Identify key words in the text

In many passages, one word's meaning is pinned down by other key words or phrases nearby that describe or refer to it.
Finding those key words is exactly what this topic tests.
Often a colon or a dash introduces the words that explain a nearby term.

Take this passage: "Modern dance is known for its unorthodox movements, which defy classical rules. Dancers use acrobatics, improvisation, and positions that stand far apart from ballet. In this way, modern dance challenges traditional notions of grace."
The underlined word is "challenges".
The key words that refer to it — "unorthodox", "defy classical rules", and "stand far apart from ballet" — reveal that here "challenges" means to break away from tradition.

Here is another: "The general's plan was audacious — he chose to attack a far larger army at night, across a river, with no reserves held back."
The underlined word is "audacious".
The key words that refer to it are "attack a far larger army at night, across a river, with no reserves", which show that "audacious" means boldly and dangerously risky.

So to find the key words, look for the part of the passage that describes or explains the target word — frequently right after a colon or dash.
That describing phrase is what fixes the word's meaning.
Ignore nearby words that do not actually refer to it.

The scientist's method was notably meticulous — she measured every sample three separate times, logged each result by hand, and rechecked all her work before drawing any conclusion.
Which words in the text most help define the underlined word "meticulous"?
(A) "measured every sample three separate times, logged each result by hand, and rechecked all her work"
(B) "before drawing any conclusion"
Choice (A) lists the careful, thorough actions that give "meticulous" its meaning here.
Choice (B) is just a time phrase and says nothing about how carefully she worked, so it does not define the word.

Whitman compared his finished book to a cathedral still under construction and to a growing tree — an image of something cumulative, built up slowly ring by ring over many years.
Which words in the text most help define the underlined word "cumulative"?
(A) "built up slowly ring by ring over many years"
(B) "compared his finished book to a cathedral"
Choice (A) describes something growing gradually, which is exactly what "cumulative" means.
Choice (B) is one of his comparisons but does not explain the meaning of the underlined word.

The city's new curfew proved deeply controversial: supporters praised it loudly at rallies, opponents marched in protest through the streets, and local newspapers argued fiercely about it for weeks.
Which words in the text most help define the underlined word "controversial"?
(A) "supporters praised it loudly... opponents marched in protest... newspapers argued fiercely about it for weeks"
(B) "The city's new curfew"
Choice (A) shows the sharp public disagreement that makes something controversial.
Choice (B) only names the subject and does not define the underlined word.