SAT test writers often use difficult vocabulary words to describe unexpected topics. For example, a recent vocabulary in context question focused on stemflow. As you can see in our diagram, stemflow is the precipitation that flows down a tree’s trunk.
OK, so far so good! But then the passage explains that a “meta-analysis,” or statistical pooling of data from a number of studies, enabled researchers to “move beyond” broad points of consensus to “pinpoint” new areas of insight. Many confused students chose REVITALIZE because they mistakenly guessed that stemflow must provide the tree with new life or energy.
The passage does not contain words that support REVITALIZE. Instead, the key word “pinpoint” supports DELINEATE as the best answer. DELINEATE means to precisely define and thus pinpoint something. For example, a manager should carefully DELINEATE the responsibilities of all his or her employees. Note that the word “LINE” is in the middle of deLINEate. This should help you remember that DELINEATE means to draw a line!