GED: The Language of the Test: The Language of the Test, List 3

The verb cite has nothing to do with the nouns sight or site. When you cite something, you are giving credit where credit is due in a piece of writing. You can cite a source formally with a citation (like you would in a research paper) or you can informally cite something as you refer to it in a piece of writing.

To reinforce is to make stronger. An author can refer to specific examples or make specific claims that reinforce a main idea. For example, an author might use data to call attention to increased water pollution in her state, and then include a personal story about fishing in a polluted river in order to reinforce her point.

When you restate something, you say or write it again. This word isn't only used to refer to exact repetition, however. A passage could restate an idea using different terms, and you could restate the main idea of a passage using your own words.

When you see the word develop on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, it usually has to do with developing ideas throughout a piece of writing. Typically, a writer cannot make his or her case in one sentence; a good argument requires the writer to develop ideas over the course of several paragraphs.

To convey is to communicate, either directly or indirectly. You might be asked about the ideas a writer is trying to convey.

A comparison is putting things together to see how they are similar or different. A writer may make a comparison between two ideas or events. As a reader, you might make a comparison between two passages or literary works.

To contrast two things is to point out or emphasize how they are different. An author might include certain details to contrast two things.

A passage on the GED Test is a distinct block of text. You will see reading passages on the Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, the Social Studies Test, and the Science Test. 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 the writer's perspective might shift.

Previous means "just before." If test instructions refer to the "previous question," you need to look at the question just before the one you're now working on. Most likely, you will have to use some decisions you made in answering the last question to help you choose the answer to the question you are thinking about now.

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 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 GED 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.