Reading Section

Question Type
Tone

optimistic
hopeful that the best will happen in the future
Physicists are optimistic the mystery will be sorted out soon with more data.Scientific American
(Sep 9, 2015)

pessimistic
expecting the worst possible outcome
“But lawyers are trained to always look for the worst-case scenario. They benefit more from
being pessimistic, and that takes a toll.”New York Times (May 12, 2015)

neutral
having no personal preference
If I have strong views, I’m probably not going to be a good editor: it’s hard for me to write in a
neutral way.”The Guardian (Sep 6, 2015)

ambivalence
mixed feelings or emotions
Their different responses to the unfolding economic drama underscore the strong ambivalence
Americans feel about the Greek crisis.Washington Post (Jul 16, 2015)

frank
characterized by directness in manner or speech
She suggests that its appeal lies in its frank treatment of topics usually left undiscussed.New
York Times (Jun 19, 2015)

indignant
angered at something unjust or wrong
I seethed with envy, indignant that they enjoyed the honest freedom I had denied myself.The
Guardian (May 17, 2014)

empathetic
showing ready comprehension of others' states
“I can feel your pain without going through it myself,” says the empathetic person.The Guardian
(Jun 17, 2015)

appreciation
understanding of the nature or meaning of something
It takes only one class of art history to learn the basic tools of art interpretation and
appreciation.Slate (Sep 1, 2015)

critical
of a serious examination and judgment of something
Yet someone who’s tired or distracted will likely be less critical, and will simply accept what you
say as true.Time (Sep 2, 2015)

scornful
expressing extreme contempt
A deep, scornful hatred, like black syrup pumping thick through my heart.Salon (May 24, 2012)

disdain
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
But that didn't stop the haters, who seized the new forum to rally their disdain.Los Angeles
Times (Sep 2, 2015)

provocative
serving or tending to excite or stimulate
She’s not afraid to push buttons and be the provocative journalist she should be.”The Guardian
(Aug 8, 2015)

hostile
characterized by enmity or ill will
There are four months left for the neighbors to patch things up, but for now the mood is
hostile.Reuters (Sep 3, 2015)

advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
New resources, of course, have long been on the wish list of public education advocates.US
News (Sep 8, 2015)

amusement
a feeling of delight at being entertained
The most exciting aspect of this field is that we don’t know which robotic sport will ultimately
drive the most attention and amusement.Time (Jul 28, 2015)

sympathetic
expressing compassion or friendly fellow feelings
Government officials and others have called for compassion and tolerance, and the
overwhelming reaction to the migrants has been sympathetic.New York Times (Aug 13, 2015)

affection
a positive feeling of liking
Far from disrespect, there is great affection for Petersen in the Boise State football complex and
throughout the campus.New York Times (Sep 4, 2015)

reverent
feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
And while typically you speak in a reverent voice in respect for the dead, tonight, feel free to
speak up and ask questions.Washington Times (Sep 6, 2015)

mocking
expressing contempt or ridicule
Others found ways of mocking it, calling it - not so politely - a waste of time.Washington Times
(Mar 30, 2015)

resignation
the act of giving up, as a claim or office or possession
They are so overwhelmed by juggling demands that many have moved from frustration and
anxiety to resignation and despair, which is worse.New York Times (Jul 31, 2015)

incredulous
not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
In the case of Guzmán, many Mexicans are particularly incredulous as this was his second
escape from a supposedly high-security prison.The Guardian (Aug 7, 2015)

caustic
harsh or corrosive in tone
Saint-Saëns was on speaking terms with practically all of them, even if his prickly temperament
and caustic wit tended to discourage close friendships.New York Times (Jul 20, 2012)

elegiac
resembling or characteristic of a lament for the dead
It’s an elegiac message of farewell—whether to a romantic partner who is leaving or do life itself
is subject to the listener’s interpretation.Los Angeles Times (Jun 29, 2015)

vehement
marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions
Folks tend to be either hardcore cloud “fans” or vehement cloud “detractors”, and often there is
not much middle ground between them.Forbes (Jul 17, 2015)
traditional
consisting of or derived from a practice of long standing
Classicists insist the only syrup to use is Fox’s U-bet, chocolate being the most traditional flavor,
though vanilla and strawberry are certainly not unheard of.