PSAT/SAT Terms to know

an objection or query as to the truth of something, often with an implicit demand for proof; question or dispute

• Challenge

• Describe

give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events

• Describe

• Summarize

give a brief statement of the main points

• Challenge

• Summarize

talk or write about (a topic) in detail, taking into account different ideas and opinions

• Discuss

• Summarize

make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas; account for (an action or event) by giving a reason as excuse or justification

• Assert

• Explain

publicly recommend or support

• Make a claim

• Advocate

states the argument’s main idea or position (has to be arguable)

• Locate a contentious statement

• Make a claim

look at something closely; informative/explanatory

• Examine

• Criticize

a statement that is causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Advocate

• Locate a contentious statement

an example that serves as a warning

• Challenge

• Provide a cautionary example