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
_____ blunt or rough in manner
A.) We had to buy a new TV because ours
was taken when the house was
BURGLARIZEd.
_____ show disrespect for 
B.) If you’re on a low-cholesterol diet, you 
something holy or sacred
should ESCHEW red meat.
_____ image, sometimes a sacred one
C.) Words like “thou” and “methinks” are
considered ARCHAIC nowadays.
_____ tending to belittle or find 
D.) After the heist, the robber ADROITly 
fault with
eluded the police for weeks.
_____ clever; skillful
E.) They DESECRATEd the church when
they spray-painted graffiti on its walls.
_____ forego; avoid
F.) Advanced techniques of computer pro-
gramming are quite ABSTRUSE.
_____ rob; steal from
G.) Rather than deal with the issues in the
election, she made DISPARAGING
remarks about her opponent.
_____ understood by only a few
H.) Many ICONs of saints and angels were
on display in the church.
_____ old, from an earlier period
I.) Because he was so DIFFIDENT, he
couldn’t bring himself to ask her to
dance.
_____ shy, timid
J.) The clerk’s replies became BRUSQUE
when the customer kept repeating the
same questions.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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