1. Words that are found in questions and directions.
PSSA Vocabulary
Words that are found in questions and directions.

2. passage A selection of text to which the questions refer
Text you are asked to read
The following passage and poem are about making soup. Read the passage and answer questions 1-5.

3. text
a piece of writing
Effective introduction, development, and conclusion identifying an opinion, topic, or controlling idea related to the text(s).

4. evidence Proof that supports an idea
Facts or details from the text to support a claim or idea
Use evidence from both the passage and the poem to support your response.

5. Excerpt from Anne of Green Gables
A small section taken from a larger text.
School Days
Excerpt from Anne of Green Gables

6. analyze
To think deeply and critically beyond what is stated in writing
Write an essay analyzing the importance of the body's clock to people's everyday lives.

7. support
Details, facts, examples, or ideas that prove or explain an idea or claim
Use evidence from both the passage and the poem to support your response.

8. response A written answer to a question or prompt
Use evidence from both the passage and the poem to support your response.

9. convey To communicate or make an idea understandable
How is the author's purpose to inform conveyed throughout the passage?

10. technical language Jargon
Words that are specific to a topic or subject
How does the author use technical language in the article?

11. Vague
Unclear
Which revision best corrects the vague or unclear pronoun in sentence 2?

12. elaborate To tell more, explain, or support with facts or details
How does this sentence elaborate on how the mayor is presented in the letter?

13. generalization Taking something specific and applying it more broadly
Ex.
All dogs chase squirrels.
Which generalization can best be made from "Nail Soup"?

14. revealing; reveal To make information known to others
Which sentence from the passage best develops a theme by revealing the main character's attitude toward life?

15. precise Exact, accurate, and careful about details.
To be more precise, which word best replaces the underlined words in the sentences?

16. indicate To point out or to show
Which sentence needs a question mark to indicate that it is spoken as a question and not a statement?

17. evaluation To examine or judge carefully
What statement is the best evaluation of the author's argument?

18. claim
A thesis statement or main point that forms the basis for an argument
Which sentence from the Editorial best supports the author's claim that the mayor has the right to protect the citizens of Tullyville?