1001 Vocabulary Spelling Questions Essay Example

1001 Vocabulary Spelling Questions Essay Example 1001 Vocabulary Spelling Questions Paper 1001 Vocabulary Spelling Questions Paper or word root; the meaning of that word; and a sentence that demonstrates the meaning of that word. Refer to this section often to refresh your memory and improve your vocabulary. FA M I L I A R I T Y W I T H C O M M O N A xi –P R E F I X E S , S U F F I X E S , A N D C O M M O N W O R D R O O T S – P r e f i xe s Pre? xes are syllables added to the beginning of words to change or add to their meaning. This table lists some of the most common pre? xes in the English language. They are grouped together by similar meanings. Pre? x uni unify (v) De? nition to form into a single unit, to unite Sentence The new leader was able to unite the three factions into one strong political party. monobiduotriquadritetraquintpentmultipolyomni- one two two three four four ? ve ? ve many many all monologue (n) bisect (v) duality (n) triangle (n) quadruped (n) tetralogy (n) quintuplets (n) pentameter (n) multifaceted (adj) polyglot (n) a long speech by one person or performer to divide into two equal parts having two sides or parts a ? gure having three angles an animal with four feet series of four related artistic works, such as plays, operas, novels, etc. ?ve offspring born at one time a line of verse (poetry) with ? e metrical feet having many sides one who speaks or understands several languages I was very moved by the monologue in Scene III. If you bisect a square, you will get two rectangles of equal size. The novel explores the duality of good and evil in humans. In an isosceles triangle, two of the three angles are the same size. Some quadrupeds evolved into bipeds. â€Å"Time Zone† was the fourth and ? nal work in Classman’s tetralogy. Each quintuplet weighed less than four pounds at birth. Most of Shakespeare’s sonnets are written in iambic pentameter. This is a multifaceted issue, and we must examine each side carefully. It’s no wonder he’s a polyglot; he’s lived in eight different countries. My teacher must be omniscient; she always knows when I’m not paying attention. omniscient (adj) knowing all micro De? nition or main room Sentence The panel of jurors waited in the antechamber before entering the court room. The appetizers preceded the main course. His postscript was almost as long as his letter! Romeo, trying to make peace, intervened in the ? ght between Tybalt and Mercutio. antechamber (n) a smaller room leading into a larger prepostinter- before after between recede (v) postscript (n) intervene (v) to come before in time or order message added after the close of a letter to come between interintraintro- together within into, within interact (v) to act upon or in? uence each other The psychologist took notes as she watched the children interact. She could not eat and had to be fed intravenously for three days. Unlike his ? amboyant sister, quiet Zeke was a real int rovert. She was inducted into the honor society. The rebels expelled the invaders. She carefully circumscribed the space that would become her of? ce. His attempt to subvert my authority will cost him his job. Alex accepted the promotion to supervisor and was comfortable with the duties and responsibilities of the of? ce. intravenous (adj) within or into a vein introvert (n) a person whose attention is largely directed inward, toward himself or herself; a shy or withdrawn person inexcircumsubsuper- in, into out, from around under above, over induct (v) expel (v) to bring in (to a group) to drive out or away the limits of circumscribe (v) to draw a line around; to mark subvert (v) supervisor (n) to bring about the destruction of, overthrow; to undermine one who watches over con- with, together consensus (n) general agreement After hours of debate, the group ? nally reached a consensus and selected a candidate. non antipode (n) counterproductive (adj) dispel (v) De? nition exact or direct opposite working against production to drive away; not having order Sentence North is the antipode of south. Complaining is counterproductive. To dispel rumors that I was quitting, I scheduled a series of meetings for the next three months. disorderly (adj) messy, untidy, uncontrolled or unruly Two people were hurt when the disorderly crowd took control of the protest. mismal broaden (v) De? nition to make more broad, widen Sentence Traveling around the world will broaden your understanding of other cultures. electrify (v) alphabetize (v) practical (adj) commercial (adj) De? nition to charge with electricity to put in alphabetical order suitable for use; involving activity as distinct from study or theory of or engaged in commerce Sentence The singer electri? ed the audience with her performance. Please alphabetize these ? les for me. He has years of practical, on-the-job experience. Commercial vehicles must have special license plates. Though he was never rich or powerful, he has very aristocratic manners. aristocratic (adj) of or pertaining to the aristocracy -ly resembling, having the qualities of tenderly (adv) done with tenderness; gently, delicately, lovingly He held the newborn baby tenderly in his arms. Despite his fear, he stepped boldly onto the stage. When Robert walked into the room with Annette, she cast a meaningful glance to me. ly -ful in the manner of full of boldly (adv) in a bold manner meaningful (adj) signi? cant, full of meaning -ous/-ose full of humorous (adj) full of humor, funny His humorous speech received laughter and applause from the audience. -ive having the quality of descriptive (adj) giving a description The letter was so descriptive that I could picture every place he had been . -less -ish lacking, free of having the quality of painless (adj) childish (adj) without pain, not causing pain like a child; unsuitable for a grown person The doctor assured me that it is a painless procedure. He didn’t get the job because of his childish behavior during the interview. He has a high level of tolerance for rudeness. The indeterminacy of his statement made it impossible to tell which side he favored. The second siren signaled the completion of the ? re drill. A ? rst arboretum (n) sanctuary (n) De? nition a garden devoted primarily to trees and shrubs a sacred place, refuge Sentence They built a deck with an arboretum for their bonsai tree collection. With three noisy roommates, Ellen frequently sought the quiet sanctuary of the library. -cide -ism ill quality, state or condition of; doctrine of pesticide (n) optimism (n) substance for killing insects belief that things will turn out for the best; tendency to take a hopeful view of things This pesticide is also dangerous for humans. Her optimism makes people want to be around her. He argued that the basic morality of civilized societies hasn’t changed much over the centuries. -ity quality or state of morality ( n) state or quality of being moral -itis in? ammation tonsillitis (n) of in? ammation and infection of the tonsils Her tonsillitis was so severe that doctors had to remove her tonsils immediately. He exercised good judgment during the meeting and did not challenge his supervisor. Because of her strong interest in zoology, she took an unpaid summer job at the zoo. amorous (adj) De? nition readily showing or feeling love Sentence She told him to stop his amorous advances as she was already engaged. audire bellum to hear war audience (n) assembled group of listeners or spectators; people within hearing The audience listened intently to the riveting speaker. In American history, antebellum refers to the period before the Civil War. antebellum (adj) before the war xvi –P R E F I X E S , S U F F I X E S , A N D C O M M O N W O R D R O O T S – Root capere Meaning to take Example captivate (v) De? nition to capture the fancy of Sentence The story captivated me from the beginning; I couldn’t put the book down. dicere duco equus facere lucere manus to say, speak dictate (v) to lead equal to make or do to light hand lucid (adj) manicure (n) conduct (v) equilibrium (n) manufacture (v) to state or order; to say what needs to be written down to lead or guide (thorough) a state of balance to make or produce very clear cosmetic treatment of the ? ngernails She began to dictate her notes into the microphone. He conducted a detailed tour of the building. I have ? nally achieved equilibrium between work and leisure. The clothes are manufactured here in this factory. No one could possibly have misunderstood such a lucid explanation. A manicure is not only important hygiene, but clean and neat nails also tell a great deal about a person. medius middle median (n) middle point; middle in a set of numbers The median household income in this wealthy neighborhood is $89,000. The message was transmitted over the intercom. That top-40 song is omnipresent; everywhere I go, I hear it playing. His loan application was denied because of his poor credit history. Although he is only 22, he holds a very powerful position in the company. mittere omnis plicare ponere/ positum protare quarere scribere to send all, every to fold to place transmit (v) omnipresent (adj) application (n) position (n) to send across present everywhere putting one thing on another; making a formal request the place a person or thing occupies to carry to ask, question to write transport (v) inquiry (n) scribe (n) to carry across act of inquiry, investigation, or questioning person who makes copies of writings The goods will be transported by boat. The inquiry lasted several months but yielded no new information. The scribe had developed thick calluses on his ? ngers from years of writing. After reading the collection of letters, it was easy to tell the sentiments of the writer. sentire to feel sentiment (n) personal experience; one’s own feeling xvii –P R E F I X E S , S U F F I X E S , A N D C O M M O N W O R D R O O T S – Root specere Meaning to look at Example spectacle (n) De? nition striking or impressive sight Sentence The debate was quite a spectacle; the candidates made accusations about each other that were unexpected and slightly unprofessional. spirare tendere to breathe to stretch respiration (n) extend (v) he act of breathing to make longer, stretch out His respiration was steady, but he remained unconscious. Please extend the deadline by two weeks so we can complete the project properly. verbum word verbatim (adj) word for word The student failed because she had copied an article verbatim instead of writing her own essay. C o m m o n G r e e k Wo r d R o o t s Many English words have their origins in the ancient Greek language. The table below shows the Greek words that have been used to create various English words. The Greek words serve as roots, providing the core meaning of the words. Pre? xes, suf? xes, and other alterations give each word its distinct meaning. The word roots are listed in alphabetical order. Root bios chronos Meaning life time Example biology (n) chronological (adj) De? nition the science of living organisms arranged in the order in which things occurred branch of medical science dealing with the skin and its diseases Sentence He is majoring in biology and plans to go to medical school. The story is confusing because she did not put the events in chronological order. She has decided to study dermatology because she wants to ? nd a cure for skin cancer. Polygamy is illegal in the United States. The recent genocide in Bosnia has created a crisis in orphaned children. The geography of this region made it dif? cult for the different tribes to interact. She used calligraphy to address her wedding invitations. derma skin dermatology (n) gamos marriage, union polygamy (n) the practice or custom of having more than one spouse or mate at a time genos geo race, sex, kind earth genocide (n) geography (n) the deliberate extermination of one race of people the study of the Earth’s surface; the surface or topographical features of a place graphein to write calligraphy (n) eautiful or elegant handwriting xviii –P R E F I X E S , S U F F I X E S , A N D C O M M O N W O R D R O O T S – Root krates Meaning member of a group Example democrat (n) De? nition one who believes in or advocates democracy as a principle of government concealing meaning, puzzling Sentence I have always been a democrat, but I refuse to join the Democratic Party. He left such a cryptic message on my answering machine that I don’t know what he wanted. kryptos hidden, secret cryptic (adj) metron to measure metronome (n) device with a pendulum that beats at a determined rate to measure time/rhythm She used a metronome to help her keep the proper pace as she played the song. Most mythologies have a polymorphous ? gure, a â€Å"shape shifter† who can be both animal and human. morphe form polymorphous (adj) having many forms pathos philos phobos photos podos psuedein pyr suffering, feeling loving fear light foot to deceive ? re pathetic (adj) xenophile (n) xenophobe (n) arousing feelings of pity or sadness a person who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs or strange cultures or customs Willy Loman is a complex character who is both pathetic and heroic. Alex is a xenophile; I doubt he’ll ever come back to the States. e’s a xenophobe. Plants are photobiotic and will die without light. toenail had become infected. George Eliot is a pseudonym for Mary Ann Evans. The warehouse ? re was not an accident; it was set by a pyromaniac. In a psychosomatic illness, physical symptoms are caused by emotional distress. person who fears or hates foreigners Do n’t expect Len to go on the trip; photobiotic (adj) living or thriving only in the presence of light podiatrist (n) pseudonym (n) pyromaniac (n) of ailments of the human foot false name one who has a compulsion to set things on ? re an expert in diagnosis and treatment The podiatrist saw that the ingrown oma body psychosomatic (adj) of or involving both the mind and body tele distant telescope (n) optical instrument for making distant While Galileo did not invent the objects appear larger and nearer when viewed through the lens telescope, he was the ? rst to use it to study the planets and stars. The thermos kept my coffee hot all afternoon. therme heat thermos (n) insulated jug or bottle that keeps liquids hot or cold xix 1001 VOCABULARY SPELLING QUESTIONS S E C T I O N 1 T Synonyms, Antonyms, Verbal Classi? cation, and Analogies of ? ve chapters of different types of vocabulary questions. Questions vary from ? nding similar words to ? nding dissimilar words, from identifying analogies, to identifying the three words that are similar within a group of four words. Most standardized tests use synonym and antonym questions to test verbal skills. The ? rst chapter in this section is on synonyms. A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same as another word. You will be asked to ? nd synonyms, or choose the word that has the same or nearly the same meaning. In Chapter 2, you will identify antonyms, or words that are most nearly the opposite of the word in italics. The questions in Chapter 3 ask you to identify the word that is most similar or dissimilar to another word, effectively testing your knowledge of two words. Chapter 4 tests your ability to identify groups of word as similar to one another. You do this by ? nding the word in the list of four that does not belong with the other three words. Finally, in Chapter 5 you are asked to identify word analogies. Analogies are comparisons. To answer an analogy question, look for a relationship between the ? rst set of words. Then, look for a similar relationship in the second set of words. Choose the answer that best completes the comparison. HIS SECTION CONSISTS 1 C H A P T E R 1 Synonyms Choose the synonym for each of the words in italics. 1. Which word means the same as erroneous? a. digressive b. confused c. impenetrable d. incorrect 2. Which word means the same as grotesque? a. extreme b. frenzied c. hideous d. typical 3. Which word means the same as garbled? a. lucid b. unintelligible c. devoured d. outrageous 4. Which word means the same as expose? a. relate b. develop c. reveal d. pretend 3 –S Y N O N Y M S – 5. Which word means the same as coerce? a. force b. permit c. waste d. deny 6. Which word means the same as abrupt? a. interrupt b. sudden c. xtended d. corrupt 7. Which word means the same as apathy? a. hostility b. depression c. indifference d. concern 8. Which word means the same as despair? a. mourning b. disregard c. hopelessness d. loneliness 9. Which word means the same as contemptuous? a. respectful b. unique c. scornful d. insecure 10. Which word means the same as tote? a. acquire b. ca rry c. tremble d. abandon 11. Which word means the same as distinct? a. satis? ed b. imprecise c. uneasy d. separate 12. Which word means the same as ? agrant? a. secret b. worthless c. noble d. glaring 13. Which word means the same as oration? a. nuisance b. ndependence c. address d. length 14. Which word means the same as libel? a. description b. praise c. destiny d. slander 15. Which word means the same as philanthropy? a. sel? shness b. fascination c. disrespect d. charity 16. Which word means the same as proximity? a. distance b. agreement c. nearness d. intelligence 4 –S Y N O N Y M S – 17. Which word means the same as negligible? a. insigni? cant b. delicate c. meaningful d. illegible 18. Which word means the same as vigilant? a. nonchalant b. watchful c. righteous d. strenuous 19. Which word means the same as astute? a. perceptive b. inattentive c. stubborn d. legant 20. Which word means the same as collaborate? a. cooperate b. convince c. entice d. elaborate 2 1. Which word means the same as insipid? a. overbearing b. tasteless c. exhilarating d. elaborate For each of the following words, choose the word that has the same or nearly the same meaning. 22. navigate a. search b. decide c. steer d. assist 23. tailor a. measure b. construct c. launder d. alter 24. yield a. merge b. relinquish c. destroy d. hinder 25. eternal a. timeless b. heavenly c. loving d. wealthy 26. stow a. pack b. curtsy c. fool d. trample 27. intimate a. frightening b. curious c. private d. characteristic 28. onsider a. promote b. require c. adjust d. ponder 5 –S Y N O N Y M S – 29. humidify a. moisten b. warm c. gather d. spray 30. arouse a. inform b. abuse c. waken d. deceive 31. harass a. trick b. confuse c. betray d. pester 32. forti? ed a. reinforced b. distorted c. disputed d. developed 33. delegate a. analyze b. respect c. criticize d. assign 34. accountable a. applauded b. compensated c. responsible d. approached 35. philosophy a. bias b. principl es c. evidence d. process 36. custom a. purpose b. habit c. buyer d. role 37. harbor a. halter b. statement c. refuge d. garment 38. muse a. tune b. ponder c. encourage d. ead 39. vessel a. container b. furniture c. garment d. branch 40. dispute a. debate b. release c. divide d. redeem 6 –S Y N O N Y M S – 41. site a. location b. formation c. speech d. view 42. compensate a. help b. challenge c. defeat d. pay 43. journal a. trip b. receipt c. diary d. list 44. opportunity a. sensitivity b. arrogance c. chance d. reference 45. invent a. insert b. discover c. apply d. allow 46. sphere a. air b. spread c. globe d. enclosure 47. re? ne a. condone b. provide c. change d. purify 48. pledge a. picture b. idea c. quote d. promise 49. gangly a. illegally b. closely c. ugly d. lanky 50. sage a. ise b. obnoxious c. conceited d. heartless 51. dormant a. hidden b. slumbering c. rigid d. misplaced 52. banish a. exile b. decorate c. succumb d. encourage 7 –S Y N O N Y M S â₠¬â€œ 53. croon a. swim b. sing c. stroke d. yell 54. hostel a. turnstile b. cot c. trek d. inn 55. mesa a. brain b. plateau c. wagon d. dwelling 56. ado a. idiom b. punishment c. cost d. fuss 57. obscure a. concealed b. obvious c. reckless d. subjective 58. malicious a. spiteful b. changeable c. murderous d. dangerous 59. obsolete a. current b. dedicated c. unnecessary d. outmoded 60. expansive a. talkative b. relaxed c. humorous d. grateful 61. elinquish a. abandon b. report c. commence d. abide 62. submissive a. raucous b. obedient c. virtuous d. sel? sh 63. ponderous a. heavy b. thoughtful c. hearty d. generous 64. stoical a. impassive b. loud c. curious d. intense 8 –S Y N O N Y M S – 65. haggard a. handsome b. honest c. gaunt d. intense 66. enigma a. laughter b. mystery c. enclosure d. shadow 67. jocular a. lenient b. strict c. powerful d. jolly 68. rebuke a. scold b. deny c. distract d. protect 69. renown a. attitude b. fame c. health d. strength 70. robust a. ea ger b. rough c. old-fashioned d. vigorous 71. mundane a. proper b. ordinary c. greedy d. urky 72. remiss a. recent b. false c. negligent d. broken 73. imminent a. sturdy b. actual c. soon d. later 74. inordinate a. excessive b. exclusive c. purpose d. hesitant 75. disheveled a. rumpled b. divorced c. marked d. dedicated 76. disillusioned a. disadvantageous b. distracted c. disenchanted d. disarming 9 –S Y N O N Y M S – 77. query a. inspect b. quote c. succeed d. inquire 78. clemency a. competency b. certainty c. destiny d. mercy 10 C H A P T E R 2 Antonyms Choose the antonym for each of the words in italics. 79. Which word is the opposite of alert? a. attentive b. inattentive c. careful d. trivial 80. Which word is the opposite of cautious? a. considerate b. noble c. proper d. reckless 81. Which word means the opposite of shameful? a. honorable b. animated c. ?ckle d. modest 82. Which word means the opposite of vague? a. hazy b. skilled c. de? nite d. tender 11 –A N T O N Y M S – 83. Which word means the opposite of vulnerable? a. frantic b. feeble c. secure d. complicated 84. Which word means the opposite of distress? a. comfort b. reward c. trouble d. compromise 85. Which word means the opposite of unity? a. discord b. stimulation c. consent d. neglect 86. Which word means the opposite of clarify? a. explain b. dismay c. bscure d. provide 87. Which word means the opposite of grant? a. deny b. consume c. allocate d. provoke 88. Which word means the opposite of impartial? a. complete b. prejudiced c. unbiased d. erudite 89. Which word means the opposite of prompt? a. punctual b. slack c. tardy d. regular 90. Which word is the opposite of delay? a. slow b. hasten c. p ause d. desist 91. Which word is the opposite of soothe? a. increase b. comfort c. aggravate d. delight 92. Which word means the opposite of moderate? a. original b. average c. ?nal d. excessive 93. Which word means the opposite of reveal? a. disclose b. achieve c. retreat d. onceal 94. Which word means the opposite of initial? a. ?rst b. crisis c. ?nal d. right 12 –A N T O N Y M S – 95. Which word means the opposite of brittle? a. ?exible b. breakable c. grating d. thin 96. Which word means the opposite of capable? a. unskilled b. absurd c. apt d. able 97. Which word means the opposite of stray? a. remain b. inhabit c. wander d. incline 98. Which word is the opposite of dainty? a. delicate b. coarse c. harsh d. delicious 99. Which word means the opposite of craving? a. desire b. repudiation c. motive d. revulsion 100. Which word means the opposite of ferocious? a. docile b. savage c. explosive d. oble 101. Which word means the opposite of grueling? a. effortless b. ca sual c. exhausting d. empty 102. Which word means the opposite of forsake? a. admit b. abandon c. submit d. cherish 103. Which word is the opposite of restrain? a. control b. liberate c. maintain d. distract 104. Which word is the opposite of bleak? a. desperate b. dreary c. bright d. fond 105. Which word is the opposite of unruly? a. controllable b. disorderly c. honest d. covered 106. Which word is the opposite of solidarity? a. union b. disunity c. laxity d. rigidity 13 –A N T O N Y M S – 107. Which word is the opposite of retract? a. assert b. ithdraw c. impugn d. follow 108. Which word is the opposite of concise? a. generous b. lengthy c. loose d. brief 109. Which word is the opposite of omit? a. eliminate b. perform c. depart d. include 110. Which word means the opposite of prohibit? a. surrender b. permit c. involve d. embrace 111. Which word means the opposite of disclose? a. succeed b. conceal c. restrain d. possess 112. Which word means the opposite of sti? e ? a. encourage b. familiarize c. deny d. overcome 113. Which word means the opposite of belittle? a. arrange b. compliment c. criticize d. presume 114. Which word means the opposite of aimless? a. nactive b. faithful c. purposeful d. impartial 115. Which word means the opposite of detest? a. prohibit b. hate c. examine d. admire 116. Which word means the opposite of valiant? a. instinctive b. cowardly c. cynical d. worthy 117. Which word means the opposite of lenient? a. capable b. impractical c. merciful d. domineering 118. Which word means the opposite of tarnish? a. absorb b. endure c. shine d. sully 14 –A N T O N Y M S – 119. Which word means the opposite of mandatory? a. apparent b. equal c. optional d. required 120. Which word means the opposite of chagrin? a. conviction b. irritation c. pleasure d. humanity 121. Which word means the opposite of commence? a. initiate b. adapt c. harass d. terminate 122. Which word means the opposite of conscientious? a. careless b. apologetic c. diligent d. boisterous 123. Which word means the opposite of de? cient? a. necessary b. adequate c. ?awed d. simple 124. Which word means the opposite of lucid? a. ordinary b. turbulent c. implausible d. vague 125. Which word means the opposite of judicious? a. partial b. litigious c. imprudent d. unrestrained 126. Which word means the opposite of dissonance? a. harmony b. carefulness c. speci? city d. value 127. Which word means the opposite of erudite? a. neducated b. polite c. unknown d. agitated For each of the following words, choose the word that means the opposite or most nearly the opposite. 128. harmony a. noise b. brevity c. safety d. discord 129. insult a. compliment b. contempt c. argument d. attitude 15 –A N T O N Y M S – 130. general a. speci? c b. total c. insigni? cant d. substantial 131. imaginary a. sober b. ordinary c. unrealistic d. factual 132. demolish a. attend b. consider c. create d. sti? e 133. absorb a. acquire b. repel c. consume d. assist 134. critical a. inimical b. judgmental c. massive d. trivial 135. infantile a. despicable b. adolescent c. mature d. erpetual 136. retain a. withhold b. release c. succumb d. incise 137. impulsive a. secure b. mandatory c. rash d. cautious 138. competent a. incomplete b. intense c. inept d. massive 139. promote a. explicate b. downgrade c. concede d. retain 140. requirement a. plan b. consequence c. option d. accident 141. irritate a. soothe b. drain c. resist d. solve 16 –A N T O N Y M S – 142. punctual a. random b. smooth c. intermittent d. tardy 143. virtue a. reality b. fact c. vice d. amateur 144. fortunate a. excluded b. hapless c. hardworking d. lucky 145. notable a. oral b. graceful c. legal d. ordinary 146. prim a. outrageous b. ast c. ugly d. cantankerous 147. prosperous a. af? uent b. destitut e c. cowardly d. receptive 148. nimble a. sturdy b. sluggish c. thoughtless d. relaxed 149. tranquil a. agitated b. explicit c. sluggish d. composed 150. sprightly a. eager b. lofty c. dull d. local 151. amiable a. dangerous b. permissive c. aloof d. congenial 152. prudent a. rash b. licentious c. libertine d. demonstrative 153. scant a. pellucid b. meager c. copious d. vocal 17 –A N T O N Y M S – 154. steadfast a. envious b. ?ckle c. improvident d. sluggish 155. stringent a. obese b. lax c. obtuse d. ?uid 18 C H A P T E R 3 156. Rational is most similar to a. eliberate. b. invalid. c. prompt. d. sound. 157. Attribute is most similar to a. quality. b. penalty. c. speech. d. admission. Synonyms and Antonyms Read each question carefully and select the word that is most similar or most dissimilar in meaning to the word provided. 158. Subdue is most similar to a. conquer. b. complain. c. deny. d. respect. 159. Animated is most similar to a. abbreviated. b. civil. c. secret . d. lively. 19 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 160. Awe is most dissimilar to a. contempt. b. reverence. c. valor. d. distortion. 161. Intricate is most similar to a. delicate. b. costly. c. prim. d. omplex. 162. Skeptic is most dissimilar to a. innovator. b. friend. c. politician. d. believer. 163. Hypothetical is most dissimilar to a. uncritical. b. actual. c. speci? c. d. imaginary. 164. Enhance is most dissimilar to a. diminish. b. improve. c. digress. d. deprive. 165. Manipulate is most similar to a. simplify. b. deplete. c. nurture. d. handle. 166. Subjective is most dissimilar to a. invective. b. objectionable. c. unbiased. d. obedient. 167. Succinct is most dissimilar to a. distinct. b. laconic. c. feeble. d. verbose. 168. Enthusiastic is most similar to a. adamant. b. available. c. cheerful. d. eager. 169. Adequate is most similar to a. suf? cient. b. mediocre. c. pro? cient. d. average. 170. Uniform is most dissimilar to a. dissembling. b. diverse. c. bizarre. d. slovenly. 171. Ecstatic is most similar to a. inconsistent. b. positive. c. wild. d. thrilled. 20 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 172. Affect is most similar to a. accomplish. b. cause. c. sicken. d. in? uence. 173. Wary is most dissimilar to a. alert. b. leery. c. worried. d. careless. 174. Novel is most dissimilar to a. dangerous. b. unsettled. c. suitable. d. old. 175. Continuous is most similar to a. intermittent. b. adjacent. c. uninterrupted. d. contiguous. 76. Courtesy is most similar to a. civility. b. congruity. c. conviviality. d. rudeness. 177. Fallacy is most dissimilar to a. truth. b. blessing. c. weakness. d. fable. 178. Frail is most similar to a. vivid. b. delicate. c. robust. d. adaptable. 179. Recuperate is most similar to a. recover. b. endorse. c. persist. d. worsen. 180. Subsequent is most dissimilar to a. necessary. b. insigni? cant. c. primary. d. previous. 181. Nonchalant is most dissimilar to a. intelligent. b. popular. c. concerned. d. reckless. 182. Hoax is most similar to a. logic. b. crusade. c. embargo. d. ruse. 183. Composure is most similar to a. agitation. . poise. c. liveliness. d. stimulation. 21 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 184. Excise is most dissimilar to a. sleep. b. retain. c. organize. d. staple. 185. Disperse is most dissimilar to a. gather. b. agree. c. praise. d. satisfy. 186. Eccentric is most similar to a. normal. b. frugal. c. peculiar. d. selective. 187. Commendable is most similar to a. admirable. b. accountable. c. irresponsible. d. noticeable. 188. Domain is most similar to a. entrance. b. rebellion. c. formation. d. territory. 189. Passive is most similar to a. inactive. b. emotional. c. lively. d. woeful. 190. Liberate is most dissimilar to a. onserve. b. restrain. c. attack. d. ruin. 191. Faltering is most dissimilar to a. steady. b. adoring. c. explanatory. d. reluctant. 192. Vast is most similar to a. attentive. b. immense. c. steady. d. slight. 193. Comply is most similar to a. subdue. b. entertain. c. ?atter. d. obey. 194. Optimum is most dissimilar to a. mediocre. b. victorious. c. worst. d. rational. 195. Enlighten is most similar to a. relocate. b. confuse. c. comply. d. teach. 22 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 196. Tedious is most dissimilar to a. stimulating. b. alarming. c. intemperate. d. tranquil. 197. Exonerate is most dissimilar to a. inimize. b. respect. c. irritate. d. blame. 198. Ephemeral is most dissimilar to a. internal. b. enduring. c. temporary. d. hidden. 199. Predecessor is most dissimilar to a. successor. b. antecedent. c. descendant. d. ancestor. 200. Refrain is most similar to a. desist. b. secure. c. glimpse. d. persevere. 201. Affable is most dissimilar to a. disagreeable. b. hollow. c. simple. d. eager. 202. Rigorous is most s imilar to a. demanding. b. tolerable. c. lenient. d. disorderly. 203. Orient is most dissimilar to a. confuse. b. arouse. c. deter. d. simplify. 204. Levitate is most dissimilar to a. plod. b. undulate. c. whisper. d. ink. 205. Oblivious is most similar to a. visible. b. sinister. c. conscious. d. unaware. 206. Verify is most similar to a. disclose. b. con? rm. c. refute. d. unite. 207. Pacify is most dissimilar to a. complicate. b. dismiss. c. excite. d. atomize. 23 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 208. Plausible is most dissimilar to a. insuf? cient. b. apologetic. c. unbelievable. d. credible. 209. Idle is most similar to a. working. b. effective. c. immobile. d. functional. 210. Avid is most dissimilar to a. partial. b. unenthusiastic. c. equal. d. unkind. 211. Meek is most dissimilar to a. mild. b. painful. c. forceful. d. olite. 212. Complacent is most dissimilar to a. concerned. b. pleasant. c. happy. d. convinced. 213. Ambiguous is most dissimilar to a. apathetic. b. certain. c. equivocal. d. inde? nite. 214. Confer is most similar to a. con? de. b. consult. c. refuse. d. promise. 215. Repast is most similar to a. meal. b. debt. c. book. d. goal. 216. Esteem is most dissimilar to a. disrespect. b. disregard. c. dissent. d. disabuse. 217. Eloquent is most dissimilar to a. shabby. b. ?uent. c. inarticulate. d. plain. 218. Apathetic is most similar to a. pitiable. b. indifferent. c. suspicious. d. evasive. 219. Deterrent is most dissimilar to a. ncouragement. b. obstacle. c. proponent. d. discomfort. 24 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 220. Impertinent is most dissimilar to a. animated. b. rude. c. relentless. d. polite. 221. Augment is most similar to a. repeal. b. evaluate. c. increase. d. criticize. 222. Ludicrous is most dissimilar to a. absurd. b. somber. c. reasonable. d. charitable. 223. Archaic is most dissimilar to a. tangible. b. modern. c. ancient. d. haunted. 224. Incredulous is most similar to a. fe arful. b. outraged. c. inconsolable. d. disbelieving. 225. Vindictive is most similar to a. outrageous. b. insulting. c. spiteful. d. offensive. 226. Sullen is most dissimilar to a. morose. b. impetuous. c. provocative. d. jovial. 227. Menial is most similar to a. lowly. b. boring. c. dangerous. d. rewarding. 228. Panacea is most similar to a. cure. b. result. c. cause. d. necessity. 229. Taut is most dissimilar to a. neutral. b. relaxed. c. rigid. d. vague. 230. Rile is most dissimilar to a. appease. b. prosper. c. oppress. d. irk. 231. Glib is most similar to a. angry. b. insulting. c. dishonest. d. insincere. 25 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 232. Mar is most dissimilar to a. delineate. b. bolster. c. clarify. d. repair. 233. Cognizant is most similar to a. conscious. . educated. c. mysti? ed. d. confused. 234. Mediate is most similar to a. ponder. b. interfere. c. reconcile. d. dissolve. 235. Concurrent is most similar to a. incidental. b. simultaneous. c. apprehensive. d. substantial. 236. Induce is most similar to a. prompt. b. withdraw. c. presume. d. represent. 237. Intrepid is most dissimilar to a. belligerent. b. consistent. c. chivalrous. d. fearful. 238. Saturate is most similar to a. deprive. b. construe. c. soak. d. verify. 239. Methodical is most dissimilar to a. erratic. b. deliberate. c. hostile. d. deformed. 240. Latent is most dissimilar to a. slow. b. tardy. c. dormant. d. ctive. 241. Proscribe is most similar to a. measure. b. recommend. c. detect. d. forbid. 242. Prevarication is most dissimilar to a. accolade. b. veracity. c. deprecation. d. mendacity. 243. Mirth is most dissimilar to a. pallor. b. solemnity. c. penury. d. lethargy. 26 –S Y N O N Y M S A N D A N T O N Y M S – 244. Surreptitious is most similar to a. expressive. b. secretive. c. emotional. d. artistic. 245. Trepidation is most dissimilar to a. distribution. b. agitation. c. fearlessness. d. uniformity. 27 C H A P T E R 4 246. a. con? rmed b. tentative c. de? nite d. conclusive 247. a. implied b. distinct c. explicit d. forthright Verbal Classi? cation For the following questions, choose the word that does not belong with the others. 248. a. premeditated b. rehearsed c. spontaneous d. calculated 249. a. rampant b. restrained c. widespread d. pervasive 250. a. ?exible b. rigid c. supple d. limber 29 –V E R B A L C L A S S I F I C A T I O N – 251. a. subdue b. crush c. suppress d. provoke 252. a. comprise b. compose c. exclude d. constitute 253. a. in? nitesimal b. in? nite c. immense d. vast 254. a. heroism b. incompetence c. prowess d. mastery 255. a. rasping b. grating c. abrasive d. polished 256. a. comely b. deformed c. grotesque d. repulsive 257. a. eceptive b. intolerant c. compassionate d. amenable 258. a. sloppy b. disheveled c. orderly d. unkempt 259. a. word for word b. exact c. verbatim d. paraphrased 260. a. recklessly b. carefully c. warily d. prudently 261. a. destitute b. poverty-stricken c. af? uent d. impoverished 262. a. dour b. inviting c. welcoming d. cheery 263. a. clumsy b. n imble c. all thumbs d. maladroit 264. a. compliment b. ridicule c. deride d. gibe 265. a. deprived b. bereft c. replete d. bereaved 266. a. resolve b. fortitude c. mettle d. timidity 30 –V E R B A L C L A S S I F I C A T I O N – 267. a. submissive b. obedient c. acquiescent d. of? cious 268. . pro? cient b. inept c. deft d. adroit 269. a. felicitous b. inopportune c. inappropriate d. ill-timed 270. a. vex b. aggravate c. mollify d. agitate 271. a. stately b. abject c. lowly d. humble 272. a. mercenary b. venal c. honest d. corruptible 273. a. pinnacle b. perigee c. summit d. acme 274. a. demur b. concur c. consent d. accede 275. a. replica b. permutation c. facsimile d. reproduction 276. a. pernicious b. toxic c. innocuous d. virulent 277. a. stentorian b. booming c. thundering d. tranquil 278. a. permissive b. lenient c. indulgent d. implacable 279. a. bedlam b. pandemonium c. repose d. tumult 280. a. stimulating b. omnolent c. sopori? c d. hypnotic 281. a. impassione d b. vehement c. emphatic d. apathetic 282. a. savory b. distasteful c. piquant d. aromatic 31 –V E R B A L C L A S S I F I C A T I O N – 283. a. dissent b. sanction c. concur d. assent 284. a. devout b. fervent c. zealous d. dispirited 32 C H A P T E R 5 Analogies Many kinds of academic and work-related tests include analogies. Analogies are comparisons. To answer an analogy question, look for a relationship between the ? rst set of words. Then, look for a similar relationship in the second set of words. For the following questions, choose the answer that best completes the comparison. 85. polite : gracious :: cordial : ________ a. courteous b. con? dent c. comfortable d. bold 286. embarrassed : humiliated :: frightened : ________ a. courageous b. agitated c. terri? ed d. reckless 287. scarcely : mostly :: quietly : ________ a. secretly b. rudely c. loudly d. silently 288. candid : indirect :: honest : ________ a. frank b. wicked c. truthful d. devious 33 –A N A L O G I E S – 289. control : dominate :: magnify : ________ a. enlarge b. preserve c. decrease d. divide 290. exactly : precisely :: evidently : ________ a. positively b. apparently c. narrowly d. unquestionably 291. meaningful : insigni? ant :: essential : ________ a. basic b. important c. unremarkable d. unnecessary 292. simple : complex :: trivial : ________ a. inconspicuous b. signi? cant c. permanent d. irrelevant 293. neophyte : novice :: pursuit : ________ a. passion b. restraint c. quest d. speed 294. regard : esteem :: ambivalence : ________ a. uncertainty b. withdrawal c. resemblance d. injustice 295. elated : despondent :: enlightened : ________ a. aware b. tolerant c. miserable d. ignorant 296. divulge : conceal :: conform : ________ a. construe b. differ c. retain d. offer 297. restrain : curb :: recant : ________ a. foretell b. retract c. ntertain d. resent 298. admire : despise :: praise : ________ a. ravage b. surrender c. admonish d. warn 299. advance : ret reat :: curtail : ________ a. damage b. discard c. consume d. prolong 300. implant : embed :: expel : ________ a. beseech b. oust c. accept d. examine 34 –A N A L O G I E S – 301. assemble : convene :: categorize : ________ a. systematize b. dismiss c. congregate d. alternate 302. grind : crush :: demolish : ________ a. divulge b. check c. pulverize d. steam 303. continuation : sequel :: scheme : ________ a. supplication b. management c. aftermath d. plot 304. phase : segment :: epoch : ________ a. ocument b. institution c. era d. emotion 305. declare : af? rm :: cringe : ________ a. scorn b. cower c. reason d. arrange 306. ally : enemy :: anonymity : ________ a. restraint b. wealth c. fame d. anxiety 307. personable : agreeable :: friendly : ________ a. genial b. skillful c. willful d. relevant 308. heterogeneous : mixed :: profuse : ________ a. lush b. timid c. scarce d. painful 309. trust : suspicion :: doubt : ________ a. aperture b. reliance c. method d. saga 310. hide : ? aunt :: forget : ________ a. sympathetic b. unappreciative c. retain d. unsociable 311. disclose : reveal :: intimate : ________ a. orbid b. denounce c. announce d. suggest 312. conceal : obscure :: procrastinate : ________ a. anticipate b. relinquish c. delay d. pretend 35 –A N A L O G I E S – 313. ornate : plain :: blithe : ________ a. generous b. morose c. pretentious d. fervent 314. futile : vain :: covert : ________ a. secret b. grand c. seductive d. habitual 315. opposing : differing :: candid : ________ a. conclusive b. strict c. credible d. frank 316. expeditiously : swiftly :: diligently : ________ a. openly b. persistently c. increasingly d. vividly 317. antics : actions :: banter : ________ a. deference b. repartee c. pranks d. candor 318. bstinate : stubborn :: staunch : ________ a. oppressive b. ominous c. faithful d. arrogant 319. persistent : persevering :: spurious : ________ a. false b. dejected c. delightful d. abundant 320. broadcast : obsc ure :: welcome : ________ a. prostrate b. promontory c. strengthen d. eject 321. enthusiastic : blase :: upright : ________ a. deplore b. prone c. unlikely d. passionate 322. sedate : sober :: prim : ________ a. staid b. convalescent c. elaborate d. clairvoyant 323. courtier : aristocrat :: unknown : ________ a. noble b. celebrity c. nonentity d. icon 324. nourish : foster :: abolish : ________ a. continue b. undergo c. aintain d. annul 36 –A N A L O G I E S – 325. undermine : bolster :: reinforce : ________ a. infringe b. boost c. weaken d. forego 326. skim : peruse :: delve : ________ a. scrutinize b. scan c. validate d. memorize 327. comical : witty :: humorous : ________ a. ghostly b. plunging c. facetious d. engraved 328. intersect : diverge :: ratify : ________ a. conceal b. promote c. determine d. nullify 329. proclaim : announce :: restrict : ________ a. invalidate b. stint c. convince d. mystify 330. barter : swap :: irritate : ________ a. annoy b. engage c. a ppoint d. employ 331. design : devise :: upbraid : ________ a. praise b. cclimate c. reprimand d. contrive 332. accord : understanding :: conversion : ________ a. modi? cation b. transition c. concurrence d. con? rmation 333. taint : decontaminate :: enrage : ________ a. provoke b. delve c. rely d. appease 334. judicious : prudent :: wise : ________ a. ill-mannered b. astute c. sophisticated d. satis? ed 335. arbitrator : mediator :: referee : ________ a. manager b. boor c. umpire d. director 336. ensue : follow :: precede : ________ a. pursue b. monitor c. track d. herald 37 –A N A L O G I E S – 337. courage : valor :: chivalry : ________ a. autonomy b. gallantry c. cowardice d. freedom 338. egale : amuse :: impart : ________ a. conceal b. withhold c. bestow d. chance 339. pivotal : crucial :: conventional : ________ a. respectable b. loathsome c. admirable d. conservative 340. fallacy : misconception :: fact : ________ a. logic b. judgment c. evidence d. verdict 341. gratuitous : expensive :: sedentary : ________ a. active b. legitimate c. stable d. selective 342. hypocrite : phony :: lethargy : ________ a. modesty b. stupor c. pride d. disappointment 343. revere : venerate :: esteem : ________ a. deny b. disdain c. respect d. proclaim 344. re? ned : plebeian :: selective : ________ a. unjust b. indiscriminate c. ultivated d. ordinary 345. improbable : plausible :: stable : ________ a. designated b. unilateral c. volatile d. farfetched 346. immoral : ethical :: insuf? cient : ________ a. unscrupulous b. dishonest c. inert d. ample 347. distance : proximity :: economical : ________ a. prodigal b. lenient c. bereft d. dishonest 348. shocked : aghast :: skittish : ________ a. innovative b. restive c. dynamic d. enterprising 38 –A N A L O G I E S – 349. deprivation : af? uence :: capitulation : ________ a. resistance b. potency c. indigence d. complacency 350. dupe : deceive :: exculpate : ________ a. falsify b. disappear c. invade d. bsolve 351. ostracize : banish :: consequence : ________ a. truth b. repercussion c. ritual d. restitution 352. churlish : surly :: steadfast : ________ a. sly b. assertive c. shy d. resolute 353. indirect : forthright :: unashamed : ________ a. evasive b. deceitful c. abashed d. detached 354. superlative : abysmal :: atrocious : ________ a. pallid b. haggard c. sharp d. noble 355. impending : imminent :: calamitous : ________ a. disastrous b. fortunate c. bene? cial d. salutary 356. implant : infuse :: inculcate : ________ a. demand b. instill c. transplant d. consider 357. foreboding : premonition :: qualm : ________ a. onviction b. assurance c. guarantee d. misgiving 358. milieu : environment :: culture : ________ a. commencement b. departure c. customs d. dismay 359. downcast : jaunty :: despondent : ________ a. reticent b. taciturn c. jubilant d. indomitable 360. enumerate : cite :: disregard : ________ a. ignore b. contain c. list d. ?le 39 –A N A L O G I E S – 361. ?ashy : garish :: gaudy : ________ a. re? ned b. muted c. tawdry d. subdued 362. traitor : deserter :: renegade : ________ a. diehard b. driver c. loyalist d. insurgent 363. etiquette : protocol :: statute : ________ a. decree b. promotion c. modicum d. contradiction 364. rominent : conspicuous :: gaunt : ________ a. haggard b. elated c. ostentatious d. familiar 365. outlandish : conservative :: reserved : ________ a. modest b. garrulous c. appeased d. failed 366. belief : doctrine :: hesitation : ________ a. desecration b. communication c. vacillation d. transportation 367. amateur : novice :: representative : ________ a. opposition b. proxy c. author d. philosopher 368. skyrocket : plummet :: diminish : ________ a. withdraw b. retreat c. augment d. control 369. excitable : stoical :: delighted : ________ a. rankled b. con? ned c. restrained d. entertained 370. mendicant : vagabond :: scavenger : ________ a. cout b. recipient c. forager d. explorer 371. friendship : amity :: e nmity : ________ a. companionship b. camaraderie c. chaos d. animosity 372. indiscernible : perceptible :: incalculable : ________ a. genuine b. in? nitesimal c. serious d. solemn 40 –A N A L O G I E S – 373. veritable : actual :: specious : ________ a. sanctimonious b. overdone c. false d. roomy 374. anxiety : trepidation :: lethargy : ________ a. vitality b. mutuality c. empathy d. lassitude 375. absorbed : engrossed :: bored : ________ a. unrealistic b. inured c. excluded d. stulti? ed 376. involvement : aloofness :: clumsiness : ________ a. ?nesse b. ndecision c. authority d. awkwardness 377. incoherent : articulate :: ? uent : ________ a. eloquent b. halting c. lethargic d. expressive 378. shiftless : lackadaisical :: hardworking : ________ a. sloppy b. careless c. assiduous d. slipshod 379. pert : lively :: impudent : ________ a. insolent b. gloomy c. morose d. sullen 380. native : foreign :: commonplace : ________ a. routine b. exotic c. ordinary d. mundane 381. compassionate : insensitive :: conceited : ________ a. disarming b. pretentious c. modest d. unassuming 382. characteristic : attribute :: ingredient : ________ a. component b. recipe c. vegetarian d. ormula 383. capricious : whimsical :: shrewd : ________ a. cruel b. different c. grateful d. astute 41 –A N A L O G I E S – 384. gluttonous : abstentious :: complimentary : ________ a. prominent b. permissive c. disparaging d. calculating 385. yielding : submissive :: tractable : ________ a. amenable b. unruly c. refractory d. obstreperous 42 S E C T I O N 2 T Vocabulary in Context in this section test your skills in identifying vocabulary in context. By using the sentences provided, you will ? gure out which answer choice best ? lls each blank. In Chapter 6 you are provided with a sentence that gives you clues to ? ding the appropriate word or phrase. In Chapter 7 you are provided with reading passages that offer clues to ? nding the correct answer. For each passage, yo u will be asked a few reading comprehension questions. In Chapter 8 you will replace a common word or phrase with a more descriptive one that has the same or a very similar meaning. This is called identifying synonyms in context. Finally, in Chapter 9, you will be given a pair of words to choose from in order to best complete the sentences provided. HE FOUR CHAPTERS 43 C H A P T E R 6 Sentence Completion Choose the best word to ? ll the blank. 386. To get the promotion she wanted, Priya ________ that it was best to go back to school to get her master’s degree as soon as she could. a. anticipated b. hindered c. augmented d. resolved 387. The car rental company considered the scratches on the driver’s door to be caused by a minor ________. a. mishap b. coercion c. in? ltration d. quirk 388. Being a direct relative of the deceased, her claim to the estate was ________. a. optional b. vicious c. prominent d. legitimate 45 –S E N T E N C E C O M P L E T I O N – 389. The hail ________ the corn? eld until the entire crop was lost. a. belittled b. pummeled c. rebuked d. ommended 390. The Earth Day committee leader placed large garbage bins in the park to ________ Saturday’s cleanup. a. confound b. pacify c. integrate d. facilitate 391. Her rapport with everyone in the of? ce ________ the kind of interpersonal skills that all of the employees appreciated. a. prevailed b. diverged c. exempli? ed d. dele gated 392. When you discuss the characters from The Catcher in the Rye, please be sure to give a ________ description of the narrator. a. principled b. determined c. comprehensive d. massive 393. ________ elephants from the wild not only endangers the species but also upsets the balance of nature. . Contriving b. Poaching c. Provoking d. Hindering 394. The two cats could be ________ only by the number of rings on their tails; otherwise, they were exactly alike. a. separated b. diversi? ed c. disconnected d. differentiated 395. Despite her ________ dress, she was a simple girl at heart. a. sophisticated b. casual c. shoddy d. personable 396. The non-pro? t agency bought of? ce supplies using a tax ________ number. a. liability b. exempt c. information d. accountability 397. With great and admirable ________, the renowned orator spoke to the crowd gathered in the lecture hall. a. toil b. ado c. ?nesse d. edium 398. ________, the skilled pediatric nurse fed the premature baby. a. Carel essly b. Precariously c. Gingerly d. Wantonly 46 –S E N T E N C E C O M P L E T I O N – 399. For the ? rst assignment of the fall term, the students in Professor Norman’s English 101 class had to write a/an ________ to summarize the short story they had read. a. reconciliation b. acronym c. precis d. proclamation 400. She pretended to be ________ about her upcoming performance, but secretly she was very excited. a. agitated b. receptive c. candid d. blase 401. We were tired when we reached the ________, but the spectacular view of

How to Read and Understand a Difficult Book or Chapter

How to Read and Understand a Difficult Book or Chapter Weve all encountered chapters or books that we just cant get into or we dont understand. There are lots of reasons for this: sometimes were required to read about a topic that is just plain boring, sometimes we try to read material that is written way above our current reading level, and sometimes we find that the writer is just plain bad at explaining things. It happens. If you find yourself reading an entire chapter or book several times without understanding it, try taking the following steps. Be sure to do steps 1 to 3 before you jump in to read the text. Difficulty: Hard Time Required: Differs by length of written material What You Need: A difficult book or passageNote paperPencilSticky note flagsQuiet room How to Do It 1. Read the introduction and reflect.  Any nonfiction article or book will have an introductory section that gives an overview of the main points. Read this first, then stop, think, and soak it in.Reason: All textbooks on a certain topic are not created equal! Every writer has a certain theme or point of view, and that will be introduced in your introduction. Its important to understand this theme or focus  because it will help you to recognize why certain examples or comments appear in your reading. 2. Look at the sub-headings. Most books or chapters will progress in some manner, whether they show a progression of time or an evolution of ideas. Look over the topics and try to find the pattern.Reason: Writers begin the writing process with an outline. The subheadings or subtitles you see in your text show you how the author started when organizing his/her thoughts. Subtitles show the overall subject broken down into smaller segments which are arranged in the most logical progression.   3. Read the summary and reflect.  Right after you read the introduction and subheadings, flip to the back of the chapter and read the summary.Reason: The summary  should re-state the points that were mentioned in the introduction. (If they dont, then this really is a difficult book to understand!) This reiteration of the main points may offer the material in more depth or from a different viewpoint. Read this section, then stop and soak it in. 4. Read the material. Now that youve had time to understand the points the author is trying to convey, youre more apt to recognize them when they come along. When you see a major point, flag it with a sticky note.   5. Take notes. Take notes and, if possible, make a brief outline as you read. Some people like to underline words or points in pencil. Only do this if you own the book. 6. Watch for lists. Always look for code words that tell you a list is coming. If you see a passage that says There were three major effects of this event, and they all impacted the political climate, or something similar, you can be sure there is a list following. The effects will be listed, but they may be separated by many paragraphs, pages, or chapters. Always find them and make note of them. 7. Look up words you dont understand. Dont be in a rush! Stop whenever you see a word that you cant immediately define in your own words.Reason: One word can indicate the entire tone or view of the piece. Dont try to guess the meaning. That can be dangerous! Make sure to look up the definition. 8. Keep on plugging through. If youre following the steps but you still dont seem to be soaking in the material, just keep reading. Youll surprise yourself. 9. Go back and hit the highlighted points. Once you get to the end of the piece, go back and review the notes youve made. Look over the important words, points, and lists.Reason: Repetition is the key to retaining information. 10. Review the introduction and summary. When you do, you may find that youve absorbed more than you realized. Tips Dont be hard on yourself. If this is hard for you, its probably just as hard for other students in your class.Dont try to read in a noisy environment. That might be ok under other circumstances, but its not a good idea when attempting difficult reading.Talk to others who are reading the same material.You can always join the homework forum and ask advice from others.Dont give up!