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SAT Reading and Writing / Craft and Structure

SAT topic

Words in context

The meaning that fits this sentence, not the fanciest definition.

Learning goals

  • Substitute each choice back into the sentence.
  • Use nearby contrast or example clues before opening a mental dictionary.

Explanation

Vocabulary questions on this test are almost never asking for the rarest definition you have memorized. They ask which meaning fits the surrounding syntax and logic. A familiar word can be used in a slightly shifted way, and a hard word is often restated by the next clause.

Cover the target word and replace it with a plain word of your own. Then compare choices to your substitute. If the sentence says a theory was 'undermined by later data,' your substitute is probably 'weakened,' not 'tunneled under.' Tone matters too: a neutral science passage rarely wants a melodramatic synonym.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing the definition you studied first instead of the one that fits the sentence.
  • Ignoring a contrast word such as however or instead that flips the meaning.

Practice

1 of 1Words in context · easy · short answer

In the sentence "The editor asked the writer to temper the closing paragraph so that the criticism stayed specific," what does temper most nearly mean? Answer with a short synonym or phrase.

Original Marlow Works item — not a College Board question.

Take your time—this is practice, not a test.

Quick review

  1. 01Blank the word and write a plain substitute.
  2. 02Read a full sentence on each side for clues.
  3. 03Plug the remaining choice back in and check tone.
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Related resources

External links with reuse status. Marlow Works is independent and does not copy restricted exam or textbook material.

  • Official / link only

    Official SAT practice hub

    College Board SAT practice landing page, including links to tests and tools.

    College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01

    Open source

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    Bluebook full-length practice

    Official digital SAT practice tests in the Bluebook app.

    College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01

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    Student Question Bank

    Official SAT practice questions hosted by College Board.

    College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01

    Use as an external link. Do not republish question stems.

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  • Official / link only

    Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy

    College Board describes this as free Official SAT Prep with lessons, hints, and walkthroughs.

    Khan Academy / College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01

    Open source