Every section of this test is multiple choice (fortunately!). Therefore process of elimination is an important strategy. In studying vocabulary, here are some important tips.
Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Make sure to review Latin and Greek roots, prefixes and suffixes. The majority of words in English have some form of Latin or Greek roots.
When you are able to break up a word into its parts, you can understand the whole word. When you are taking a multiple-choice test, if you can identify any part of the word, it could be enough to select the right choice from a list of words. So make sure you review Latin and Greek roots.
If you only study lists of words, it is hit or miss as to whether or not the words you studied will be on the test. However, if you study Latin and Greek prefixes, roots, and suffixes, it can give you an insight into more words than a list of words can.
The below tips are ones to use when you do not know the vocabulary words in the question. These are ideas that help in eliminating choices and help someone to make an educated guess.
Positive vs. Negative Words
When you see a word you do not know, ask yourself, “Does this sound good or bad? Would I want to be called this name?” Focus on whether the word is positive or negative. This can help eliminate a few choices.
Watch Out for Traps
When you are working on vocabulary, you will see some answers that sound like they should be correct. However, you need to remember when some things sound too good to be true they usually are. If a choice rhymes with the vocabulary word, chances are, it is not the correct answer. If an answer choice sounds a lot like the vocabulary word, chances are, it is not the correct answer.
For example, if the vocabulary word is “auspicious”, do not pick the word “suspicious” as its definition.
Answer Choices that are Synonyms
If 2 answers choices have the same meaning, you can usually eliminate both because the vocabulary word cannot mean one and not mean the other.
Answer Choices that are Opposites
If 2 answer choices are opposites, usually one of the choices is the correct answer.