Word of the Day
Perspicacious
adjective
Having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning.
Her perspicacious observations helped the team identify the solution quickly.
insightful, perceptive, astute, shrewd
Interactive SSAT Vocabulary Flashcards
Study essential SSAT vocabulary with our interactive flashcards. Click to flip and learn definitions, then test yourself!
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Analogy Practice
Strengthen your understanding of word relationships with these SSAT-style analogy examples and practice questions.
Understanding Analogies
Analogies test your ability to recognize relationships between pairs of words. The relationship in the first pair matches the relationship in the second pair.
Example:
HAPPY : SAD :: HOT : COLD
The relationship is: opposites or antonyms
Common Analogy Relationships:
- Synonym (similar meaning): LARGE : BIG
- Antonym (opposite meaning): FRIEND : ENEMY
- Part to Whole: WHEEL : CAR
- Cause and Effect: STUDY : LEARN
- Item to Category: DOG : ANIMAL
- Worker to Tool: ARTIST : BRUSH
Practice Question:
AUTHOR : BOOK :: COMPOSER : ?
SSAT Vocabulary Guide
About the SSAT Vocabulary Section
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) evaluates vocabulary knowledge through two main question types:
1. Synonyms
Students must select a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as the given word.
Example:
CORDIAL:
- hostile
- frightening
- friendly (correct answer)
- boring
- cold
2. Analogies
Students must identify relationships between pairs of words.
Example:
LEAF : TREE :: PAGE : ?
- paper
- book (correct answer)
- chapter
- paragraph
- read
SSAT Test Levels
Elementary Level
For students in grades 3-4 applying to grades 4-5
Features age-appropriate vocabulary focusing on common words and basic relationships
Middle Level
For students in grades 5-7 applying to grades 6-8
Includes more challenging vocabulary and complex word relationships
Upper Level
For students in grades 8-11 applying to grades 9-12
Features advanced vocabulary and sophisticated word relationships
Vocabulary Building Techniques
Effective Study Methods
- Daily Practice: Study vocabulary for 10-15 minutes daily rather than cramming
- Context Learning: Learn words in sentences to understand usage
- Word Roots: Study common prefixes, suffixes, and roots
- Flashcards: Create and regularly review flashcards
- Word Associations: Connect new words to words you already know
Common Word Roots
bene-
good, well
mal-
bad, evil
-logy
study of
-phobia
fear
auto-
self
bio-
life
chrono-
time
geo-
earth
Weekly Study Plan
| Day | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Learn 5 new words with flashcards | 15 min |
| Tuesday | Review Monday's words + learn 5 more | 20 min |
| Wednesday | Practice analogies with current vocabulary | 15 min |
| Thursday | Learn 5 more words + review all previous | 20 min |
| Friday | Play word games with all weekly words | 15 min |
| Weekend | Comprehensive review + practice test | 30 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vocabulary words should my child learn for the SSAT?
While there's no fixed number, students should aim to learn:
- Elementary Level: 400-500 words
- Middle Level: 800-1000 words
- Upper Level: 1000-1500 words
What's the best way to study SSAT vocabulary?
The most effective approach combines multiple methods: flashcards, contextual learning (reading), word roots study, and regular practice with synonyms and analogies. Consistent daily practice is more effective than cramming.
How is the SSAT vocabulary section scored?
The SSAT awards one point for each correct answer and deducts a quarter point for each incorrect answer. Omitted questions neither add nor subtract points. This scoring method encourages strategic answering rather than guessing.
How does the SSAT vocabulary section differ from the ISEE?
The SSAT tests vocabulary through synonyms and analogies, while the ISEE uses synonyms and sentence completions. Many students find the SSAT's analogy questions more challenging as they test both vocabulary knowledge and logical reasoning.
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