58 VOCABULARY FOR TOEFL iBT
● Take the time to memorize as many Latin and Greek roots as you can. By
memorizing these word bases, you will be able to learn new words more
quickly and better determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
● Use words that you are very familiar with as examples when you study word
roots. The more familiar the word is to you (e.g., predict, equate ), the easier
it will be for you to remember the meaning of the root word. Or use words
that create a vivid picture in your imagination.
● Remember that you use common word roots every day, often without real-
izing it. Do not feel intimidated by the long lists in this chapter or in
Appendix B. You already know much of this material.
● Remember that word roots work with prefixes and suffixes—and sometimes
other root words—to create meaning. Look at all parts of the word and the
context, if possible, to determine meaning.
● Remember the power of elimination on an exam. Use your knowledge of
word roots to eliminate incorrect answers. The more you narrow down
your choices, the better your chances of choosing the correct answer.
● Use the power of association. If you don’t know or can’t remember the root
word, try to recall the meaning of another word with a similar root.PRACTICE QUESTIONSFor each question, use the word root to determine the meaning of the italicized
word. Circle your choices or write your answers on a separate piece of paper. Then
compare your selections to the correct answers at the end or the chapter.1. An amiable person is
a. talkative, loud.
b. truthful, honest.
c. highly educated.
d. friendly, good natured.
2. A lucid argument
a. is very clear and intelligible.
b. is loosely held together, tenuous.
c. frequently digresses.
d. errs repeatedly in its logic.