Physicists are
optimistic the mystery will be sorted out soon with more data.
WORD LISTSThe New SAT: Words to Capture Tone - List #1December 11, 2015
On the New 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 US 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 25 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!
Following our Roadmap to the new SAT? Head back to see what else you should be learning this week. ![]() ![]() ![]()
optimistic
Physicists are
optimistic the mystery will be sorted out soon with more data.
pessimistic
“But lawyers are trained to always look for the worst-case scenario. They benefit more from being
pessimistic, and that takes a toll.”
neutral
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.”
ambivalence
Their different responses to the unfolding economic drama underscore the strong
ambivalence Americans feel about the Greek crisis.
frank
She suggests that its appeal lies in its
frank treatment of topics usually left undiscussed.
indignant
I seethed with envy,
indignant that they enjoyed the honest freedom I had denied myself.
empathetic
“I can feel your pain without going through it myself,” says the
empathetic person.
appreciation
It takes only one class of art history to learn the basic tools of art interpretation and
appreciation.
critical
Yet someone who’s tired or distracted will likely be less
critical, and will simply accept what you say as true.
scornful
A deep,
scornful hatred, like black syrup pumping thick through my heart.
disdain
But that didn't stop the haters, who seized the new forum to rally their
disdain.
provocative
She’s not afraid to push buttons and be the
provocative journalist she should be.”
hostile
There are four months left for the neighbors to patch things up, but for now the mood is
hostile.
advocate
New resources, of course, have long been on the wish list of public education
advocates.
amusement
The most exciting aspect of this field is that we don’t know which robotic sport will ultimately drive the most attention and
amusement.
sympathetic
Government officials and others have called for compassion and tolerance, and the overwhelming reaction to the migrants has been
sympathetic.
affection
Far from disrespect, there is great
affection for Petersen in the Boise State football complex and throughout the campus.
reverent
And while typically you speak in a
reverent voice in respect for the dead, tonight, feel free to speak up and ask questions.
mocking
Others found ways of
mocking it, calling it - not so politely - a waste of time.
resignation
They are so overwhelmed by juggling demands that many have moved from frustration and anxiety to
resignation and despair, which is worse.
incredulous
In the case of Guzmán, many Mexicans are particularly
incredulous as this was his second escape from a supposedly high-security prison.
caustic
Saint-Saëns was on speaking terms with practically all of them, even if his prickly temperament and
caustic wit tended to discourage close friendships.
elegiac
It’s an
elegiac message of farewell—whether to a romantic partner who is leaving or do life itself is subject to the listener’s interpretation.
vehement
Folks tend to be either hardcore cloud “fans” or
vehement cloud “detractors”, and often there is not much middle ground between them.
traditional
Classicists insist the only syrup to use is Fox’s U-bet, chocolate being the most
traditional flavor, though vanilla and strawberry are certainly not unheard of.
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