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
_____ lacking food, clothing, and 
A.) His mother CHASTISEd him for 
shelter
skipping school to go swimming with
his friends.
_____ punish with harsh criticism
B.) She got her homework done with
CELERITY so she could go to the
movies.
_____ prevent the success of; foil
C.) The preacher gave a BOMBASTIC ser-
mon on the evils of graffiti.
_____ reveal, as a secret; tell
D.) She’s so impatient that she ABHORs
being behind slow drivers.
_____ pompous in speech or writing
E.) To avoid going to jail, he agreed to
DIVULGE the gang’s whereabouts.
_____ sneakily dangerous or harmful
F.) In olden days, politicians DECLAIMed
on street corners.
_____ heavenly; otherworldly
G.) Nowadays, many a DESTITUTE per-
son can be seen sleeping on city streets.
_____ hate; detest
H.) The mood music for the sci-fi film had
an ETHEREAL quality about it.
_____ make a formal speech
I.) His quick action IMPEDEd the robbery
long enough for the police to show up.
_____ speed; haste
J.) Terrorists are INSIDIOUS enemies; one
never knows what they’re up to until
something happens.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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