2. Preparing For Standardized Vocabulary Tests

3. Standardized Tests Assess general aptitude and accumulated knowledge. Read widely, work steadily on building vocabulary, practice effective test taking strategies. Four types of vocabulary questions: –Definition –Words in context –Synonym and antonym recognition –Word analogies

4. Definitions Incomplete statements of definitions. To rectify something is to____. a) destroy it b) correct it c) release it d) ignore it

5. Definitions Identify the synonym of the underlined word. To work diligently is to work ___. a) carelessly b) grudgingly c) indifferently d) persistently

6. Words in Context The words, phrases, or sentences around an unfamiliar word often provide clues to the word’s meaning. In some cases, signal words can act as clues.

7. Restatement Clues Words or phrases such as in other words or that is can signal the restatement of the word. Example: The veterinarian treated every animal owner in an affable manner; in other words, she was gentle and friendly with them. Affable = gentle and friendly. Restatement signal words: in other words, that is, these

8. Example Clues Words or phrases such as such as, for example, or likewise can indicate to the readers that an unfamiliar word is being restated in more familiar terms. Example: Many times of fauna, for example the javelina, the coyote, and the peregrine falcon, live in Big Bend National Park. Fauna=animals of a particular region. Example signal words: for example, likewise, such as, especially, in that

9. Contrast Clues Words or phrases such as but, by contrast, or although indicate that an unfamiliar word contrasts with another word in the passage. Example: Martha was enthralled by the new movie, but her friend found it dull and uninteresting. Enthralled=fascinated Contrast Signal Words: but, however, although, not, still, despite, on the other hand, in contrast.

10. Cause & Effect Clues Words or phrases such as lead to, cause to, and because show how one word may be a cause or effect related to an unfamiliar word. Example: Because he wanted to marry a divorcee, Edward VIII chose to abdicate the British throne in 1936. Abdicate = to formally give up power. Signal words: leads to, cause, because, effect, as a result, consequently, reasons, since, why

11. Synonym & Antonym Select the word most similar in meaning (synonym) or the word nearly opposite in meaning. Choose the word most similar in meaning. inane a) insane b) difficult c) troublesome d) foolish

12. Antonym Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word. candid a) respectable b) evasive c) invigorating d) haughty

13. Tips for Answering Synonym/Antonym Look for prefixes, roots, and suffixes that give clues to meanings. Read carefully. Don’t be fooled by answer choices that look or sound like a word that could be the answer. –For example, find the synonym for anecdote. If one of your answer choices is “cure”, don’t be hasty. You might confuse anecdote with antidote, a word that sounds similar.

14. Tips for Answering Synonym/Antonym With very few exceptions, the correct answer will be the same part of speech as the word given. Eliminate all obvious wrong choices. Best answer, not absolutely right.

15. Word Analogies Match two pairs of terms that demonstrate the same relationship. In the item below, choose the pair of words whose relationship is most similar to that in the first pair. Hard: Nails :: a) steep : mountain b) loud : bell c) light : feather d) soggy : ground

16. Common Analogy Relationships Synonym-antonym Person-to- characteristic Greater degree-to- lesser degree Cause-effect Worker-to-created objects Class-to-species Action-to-object Object-to- characteristic Synonym-synonym Worker-to-tool Part-to-whole Group-to-member Person-to-task Tool-to-purpose Worker-to-workplace Time-to-place

17. Tips for Attacking Word Analogies Phrase the analogy in a complete sentence: “Egg is to chicken as ___ is to ___.” Determine the relationship of the first pair of words, and revise your sentence: “An egg is a product of a chicken as a ___is a product of a ___.”

18. Tips for Attacking Word Analogies Examine the answer choices for the closest possible match to the relationship you have identified. –As you consider each answer, you will many times rethink your statement of the original relationship. –The most obvious answer may not be the one that the analogy is presenting. –You may have to make your statement more general, more specific, or completely different. –For example: “A chicken comes from an egg as a ___comes from a ___.”

19. Tips for Attacking Word Analogies Look for parallel structure. The best answer always fulfills all aspects of the relationship exhibited by the first pair. –If the given pair is Hard : Nails,the answer steep : mountain would be incorrect because nails must be hard, but mountains do not necessarily have to be steep.

20. Tips for Attacking Word Analogies There is no way to prepare for specific analogy test items. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

21. Practice Choose the best answer that completes the sentence. Something that is pernicious is ___. a) destructive b) annoying c) chronic d) illusive

22. Practice Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to the underlined word. impetuous a) imperfect b) studious c) impulsive d) sacred

23. Practice Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word. disperse a) dispel b) gather c) render d) prevaricate

24. Practice Choose the pair of words whose relationship is most like that of the first pair. Bear : Den :: a) dog : doghouse b) fox : lair c) army : retreat d) baby : crib

25. The Plan 10 vocabulary words per week Complete vocabulary chart: definition, synonyms, antonyms, visual representation, examples/non examples, real-life contexts. Please keep your charts in the back of your journals. Charts will be assessed with your journals. Quiz each week on definition and sentence completion for all words studied. Test each 50 words: identify if the word is used correctly, sentence completion, synonyms and antonyms.