We know some of you are looking for hints on what to study for the SAT (or PSAT) or, if you’re planning on applying to graduate school, the GRE. In the past we’ve talked about strategies for studying vocabulary, and from time to time we also highlight specific words that frequently appear on such tests, either in the vocabulary identification section, where you’re required to define or use a word, or in the reading comprehension section, where knowledge of a word’s meaning in the context of a sentence or paragraph is essential. You can find some more tips for test preparation here and here, but today we’re going to look at eight words that will help you succeed on these tests, and in your personal and professional life as well.
mandatory (MAN-duh-toh-ree) adjective
Definition: Required or obligatory, especially at the command of a superior.
Example: It is mandatory to achieve a score of 85 or above on this test before moving to the next level.
versatile (VER-sih-tuhl) adjective
Definition: Being able to do, or be used for, a great number and variety of things.
Example: In the hands of a skilled carpenter, even a clumsy hatchet can be a versatile tool.
exemplary (eg-ZEM-pluh-ree) adjective
Definition: Perfect, ideal; worthy of praise or admiration.
Example: Alex received the “Model Student” award for her exemplary conduct during the school year, having incurred no demerits or marks against her in any class or activity.
repertoire (REP-uh-twahr) noun
Definition: A set of works – usually of music, dance, or literature – that a person or group knows by heart and can perform at any time.
Example: It’s every actor’s dream to add “Hamlet” to his repertoire of theatrical roles.
impeccable (im-PECK-uh-bull) adjective
Definition: Having no faults or flaws; perfect.
Example: The health inspectors rated that restaurant very highly for the impeccable cleanliness of the floors and counters in their kitchen area.
arduous (AR-dyew-us) adjective
Definition: Requiring a great deal of energy and endurance; difficult, demanding, exhausting.
Example: At least 1,200 people each year attempt the arduous climb to the top of Alaska’s Mt. Denali, but fewer than half of them reach the summit.
symbiosis (SIM-bee-OH-sis) noun
Definition: A relationship between two entities that benefits both of them.
Example: The bright orange-and-white clownfish in the Indonesian oceans live in symbiosis with sea anemones on coral reefs there, each protecting and nurturing the other.
fallacious (fuh-LAY-shuhs) adjective
Definition: False or misleading.
Example: Even though Julian’s argument was fallacious, he won the debate tournament because the opposing team could not come up with facts to refute his statements.
As we’ve said before, the more ways you study a word, the better able you are to remember it – not only its definition, but how to spell it, and how to use it correctly in context. So here’s your assignment for tomorrow: look up the etymology of each of these words, create one or two more sample sentences using each word, and (where possible) come up with two or three synonyms and antonyms for each word.
This assignment is mandatory. Show us how versatile you can be in your vocabulary study!
