Build Vocabulary with SAT Analogies
By Darlene Beauvais
Subject Area
Reading, English
Time Length
Daily Warm Up Activity for 6 – 9 weeks period
Grade Level
7th & 8th Grade (Challenging, GT)
Materials
Houston Chronicle
Scissors, glue, pen or pencil, dictionary, teacher created worksheet
Resources
http://nytimes.com/learning/students/satofday/index.html (Daily SAT ?’s)
http://collegeboard.com/apps/qotd/question (Daily SAT ?’s)
TEKS
7.8
Reading/Variety of Texts
7.8b The student will read for different purposes in varied sources (including
newspapers) when reading for information or pleasure.
7.9
Reading/Vocabulary Development
7.9b The student will use the context to determine the meaning of words such as
interpreting idioms, multiple meaning words, and analogies.
7.9c The student will use multiple reference aids (such as dictionary, thesaurus).
7.9d The student will use the roots of words and prefixes and suffixes to determine
the meaning of words.
7.16 English/The student will show proficiency in written language (capitalization,
punctuation, penmanship, spelling).
7.17 English/The student will use correct grammar and usage to communicate
effectively.
Brief Description
Students will build vocabulary through daily SAT verbal analogy practice.
Analogies for SAT practice (see Resources) are challenging. However, other grade
level teacher resources are available at teacher supplies to make the
lesson appropriate for lower grade levels. Various strategies teach students to
analyze the relationship between words, to rely on prior knowledge to make educated
guesses, and to use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to determine word meanings and
answer choices. Seeing this vocabulary in the newspaper validates the lesson.
Procedure
 SAT ? of the Day is written on the board. The student copies the analogy and
all answer choices onto the teacher created worksheet.
 Student selects an answer without the help of a dictionary.
 Now the student uses a dictionary to look up any unfamiliar words and writing
notes in the margins on worksheet.
 Answer choices are re-evaluated and marked. After class/teacher discussion,
the answer is given.
 Find 10 examples of challenging vocabulary from the analogies in newspaper
headlines or text of any section (including comics, classified, entertainment,
and advertising sections). The example may be a different form of the word,
such as tense, plural/singular, or part of speech.
 Clip the entire headline, comic, ad or paragraph. Highlight the word.
 Paste example onto the worksheet.
 Write the appropriate definition for word as used in example.
 Write an original sentence using the word appropriately.
TEACHER PAGE OF TEN ANALOGIES; ADDITIONAL ANALOGIES
MAY BE FOUND ON WEB SITES MENTIONED UNDER RESOURCES.
Directions:
1.
THRONE : MONARCH ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2.
4.
5.
DISCONCERT : CONFUSION ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
preface : introduce
slumber : stir
chaos : jumble
diversion : ignore
charge : surrender
COAGULATE : CLOT ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
miter : pope
bench : judge
lobby : doorman
armchair : general
ship : captain
FEINT : DISTRACT ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.
Select the pair that best expresses a relationship similar
to that expressed in the original.
COMELY : BEHELD ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
8.
prosecute : sentence
inject : needle
obstruct : blockade
freeze : ice
dwindle : hoard
fear : superstition
daunt : discouragement
spend : extravagance
protest : reward
stabilize : imbalance
delectable : tasted
concrete : poured
sodden : evaporated
distinct : perceived
hysterical : excited
HYPOCRITE : INSINCERITY ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
braggart : modesty
criminal : sympathy
liar : mendacity
patriot : disloyalty
witness : truthfulness
DEMONSTRATIVE : EFFUSIVE :: 9.
ILLOGICAL : CONFUSION ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
biased : partisan
generous : lavish
sentimental : pitiable
saccharine : sugary
ethical : devout
INCANDESCENCE : BRIGHT ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
forbearance : impatient
paucity : grieved
quintessence : whole
opulence : wealthy
exasperation : testy
10.
profound : laughter
revolting : sympathy
astounding : amazement
obscure : contrast
deliberate : vitality
PINNACLE : LOFTY ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
avalanche : dangerous
promontory : windy
plateau : variable
precipice : steep
foothill : surmountable
STUDENT PAGE
Vivid Vocabulary in the Newspaper
I.
_______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
II. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Vivid Vocabulary in the Newspaper, Page 2
III. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
IV. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Vivid Vocabulary in the Newspaper, Page 3
V. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
VI. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Vivid Vocabulary in the Newspaper, Page 4
VII. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
VIII.
_______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Vivid Vocabulary in the Newspaper, Page 5
IX. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________
X. _______________
Newspaper Example
Dictionary Definition ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Original Sentence ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________