ACT Reading: Mastering Craft and Structure

Meaning in context

The specific sense a word or phrase carries in a particular sentence and passage, not just its most familiar dictionary definition.

Multiple-meaning words

Words such as "charge," "plain," or "yield" that have several definitions, so readers must use context to choose the correct one.

Figurative or idiomatic phrases

Expressions whose meaning is not fully literal, such as "cold shoulder" or "gain traction," and must be inferred from context.

Technical or domain-specific usage

A specialized meaning a common word takes on in a field such as science, as with words like "model," "theory," or "significant."

Context clues

Nearby words, sentences, transitions, or examples that help reveal the intended meaning of a word or phrase.

Local logic

The immediate relationship around a word or sentence, such as contrast, cause and effect, example, or clarification, that helps determine meaning.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal definition.

Tone

The attitude conveyed by the language, such as admiring, skeptical, nostalgic, or critical.

Word choice

An author's deliberate selection of specific words to shape meaning, tone, and the reader's response.

Rhetoric

The techniques an author uses to persuade, emphasize, or guide how readers understand and feel about the text.

Diction level

The degree of formality or style in language, such as formal, informal, technical, or conversational.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses in order to make an idea, scene, or feeling vivid.

Text structure

The way a passage is organized so that its ideas, events, or arguments build meaning.

Local structure

The role a specific paragraph or section plays within the passage, such as introducing an example or complicating a claim.

Global structure

The overall organizational pattern of a passage, such as narrative, argument, comparison, or explanation.

Shift

A noticeable change in time, perspective, tone, or purpose that alters how the passage develops.

Author's purpose

What the author is trying to accomplish, such as informing, persuading, analyzing, criticizing, or entertaining.

Perspective

The author's or speaker's stance, lens, or viewpoint toward the subject.

Evaluative language

Words that signal approval, disapproval, or judgment and help reveal the author's perspective.

Point of view (POV)

The perspective from which events are experienced and narrated in a literary passage.

Narrative point of view

Who tells the story, such as first person, third person limited, or third person omniscient.

Character's point of view

How a character interprets events based on that character's beliefs, motives, biases, and emotions.

Differentiating perspectives and sources

Keeping track of who says what in a passage and whether the author is presenting, questioning, or endorsing a view.

Reporting verbs

Words such as "said," "claimed," "noted," or "demonstrated" that introduce a source's view and may reveal the author's stance toward it.

Hedging

Cautious language such as "may," "might," or "suggests" that softens certainty, especially when discussing evidence or claims.