SSAT Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section is meant to assess vocabulary, and requires students to identify synonyms and interpret analogies.
Fast Facts
- Elementary Level: 20 minutes with 30 questions
- Middle and Upper Level: 30 minutes with 60 questions
- 30 synonyms, 30 analogies
- Made up of two question types:
- Synonym Questions
- Analogy Questions
Question Types
Synonym
Synonym questions ask students to choose the answer word with a meaning similar to the prompt word. Synonyms are words that have the same (or nearly the same) meaning as a different word.
For example, lucky is a synonym for fortunate, neat is a synonym for tidy, and hard is a synonym for difficult.
Example question (correct answer in bold):
STEADFAST:
A. Accurate
B. Guided
C. Bright
D. Reclusive
E. Firm
Analogy
Analogies compare two things with similarities. Making these comparisons can help improve:
- decision-making and problem-solving skills
- memory and perception
- communication and reasoning skills
- reading and vocabulary.
Analogies help students actively process information, make decisions, and improve understanding as well as long-term memory.
There are a few different types of analogies, including:
- Opposites or antonyms: Left is to right as big is to small
- Synonyms or words with identical or similar meanings: Tall is to large as short is to small
- Characteristic: Pillow is to soft as blanket is to warm
- Part to the whole: Finger is to hand as arm is to torso
- Uses: Broom is to sweep as pencil is to write
- Users: Hammer is to carpenter as brush is to painter
- Category: Robin is to bird as shark is to fish
- Product to Producer: Poem is to poet as sculptor is to statue
- Degree: Snow is to blizzard as rain is to hurricane
- Homonyms: Four is to for as see is to sea
Example question (correct answer in bold):
Satiated is to hungry as:
A. Delicious is to sweet
B. Ripe is to rotten
C. Kind is to polite
D. Salty is to sour
E. Lovely is to attractive
Study Strategies
Build Your Vocabulary – Expanding your vocabulary is key to success in the Verbal Reasoning section—you can never know too many words! Just 10-15 minutes of daily vocabulary practice can make a huge difference.
- Use Flashcards – Flashcards are a great tool for studying vocabulary, especially when you’re on the go. Keep them handy so you can review words during your commute, while waiting at an appointment, or whenever you have a spare moment.
- Try Digital Flashcards – Virtual flashcards can make vocabulary practice more engaging. We’ve created interactive Quizlet sets that you can access for free here.
Study root words – Learning root words can help you understand the meanings of unfamiliar words and recognize connections between them during the test. Check out our common root words to know Quizlet set to get started.
Test-Taking Strategies
Come up with your own answer first – Before checking the answer choices, try to come up with your own response after reading the question. This helps you stay focused and avoid being influenced by incorrect options.
Break unfamiliar words apart – If you come across words that you don’t recognize, try breaking them into smaller parts. Understanding common roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help you figure out its meaning, even if you’ve never seen it before.
Interested in learning about the other sections of the SSAT? Check out our section-specific blog posts!
