacious” most nearly mean?

A) Greedy

B) Sporadic

C) Excessive

D) Forceful

Correct Answer: Choice A is the best answer. The passage speaks about the consequences of certain negative forces on humanity. "Rapacious," in this context, refers to an extreme greed for wealth or material gain, which fits within the idea of “license and oppression” that the author mentions, indicating the destructive greed that leads to such outcomes.

 

Distractor Explanations:

Choice B is incorrect because "sporadic" means occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated. This definition doesn’t align with the broader message about consistent, predictable outcomes that Dickens is discussing.

Choice C is incorrect because "excessive" is too broad. While "rapacious" does imply an element of excess, it specifically pertains to greed, which is more targeted than the general idea of "too much" that "excessive" conveys.

Choice D is incorrect because "forceful" implies coercion or strength, which, although potentially a characteristic of the oppressors described, does not encapsulate the specific greed-driven nature of "rapacious."

How to tackle this type of question

1. Read for Understanding

Begin by absorbing the passage. Dickens is discussing the repercussions of certain behaviors on humanity. It’s not about one event but a pattern that repeats itself due to these behaviors. Understanding this cyclical pattern is crucial to deciphering the meaning of “rapacious” in this context.

Think about the broader implications of the passage. What themes of human behavior is Dickens warning against?

In the passage, the phrase "Crush humanity out of shape once more, under similar hammers," suggests that humanity:

A) Always retains its original shape

B) Can be distorted by certain forces

C) Is inherently evil

 

?  Option B is correct because the phrase implies that humanity is vulnerable to being metaphorically misshapen or harmed by external pressures or influences, consistent with the themes of exploitation and the consequences of certain behaviors that Dickens is exploring.

2. Paraphrase the Sentence

Reword the sentence in your mind to ensure you grasp its meaning. Consider it as, “If you plant the same seed of greedy control and cruelty, you will get the same bad outcomes.” This helps to internalize the context in which “rapacious” is used.

Try simplifying the sentence in your own words, keeping the original theme and intensity intact.

A simpler form of "Sow the same seed of rapacious license and oppression" could be:

A) Plant the same greedy desires and control

B) Experience freedom and control

C) Ignore the consequences of actions
 

?  Option A is correct. The original sentence suggests that if negative forces of greed and control (i.e., "rapacious license and oppression") are continuously nurtured or allowed to flourish, they will inevitably yield negative outcomes. This idea is simplified in option A, which maintains the original sentence's themes and intensity.

3. Predict the Word’s Meaning

Based on your understanding, anticipate what “rapacious” could mean. Given the themes of cruelty and predictable negative outcomes, a word denoting some type of greed or avarice could fit.

Based on the surrounding words and themes, what do you think "rapacious" signifies in this context?

Considering the text, "rapacious" likely refers to something:

A) Gentle and benign

B) Hungry for power or possessions

C) Fair and just
 

?  Option B is correct because, within the context set by Dickens, "rapacious" suggests a destructive greed or hunger for power, reflecting the underlying warning against the consequences of such unbridled desires.

4. Evaluate Each Option Individually

Now, shift your focus to the multiple-choice answers:

A) Does "greedy" fit the theme of destructive, cyclical behavior? Yes, it’s a hallmark of the cycle of oppression and exploitation Dickens describes.

B) "Sporadic" doesn’t fit. The entire passage underscores the inevitability of outcomes based on consistent behaviors.

C) "Excessive" could seem relevant due to the context of extreme behaviors, but it’s too general. It lacks the moral bankruptcy and active voraciousness implied in the passage.

D) "Forceful" misses the mark. The text refers to a moral failing that leads to oppression, not the act of oppression itself.

5. Eliminate the Wrong Answers

Remove options that don’t make sense. “Sporadic,” “excessive,” and “forceful” don’t fully align with the contextual clues provided. They either contradict the passage’s theme or are too wide-ranging.

Cross out the least fitting options for the definition of "rapacious," given its context in the sentence.

Why is "excessive" too broad to fit the nuanced meaning of "rapacious" in this context?

A) It doesn’t imply moral judgment

B) It specifically means greedy

C) It suggests a lack of activity
 

? Option A is correct. "Excessive" might describe a quantity or degree but lacks the connotation of moral failing that "rapacious" carries in this context. "Rapacious" isn’t merely about excess; it’s about a voracious and morally reprehensible form of greed.

6. Recheck Your Preferred Answer

Before confirming your choice, return to the passage with "greedy" in mind. Replace “rapacious” with “greedy” to see if it maintains the sentence’s integrity. It should read naturally and retain the original sentiment, highlighting the consequences of unchecked greed.

Insert your chosen answer into the passage. Does the essence of the warning about humanity’s deformation remain strong?

When replacing "rapacious" with "greedy," the tone of the passage:

A) Becomes more optimistic

B) Stays largely the same, retaining the warning

C) Changes to a more neutral stance
 

? Option B is correct. By substituting "rapacious" with "greedy," the warning tone of the passage remains intact, continuing to emphasize the negative outcomes of greed-driven behavior without changing the fundamental message or becoming more optimistic or neutral.

7. Confirm Your Answer

Having gone through these steps, you can confidently select option A - "greedy." It’s consistent with the context, aligns with your prediction, and survives the substitution check.

Tips and Tricks

Consider Connotations

Words have nuances. “Rapacious” isn’t just greedy; it’s aggressively greedy, almost violently so. This nuance aligns with the oppressive cycle Dickens warns against.

Use Substitution

When stuck between options, substitute them into the passage. The right choice will keep the sentence’s original meaning and tone intact.

Beware of Red Herrings

Options that seem relevant but are off in some way are there to mislead. The SAT is known for throwing these curveballs. If something doesn't seem right (even if you can't pinpoint exactly what is wrong), scrutinize each choice again and see if there are more natural answers.

Contextual Clues are Vital

The passage’s emotional tone, theme, and moral leanings are hints. They guide the interpretation of words in their context.

Trust Your Process

Second-guessing can lead you astray. If you’ve carefully considered each step, trust your final answer.