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
_____ kind; good-natured 
A.) Good teamwork by the students 
disposition
EXPEDITEd the completion of their
project.
_____ related to money
B.) Some voters were CYNICAL of the
shady politician’s reasons for holding the
fundraising dinner.
_____ spoken with confidence, but 
C.) The king was well-liked because of his 
not much thought
BENIGN disposition.
_____ free from blame
D.) Putting the rapper and the folk singer
together in the same concert seemed
INCONGRUOUS to us.
_____ inappropriate light humor
E.) The candidate’s GLIB answers at the
press conference cost him a lot of votes.
_____ help speed things along
F.) They couldn’t afford to take a trip 
this year because they were having
PECUNIARY trouble.
_____ central part around which 
G.) Peter was ABSOLVEd of guilt when 
other parts are gathered; core
John testified that the two of them were
together on the night of the robbery.
_____ crude; insensitive
H.) LEVITY at a funeral might not be
appreciated by the deceased’s family.
_____ of unmatching parts; lacking 
I.) He hurt her feelings by making 
harmony
BOORISH remarks about her painting.
_____ distrustful of the motives of
J.) A small group of friends formed the 
others
NUCLEUS of the club.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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