ACT: The Language of the Test: The Language of the Test, List 4

A comparison is putting things together to see how they are similar, or different. On the ACT, you may be asked to try to figure out why a writer makes a comparison between two things. For example, a question could read, "What is the effect of the comparison between the teacher and the witch in paragraph 6?"

To contrast two things is to point out or emphasize how they are different. An author might include certain details to contrast two things. Contrast may also come up in questions addressing pairs of reading passages.

A passage on the ACT Reading Test is a distinct block of text. You'll see this word often in question stems, where you will be asked questions that begin "According to the passage..." or "The main purpose of the passage..."

To shift is to change. Sometimes a reading passage may take a turn in tone or message; the focus of a narrative may shift, or a writer's perspective may even shift. Chances are it will be your job to identify where in the passage that shift took place.

Primarily is often used in standardized test questions to mean "mostly." For example, a test question may begin, "The author of Passage 1 refers to x primarily to suggest..." This is a way to tell you: "Sure, there could be other reasons the author refers to x, but you should be looking for the main (primary) reason!"

Just like central, the word primary tends to show up before words like purpose or claim to indicate that the main idea of a passage is being discussed, rather than less important or secondary ideas. If you're asked about a primary idea in a passage, rereading the introduction and conclusion may be a good strategy to "think big."

When you see argue on the ACT Reading Test, don't think "fight." Instead, think about making a point by building a logical argument. One author might argue that it is necessary to raise taxes on corporations, while another author argues in favor of tax cuts.

To support is to make stronger. You might be asked to identify evidence that supports an author’s claims, or you may be asked to interpret a graph and determine whether or not it supports a particular idea in a reading passage. When you see the word support, think about all the things a writer does to prove his or her point.

Analysis goes beyond mere summary: it involves breaking an argument down and figuring out how the pieces work together.

In Latin contra means "against" so think of that when you see contradict on the ACT. To contradict means to go against or oppose another opinion. If one passage contradicts another, then they offer opposing points of view.

When you refute something, you disprove it. This word is stronger than disagree. When you use the word refute, you are implying that it's more than just a matter of opinion; there is evidence that invalidates an argument.

Something consistent is in agreement with something else. If you are asked to identify a written statement that is consistent with data being presented graphically, you need to find a statement from the text that agrees with the data.