Test-Taking Vocabulary

Analyze: Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.

To put previous knowledge/readings to use in your answer. Apply: To put previous knowledge/readings to use in your answer.

To describe personality traits of a character. Characterize: To describe personality traits of a character.

To explain or rephrase so others can understand. Clarify: To explain or rephrase so others can understand.

Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences. Compare: Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences.

To bring to an end; to arrive at an opinion through reasoning. Conclude: To bring to an end; to arrive at an opinion through reasoning.

Context: The words that surround a particular word and help to determine or deepen its meaning.

Show differences. Set in opposition. Contrast: Show differences. Set in opposition.

To fix writing for publication Edit: To fix writing for publication (correct punctuation, spelling, etc.).

Illustrate: Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.

Infer: To draw a conclusion based on information given (aka an educated guess).

To restate or express in one’s own words. Paraphrase: To restate or express in one’s own words.

Use information from the literature to guess what will happen. Predict: Use information from the literature to guess what will happen.

Purpose: An intention or goal (often in reference to the reason literature was written).

To change or alter organization Revise: To change or alter organization and/or content to improve a text (correct structure).

Summarize: Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details.