The official list of things to circle on SAT & ACT reading passages
by Erica L. Meltzer
This is not intended to be a exercise in memorization; rather, it is to get you thinking about the
ways in which authors indicate the most important aspects of what they’re trying to say.
Furthermore, just circling transitions mechanically and not thinking about what role they play in
the passage may in fact make things harder for you. However, if you actively consider them in
relation to the point of the passage, they will help you establish a general “map” of the text.
Major Transitions:
Supporting:
And
So
For
In fact
Indeed
Of course
Therefore/Thus
Consequently
As a result
In addition
Also
Furthermore
Moreover
Likewise
Similarly
Contradicting:
But
Yet
However
(Al)though/Even though
Despite
While
Whereas
Nevertheless
Rather
Comparison/Contrast:
In comparison
In contrast
Just as…so
Explanations:
Because
Since
Explains
The answer is
Giving you the point:
The point is
The goal/aim is
To sum up
In other words
After all
In the end
The (main) idea
Important Information:
Important
Key
Crucial
Essential
Fundamental
It is true/not true
It is clear/unclear
Strong Language:
Absolutely
Unequivocally
Exceptionally
Extraordinarily
Unquestionably
Definitely
Always
Never
Nothing
Inevitably
Fundamentally
“Unusual” Punctuation:
Question Marks – Indicate
rhetorical questions. Questions
are prime targets for inference
questions because information is
often implied but not stated.
Colons – Explanations Dashes –
Explanations or supplementary
(qualifying) information
Semicolons – Imply a
relationship between two thoughts
that is not necessarily spelled out
— likely spot for inference
questions to deal with
Words in quotes – Used
figuratively. The answer to at
least one question will depend on
your understanding of how a
word in quotes is being used,
even if the question doesn’t ask
about it directly. Often indicates
skepticism.
Italicized words – Used
to emphasize, underscore, call
attention to, highlight