ISEE Vocabulary: How to Ace the Verbal Reasoning Section
The Verbal Reasoning Section of the ISEE includes two types of questions: synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Both types of questions 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 tips to help you to learn new words and to ultimately help you succeed on the Verbal Section.
Start Early
The ISEE may include words you’re not familiar with, so you’ll want to learn as many words as possible. Learning new words can take quite a bit of time, so it’s best to start early so that you can learn and practice new words and their definitions.
Complete Verbal Practice
Taking practice tests is the best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE, so the best way to familiarize yourself with the Verbal Reasoning Section is to take a practice test. Practice tests are a great way to improve your word recognition in a timed setting.
After taking a practice test, spend some time reviewing your results. Note any words that you didn’t know and create a list of each word and its definition. Review the list and rewrite words you struggle to remember. Handwriting these words facilitates remembering better than typing!
Study Flashcards Routinely
One of the best ways to learn new words is to make flashcards. Write the word on one side and the definition on the other. Make sure to only have one word and definition per card. You can practice by looking at the word and saying the definition, or by looking at the definition and saying the word.
For words that are harder to memorize, create a separate stack and work on these words more often. Practice with your flashcards for 5-10 minutes each day. Shorter, more frequent practice sessions are more effective than a few longer sessions.
Pro Tip: Have someone quiz you on your flashcards!
Incorporate Words Into Your Vocabulary
After you learn a new word, don’t forget to use it! Using new words, especially ones that are difficult to remember, is a highly effective way to practice. Find a way to describe your environment with these 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 sound and their context.
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonic (nuh·maa·nik) devices are techniques used to memorize words. They can be an image, a formula, a rhyme, associations, a pattern of letters—anything other than the word itself–that can help you remember the word. Mnemonics make it easier to learn and retain new words. Below are a few mnemonic examples:
| 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 Roots Words
Root words are the heart of the word and can be very helpful in determining the meanings of words. Below is a list of common word roots 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 Verbal section can be a rewarding process. Not only will it allow you to expand your vocabulary, but it can also improve your performance on the Reading section as well. Take the time to find an approach that works well for you and it will pay off.
