Vocabulary Puzzles The Fun Way to Ace Standardized Tests

Part 1 


Learning Definitions and Using Words in Context
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Step 2: Matching Columns
Work as long as necessary on these matching columns. Try to match every word with its
definition. If you read carefully the sentences in which the words appear, you will in most
cases be able to figure out the meaning of the words. Work diligently at figuring them out;
it is a wonderful way to learn vocabulary. If there are words you cannot match, use the
flashcards at the back of the book to complete this section. When you have finished, read
through the matching columns four times. Each time you read the definition try to use the
word in a new sentence. Slow down when you come to the word you’re studying and write
it. In this exercise, there’s no need to write out the entire sentence or even the phrase in
which it appears, unless you think that would help you remember the word.
DEFINITION
SAMPLE SENTENCE
_____ hurry
A.) Homer’s Iliad is an example of an EPIC
poem.
_____ ruins, rubble
B.) The dog would COWER in the corner
whenever her owner scolded her.
_____ ring
C.) The jury convicted him because his
attorney didn’t present a PLAUSIBLE
case for his innocence.
_____ puffing up; as by the action 
D.) Sometimes juries are SEQUESTERed 
of the wind
to keep them from having any contact
with outsiders.
_____ subtle difference in meaning
E.) After the earthquake, they sifted
through the DEBRIS looking for 
whatever belongings they could find.
_____ withered; shriveled
F.) We had to HASTEN to the theater to
make the show on time.
_____ withdraw into retirement; 
G.) The church bells PEALed to announce 
seclude
the start of the service.
_____ majestic; heroic
H.) The flags were BILLOWING as the
storm approached.
_____ crouch in fear
I.) Vocabulary words can be difficult to
master when there are so many
NUANCEs in meaning.
_____ believable; credible
J.) The Wicked Witch of the West was a
WIZENED old woman.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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