ISEE Vocabulary: How to Ace the Verbal Reasoning Section
The Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE consists of two types of questions: synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Both require a strong vocabulary, so the best way to prepare is to learn as many new words as possible.
The most effective way to expand your vocabulary is to establish a consistent study routine. Below are some tips to help you build your “word toolbox” and to ultimately help you succeed on the Verbal Reasoning section.
Start Early
The ISEE may include words you don’t typically use or read, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with as many words as possible before the test. Since learning new words can take time, it’s best to start early so you have ample opportunity to learn and practice new words and their definitions.
Complete Verbal Practice
Taking practice tests is the best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE, and the same applies to the Verbal Reasoning section. Practice tests are an excellent way to improve your word recognition in a timed setting.
After completing a practice test, take some time to review your results. Identify any words that you had trouble with, and create a list including each word and its definition. Review the list and rewrite any words you struggle to remember. Handwriting helps reinforce memory more effectively than typing!
Another resource that we recommend trying out are our Quizlet sets. They are designed to help students build vocabulary, offering a variety of study modes and tools, making it a convenient and engaging way to learn and review material. You can access that free resource HERE.
Study Flashcards Routinely
One of the most effective ways to learn new words is to make flashcards. Write the word on one side and the definition on the other, ensuring that each card only contains one word and its definition. You can practice by looking at the word and recalling the definition, or by looking at the definition and recalling the word.
For words that you find more difficult to memorize, create a separate stack and review those words more often. Practice with your flashcards for 5-10 minutes each day. Shorter, more frequent practice sessions are more effective than longer, less frequent ones.
Pro Tip: Have a family member or friend quiz you on your flashcards!
Incorporate Words Into Your Vocabulary
After learning a new word, try to apply it in your everyday life! Using new words, especially those that are hard to remember, is a highly effective way to practice. Find a way to describe your environment with some of these new words, or write out a sentence that includes the words. You can also record yourself using the words so that you can become familiar with their sounds in context.
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonic (nuh·maa·nik) devices are techniques used to memorize new words. They can be images, formulas, rhymes, associations, patterns of letters—anything other than the word itself–that will help you recall the word. Mnemonics make it easier to learn and retain new vocabulary. Below are a few examples of mnemonics:
| Vocab Word | Definition | Mnemonic | Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Align |
To straighten, to line up, or to put in order |
I aligned my toys by putting them in a line from the shortest to the tallest. |
The grandfather made sure to align the two pieces of wood before screwing them together. |
|
Elongate |
To lengthen, to extend
|
Can you elongate the word vocab to vocabulary? |
Stretching after you exercise is a great way to elongate your muscles and increase flexibility.
|
|
Illuminate |
To brighten, to flash, to light up
|
When Harry Potter wanted to illuminate his surroundings in the Forbidden Forest, he used the spell “Lumos.” |
The car’s headlights illuminated the dark road as we drove home on a snowy night. |
Learn Root Words
A root word is the core part of a word that carries its primary meaning and cannot be broken down into smaller meaningful parts. Understanding root words can help you deduce the meaning of a larger word that you may not know. Below is a list of common root words that can help you deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words:
| Word Root | Meaning | SSAT Vocab Words |
|---|---|---|
|
ante |
before |
antebellum |
|
anti |
against |
antagonist, antiseptic |
|
auto |
self |
automatic, autocratic |
|
bene |
good, well |
benevolent, beneficial
|
|
chron |
time |
chronic, chronology |
|
contra |
against |
contradiction
|
|
dict |
to speak |
dictate, verdict
|
|
ex |
out, away |
extract, exclude, expel |
|
inter |
between |
intermediate, interject |
|
ject |
throw |
project, interject |
|
jud |
judge |
unprejudiced, prejudice |
|
mal |
bad |
malicious |
|
multi |
many |
multiple |
|
per |
through |
persevere |
|
sect, sec |
to cut |
seclude |
|
struct |
to build |
construct
|
|
trans |
across |
transitory, transport |
Preparing for the ISEE Verbal Reasoning section can be a rewarding process. It not only helps expand your vocabulary, but it can also improve your performance on the ISEE Reading section. Take the time to find an approach that works for you, and it will pay off!
