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
_____ difficult; involved
A.) The DEARTH of natural resources in
some countries severely slows industrial
development.
_____ omen; sign
B.) Because he hadn’t eaten since breakfast,
he had hunger PANGs all afternoon.
_____ formally abolish; repeal
C.) Rap and jazz are two very different
rhythmic musical GENREs.
_____ intensify; magnify
D.) It IRKed her to wait in line at the 
market.
_____ journey on foot
E.) How to master Rubik’s Cube was a
KNOTTY problem that none of us
could solve.
_____ revered; esteemed
F.) Many old laws are ABROGATEd when
they become outdated.
_____ continuous pain; ache
G.) Tomato and onions ENHANCE the
flavor of a hamburger.
_____ irritate or annoy
H.) Melting snow and warming tempera-
tures are HARBINGERs of spring.
_____ inadequate supply; lack
I.) The pope has always been a 
VENERATED religious leader.
_____ artistic or musical category
J.) Early settlers often had to 
PEREGRINATE for many miles 
to find food.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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