100 Most Important Words for Reading Comprehension

Vocabulary practice cards covering the most essential verbs, connectors, and nouns for English reading comprehension exams, based on frequency in texts.

increase

To grow in size, amount, or degree.

decrease

To make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.

improve

To make or become better.

reduce

To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

develop

To grow or cause to grow into a more mature, advanced, or elaborate form.

create

To bring something into existence.

build

To construct by putting parts or material together.

destroy

To put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it.

affect

To influence or make a difference to something (used as a verb).

effect

A change which is a result or consequence of an action (used as a noun).

influence

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

cause

A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.

result

A consequence, effect, or outcome of something.

reason

A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

solve

To find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with a problem.

prevent

To keep something from happening or arising.

avoid

To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.

allow

To let someone have or do something; to permit.

require

To need for a particular purpose; to demand or specify as compulsory.

provide

To make available for use; to supply.

offer

To present or proffer something for someone to accept or reject as desired.

support

To give assistance to, especially financially; to enable to function or act.

include

To comprise or contain as part of a whole.

contain

To have or hold someone or something within.

involve

To include or affect someone or something as a necessary part or result.

depend

To be controlled or determined by something else.

compare

To estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between.

similar

Resembling without being identical.

different

Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.

likely

Such as well might happen or be true; probable.

possible

Able to be done or achieved.

impossible

Not able to occur, exist, or be done.

probably

Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell.

especially

Used to single out one person, thing, or situation over all others.

though

Despite the fact that; although.

instead

As an alternative or substitute.

although

In spite of the fact that; even though.

however

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said.

therefore

For that reason; consequently.

despite

In spite of; without being affected by.

since

For the reason that; because.

unless

Except if (used to introduce a case in which a statement is not true or a situation cannot happen).

while

During the time that; at the same time as.

throughout

In every part of a place or object; during the whole period of time.

according to

As stated by or in.

available

Able to be used or obtained; at someone's disposal.

common

Occurring, found, or done often; ordinary.

average

A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data.

value

The importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

benefit

An advantage or profit gained from something.

disadvantage

An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness.

research

A systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts.

evidence

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

population

All the inhabitants of a particular town, area, or country.

environment

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

government

The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

society

The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

education

The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

experience

Practical contact with and observation of facts or events; an event or occurrence which leaves an impression.

opportunity

A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

knowledge

Facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.