---
title: How to answer vocabulary questions on the ACT Reading section
description: Most of the words tested on ACT vocabulary questions have multiple meanings. Your job is to pick which one best fits the context of the sentence.
---

[ArborBridge Blog](https://blog.arborbridge.com)

# [How to answer vocabulary questions on the ACT Reading section](https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-to-answer-vocab-questions)

 Written by [Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/erin-ohsie-frauenhofer) | Aug 15, 2021 12:15:00 PM

One of the more unique question types on the ACT Reading section deals with the meanings of vocabulary words or phrases *in the context* of a passage. Most of the vocabulary questions on the ACT are not hard because of the difficulty of the vocabulary words. Instead, the  ACT tests your ability to contextualize vocabulary words. Most of these words have multiple meanings, and your job is to pick which one best fits the context of the sentence.

#### Context

The most important thing to remember when approaching these questions is to choose the answer that is most consistent with the overall meaning of the sentence, *not* the literal meaning of the word in question. To do this, it’s often helpful to treat the word from the passage as if it were not even there. Let’s take a look at an example:

*The two brothers were constantly fighting, seemingly never able to get along. When the older one made a mistake, the younger one chastised him. If the younger one was slow to understand something, the older one taunted and insulted him. “Stop needling me!” Paul said.*

As it is used in the passage, "needling" most nearly means:

(A) piercing  
(B) congratulating  
(C) provoking  
(D) talking to

To answer these questions, you have two options. First, you can treat the word as a blank and choose your own word. Here, if the quote were "Stop \_\_\_\_\_\_ me!", we might fill the blank with "aggravating" or "bothering." Alternatively, you can simply read the sentence with each answer choice inserted and choose the one that is most consistent with the overall intended meaning of the sentence and passage. Either way, it’s clear that answer choice C is what makes the most sense. The important thing is to *not* look for an answer choice that is related to the literal meaning of the word, in this case "needling."

#### Beware of traps

The most common way the SAT/ACT will try to trick you is by offering answer choices that change the meaning of the sentence. If you replace the word in the sentence with the answer choice, does the meaning of the sentence change? If so, eliminate that answer choice.

Many words on the ACT have two or more definitions. An answer choice that is close to the primary definition of the word is usually a trap answer. So, when faced with a vocabulary question on the ACT Reading section, rely on the overall meaning of the sentence and passage more so than your preconceived notions of the literal meaning of the word.

#### **Need more individualized advice?**

The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, [**reach out to our experts here**](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). We’re happy to help in any way we can.

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