How to answer it
- Reread the full sentence around the word or part.
- Replace the word with your own in that context.
- Pick the choice that matches your replacement.
Worked example
An original question in the ACT format, already answered.
ACT ReadingWorked example
She looked at the faces of the people who had cleaned the park beside her all summer and simply told them what each Saturday had meant to her.
As it is used in the passage, the word “simply” most nearly means:
- Aplainly.
- Bonly.
- Cfoolishly.
- Deasily.
Answer: A. Mara speaks without her prepared notes, in a direct, unadorned way, which is what plainly means. Only, foolishly and easily are other meanings of simply that don’t fit here.
The most common trap
The most common meaning of the word. Context decides which meaning applies.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix craft and structure with the rest of ACT Reading, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the ACT prep plan works, or browse the other ACT skill guides.