Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for the Digital SAT | Must Know Words for Common Examination Instructions

The 200-word examination instruction list

Digital SAT instruction vocabulary helps you choose the right answer job. A question about what a marked sentence does asks for its function. A question asking for one possible value asks for a single valid entry. Both distinctions matter on this U.S. admissions test, which students take in the United States and internationally.

This learning bank includes single words and short phrases. It combines question directions with vocabulary you use to interpret evidence, limits and answer formats.

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Reading and Writing question stems

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
1	Most logically completes	Choose the ending that follows from the text or notes.
2	Most precisely	Choose the wording whose meaning fits the context most closely.
3	Main purpose	Identify what the text as a whole is trying to accomplish.
4	Central idea	Choose the option that captures the main point at the right scope.
5	Best describes	Choose the description that most accurately fits the stated target.
6	Best illustrates	Choose the example or quotation that most directly shows the idea.
7	Most directly supports	Pick the evidence with the clearest connection to the named claim.
8	Would weaken	Find the hypothetical finding that would reduce support for the claim.
9	If true	Assume the answer choice is true while judging its effect on the claim.
10	Function of the underlined portion	Explain what the marked part does within the larger text.
11	Overall structure	Track how the text’s main parts are organised.
12	Words in context	Choose the sense or expression that fits the local wording and purpose.
13	Cross-text connections	Compare how two texts address the same point.
14	Text 1	Keep the first text’s position separate when comparing sources.
15	Text 2	Identify the second text’s response to the precise claim being compared.
16	Author’s claim	Find what the named author argues or asserts.
17	Point of agreement	Find what both sources would endorse based on the evidence.
18	Rhetorical synthesis	Use selected notes to meet the specific writing goal.
19	Student’s goal	Read the purpose named in the question before comparing the choices.
20	Introduce	Choose wording that supplies the context needed for the stated audience.
21	Emphasise	Choose wording that gives the requested idea or contrast prominence.
22	Generalise	State a broader point only to the extent that the examples support it.
23	Transitions	Identify the relationship between ideas before choosing a connecting expression.
24	Continuation	Choose a link that adds a point in the same direction.
25	Concession	Acknowledge a point before shifting to the principal claim.
26	Cause and effect	Choose a link that shows one event producing or explaining the other.
27	Illustrative example	Choose a particular case that demonstrates a broader point.
28	Standard English conventions	Apply grammar, usage and punctuation to the sentence in context.

Grammar, data and answer entry

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
29	Boundaries	Check how independent clauses, dependent clauses and phrases are separated.
30	Form, structure and sense	Check the grammatical form and meaning of the whole sentence.
31	Independent clause	Identify words with a subject and verb that can stand as a sentence.
32	Dependent clause	Identify a clause that needs a main clause to complete its function.
33	Sentence fragment	Recognise words punctuated as a sentence without a complete main clause.
34	Modifier	Identify words describing another part and check what they attach to.
35	Subject–verb agreement	Make the verb agree with the true subject.
36	Verb tense	Place the action in the time sequence established by the text.
37	Pronoun reference	Match the pronoun to the person or thing it represents.
38	Possessive	Choose a form that indicates the correct owner or relationship.
39	Plural noun	Identify the form for more than one item.
40	Punctuation	Choose the marks that correctly show the sentence’s structure.
41	Comma splice	Spot two independent clauses joined by a comma alone.
42	Supplementary information	Identify an added detail that can be set off from the main sentence.
43	Parallel structure	Keep corresponding items in comparable grammatical forms.
44	Paired punctuation	Check for both marks required around an inserted detail.
45	Notes	Use the supplied facts that are relevant to the stated rhetorical goal.
46	Quantitative evidence	Check the relevant numbers or comparison in the graph or table.
47	Data point	Read the plotted value at the stated coordinate or category.
48	Legend	Match colours or symbols to their data series.
49	Horizontal axis	Read the labels along the bottom direction of the graph.
50	Vertical axis	Read the labels in the upward direction of the graph.
51	Student-produced response	Type the numerical result in the field rather than selecting an option.
52	Multiple-choice question	Select the single answer choice for the item.
53	Answer field	Enter the mathematical response in the designated box.
54	Character limit	Follow the number of characters permitted by the on-screen directions.
55	Equivalent form	Use a permitted numerical representation with the same value.
56	Decimal equivalent	Express a fraction as a decimal according to the entry directions.
57	Fraction	Express the number as a numerator divided by a denominator.
58	Mixed number	Convert this representation to an acceptable fraction or decimal when required.
59	Negative sign	Include the sign when the value is below zero.

Math, Bluebook and related question wording

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
60	Round	Adjust a number to the requested precision using the next digit.
61	Truncate	Cut off digits at the instructed length without rounding them upward.
62	One possible value	Supply a single value that satisfies the given conditions.
63	Solution set	Identify the full set of values that satisfy the stated relationship.
64	Satisfies	Check that substitution makes the equation or condition true.
65	Equivalent expression	Choose an expression with the same value throughout the allowed domain.
66	Expression	Work with the requested combination of numbers, variables and operations.
67	Equation	Use or form a statement that two expressions have equal value.
68	Inequality	Use or form the required greater-than or less-than relationship.
69	System	Find values that satisfy all listed equations or inequalities together.
70	Intercept	Read the point where the graph crosses the specified axis.
71	Slope	Find vertical change divided by horizontal change.
72	Slope-intercept form	Read the rate and starting value from an equation in the form y = mx + b.
73	Constant term	Identify the part of the expression with no variable factor.
74	Coefficient	Identify the numerical multiplier of the specified variable term.
75	In terms of	Express the answer using the quantities named in the question.
76	Per	Treat the second unit or quantity as the denominator of a rate.
77	Unit rate	Calculate the amount corresponding to one unit of the other quantity.
78	Percent increase	Divide the increase by the starting value and convert to a percent.
79	Percentage point	Find the simple difference between two percentage values.
80	Initial value	Find the starting quantity, often the output at input zero.
81	Maximum	Find the highest possible value within the conditions.
82	Minimum	Find the lowest possible value within the conditions.
83	Exactly	Use equality at the stated quantity.
84	Fewer than	Use a strict upper bound that excludes the stated value.
85	Greater than	Use a strict lower bound that excludes the stated value.
86	No solution	Show that no allowed value meets every condition.
87	Infinitely many solutions	Recognise when the conditions hold for an unbounded number of possible values.
88	One solution	Identify the unique value or pair satisfying the conditions.
89	Integer	Use a whole-number value that may be negative, zero or positive.
90	Positive	Restrict the value to numbers greater than zero.
91	Consecutive	Use values following one another in the stated sequence.
92	Probability	Find the likelihood of the event under the given conditions.
93	Random sample	Check how cases are selected before drawing conclusions about a population.
94	Margin of error	Interpret the stated sampling uncertainty around an estimate.
95	Line of best fit	Use the trend line to estimate a value or interpret a rate.
96	Residual	Subtract the predicted value from the observed value.
97	Reference sheet	Use the formulas supplied for the Math section when relevant.
98	Mark for review	Flag a question you want to revisit within the current module.
99	Module	Work within the timed group of questions currently available.
100	Eliminate	Cross out a choice after identifying the specific condition it fails.
101	Quantifier	Watch for words such as all, some or none that alter a claim’s scope.
102	Rhetorical purpose	Identify the job a detail does in the author’s argument.
103	Textual evidence	Choose a detail from the source that supports the precise claim.
104	Scope	Check the population, time frame or range covered by the claim.
105	Strengthen	Identify information that makes the conclusion better supported.
106	Logical relationship	Identify whether adjacent ideas add, contrast, explain or exemplify.
107	Nonessential clause	Identify a clause that can be removed without changing the intended reference.
108	Colon	Check whether the preceding complete clause can introduce the following material.
109	Semicolon	Check whether the mark correctly joins complete clauses in the item.
110	Parenthetical detail	Identify supplementary information set off from the main sentence.
111	Verb form	Choose the verb construction that fits the sentence’s grammar and timeline.
112	Point of intersection	Find where both graph relationships hold at once.
113	Factor	Recognise an expression that multiplies with others to produce the given result.
114	Linear relationship	Identify a constant rate of change between the variables.
115	Exponential relationship	Identify repeated multiplication by a constant factor over equal steps.
116	Equivalent percent	Convert the proportion to the same value expressed out of 100.
117	Scale factor	Use the multiplier relating corresponding measurements.
118	Rate of change	Calculate output change per unit of input change.
119	Initial condition	Use the specified starting situation to determine the model.
120	Distribution	Read how the values or frequencies are spread.
121	Median	Use the middle value after ordering, or the mean of the two middle values.
122	Mean	Divide the sum of the values by their count.
123	Interpret the constant	Explain what the constant quantity represents in the stated context.
124	Without units	Enter only the permitted numerical form where the answer box expects a number.
125	Test preview	Use the short Bluebook preview to learn the testing interface.

Core answer actions

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
126	Recognise	Find a familiar feature in a new example.
127	Identify	Name or pick out the item the question specifies.
128	Select	Choose only the number of options requested.
129	Choose	Commit to the option that fits the stated criteria.
130	Complete	Fill in what is missing while keeping the supplied structure.
131	Label	Attach the correct name to the indicated part.
132	Locate	Find the specified detail, point or region.
133	Indicate	Make the chosen feature or answer clear.
134	Enter	Put the answer into the designated field.
135	Answer	Respond directly to the question being asked.
136	Give	Supply the requested fact, example or result.
137	Summarise	Choose the answer that captures the main points at the right level of detail.
138	Explain	Identify the choice that makes the requested relationship or reason clear.
139	Compare	Set the items side by side on the same relevant feature.
140	Contrast	Show how the items differ on a shared point of comparison.
141	Analyse	Break down the evidence and explain how its parts relate.
142	Interpret	Say what a statement, result or display means in context.
143	Infer	Use clues to reach a conclusion the material implies.
144	Predict	Use available evidence to say what is likely to happen.
145	Suggest	Offer a plausible answer suited to the information given.
146	Evaluate	Test a choice against the stated evidence or condition before selecting it.
147	Assess	Judge the extent, value or strength of something using evidence.
148	Distinguish	Give the feature that lets the reader tell two things apart.
149	Support	Supply evidence that helps establish the claim.

Task wording and evidence

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
150	Determine	Work from the given information to establish an answer.
151	Calculate	Use numbers or other given information to work out a result.
152	Check	Test the answer against the original instruction or condition.
153	Correct	Repair the specific error while preserving the intended meaning or result.
154	Arrange	Put items into the order or grouping requested.
155	Sequence	Put stages into a meaningful order.
156	Order	Sort items by the criterion given in the prompt.
157	Replace	Swap the specified part for a suitable alternative.
158	Omit	Leave out the indicated item or detail.
159	Include	Make sure the requested part appears in the response.
160	Exclude	Keep the named item or category outside your answer.
161	Refer to	Use the specified passage, figure or notes when responding.
162	Based on	Ground the answer in the material named in the question.
163	According to	Use what the specified source says.
164	In context	Use the meaning that fits this passage or situation.
165	Most likely	Choose the conclusion with the strongest support among the options.
166	Best supported	Prefer the conclusion backed most directly by the evidence.
167	Relevant	Connected to the specific question or criterion.
168	Specific	Precise enough to identify a particular fact or example.
169	Explicit	Stated directly in the source.
170	Implicit	Suggested by the source and recoverable from clues.
171	Evidence	A fact, detail or observation that supports a claim.
172	Claim	An assertion that can be tested against evidence or reasoning.
173	Reason	The basis for a statement, choice or result.
174	Example	A particular case used to make a general idea clear.

Sources, figures and limits

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
175	Conclusion	The result reached after considering the reasoning or evidence.
176	Assumption	A premise taken as given for the purpose of the question.
177	Condition	A requirement that must be satisfied.
178	Constraint	A restriction that shapes the possible answers.
179	Criterion	A standard used to choose or judge an answer.
180	Context	The surrounding information that helps determine meaning.
181	Source	The particular text, figure, notes or data supplied for use.
182	Passage	A stretch of text provided for reading and answering questions.
183	Statement	A complete assertion to examine or respond to.
184	Option	One of the choices the question offers.
185	Response	The answer you produce or select.
186	Prompt	The wording that tells you what to do.
187	Item	A single test question or task.
188	Section	A group of questions or tasks within a test.
189	Figure	A numbered graph, image or diagram referred to in the task.
190	Table	Information arranged in rows and columns.
191	Graph	A visual display of data or a mathematical relationship.
192	Diagram	A drawing showing features, structure or relationships.
193	Pattern	A regularity visible across observations or examples.
194	Unit	The standard attached to a measurement, such as minutes or metres.
195	Range	The spread or set of values referred to by the question.
196	Increase	A rise in size, amount or value.
197	Decrease	A fall in size, amount or value.
198	Difference	What sets two things apart, or a gap between values.
199	At least	The stated value or any greater value.
200	At most	The stated value or any smaller value.

What the examination requires

Two timed modules in each section

College Board gives 64 minutes for Reading and Writing, with 54 questions, and 70 minutes for Math, with 44 questions. Each section has two timed modules. The standard testing time is two hours and 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break between sections. Practise reviewing flagged questions within their current module.

Reading and Writing asks you to select an answer

The four domains are Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions. A short text or pair of texts supplies evidence or context for a multiple-choice item. Read the stem to see whether you need a main point, an explanation of a sentence’s function, a grammar decision or an option that serves a stated writing goal.

Math mixes answer selection and answer entry

Most Math questions offer four choices. A student-produced response asks you to enter one numerical answer, even if more than one value would work. Check the on-screen directions for signs, fractions, decimals and character limits. Bluebook supplies a calculator and a reference sheet for Math. If bringing a calculator, check College Board’s current calculator policy.

U.S. admissions and international use

Use official College Board directions to learn how to take the test. Each university sets its own admissions policy, so check whether the institutions on your list require or consider scores. When a stem is unfamiliar, restate its task in simple English before comparing the options.

• Find the section, component or delivery mode that applies to you.
• Mark the action, source and answer format before you start.
• Keep the current official instructions with the practice paper.

Worked examples of common examination instructions

The examples below are original practice prompts. Read the instruction, predict what a complete response would contain, then compare it with the sample.

Main purpose and function are different scales

A practice passage reports that a public garden added shaded seats after visitor interviews. One sentence gives the example of an older visitor leaving early on a hot day. The main purpose may be to report how the interviews informed a design change. The example’s function is to illustrate the problem the seats address. Match the scope of your answer to the scope of the question.

Use the evidence for the exact claim

A researcher claims that shaded seating lengthened visits at midday. A useful finding would show longer midday stays after the change under comparable conditions. A rise in the number of flower species does not address the claim. When the stem says if true, treat each option as a hypothetical finding and judge what it would do to the claim.

Find the relationship before choosing a transition

A town extended its cycle paths. The share of pupils cycling to school stayed roughly the same. The second sentence contrasts with a reasonable expectation from the first. Look for a contrast transition. If the second sentence instead gives the reason for the extension, choose wording that indicates explanation.

Let the rhetorical goal filter the notes

Suppose notes give a scientist’s name, publication date, method and finding. The question asks for a sentence introducing the method to readers who already know the scientist. Use the method and enough context to make it clear. An option that recites the publication date can be accurate and still miss the stated goal.

Translate the bounds before solving

One possible integer greater than 4 and at most 7 can be 5, 6 or 7. Enter one, such as 6. If the question asks for the greatest possible integer, only 7 answers it. Write the two bounds in practice before using the calculator or testing options.

Check numerical entry after solving

A result of negative one half can be represented as a fraction or decimal. Follow the live directions to choose an accepted form. Check the sign, any character limit and whether the requested answer is a value, rate or difference. Returning to the last sentence of the problem can catch a correct intermediate result entered for the wrong quantity.

Use the Fencing Method to practise instruction words

Begin with an accurate sentence. Add one piece at a time, such as a measured detail, the comparison it belongs to or the evidence the question asks for. Then use the instruction with different material. On a selected-response test, this sentence is a practice tool that helps you decide which option fits.

1. Choose the evidence.
2. Choose evidence for the claim about midday visits.
3. Choose the evidence that most directly supports longer midday visits after shaded seating was added.
4. Transfer the same action to a graph. Check the correct time window, groups and outcome before choosing the best evidence.

Read the eduKate Fencing Method for Vocabulary.

Practise and check your answers

Practise the instruction before looking at the options

In an official practice set, read a stem and predict what a good option must do. For a claim-support question, name the comparison that would support it. For a transition, name the relationship between the sentences. For a notes question, name the requested goal and audience.

Review the final line and the answer field

For Math misses, record whether you misread a bound, solved for an intermediate quantity, or used the wrong entry format. Rewrite the last sentence as a short instruction such as find the initial value or enter one negative solution. Use another question with the same instruction to check the repair.

Practice 1. What changes when a question asks what would weaken a claim if true?

Treat each option as a hypothetical finding. Choose the one that would reduce support for the precise claim.

Practice 2. Which integer is at least 9 and fewer than 10?

9. At least includes 9, and fewer than excludes 10.

Practice 3. How do you interpret the y-intercept of a model?

Set the input to zero, then say what the output means with the correct unit and context.

Practice 4. What if an option uses accurate notes and misses the rhetorical goal?

Set it aside after identifying the requirement it fails. Choose the option that fulfils the goal.

Frequently asked questions

Does standard digital SAT Reading and Writing require a full essay?

The standard section described by College Board uses multiple-choice questions, including questions about how a sentence serves a writing goal.

Can a Math entry question have several valid answers?

Yes. If the item asks for one possible value, enter one valid response in a permitted form.

Where should I practise the interface?

Use College Board’s Bluebook preview and official practice tests to learn the interface, including answer entry and the review screen.

Official exam sources and next reading

• College Board SAT structure
• College Board Reading and Writing domains
• College Board Math section
• College Board student-produced responses
• College Board test-day and Bluebook guidance

Explore another way to group and practise vocabulary with eduKateSG’s 200-word vocabulary guide.

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