Reading Comprehension
Vocabulary in Context
Defining specific words as they are used within a passage.
Passages draw from government reports, workplace memos, and policy documents. The vocabulary is professional and formal.
What the exam tests
Direct Definition Questions
Identify which answer best describes the meaning of a specific word as it appears in a paragraph (e.g., defining 'swiftly' based on a description of a commute).
Author's Intent Questions
Determine the author's specific intent or the nuanced meaning they are emphasizing with a particular word or phrase.
Misconception Assessment
Answer choices are designed to catch test-takers who rely on an incorrect or outside-knowledge definition of a term rather than the contextual one.
Reliance on Textual Evidence
Key rules
- ›Ignore your outside knowledge of a word. Interpret it based strictly on the observations provided in the text.
- ›On a second read, look specifically for words the author defines directly within the narrative.
- ›Look for keywords or phrases in the answer choices that repeat from the passage. These often point to the correct contextual definition.
Common traps
- !A common wrong answer matches the word's common dictionary meaning but not how it is used in this specific passage.
Grammatical Agreement and Structural Clues
Key rules
- ›Ensure your chosen definition agrees grammatically with the original sentence and the question asked.
- ›Use knowledge of suffixes (e.g., '-ness', '-ly') to identify a word's function and meaning within the sentence.
Recognizing Word Traps and Eliminating Extremes
Key rules
- ›Watch for double negatives, key word prefixes (un-, non-, not), and absolutes (always, never) that significantly alter meaning.
- ›Eliminate answer choices that are extreme or implausible. The correct contextual definition is typically the most logical fit for the surrounding information.
Common traps
- !Prefix traps: 'not uncommon' means common, not rare. Read every modifier carefully before selecting a definition.
Try one
The examination serves as a standardized **yardstick** to ensure all candidates prove they are capable of a particular skill set regardless of their background. As used in the passage, the word 'yardstick' most nearly means:
'Yardstick' is a metaphor for a standard of measurement. The passage describes it as ensuring consistent assessment 'regardless of background,' meaning it functions as a criterion. It is not a physical tool, uniform, or tradition.
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