Test-Taking Vocabulary

Analyze: Break into separate parts and discuss,

examine, or interpret each part.

Compare: Examine two or more

things. Identify similarities and

differences.

Context: The words that

surround a particular word and help to

determine or deepen its meaning.

Conflict: The problem or

struggle that the characters face in a

story.

Contrast: Show differences. Set in opposition.

Criticize: Make judgments.

Evaluate comparative worth.

Criticism often involves analysis.

Dialogue: The exact words spoken by the characters in a

story.

Define: Give the meaning; usually a

meaning specific to the course or subject. Determine the precise limits of the term

to be defined. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions

are usually short.

Describe: Give a detailed

account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities, and parts.

Discuss: Consider and debate

or argue the pros and cons of an issue.

Write about and conflict. Compare

and contrast.

Enumerate: List several ideas,

aspects, events,things,

qualities, reasons, etc.

Essay: A piece of writing that expresses a person’s point of

view or talks about a single topic.

Evaluate: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an

expert. Include evidence to support

the evaluation.

Explain: Make an idea clear.

Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reasons for

an event.

Exposition: The beginning part of a story or play that describes the

setting and introduces the

characters.

Fiction: Literature that tells

stories about characters and

settings that the writer makes up.

Figurative Language: Language used by

authors in writing to create a special effect of feeling

(metaphors, alliteration, similes, etc.)

Genre: A French word that

means a type or form of literature

(ex. Biography, fantasy, historical fiction, etc.).

Illustrate: Give concrete

examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or

examples.

Imagery: The use of

descriptive words to create a mental picture in the reader’s mind.

Interpret: Comment upon, give examples, describe

relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe,

then evaluate.

Justify: Provide factual

evidence or logical reasons. In such an answer, evidence

should be presented in convincing form.

List: Present an itemized series of items. Be

concise.

Narrator: The person that is telling the story.

Opinion: A statement of

someone’s ideas or feelings – not fact.

Outline: Describe main ideas,

characteristics, or events. (Does not

necessarily mean "write a Roman numeral/letter

outline.")

Passage: A short piece of

writing.

Plot: The action or series of events that make

up the story.

Predict: Use information

from the literature to guess what will

happen.

Prove: Support with facts (especially facts

presented in class or in the test.)

Relate: Show the connections

between ideas or events. Provide a larger context.

State: Explain precisely.

Summarize: Give a brief,

condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary

details.

Support: Use evidence from the selection to prove your

answer.

Theme: A statement of the

most important idea; the message that the author wants

his/her audience to learn

Tone: The attitude of the

author toward his/her subject or

writing topic.

Trace: Show the order of

events or progress of a subject or event.