Studying new vocabulary isn’t just about memorizing lists of definitions, it’s about learning how to recognize and understand words depending on their context in a sentence. Many of the exams that contain English comprehension tests will ask you to read a paragraph or a sentence and define one of the words, requiring you to read the whole phrase and pick out the meaning of the specific word as it has been used in that phrase.

We’ve created this short quiz to help you prepare for the type of vocabulary exercises you may be asked to complete on tests such as the SAT and GRE. Pick the correct answer for each before scrolling down to the explanation section.

1. “Many indigenous species are in danger of becoming extinct, as their rainforest habitat shrinks.”

The word “indigenous” means: (a) abundant; (b) native to the region; (c) migratory.

2. “Ecologists have tried to establish sanctuaries for these animals and plants to live in,
       but face pressure from logging and mining companies who want to develop the land.”

The word “sanctuaries” means: (a) protected zones; (b) charities; (c) escape routes.

3. “Because of the loss of valuable plant life, unique animals and birds, and the impact
       on the environment, rainforest destruction has a detrimental impact on the planet as a whole.”

The word “detrimental” means: (a) positive; (b) unpredictable; (c) damaging.

If you didn’t know what the target vocabulary words meant, how did you choose your answers? If you looked at the entire sentence, you might have been able to deduce the correct meaning.

In question 1, you can eliminate option (a) because if a species is near extinction, there aren’t many of them left, and that’s the opposite of “abundant.” A migratory species moves from one area to another, and in this sentence we’re talking about a specific location (the rainforest) so option (c) is out. Option (b) is the answer. “Indigenous” does mean “native to the region,” but in addition, that definition makes the most sense in context. If a species of animal lives in one habitat, and that habitat is shrinking, it will be harder for that species to survive.

In question 2, you can eliminate options (b) and (c) because an animal can’t “live in” either a charity or an escape route. A sanctuary is a protected zone.

Finally, if you read the sentence in question 3, you would have noticed the negative words “loss” and “destruction.” That eliminates option (a) immediately – two wrongs don’t make a right. The sentence starts with the word “because” which implies a certain conclusion, so option (b) doesn’t fit. That leaves option (c). “Detrimental” means damaging or having a negative impact.

If you come across a word that you don’t know, try to determine its meaning by its context in the sentence before you look it up. By connecting context to definition, you’ll remember the word more easily, and feel more confident using it in the future.