SSAT Upper Level Vocabulary Study Notes

SSAT Vocabulary Upper Level - Study Notes

• The SSAT Upper Level exam assesses a student's vocabulary knowledge and comprehension.
• A strong vocabulary is essential for success on the verbal reasoning and reading comprehension sections.
• Expect questions testing both academic and general vocabulary.
• Students should focus on understanding the nuances and subtle differences in word meanings.
• Words with multiple meanings (polysemous), figures of speech (metaphors, similes, personification), and contextual vocabulary (words whose meanings change depending on the sentence) are all part of the exam's scope.

Core Vocabulary Categories

• Academic Vocabulary: Words commonly used in academic settings and advanced coursework. Examples include: analyze, synthesis, evaluate, interpret, critique.

• General Vocabulary: Words frequently encountered in everyday conversation and reading materials. Examples include: subtle, articulate, profound, ingenious, eloquent.

• Figurative Language: Understanding idioms, metaphors, similes, and personification is crucial. Recognizing the figurative meaning is vital for interpreting texts. Examples include: "raining cats and dogs", "a heart of gold", "the wind howled".

• Contextual Vocabulary: Words with meanings that change depending on the sentence's structure and context. Understanding context is key to determining a word's meaning accurately.

Study Strategies for Vocabulary

• Active Recall: Write definitions to test recall and self-test with flashcards. Active recall is more effective than passive reading.

• Mnemonics: Use memory tricks, like acronyms, imagery, and rhymes, to remember words and their meanings.

• Context Clues: Use surrounding sentences or paragraphs to determine unknown word meanings. Identify the part of speech and look for hints from surrounding words.

• Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes: Understanding word origins helps. Knowing common prefixes and suffixes aids in deciphering unknown words. For instance, the prefix "in-" often signifies a negative connotation.

• Vocabulary Lists: Use official SSAT study guides or reliable vocabulary workbooks for targeted word lists.

• Read Widely: Reading diverse materials (news articles, books, magazines) expands vocabulary. Active note-taking during reading helps.

• Use Vocabulary in Writing: Writing short sentences and paragraphs applying new vocabulary strengthens retention. Practice using these words in your own sentences.

Practice and Review

• Regular practice quizzes cover various vocabulary types (academic, figurative, contextual, general).

• Use online resources, vocabulary apps, or practice tests to measure progress and identify areas needing improvement. Vocabulary practice for the SSAT helps with English classes.

• Review frequently encountered vocabulary words. Repetition solidifies word associations and meanings.

• Seek immediate clarification for unfamiliar words, fully understanding the word's concept before moving on.

This quiz focuses on vocabulary knowledge essential for the SSAT Upper Level exam. It covers both academic and general vocabulary, emphasizing the importance of nuanced word meanings. Students can expect questions relating to figures of speech and contextual vocabulary. Enhance your verbal reasoning and reading comprehension skills with this comprehensive study guide.