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The SSAT Verbal section has both an analogy section and a synonym section. The synonym section assesses one’s strength in vocabulary, while the analogy section is used to assess one’s ability to logically relate different ideas to one another. Together, the SSAT vocabulary and analogy sections test one’s understanding of language and nuances in word definitions.
The SSAT utilizes synonyms as a means of assessing a student’s vocabulary, as synonyms do not necessarily have the same exact meaning, thus allowing students to discern between words with slightly different definitions. This improves both precision of speech and writing as well as the comprehension of nuances in the speech and writing of others. In these questions, you are given a word in bold, and then you need to choose one correct answer choice (out of five answer choices). The correct answer must be the word with the closest meaning as of the bolded word.
Here are some tips for dealing with synonyms questions:
Analogies are used on the SSAT Verbal section to assess a student’s ability to logically relate different ideas to one another. In an analogy question, a student must determine the relationship between two concepts, using prior knowledge. Such comparisons improve problem solving, decision-making, perception, memory, communication, and reasoning skills as well as reading and vocabulary.
Through analogies, students learn to actively process information and improve long-term memory and comprehension. Analogies stimulate both creative and critical thinking, and they require students to demonstrate an understanding of word definitions, variations, and relationships.
Here are several different types of analogies:
Analogy Type | Example |
---|---|
Antonyms/Opposites | Hot : cold :: night : day |
Synonyms | Happy : joyful :: cold : chilly |
Characteristic | Ice cream : cold :: soup : hot |
Part to Whole | Screen : computer :: wheel : car |
Uses | Chair : sit :: bed : sleep |
Users | Pencil : student :: chalk : teacher |
Product to Producer | Book : author :: bread : baker |
Degree | Fantastic : good :: miniature : small |
Homonyms | There : their :: two : too |
Some tips for dealing with analogies questions:
The SSAT Test is one of the three most widely used admission tests for independent school programs. Coming prepared is a way to help ensure your child’s success. Our practice packs are specifically designed to match the material of every section of the test, including the SSAT Verbal section. Through a variety of practice material and study guides, your child is sure to gain the knowledge he or she needs for the deserved score.
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