Words in context for the LCAT: lesson and practice
To answer a words in context question, find the clue in the sentence that explains the blank, such as a description after a colon, a cause after "because", or a contrast after "although". Predict your own simple word, then choose the answer closest to it. For "most nearly means" questions, the everyday meaning of the word is often a trap.
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Where the clue usually is
| Clue type | Signal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Explanation | colon or semicolon | "The guide was ______; she could answer every question." → knowledgeable |
| Cause | because, so, since | "Because rainfall is so ______, farmers cannot predict floods or drought." → erratic |
| Contrast | although, but, unlike, rather than | "Unlike her brother, who talks constantly, Sana is ______." → reserved |
| Result | so ______ that | "So ______ that first-time users finished in ten minutes." → clear |
A four-step method
- Cover the choices.
- Find the clue: the part of the sentence that explains the blank.
- Predict a simple word of your own, even in English you would use with a friend, or in Urdu.
- Match your prediction to the closest choice.
Example
Although the team was ______ at first, it gained confidence after winning its first two matches.
"Although" flips the meaning of "gained confidence", so the team was unsure at first. The closest choice is hesitant.
"Most nearly means" questions
These use a familiar word in an unusual sense. "The coach asked the team to address its weak defense" does not mean a speech or a location; it means deal with. Replace the word with each choice and keep the one that preserves the meaning of the sentence.
Common mistakes
Sample questions with answers
1. The instructions were so ______ that even first-time users assembled the desk in ten minutes.
- confusing
- lengthy
- clear (correct)
- colorful
Finishing quickly shows the instructions were easy to follow.
2. Although the team was ______ at first, it gained confidence after winning its first two matches.
- confident
- hesitant (correct)
- victorious
- famous
"Although" signals the team lacked confidence at first.
3. As used in "The coach asked the team to address its weak defense," what does "address" most nearly mean?
- speak to
- write on
- deal with (correct)
- locate
The team has a problem to fix, so "address" means deal with.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to memorize LCAT vocabulary lists?
Not long lists. The LCAT tests words that appear in academic writing, and the sentence always contains a clue. Practising with clues builds vocabulary faster than memorizing lists.
What if I do not know some of the words in the choices?
Eliminate the words you know are wrong. If your prediction matches none of the familiar words, the unfamiliar one is often correct.
What does "most nearly mean" mean on the LCAT?
It asks for the meaning of a word in that specific sentence. The everyday meaning is often a trap.
Is words in context tested on the LCAT?
Yes. It falls under Craft and Structure, one of the content domains LUMS lists for the LCAT in its official sample questions.