SAT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

On the SAT, all of the Reading Test questions are multiple choice and are based on reading passages that may be taken from literature, science, the social sciences, or a U.S. founding document (or a text inspired by such a document). Many of the reading comprehension questions meant to assess a student’s understanding of those passages will require students to choose words that best describe the writer’s tone or point of view, words like the words you see on this list. Learn them here so when you see them in an SAT answer choice, you’ll know what they mean!
12 words 1938 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. optimistic
    hopeful that the best will happen in the future
    Physicists are optimistic the mystery will be sorted out soon with more data. Scientific American (Sep 9, 2015)
  2. pessimistic
    expecting the worst possible outcome
    “But lawyers are trained to always look for the worst-case scenario. They benefit more from being pessimistic, and that takes a toll.” New York Times (May 12, 2015)
  3. neutral
    having no personal preference
    If I have strong views, I’m probably not going to be a good editor: it’s hard for me to write in a neutral way.” The Guardian (Sep 6, 2015)
  4. ambivalent
    uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
    The time of action is upon us, but I remain ambivalent as to what action I should take. Challenger Deep
  5. frank
    characterized by directness in manner or speech
    She suggests that its appeal lies in its frank treatment of topics usually left undiscussed. New York Times (Jun 19, 2015)
  6. indignant
    angered at something unjust or wrong
    I seethed with envy, indignant that they enjoyed the honest freedom I had denied myself. The Guardian (May 17, 2014)
  7. empathetic
    showing ready comprehension of others' states
    “I can feel your pain without going through it myself,” says the empathetic person. The Guardian (Jun 17, 2015)
  8. appreciative
    having or showing a favorable critical judgment or opinion
    She wasn’t even appreciative of his efforts and she had plenty cause to be. Their Eyes Were Watching God
  9. critical
    of a serious examination and judgment of something
    Yet someone who’s tired or distracted will likely be less critical, and will simply accept what you say as true. Time (Sep 2, 2015)
  10. scornful
    expressing extreme contempt
    A deep, scornful hatred, like black syrup pumping thick through my heart. Salon (May 24, 2012)
  11. disdainful
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    Every time we try to stop, we look at Peeta’s attempt to maintain a disdainful expression and it sets us off again. Catching Fire
  12. provocative
    serving or tending to excite or stimulate
    She’s not afraid to push buttons and be the provocative journalist she should be.” The Guardian (Aug 8, 2015)
Created on Wed Jun 04 12:27:30 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 17:54:55 EDT 2025)

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