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
_____ inclined to believe anything; 
A.) She developed CHRONIC sneezing 
naïve
during the allergy season.
_____ secret; undercover
B.) Because of his HUBRIS, he truly
expected to be voted the best-looking
guy in the school.
_____ disrespectful in a bold way
C.) George was trying to lose weight, so he
practiced ABSTINENCE when it came
to eating fatty foods.
_____ the act of going without 
D.) The spy was assigned to a COVERT 
something
operation.
_____ arrogant pride
E.) The IMPUDENT child publicly was
rude to his father.
_____ bold in a rude way
F.) Young children are GULLIBLE and
easy to fool.
_____ erase or strike out
G.) He never said he was DEJECTED, but
we could tell from the way he moped all
the time.
_____ unhappy; miserable
H.) Surprisingly, Joanne seemed 
APATHETIC when told her mother
was seriously ill.
_____ occurring regularly over a 
I.) The editor EXPUNGEd the unneces-
long period
sary paragraph from the story.
_____ showing little or no emotion; 
J.) The class was shocked at the BRAZEN 
cold
remarks the student made to the teacher.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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