The SSAT Verbal section includes Synonym questions as the first set (questions 1-30). If you’re confident with these, consider starting with them. However, if Analogies are more your strength, begin with question 31 (the first in the Analogy set) and tackle the Synonyms afterward. The key is to play to your strengths and prioritize the questions that you find easiest.
Understanding SSAT Synonym Questions
Synonym questions require you to select the answer choice that is most similar in meaning to the given word. It’s important to focus on similarity in meaning rather than a direct definition, as test-makers often include distractors that are related but not synonymous.
Example:
Word: Elated
Answer Choices:
A) Proud
B) Joyful
C) Sad
D) Angry
E) Annoyed
For the word “elated,” the correct choice should convey a similar sense of happiness or excitement. In this case, “joyful” (B) is a better match than “proud” (A), which, while related, doesn’t fully capture the emotional joyfulness implied by “elated.”
Tips for Tackling SSAT Synonym Questions
1. Create a Contextual Sentence
If you’re unsure about the meaning of a word, place it in a sentence to understand its use. For example: She felt elated after receiving the award for her hard work. Here, “elated” suggests a positive feeling after receiving an award. It makes “joyful” (B) the correct answer.
2. Analyze Word Parts
Utilize your knowledge of prefixes, roots, and suffixes to decipher meanings. For instance, the word “audible” includes the root “audi,” meaning sound. This helps in identifying that options related to sound or hearing are more likely to be correct.
3. Test Your Choice
Plug your final choice back into your sentence to ensure it fits contextually. For example: The teacher’s explanation was clear and audible to everyone in the room. While “audible” means capable of being heard, any options like “silent” or “distant” would not fit well in this context.
4. Embrace the Unusual
On difficult questions, less familiar or “weird” terms might be correct. For example, in a question with the word “vivid,” “radiant” might seem unusual but is correct. Always adhere to your guessing strategy, but don’t shy away from unconventional options.
By applying these strategies, you can enhance your performance on SSAT Synonym questions and navigate this section with greater confidence. For additional practice, consider working through sample questions to refine your approach. Download our SSAT VerbalPro app from the Apple’s App Store and start practicing today!
Good luck!