You need to improve SAT vocabulary yours? Check out the effective SAT vocabulary and quick vocabulary learning and memorization methods introduced in the following article. Let's ETEST English for Study Abroad Find out what it is!
If you are preparing for the SAT, you can refer to the list SAT vocabulary compiled from previous official SAT Practice Tests (Questions - answers - passages of Reading & Writing section).
Download the SAT vocabulary set from the links below:
2. What topics are the vocabulary words on the SAT test about?
Normally, SAT vocabulary mainly in the field of economics – a fairly new and unfamiliar field for many candidates. It is very likely that you have never heard of the long and difficult technical terms – especially those whose academic background is not related to this field. Another disadvantage for candidates from Vietnam is that it is difficult to practice economic vocabulary regularly.
However, today, the SAT exam not only focuses on economic knowledge but also extends to many areas of life such as:
Economics, culture - society, social sciences - psychology: This is a fairly broad group of topics with extremely rich and diverse vocabulary, accompanied by specialized terms for each field.
Law or Speeches of Great People: This is a topic where candidates must read and understand two passages describing parts of famous speeches, international law or American law.
Science (biology, chemistry, physics): Candidates will read and understand two passages about the formation and development of natural science and earth science.
Literature: Similar to the topics above, you will read and understand a passage of world literature, contemporary literature, or classic literature on the SAT.
3. Common difficulties when learning vocabulary for SAT test preparation
3.1 SAT vocabulary across many topics
One of the difficulties in learning SAT vocabulary is an extremely diverse topic, belonging to many different areas of life. Therefore, candidates must learn a huge number of words to prepare for this exam.
The variety of topics on the SAT requires candidates to learn a huge amount of vocabulary.
According to many people's SAT test preparation experience, studying by rote based on previous SAT test questions is never a smart solution, you will easily get "overwhelmed". Instead, equip yourself with a foundation SAT vocabulary from basic to advanced in the most certain way.
3.2 Highly Academic SAT Vocabulary
SAT vocabulary is always a challenge for candidates because it is mainly specialized vocabulary, difficult to remember, and difficult to apply in daily communication. Lack of opportunities to interact and practice regularly makes it difficult for you to remember vocabulary.
Academic SAT Vocabulary
To understand clearly and remember for a long time, it is best to learn carefully about the origin of vocabulary and the words/phrases that often go together. Learning method SAT vocabulary This can help you easily guess the meaning if you come across new words.
3.3 New and difficult SAT vocabulary
In the SAT exams, many of the vocabulary in the test are borrowed words with strange pronunciations, making candidates "bewildered". To avoid this situation, when studying SAT vocabulary You should learn to pronounce each word clearly and specifically according to the rules of English pronunciation, not by reflex.
Because in fact, if you mispronounce or don't know how to pronounce borrowed words correctly on the SAT, you risk making mistakes and losing points on your test.
SAT vocabulary is often new and difficult to pronounce and remember.
4. Tips to learn SAT vocabulary quickly, simply, and effectively
Practice SAT vocabulary How to learn effectively and quickly is what every candidate is interested in. In fact, if you want to have a rich vocabulary, you need to practice hard and cannot learn by rote in a short time. Besides, you can also apply some of the following tips:
4.1 Study with Flashcards
Flashcard learning method is widely used in the world, bringing high efficiency in learning foreign languages, not just English. SAT vocabulary. Each card will have vocabulary on one side, the other side is the meaning of the word to help you remember better. With Flashcard, you can study anytime, anywhere when you have free time.
Using Flashcards is an effective method of learning vocabulary.
When using Flashcards to study SAT vocabulary, you can apply the 8s or Waterfall method, specifically:
8s method: You look at new vocabulary, combine pronunciation and meaning of the word in 8-15 seconds, apply when you are busy, don't have much time to practice or the SAT exam is coming up.
Waterfall method: Divide the vocabulary you need to learn into 2 groups: Struggle and Know it. After learning a word in the Struggle group, you move this word to the Know it group. You keep studying regularly and continuously until all the vocabulary is transferred to the Know it group.
4.2 Learn in groups or from friends
Want to learn SAT vocabulary To be effective, you should study in groups with many members. In the group, each member has the task of checking the vocabulary of the remaining members. Seriously studying and practicing, combining reward and punishment rules will help you have more motivation to study effectively.
4.3 Focus on new vocabulary
New, strange and difficult vocabulary is always a challenge for candidates about to take the SAT. Therefore, it is best to make a specific list of these vocabulary words to focus on learning more. You can use flashcards/digital flashcards (study on software such as Cram, Quizlet, ...) combined with appropriate methods to memorize words faster.
4.4 Learn from practice tests
One more way to forge SAT vocabulary is to study on practice tests. This method helps you consolidate the words you have learned and “fill in” the gaps in your vocabulary. Not to mention, this is a way to help candidates get familiar with the SAT test format so that they are better prepared in analyzing vocabulary, solving situations or processing information that the test requires.
You can also study by practice test.
4.5 Read English books
Reading books in English is not just a way of learning SAT vocabulary but can also be applied to other English exams. There are countless types of English books for you to choose to read, but prioritize classic world literature and American literature. Every day, you should spend 30-60 minutes reading to increase your vocabulary.
5. Summary of 400 SAT test vocabulary words you need to know
There are not many vocabulary questions on the SAT. According to the statistics of the SAT practice tests, only 13% of the Reading section questions (about 7 questions) ask about synonyms of words given in the passage. We call them context questions.
However, study SAT vocabulary still helps us improve somewhat, especially those of you who are aiming for “perfect” scores.“.
Here is a list of SAT vocabulary, arranged in order from most to least frequent:
aesthetic (adj.) – concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty (49%)
undermine (v.) – to damage or weaken the foundation; sabotage (49%)
profound (adj.) – having great depth or insight (45%)
refute (v.) – to prove false; overthrown by argument (45%)
skeptical (adj.) – doubtful; disbelieving (45%)
ambivalent (adj.) – having mixed feelings (44%)
hostile (adj.) – unfriendly; having ill will (44%)
condemned (v.) – to express strong disapproval of (40%)
assert (v.) – to confidently make a statement (38%)
nostalgia (n.) – a longing for the past (38%)
pretense (n.) – a false appearance or action intended to deceive (38%)
cynical (adj.) – wary of people's motives; believing people are selfish (36%)
obscure (adj.) – unclear; hard to perceive (36%)
convention (n.) – accepted tradition or practice (35%)
contempt (n.) – a feeling that someone is inferior or worthless; scorn (33%)
foster (v.) – to bring up; nurture (33%)
pragmatic (adj.) – practical; concerned with usefulness in the real world (33%)
revere (v.) – to regard with respect and awe (33%)
anecdote (n.) – short personal story (31%)
disparage (v.) – to speak of someone in a disrespectful way; belittle (31%)
outstanding (adj.) – perfect; worthy of following (31%)
substantiate (v.) – to support with proof; verify (31%)
trivial (adj.) – of little significance or value; unimportant (31%)
depict (v.) – to represent in words; describe (29%)
indifferent (adj.) – having no concern; uncaring; apathetic (29%)
anthropology (n.) – the study of humans and society (27%)
futile (adj.) – useless or ineffective; having no useful result (27%)
indignant (adj.) – filled with anger and resentment (27%)
reconcile (v.) – to settle or resolve; to unite (27%)
sarcasm (n.) – a cutting, ironic remark to mock something (27%)
abstract (adj.) – theoretical; difficult to understand (25%)
advocate (v.) – to support a cause or position (25%)
unclear (adj.) – unclear; open to interpretation (25%)
eccentric (adj.) – weird or odd; having a wacky personality (25%)
implausible (adj.) – hard to believe; unrealistic (25%)
intemperate (adj.) – having no self-control; reckless and wasteful (25%)
probable (adj.) – believable; credible (25%)
rhetoric (n.) – the art of using language effectively and persuasively (25%)
rigorous (adj.) – extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate (25%)
subtle (adj.) – difficult to detect or describe (25%)
temperate (adj.) – having self-control; exercising moderation (25%)
archaeological (adj.) – related to the study of people and their history (24%)
arrogant (adj.) – having a sense of superiority or self-importance (24%)
complacent (adj.) – self-satisfied to the point of being unconcerned (24%)
embellish (v.) – to make beautiful; to decorate (24%)
evoke (v.) – to bring forth or call to mind, especially feelings (24%)
immodest (adj.) – lacking humility or decency (24%)
modest (adj.) – humble (24%)
prudent (adj.) – wise in handling practical matters; having good judgment (24%)
suppress (v.) – to put an end to forcibly; bring under control (24%)
vindicate (v.) – to clear from accusation, blame or suspicion (24%)
deride (v.) – to treat with ridicule or contempt (22%)
diligent (adj.) – hard-working (22%)
disdain (v.) – to treat with disdain; disdain (22%)
empathy (n.) – an understanding of another's situation and feelings (22%)
erroneous (adj.) – mistaken (22%)
fundamental (adj.) – basic; elementary (22%)
improvise (v.) – to invent or perform with no preparation (22%)
mundane (adj.) – everyday and dull; boring (22%)
naive (adj.) – showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment (22%)
superficial (adj.) – shallow; having no depth of character (22%)
whimsical (adj.) – playful and fanciful; imaginative; childlike (22%)
alleviate (v.) – to relieve pain (20%)
antagonize (v.) – to cause someone to become hostile or unfriendly (20%)
bolster (v.) – to support or build up something (20%)
capricious (adj.) – impulsive and unpredictable (20%)
convoluted (adj.) – complicated or confused (20%)
digress (v.) – to stray from the main topic (20%)
diminish (v.) – to make smaller; to reduce (20%)
dispute (v.) – to argue about; debate (20%)
doubtful (adj.) – having doubts; undecided (20%)
eloquent (adj.) – having persuasiveness and expressiveness as a communicator (20%)
indulge (v.) – to give in to desire excessively, esp. with food or drink (20%)
precedent (n.) – an earlier case or event that is now considered a guide for similar cases (20%)
humble (adj.) – having a low estimate of one's own importance or skills;(9%)
humility (n.) – humbleness; modesty;(9%)
imperceptible (adj.) – impossible to notice or detect;(9%)
implicate (n.) – conclusion that is drawn from something; consequence;(9%)
incongruity (n.) – being out of place; not fitting the circumstances;(9%)
inconspicuous (adj.) – not attracting attention in any way;(9%)
indictment (n.) – a formal charge or accusation of a crime;(9%)
ineffable (adj.) – too great or extreme to be described in words;(9%)
innovative (adj.) – having new ideas; original and creative;(9%)
interrogate (v.) – to question someone formally and aggressively;(9%)
intransigent (adj.) – unwilling or unwilling to change one's views;(9%)
intuitive (adj.) – based on feelings rather than reason; instinctive;(9%)
invocation (n.) – a calling upon for assistance or authority;(9%)
invoke (v.) – to call forth; summon;(9%)
lavish (adj.) – rich, elaborate, luxurious;(9%)
longevity (n.) – a long life;(9%)
maverick (n.) – an independent-minded person; rebel. rebel
melodrama (n.) – a dramatic story filled with exaggeration/excitement;(9%)
mitigate (v.) – to make less severe, serious, or painful;(9%)
monotony (n.) – a lack of variety and interest; boring repetition;(9%)
nuance (n.) – a subtle difference in meaning or expression;(9%)
obstinate (adj.) – stubbornly determined to change one's opinions or behavior;(9%)
oration (n.) – a formal speech, usually given at a ceremony;(9%)
ornamentation (n.) – things added to provided decoration;(9%)
ostensible (adj.) – Appearing to be true, but not necessarily so;(9%)
pacify (v.) – to bring peace to; to calm down;(9%)
paradox (n.) – something that is self-contradictive;(9%)
parasite (n.) – one who exploits others and gives nothing back;(9%)
patronizing (adj.) – looking down on others;(9%)
periphery (n.) – the outer limits or edge of an area or object;(9%)
perspicacious (adj.) – having insight; having wisdom;(9%)
pervasive (adj.) – spread throughout an area or group of people;(9%)
placid (adj.) – calm and peaceful;(9%)
pliant (adj.) – easily influenced; flexible;(9%)
popularize (v.) – to cause something to become generally liked;(9%)
precocious (adj.) – talented or intelligent at a very young age;(9%)
proliferate (v.) – to increase rapidly in numbers; multiply;(9%)
prolific (adj.) – productive; producing many works;(9%)
prolong (v.) – to extend the duration of;(9%)
prophetic (adj.) – predicts what will happen in the future;(9%)
quantitative (adj.) – measured by quantity rather than quality;(9%)
redundant (adj.) – no longer necessary or useful; excessive;(9%)
reminiscence (n.) – a memory or story about the past;(9%)
miss (adj.) – lacking care or attention to duty; negligent;(9%)
remorse (n.) – deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed;(9%)
sanction (n.) – a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule;(9%)
scarce (adj.) – rare; insufficient for the demand;(9%)
speculative (adj.) – based on a guess rather than fact or knowledge;(9%)
stifle (v.) – to stop or restrain an action;(9%)
surreptitious (adj.) – kept secret; sneaky;(9%)
susceptible (adj.) – easily harmed or influenced; sensitive;(9%)
tact (n.) – skill in negotiating and dealing with others;(9%)
tedious (adj.) – too long, slow, or dull; tiresome;(9%)
tenuous (adj.) – very weak and flimsy;(9%)
therapeutic (adj.) – related to the healing of disease; relaxing;(9%)
thwart (v.) – to prevent someone from accomplishing something;(9%)
Above are some experiences in learning SAT vocabulary. ETEST English for Study Abroad Summary helps you increase capital SAT vocabulary effectively and quickly. There are many methods and tips, but the most important thing is still your own diligence and perseverance. This is the factor that helps you have a solid, rich vocabulary foundation and increase your confidence when entering the SAT exam.
Want to learn more about SAT scores and how to effectively prepare for the exam? Check out this detailed article. What is SAT score? at ETEST English Study Abroad!
With his experience and talent, Mr. Lo Nhat Truong is currently one of the teachers contributing to the development of the training program at ETEST and directly teaching SAT and AP at the center. He and the center provide the most effective and scientific training solutions, suitable for the students' abilities. Thereby helping students to continuously improve their qualifications and skills, successfully achieving foreign language certificates to realize their dream of studying abroad.
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