W.W. VOCABULARY/SPELLING PLACEMENT TEST
All students entering Grades 1-9 must take either this WW Vocabulary/Spelling Placement Test
or the SOT Spelling Placement Test
This Spelling Test should be administered for one or more of the following
reasons:
1) parents will be choosing secular curriculum
2) parents would like their student to focus on higher order thinking vocabulary
3) student learns best when new vocabulary words and definitions are introduced in a
systematic, sequential manner
4) student learns best with multiple opportunities to use the words in context
Directions for Administering the Test:
 Give your student a lined answer sheet (provided) and a sharp pencil with an eraser.
Begin by asking them to write their name and grade level clearly at the top in the spaces
provided. (Print extra copies of answer sheet if needed.)
 Choose the test page with the Book # for the grade your student is entering. For
example, if they are entering grade 5, choose the test page that has the title “Book 5” at
the top.
 Instruct your student to write the word after they have listened to the definition and the
sentence with the word in context. (They do not have to write the definition or sample
sentence.)
 Start at #1 and read exactly what is on the page. Remember to repeat the word after you
have read the sample sentence. The student should listen until you have finished reading
before beginning to write. It is fine if they ask you to repeat any part, the word, the
definition, or the sentence.
 Continue until all 15 words have been completed.
 Grade the page and enter the number correct at the bottom beside the word “Score.”
 If the student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one book/grade level
lower. (Does not apply to Book 2) Stop testing for a particular book level once the score is
11/15 or above.
 If the student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one book/grade level
above. Stop testing for a particular book level once the score is 10/15 or lower.
 Please mail the answer sheets back to your advisor so they can determine the best
placement for your student. If you prefer, fax or scan and email.
Bridgeway Academy
334 Second St.
Catasauqua, PA 18032
Fax: 610-266-7817
Wordly Wise Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book #____ Score:
/15
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Book #____
Score:
/15
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Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 2
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, definition, sentence
and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the blank. Follow the
instructions below.
1. cushion
2. accident
3. muscle
4. dozen
5. absorb
6. fuel
7. rectangle
8. pearl
9. aboard
10. universe
11. equator
12. attention
13. vehicle
14. gratitude
15. slight
A cushion is a pillow or a pad with a soft filling. Tammy rested her head on the cushion and soon fell
asleep.
An accident is anything that happens in an unplanned way, especially when it causes
injury or damage. The accident happened when one car went through a red light and hit
another one.
A muscle is a part of the body that can be stretched or tightened to make the body move. The day
after we ran around the track, I had a sore leg muscle.
A dozen is a group of twelve. Manuel invited a dozen friends to his party.
To absorb is to take in or soak up. This sponge will absorb the water you spilled.
Fuel is something that is burned to give power or heat such as wood, coal, or oil. Max
watched the man who delivers fuel as he pulled the hose from his truck to the house
next door.
A rectangle is a figure made from four straight lines. All four angles in the figure are the
same size. This green rectangle in the center of the map stands for the park near our
house.
A pearl is a smooth round object that forms inside the shell of an oyster. It is usually a
white or pale gray color. When the diver opened the oyster, she saw a pearl lying inside
the shell.
Aboard means in or on a ship, train, or airplane. Jason jumped aboard the train just
before the doors closed.
The universe is all of space and all of the objects in space. The Milky Way is just one of
many large groups of stars in our universe.
The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the earth. It is at an equal distance
from the North and South Poles. If you live in a country on the equator, you will notice
that the length of the days and nights is almost equal.
Attention is thinking, listening, or watching carefully. Nothing could draw Tan's attention
away from the mystery he was reading.
A vehicle is anything on wheels or runners used to carry people or things from place to
place. An emergency vehicle raced along the crowded street with its sirens wailing.
Gratitude is a feeling of thanks for a gift, a favor, or some other kindness. We sent a
thank-you note to our neighbors to show our gratitude for their help while Mom was
in the hospital.
Slight means small in amount or importance. The pilot announced that there would be a
slight delay in our landing because of the strong winds.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 3
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below.
1. examine
2. dangle
v. To look at closely. The dentist will examine my teeth after they are cleaned.
v. To hang loosely. Not yet ready to go in the pool, Ramona and Fernando sat by the edge so they could
dangle their feet in the water.
3. ambition
n. A strong wish to be good at something or to have something. Clare's ambition was to dive into the
pool without making a splash.
4. cocoon
n. The silky case that a caterpillar makes to protect itself for a time before it becomes a moth or
butterfly. The empty cocoon hanging from the leaf meant the moth had already flown away.
5. amazing
adj. Causing wonder or surprise. It is amazing but true that time would slow down aboard a space ship
traveling at very high speed.
6. ordeal
n. An unpleasant, painful, or difficult experience or test. Lena's visit to the dentist was not the ordeal she
had feared it would be.
7. memorize v. To fix in one's memory exactly; to learn by heart. It amazes me how quickly Steven can memorize the
words of a song he has heard.
8. reliable
adj. Trustworthy; not likely to fail. Until he could repair the brakes, Dad said our car was not reliable for
a trip from Houston to Minneapolis.
9. attitude
n. A way of thinking or feeling about certain things. Complaining and grouchy before lunch, Tina had
quite a different attitude after she had eaten something.
10. method
n. A way of doing something. Tara's method for bringing her cat inside is to shake the container with
treats.
11. diagram
n. A plan or drawing that shows how something works or how different parts fit together. Ahmad quickly
made a diagram of the stockroom showing us where he wanted each box placed.
12. infection n. A disease caused by germs. You should wash that cut carefully and clean it with alcohol to prevent
infection.
13. hasty
adj. Done or made quickly without careful thought. When the rain started falling heavily, the crowd at
the outdoor concert made a hasty dash to their cars.
14. version
n. A story or account of something that may differ from other accounts of the same event. Trying to find
out how the accident happened was not easy because the three people who saw it each gave a different
version of what took place.
15. tournament
n. A series of contests in which a number of individuals or teams play against each other to find a
winner. Both my brother and sister play in the town's tennis tournament each July.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 4
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below. (parts of speech: adj. = adjective, n. = noun, v. = verb)
1. sufficient
adj. Enough to fill a need. Ten lessons on the oboe were sufficient to earn me a place in the school
band.
2. scorch
v. To burn slightly. If you press a shirt with an iron that is too hot, you might scorch the cloth.
3. drowsy
adj. Tired or sleepy. Lying in the sun always makes my cat, Inky, drowsy.
4. pessimist
n. A person who expects things to turn out badly. A pessimist carries an umbrella even though the
forecast is for fine weather.
5. quaint
adj. Odd or unusual in a pleasing or old-fashioned way. Wooden shoes seem quaint to Americans,
but not to the people of Holland.
6. exquisite
adj. Finely done or made; very beautiful. The exquisite wood carvings on the museum door came from
the island of Bali.
7. victim
n. One who is hurt, killed, or suffers. The scoundrel tried to deny that he had cheated his victim of his
life savings.
8. spacious
adj. Having lots of room. The spacious kitchen had room for a large round table that seated eight.
9. typical
adj. Being like others of its kind. A typical home in this area has three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living
room, and one bathroom.
10. symptom n. A sign of something. Headaches can be a symptom of eyestrain.
11. foliage
n. The leaves of trees and other plants. The house at the end of the road was completely hidden by
foliage.
12. coax
v. To persuade or urge in a gentle way. I will coax my baby sister into holding my hand as we cross the
street.
13. temporary adj. Lasting or made to last for a short time. The town hall provided a temporary place for people to stay
during the hurricane.
14. meadow n. A field of grass or wildflowers. In the middle of the meadow stood a cow and its calf.
15. symbol
n. Something that stands for something else. The dove is a symbol of peace.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 5
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below. (parts of speech: adj. = adjective, n. = noun, v. = verb)
1.
2.
3.
4.
accustom v. to make familiar. Every fall the students accustom themselves to the new schedule.
beverage
n. a liquid used as a drink. When I ordered my beverage, I chose lemonade.
comprehend v. to understand. If you don’t comprehend the question, let me know and I will word it differently.
nostalgia
n. a longing for a certain time in the past. Seeing the photographs of my first dog filled me with
nostalgia.
5. optimist
n. One who looks at things in the most positive way; a cheerful, hopeful person. Jean is an
optimist and so, of course, she believed the plane would not leave without us.
6. steadfast
adj. Unchanging; steady; loyal. Rigo and Moni remained steadfast friends throughout their school years.
7. resemble
v. To be like or similar to. The markings on the wings of the io moth resemble the eyes of a small
animal and help to protect it.
8. banquet
n. A large meal for many people; a feast. Six courses were served at the banquet, which was given
in honor of the graduating homeschooling students.
9. absurd
adj. So unreasonable as to be laughable; foolish or silly. You’d look absurd in a suit and tie at the beach.
10.donate
v. To give to those in need, often through an organization. People across the country will donate food
and clothing to the victims of the flood.
11. confident adj. Certain; sure. We are confident we will win Saturday’s hockey game.
12. notable
adj. Deserving of attention; outstanding. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most notable first ladies to
occupy the White House.
13. snout
n. The nose or jaws that stick out in front of certain animals’ heads. The snout of a ferocious dog may
need to be covered with a muzzle.
14. tolerant
adj. Willing to let others have their own beliefs and ways, even if different from one’s own. Traveling is
both interesting and enjoyable if you are tolerant of customs that seem strange to you.
15. urban
adj. Having to do with cities. Traffic in urban areas is a serious problem during rush hour.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 6
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below. (parts of speech: adj. = adjective, n. = noun, v. = verb)
1. conspicuous adj. His great height made him conspicuous in any crowd. His great height made him conspicuous in
any crowd.
2. ceremony n. A formal event held in honor of a special occasion. The bride and groom exchanged rings during the
wedding ceremony.
3. peninsula n. A piece of land, connected to a larger land mass, that juts out and is almost completely surrounded
by water. Bays along the Baja peninsula provide shelter for several kinds of whales.
4. plummet
v. To fall suddenly toward the earth or to a lower level; to plunge. The abundant harvest caused the
price of corn to plummet.
5. diligent
n. Working with great care and effort. Diligent students usually attain high marks.
6. domesticate v. To tame; to bring plants or animals under human control. Some people claim that they can
domesticate skunks, and that they make good pets.
7. monotonous n. Always the same; not varying; boring. Making photocopies is monotonous work.
8. beneficial adj. Being of use; helpful; favorable. A balanced diet is beneficial to one’s health.
9. perpetual adj. Lasting or seeming to last forever or for a long time; continuous. A perpetual calendar can be used
year after year.
10. knack
n. A special talent or skill; ability to do something easily. My mother has a knack for making friends
wherever she goes.
11. futile
adj. Certain to fail; hopeless or useless. Before giving up, we made several futile attempts to retrieve the
car keys that had fallen into the lake.
12. colossal
adj. Very big; enormous. The colossal size of the Great Wall is what impressed the tourists most.
13. oblivious adj. Not aware of. The audience was oblivious to everything except the actor’s inspired performance.
14. relinquish v. To let go; to give up. The little boy who found the lost puppy didn’t want to relinquish it.
15. analyze
v. To break down into separate parts in order to study. Experts who analyze violent crime point to
poverty as one of the major causes.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 7
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below. (parts of speech: adj. = adjective, n. = noun, v. = verb)
1. devastate
v. To ruin or destroy completely. Farmers in the Midwest fear that lack of rain will devastate the wheat
crop.
2. derogatory adj. Expressing a low opinion; intended to hurt the reputation of a person or thing. His habit of making
derogatory comments about his co-workers made him unpopular.
3. devoid
adj. Lacking; empty; entirely without. Although he had experienced great misfortune, he was devoid
of bitterness.
4. dilapidated adj. In poor condition from neglect or age. The shed was so dilapidated that it wasn’t worth repairing.
5. adequate adj. Enough; sufficient. One blanket will be adequate on such a warm night.
6. fluster
v. To make nervous, embarrassed, or confused. Personal questions fluster me and make me unable to
think of an answer quickly.
7. garland
n. A wreath or chain of leaves and flowers. The islanders greet a new arrival with a garland of fresh
flowers to put around their neck.
8. irate
n. Very angry; furious. Irate citizens demanded that the chemical company stop polluting the lake.
9. era
n. A particular period in history. The era of space exploration began in the 1950s.
10. eerie
adj. The era of space exploration began in the 1950s. The eerie sound you heard was just an owl
hooting.
11. enlighten v. To inform or instruct; to give knowledge or truth to. Since we didn’t know the store’s policy for
returning merchandise, we asked customer service to enlighten us.
12. exuberant adj. Happy and excited; bubbling over with enthusiasm. Our friends gave us an exuberant welcome at
the airport.
13. allege
v. To state as a fact but without offering proof. The police allege that the two teenagers took the car
without permission.
14. homage
n. Honor or respect shown publicly.
On Veteran’s Day, we pay homage to those who gave their lives
for their country.
15. insulate
v. To cover with a material that keeps electricity, heat, or sound from escaping. The builder used
fiberglass to insulate the walls.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary/Spelling Test
Book 8
On the lined answer sheet provided, please administer this test to your child. Read the word, part of speech,
definition, sentence and then the word again. Correct your child’s paper and then enter the number correct in the
blank. Follow the instructions below. (parts of speech: adj. = adjective, n. = noun, v. = verb)
1. brusque
adj. Abrupt in manner or speech; gruff. The lawyer’s brusque questioning intimidated the witness.
2. corroborate v. To provide evidence to make more certain; to confirm. Because he was standing at the stoplight
when the accident occurred, Harry could corroborate the driver’s statement.
3. anthology n. A collection of various writings, such as songs, stories, or poems. This anthology of science-fiction
stories includes some by Ray Bradbury, Julian May, and Ursula Le Guin.
4. abhor
v. To shrink from in disgust; to detest. We abhor cruelty in all its forms.
5. depict
v. To give a picture of; to describe. Patrick O’Brian’s seafaring novels depict life aboard a navy sailing
ship with great accuracy.
6. calamity
n. An event that causes great suffering and harm; a disaster. The train engineer averted a calamity by
slamming on the brakes as soon as he saw the car stalled on the tracks.
7. claustrophobia
n. An abnormal fear of narrow, enclosed spaces. Although John is in the navy, his
claustrophobia prevents him from serving in submarines.
8. audible
adj. Capable of being heard. The sound of the harp was barely audible in the large hall.
9. memento
n. Something kept as a reminder of a past event; a souvenir. Madelaine kept the sand dollar as a
memento of her day at the New Jersey shore.
10. turmoil
n. A state of confusion or agitation; tumult. With flood waters rising and an order to evacuate our
home in an hour, my family was in a turmoil, trying to decide what to do first.
11.connoisseur n. A person with extensive knowledge, especially of the fine arts; a person of refined taste. A
connoisseur of rare stamps would recognize the famous English “penny black” at once.
12. prestige
n. High standing; respect earned by accomplishments. Winning the Nobel Prize brings much prestige.
13. innovation n. Something new; a new way of doing something. Adding sound to movies was an innovation that
transformed the film industry.
14. millennium n. A period of one thousand years. A millennium is ten times as long as the one-hundred year period of a
century.
15. ascertain v. To find out for certain. Mrs. Jenkins sent Terry to ascertain the cause of the delay.
Score: _____
15
If student scored 10/15 or below, please administer the test for one level lower.
If student scored 11/15 or above, please administer the test for one level above.