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
_____ intolerant person
A.) She liked the hotel because the room
was IMMACULATE when she arrived.
_____ vague, indistinct
B.) They held the decision in ABEYANCE
until they had more information.
_____ lucky
C.) Her poetry was REPLETE with color-
ful images.
_____ wordy
D.) The wizard resorted to his TALISMAN
when casting spells.
_____ spotlessly clean
E.) The city mayor asked the governor for
SUCCOR after the hurricane hit.
_____ abundantly provided (with)
F.) The judge was a BIGOT who always
ruled against minorities.
_____ help; aid
G.) Because his book report was twice as
long as everyone else’s, his teacher gave
him a C for being VERBOSE.
_____ deserving esteem; 
H.) It was FORTUITOUS that Jim’s friend 
praiseworthy
drove by just after Jim’s car broke down;
otherwise Jim would have had to walk
home.
_____ temporary inactivity or 
I.) The rookie’s CREDITABLE perform-
suspension
ance his first week won him a spot in
the starting lineup.
_____ amulet supposedly possessing 
J.) He had only a NEBULOUS memory of
occult powers
the events just before the accident.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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