SAT

Start with the maths vocabulary: many students know the maths but lose marks on the English wording. Words in Context vocabulary, grammar rule cards and original practice questions are being added. SAT is a trademark of College Board; check the official site for the latest test details.

• constant

  noun

  In maths, a fixed value that does not change, such as 7 in 2x + 7.

  In y = 3x + 5, the constant is 5.

• contemptuous

  adjective

  Showing strong disrespect, as if something is worthless.

  The reviewer is contemptuous of the film’s weak plot.

• contend

  verb

  To argue or claim that something is true.

  Some scientists contend that the data were misread.

• contextualize

  verb

  To give background information so that something can be understood (UK and Australia: contextualise).

  The author contextualizes the experiment by describing earlier studies.

• contrast

  noun / verbAWL 4

  A clear difference between things; to compare to show differences.

  In contrast to Sydney, Perth has very dry summers.

• controlled experiment

  noun

  A study where researchers assign treatments to groups and compare results.

  The controlled experiment compared two fertilisers.

• conversely

  adverbAWL 9

  In an opposite way (used to introduce a contrasting idea).

  Rents rose in the city; conversely, they fell in some regional towns.

• convey

  verb

  To communicate an idea, feeling or information.

  The poem conveys a sense of loss.

• coordinate plane

  noun

  A flat surface with an x-axis and a y-axis used to show points and graphs.

  Plot the points on the coordinate plane.

• corroborate

  verb

  To support a statement or finding with more evidence.

  A second study corroborated the results.

• cosine

  noun

  In a right triangle, the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse (cos).

  cos 60° = 1/2.

• counter

  verb

  In context: to respond to an argument with an opposing point.

  The second paragraph counters a common objection.

• credit

  verb

  In context: to say that someone or something is responsible for an achievement or result.

  Historians credit the invention to a small team of engineers.

• critical

  adjective

  In context: expressing disapproval or pointing out faults.

  The author is critical of the new policy.

• critique

  verb / noun

  To examine and point out weaknesses in an idea or work; such an examination.

  The second author critiques the first author’s methods.

• curb

  verb

  To control or limit something, especially something harmful.

  New rules aim to curb plastic waste.

• curtail

  verb

  To reduce or limit something.

  The drought curtailed farm production.

• cylinder

  noun

  A 3D shape with two equal circular ends and straight sides.

  The volume of a cylinder is πr²h.

• data set

  noun

  A collection of related values.

  The data set contains 20 test scores.

• decimal

  noun / adjective

  A number written using a decimal point, such as 2.75.

  Round the answer to two decimal places.

• defensive

  adjective

  Protecting yourself from criticism, often in an anxious way.

  The company’s statement sounded defensive.

• degree

  noun

  In algebra, the highest power of the variable in a polynomial; in geometry, a unit for measuring angles.

  The polynomial x⁴ − 2x has degree 4.

• denominator

  noun

  The bottom number in a fraction.

  In 3/8, the denominator is 8.

• denotation

  noun

  The literal, dictionary meaning of a word.

  The denotation of "snake" is a reptile, but it can connote danger or deceit.

• depict

  verb

  To show or describe something in words or pictures.

  The novel depicts life in a small mining town.