ACT Reading Vocab
Reading
A process by which we construct meaning from print.
The child apprised her father's authority and behaved herself in church. Apprised means... A. Appreciated. B. Compromised. C. Defied. D. Noted.
A. Appreciated
Which word could be substituted for 'querulous' in the following sentence? 'The querulous child I babysit just won't stop bothering me until I let him play video games.' A. Complaining B. Joyful C. Crying D. Calm
A. Complaining The child is bothering the babysitter. Use word elimination and context to determine that this is the best word choice.
The newborn baby was enamored with the rattle. Enamored means... A. Fascinated. B. Happy. C. Unsure what to do. D. Aggravated.
A. Fascinated
In the following sentence, which word serves as a definition of 'transient'? 'Her transient thoughts of quitting her dead-end job are fleeting, lasting only as long as the weekly meeting she abhors.' A. Fleeting B. Abhors C. Thoughts D. Quitting
A. Fleeting All of the other answer choices are listed in the actual sentence. You can use elimination and knowledge to determine that "fleeting" is the best option.
The general tried to instill the hope of victory in his troops. Instill means... A. Infuse. B. Delay. C. Inscribe. D. Indict.
A. Infuse
The winning team of the World Series often has a jovial attitude. Jovial means... A. Merry. B. Sad. C. Somber. D. Laborious.
A. Merry
Mary became ______ at typing because she practiced every day for six months. a. proficient b. reflective c. dormant d. redundant e. valiant
A. Proficient
The official exhibited a heedless attitude when dealing with the dignitaries. Heedless means... A. Thoughtless. B. Pleasant. C. Friendly. D. Bitter.
A. Thoughtless
The aural component of balance is critical for postural control during ambulation. Aural means related to the... A. Eyes. B. Ears. C. Nose. D. Hands.
B. Ears
The captain received many accolades for her bravery during the battle. A.criticisms B. honors C. presents D. promotions
B. Honors
After practice, the girls' softball team stated, "We're famished!" Famished means... A. Rested. B. Hungry. C. Excited. D. Ready.
B. Hungry
The bouncer's countenance discouraged brawls. Countenance means... A. Message. B. Presence. C. Expression. D. Strength.
B. Presence
The scientist was able to evoke powerful emotions from her audience. Evoke means... A. Sell. B. Calm. C. Call forth. D. Exaggerate.
C. Call Forth
The mandate to report at exactly 9 a.m. the next day was written on my boss's personal stationery. (A)invitation (B)greeting (C)command (D)permission
C. Command
"The lycanthropic virus story is really nailed down," says Giles. "The epicenters that have been mapped over thousands of years are likely the spots where werewolves are concentrated." As it is used in this line, concentrated most nearly means... (A) extracted (B) paid attention to (C) gathered together (D) directed to one topic
C. Gathered Together
The wound exhibited signs of copious drainage requiring medical intervention. Copious means... A. Minimal. B. Clear. C. Maximal. D. Foul.
C. Maximal
"She thinks I have a power that she doesn't have and this brings out her envy and bad humor." In this line, humor most nearly means... A. Personality B. Whim C. Mood D. Comedy
C. Mood
When having a problem, it is best to dissect the situation, then act. Dissect means... A.Control. B.Discuss. C.Ignore. D.Analyze.
D. Analyze
The coach knew how to bolster the team's morale in the final moments. (A)recruit (B)demean (C)allude (D)encourage
D. Encourage
Searching frantically to find the hidden jewels, the thieves proceeded to ______ the entire house. a. justify b. darken c. amplify d. ransack e. glorify
D. Ransack
Skimming
Reading little parts of each paragraph to get the main idea.
Elimination
The removal of answer choices that you know are incorrect to narrow down your options.
Context
Words, events, or circumstances that help determine meaning.
Annotating
Writing notes in the margin to help you understand the main idea of each paragraph, and reference back to while answering questions.
