VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT 23
TOEFL iBT, it is a good idea to become an active reader. This is a skill you can
practice every day. As you read an English-language newspaper or magazine, have
a dictionary handy. Look up as many unfamiliar words as you can so that your bank
of vocabulary words becomes as large as possible.
This may sound like a contradiction, but if you make a habit of taking the time
to read carefully and actively, you will actually spend less time learning the mean-
ing of new vocabulary words. By reading carefully, you will often be able to deter-
mine meaning from context. By reading actively, you will continually expand your
bank of vocabulary words—and the bigger your word base, the more you will com-
prehend, and the less time you will spend looking up words.
TIPS AND STRATEGIES
Vocabulary-in-context questions are common on standardized tests, like the
TOEFL iBT. Here are some specific tips and strategies to use while preparing for
and taking the exam:
● On any vocabulary-in-context question on an exam, there will be some kind
of context clue to help you determine meaning. Remember the four types:
restatement, positive/negative, contrast, and specific detail.
● Remember that you have a very powerful tool on a multiple-choice exam:
the process of elimination. From the start, you can usually eliminate one or
two answers that you know are incorrect. For example, you can eliminate
negative choices if the context suggests the word is positive.
● To help you eliminate answers, read the sentence with each answer choice
substituted for the vocabulary word. Often, putting the word in the context
of the sentence can help you determine whether an answer is right or wrong.
● Consider the tone and connotation of the other words in the sentence. At
a minimum, this can often help you determine whether the vocabulary word
is positive or negative.
● Look for introductory words and phrases such as unfortunately, however, sur-
prisingly. These words often tell you whether the word is positive or nega-
tive and/or set up contrast clues.
● Read carefully. Look for specific details that provide clues to meaning.
● If you have heard the vocabulary word before but aren’t sure what it means,
try to remember the context in which you heard it used before. This may
help you better use the context as it is presented on the exam.