How to Prepare for the SSAT - Verbal Section

The SSAT Verbal section includes two types of questions: synonyms and analogies.

Vocabulary Requirements:

The SSAT is divided into Elementary, Middle, and Upper levels, and the Verbal section reflects these levels with increasing vocabulary demands. The Elementary Level requires around 6,000 words, the Middle Level 8,000 words, and the Upper Level 10,000 words, which is equivalent to a higher level of vocabulary expected for standardized tests like the TOEFL. **

Preparation Tips

The best way to build vocabulary is through context. Reading challenging texts frequently and recording new words for review is an effective method. Learning root words and affixes is also useful for remembering word meanings, as many root words offer clues to the meanings of multiple related words.

For the synonym questions

students must select the word closest in meaning to the question’s given word, from five options. These questions can span a wide variety of topics, including science and social studies. This not only tests vocabulary but also the ability to recognize multiple meanings of a word. The synonym questions also challenge students to use logical thinking to eliminate incorrect choices. Rather than relying on traditional vocabulary lists, students should focus on studying word families and synonyms. When approaching a synonym question, think about the meaning of the given word before looking at the options. Some questions may test less common meanings of a word, so it’s important to consider all possible nuances.

For analogy questions

students must identify the relationship between two words or phrases and choose the option with a pair of words that reflects a similar relationship. Common relationships include synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole, use, category, product-to-producer, and degree. To succeed, students must first recognize the meaning of the word pair in the question and then analyze the type of relationship. These questions also test logical reasoning based on vocabulary knowledge. To prepare, organize vocabulary into groups based on analogy types. Start by identifying the relationship between the word pairs in the question, then checking which pair in the options reflects the same relationship. Make sure your relationship analysis is specific, as vague reasoning could lead to multiple correct answers.