SAT: Words to Capture Tone: Words to Capture Tone, List 12

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 ones you see on this list. Learn them here so when you see them in an SAT answer choice, you’ll know what they mean!
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. coarse
    lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
    Ferrell and Hart are two stars with clearly, cleverly designed personalities, but whose films are often lazy and coarse in execution. Time (Mar 25, 2015)
  2. creative
    having the ability or power to invent or make something
    Star Wars was a breakout success for many well-discussed reasons, but one powerful factor was how it easily lent itself to creative backyard play. The Guardian (Sep 3, 2015)
  3. ecstatic
    feeling great rapture or delight
    In photographs taken just after the baby was born, she cuddles the infant, looking ecstatic and proud. Los Angeles Times (Mar 6, 2015)
  4. fanciful
    indulging in or influenced by the imagination
    Despite first being proposed more than a century ago, the idea of a space elevator has always appeared fanciful. Reuters (Sep 3, 2015)
  5. hopeful
    having or manifesting optimism
    "A socially inclusive Singapore that is prosperous because it is innovative, and where people always feel hopeful about making progress in their lives." US News (Sep 8, 2015)
  6. inspiring
    stimulating or exalting to the spirit
    But it was exciting, and inspiring, to live in a country where people had fought and won the fight for democracy and openness. US News (Aug 31, 2015)
  7. judgmental
    relating to an assessment of a person, situation, or event
    Thus began one of West’s familiar monologues on the fashion industry’s judgmental nature — its bullying and mean-girl tendencies and refusal to recognize his brilliance. Washington Post (Jun 2, 2015)
  8. objective
    undistorted by emotion or personal bias
    It is important as a scientist, irrespective of belief, to be as objective as possible and steer clear of overtly political, advocacy, or activist stances. Forbes (Aug 3, 2015)
  9. urgent
    compelling immediate action
    “Go quickly, all of you,” the teacher said, his voice low and urgent. A Long Walk to Water
  10. condescending
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    "The owner is rude, condescending, arrogant, and way too full of himself. Not a good representation of the people of southern Utah." Los Angeles Times (Jun 11, 2015)
  11. crude
    conspicuously and tastelessly indecent
    His male supporters regard his crude sexism not as juvenile behavior but as a transgressive political statement. Slate (Aug 13, 2015)
  12. lyrical
    expressing deep emotion
    Supreme Court rulings are typically dry legalistic documents, but Friday’s decision recognizing gay marriage nationwide was more lyrical than most. Time (Jun 26, 2015)
Created on Mon Jun 09 14:22:08 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 16:59:45 EDT 2025)

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