Vocabulary in RC

RC vocabulary questions ask you to find meanings of highlighted words or phrases from the passage. The correct answer always fits the passage's context, not the general dictionary meaning

First, never rely on your prior knowledge of the word. The passage context determines the answer. Second, look for context clues like synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations near the target word. Third, eliminate options that don't fit the passage's tone or theme.

'What does X mean in the passage?', 'The word Y most nearly means', or 'The author uses Z to indicate'. Questions often test words with multiple meanings or technical terms explained in context

Read one sentence before and after the target word. Look for connecting words like 'however', 'similarly', 'in contrast' that signal relationships. If the sentence has 'but' or 'however', the target word likely contrasts with nearby words

Cross out options that are too extreme, too narrow, or completely unrelated to the passage topic. RC answers are usually moderate and passage-specific.