Vocabulary Puzzles The Fun Way to Ace Standardized Tests

Part 1 


Learning Definitions and Using Words in Context
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
04_135105 pt01.qxp 7/13/07 7:10 PM Page 79

---

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
_____ having a negative reputation; 
A.) Stephen King is a master of the horror 
famous for something bad
GENRE.
_____ oddly comical
B.) Lying about why she missed the exam
only EXACERBATEd the situation.
_____ intentional exaggeration
C.) The BELLICOSE leader constantly had
his country on the brink of war.
_____ inclined to pick fights; 
D.) When the doctor continued to make 
quarrelsome
incorrect diagnoses, we knew he was
probably a CHARLATAN.
_____ category or kind, as in an 
E.) The comedian delivered jokes in a 
art form
DROLL monotone.
_____ angry; mad
F.) “We had to wait an eternity” is an
example of HYPERBOLE.
_____ one pretending to have 
G.) Dictionaries are often ABRIDGEd to 
knowledge he doesn’t really
make them smaller and easier to use.
have; imposter
_____ to make worse; aggravate
H.) John’s dad became INCENSED when
he learned John had gotten a speeding
ticket the first night he drove the car.
_____ tame
I.) Bonnie and Clyde were two of the 
most INFAMOUS criminals in modern
history.
_____ shorten or reduce
J.) Tigers aren’t DOMESTICATED so
they don’t make good house pets.
Vocabulary Puzzles
80
04_135105 pt01.qxp 7/13/07 7:10 PM Page 80

---