Basic Concepts
In a nutshell: A bigger vocabulary helps you read, write, and speak more effectively.
## Growing Your Word Power
A strong vocabulary helps you understand reading passages and express yourself more precisely. The HSPT tests your knowledge of word meanings and your ability to use context clues.
### Context Clues
When you don’t know a word, look at the words around it for hints. Context clues can be:
- Definitions: The word is explained in the sentence.
- Synonyms: Similar words are used.
- Antonyms: Opposite words are used.
- Examples: The word is shown in action.
### Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Learning common roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help you figure out unfamiliar words.
- Prefix "un-" means "not" (unhappy = not happy).
- Suffix "-ful" means "full of" (joyful = full of joy).
## Practice Makes Perfect
- Read a variety of books and articles.
- Keep a personal word journal.
Examples
- The benevolent teacher donated books to the library.
- Despite the inclement weather, the game continued.
Key terms
- Context Clues
- Hints in a sentence that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
- Prefix
- A group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.