<p>So, I have seen many terms and phrases in CR for describing the tone and/or actions of a particular character in a passage.</p>
<p>For example, "In lines A-B ("start quote end quote"), the actions of Bob can be described as" and then 5 choices with phrases describing the action. One could be something like "embarrassingly underhanded" This is an example of a phrase used to describe the actions of a character.</p>
<p>"In lines B-C, the tone of the author/character can best be described as"
(choices). Here's one talking about the tone of the author/character.</p>
<p>I've wondered, is there any sort of list or page that has these phrases and or words that the SAT uses in passage-based questions?</p>
<p>A good SAT book will include them because the author will have analyzed dozens and dozens of tests. I’ve found that by studying those lists, you can often eliminate answer choices just based on how extreme the words are. For example “awed” and “derisive” have never been right answers in any of the tests I’ve examined. I’m sure they could be correct tone words, but they would be pretty easy to defend if so.</p>
<p>Here is a short list (a through e) of POSITIVE tone words I’ve found in attitude questions. I’d love to give you the whole list, but my boss wouldn’t be too fond of that idea.</p>
<p>accepting: open admiring: feeling approval
advocating: showing support
affectionate: showing attachment or devotion
amusing: humorously entertaining appreciative: holding in high regards
*awed: overwhelmed with admiration
cheerful: pleasant
compassionate: showing deep sympathy
confident: sure
delightful: highly pleasing
earnest: having a serious purpose
*ebullient: overflowing with enthusiasm
*ecstatic: overflowing with delight
empathetic: understanding
encouraging: favorable or supportive
*euphoric: intensely happy
excited: emotionally charged</p>
<p>Bold words are common right answers, and starred words are common in wrong answers.</p>