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
30
31
04_135105 pt01.qxp 7/13/07 7:10 PM Page 115

---

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
_____ sincere remorse
A.) The clever thief BEGUILEd his victims
with his smooth talking.
_____ failure; dud
B.) The teacher suspected CHICANERY
when supplies continued to disappear from
the classroom.
_____ develop gradually
C.) Because the lead singer was just getting over
laryngitis, the concert was a FIASCO.
_____ skilled
D.) Rather than retype the whole contract, the
lawyer APPENDed the new provisions on
an extra page.
_____ add
E.) “Dang” and “crikey” are EUPHEMISMs
for swear words that might offend some
people.
_____ deception; trickery
F.) Our decision to go to the mountains last
weekend EVOLVEd from dad’s remark
that we hadn’t been skiing in a while.
_____ polite word used instead of
G.) She felt CONTRITION over hurting 
an offensive one
her friend’s feelings, and swore she’d never
do it again.
_____ deceive, trick, or mislead
H.) The CALLOUS man showed no emotion
when he broke up with his girlfriend.
_____ hard and unfeeling
I.) The stock market crash of 1987, when
stocks lost almost 25 percent of their value
in one day, was truly a DEBACLE for
investors.
_____ terrible failure or disaster
J.) After assisting a carpenter all summer,
Fred became quite ADEPT at woodwork.
Vocabulary Puzzles
116
04_135105 pt01.qxp 7/13/07 7:10 PM Page 116

---