Question

1\. NO CHANGE 2\. suggests 3\. maybe suggests 4\. almost certainly suggests

Short answer

The best option keeps the sentence clear and accurate depending on its context.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Context

Read the entire sentence carefully where the word 'suggests' is used. Understand the message and the context of the sentence to determine the appropriate word choice for clarity and accuracy.

- Analyze the Options

Examine each option: 1. NO CHANGE 2. suggests 3. maybe suggests 4. almost certainly suggests. Consider how each option changes the meaning of the sentence or its clarity.

- Compare Meanings

Compare the nuances of each option. ‘suggests’ is a neutral word, ‘maybe suggests’ implies uncertainty, and ‘almost certainly suggests’ implies a high degree of certainty. Determine which nuance fits best with the context of the original sentence.

- Make a Decision

Decide on the option that best matches the intended message of the sentence without altering its intended meaning. Sometimes, the sentence may be clear as it is, meaning NO CHANGE could be the right answer.

- Finalize Your Answer

Conclude the best option based on your analysis. Ensure that the sentence remains grammatically correct and the meaning is clear.

Key concepts

context analysis

Understanding the context of a sentence is crucial for answering reading comprehension questions effectively. Context refers to the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, influencing its meaning. Making sense of context helps determine what information is relevant and how the parts of the text interact to create meaning. When you read a sentence, look at the sentences immediately before and after it. This surrounding text can provide clues about the meaning or the function of a particular word or phrase. Always ask yourself questions like:

• What is the main idea of this passage?
• How does this sentence fit into the overall structure?
• Are there any keywords that hint at the sentence's purpose?

Gaining a full understanding of context allows you to more accurately choose the correct word or phrase to maintain the intended message and ensure clarity.

word choice

Word choice is about selecting words that convey the intended meaning most effectively. Different words have different shades of meaning, which is especially important in reading comprehension exercises. For example, in the provided options, 'suggests' is neutral while 'maybe suggests' adds uncertainty, and 'almost certainly suggests' adds a high degree of certainty. Choosing the right word can make your writing more precise and can clarify the nuances in the sentence. When deciding among words:

• Consider the tone and purpose of your sentence.
• Evaluate how each word changes the meaning or implication.
• Choose the word that fits both the immediate sentence and the overall context of the passage.

Effective word choice ultimately enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

sentence clarity

Clarity in writing ensures that the reader can easily understand the message without confusion. A sentence must be well-structured and convey a single clear idea. In SAT reading comprehension, you often need to choose an option that maintains or enhances clarity. Here’s how you can focus on sentence clarity:

• Simplify complex sentences. Avoid unnecessary jargon and long-winded phrases.
• Ensure that your pronouns clearly refer to the correct nouns.
• Eliminate ambiguous words or phrases.
• Make sure each part of the sentence logically follows from the previous one.

By aiming for clear and straightforward writing, you make it easier for your reader to follow your ideas and understand your point.

nuance

Nuance refers to the subtle differences in meaning, expression, or tone. Understanding nuance is key to making more precise word choices that convey exactly what you intend. In SAT reading comprehension, recognizing slight variations between options—such as 'suggests', 'maybe suggests', and 'almost certainly suggests'—can dramatically alter the meaning of a sentence. Here are some tips for mastering nuance:

• Pay attention to the connotations of words—these are the emotional or cultural associations they carry.
• Consider the intensity of a word. Does it convey a stronger or weaker degree of something?
• Think about the context in which it's used. How does the surrounding text influence the subtle meaning?

Grasping these subtle distinctions helps you choose words that not only fit grammatically but also convey the right level of certainty or implication, ensuring your sentence is both accurate and effective.