Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea)

(MeanCtx)

Stems that ask us to interpret the meaning of a word, phrase, or idea given the context in which it appears.

Avg. 1.9 per section

“Which one of the following most closely expresses the author's intended meaning in using the word "initiatory" (first sentence of last paragraph)?”

Argument part
7%
15%
44%
22%
12%

Avg. difficulty: 3.2

Correct answer criteria

  • Captures author's intended meaning of the word/phrase/sentence; AND
  • Does not contain anything unsupported

Key tactics

  • Rely on low-res summary of paragraph containing the word/phrase/sentence
  • Ask about relationship of the word/phrase/sentence to paragraph containing it
  • Define referential words and phrases

Answer choice tips

  • Wrong answers often describe a meaning that's divorced from the context in which the word/phrase/sentence was used
  • Be careful about answers that merely match the dictionary definition of a word; the contextual meaning is what matters

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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