ACT terms (reading)

Main Idea

The central point or overall message of a passage or paragraph

Explicit Detail

Information directly stated in the text

Inference

A conclusion reasonably drawn from the text, though not directly stated

Author's Purpose

The reason the author wrote the passage (to inform, persuade, entertain, reflect, etc.)

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and style

Context Clue

Information surrounding a word that helps determine its meaning

Vocabulary-in-Context Question

A question asking what a word means based on how it's used in the passage

Function Question

A question asking why the author included a specific detail or phrase

Paired Passage

Two related passages compared for similarities or differences in viewpoint

Chronology

The order in which events occur in a passage

Figurative Language

Language that uses comparison or exaggeration for effect (metaphor, simile, etc.)

Extreme Language Trap

An answer choice using absolute words like "always" or "never" that's often incorrect

True But Not Asked

An answer choice that's factually accurate but doesn't answer the actual question

Passage Mapping

Quickly noting each paragraph's topic before answering questions, to navigate faster

Point of View

The perspective from which a passage is narrated or argued

Central Conflict

The main tension or problem driving a literary narrative passage

Supporting Detail

Evidence or examples the author uses to back up the main idea

Cause and Effect

A relationship where one event or action directly leads to another