Drill 1 · Reading & Writing · Words in Context
SAT Reading & Writing: Words in Context (Drill 1) is a Reading & Writing practice drill covering Words in Context. It contains 5 original questions created by Brian Stewart, a Barron's test prep author with over 20 years of tutoring experience.
SAT Words in Context questions ask you to select the word or phrase that most logically and precisely completes the sentence based on context clues. Success requires understanding connotation, register, and the specific meaning a word carries in its academic or literary passage.
Question 1. Although architect Zaha Hadid's early designs were considered too radical to build, her later career proved that her vision was far from ________: many of her most ambitious projects were constructed and widely celebrated.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
Explanation: The text contrasts 'too radical to build' with projects that were actually built. 'Far from impractical' means her designs were in fact feasible. 'Far from popular' contradicts 'widely celebrated.'
Question 2. Economist Esther Duflo's approach to studying poverty is notably ________: rather than relying on broad theoretical models, she conducts small-scale randomized controlled trials.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
Explanation: Randomized controlled trials are experimental and observation-based, the definition of 'empirical.' 'Speculative' means based on conjecture, the opposite.
Question 3. From Frederick Douglass's autobiography: 'While in this state of mind, I was eager to hear any one speak of slavery. I was a ready listener.'
As used in the text, what does 'eager' most nearly mean?
Explanation: In context, 'eager' means intensely wanting or desiring, closest to 'anxious' in the sense of keen desire. 'Reluctant' is the opposite; 'compelled' implies external force.
Question 4. Marine biologist Sylvia Earle has warned that the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2 is not ________. Ocean acidification is already degrading coral reefs, suggesting the ocean's buffering ability has significant limits.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
Explanation: The text argues the ocean's capacity has limits. 'Not inexhaustible' = not unlimited, which fits. 'Not inadequate' would mean sufficient, contradicting the warning.
Question 5. Philosopher Judith Butler's theory was initially met with resistance from scholars who found the concept ________. Over time, as Butler clarified her arguments, many came to regard it as one of the most important contributions to gender studies.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
Explanation: Scholars resisted initially but accepted after Butler 'clarified', implying the concept was hard to grasp. 'Elusive' means difficult to understand. 'Transparent' (easy to understand) contradicts the need for clarification.