Identify these questions

These questions test your ability to understand the similarities and differences in the meaning of words. They can come in varying formats but a common requirement is a request for you to find a synonym (similar word), antonym (opposite word), dissimilar word or the like.

Questions commonly look like this:

Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to insane?

(a) forgetful (b) asylum (c) disturbing (d) demented

The strategy to answer these questions

To help solve these types of questions more easily, you need to have a solid vocabulary. A great way to build up your vocabulary is to read books, newspapers and magazines.

You can also test yourself – here is a list of common vocabulary.

VR-CP3-vocabulary-list.pdf

When you come across a word you don't know, write it down on a piece of paper and look it up later in the dictionary.

It is also useful to know the basic parts of speech. In some of these types of questions, you can start to eliminate the wrong answers by looking at what part of speech they are.

Remember these 4 key parts of speech: nouns, adjectives, possessive adjectives and verbs.

There are some helpful strategies that can assist in solving these types of questions:

Basic process of elimination

Start by crossing out the solution options that you believe to be incorrect.

Out of the remaining options, choose the one that you think best answers the question.

Process of elimination by looking at the parts of speech

If you don't know what any of the words mean in a question, you can eliminate some of the incorrect answers by looking at what parts of speech they are.

Example Question/s

Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to create?

(a) think (b) make (c) painting (d) blossom

First of all, create is a verb. So, we are looking for another verb.

Think is a verb, but it does not have a similar meaning to create, so we can eliminate it. Make is a verb which does have a similar meaning to create. Painting can be a verb or a noun, but as a verb, it doesn't have a similar meaning to create.

Blossom can also be a verb or a noun, but as a verb, it doesn't have a similar meaning to create. So, the correct answer is (b) make. This is a verb that is most similar in meaning to create.

Watch video for explanation of the following question/s:

Which of the following is not similar in meaning to amusement:

A : delight B : entertainment C : ball D : perform E : pleasure

Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to workmanship:

A : design B : artistry C : skill D : tools E : craftsman

Key Rules to remember

• Look at similarities/differences in answer in isolation
• Look at the parts of speech
• What meaning do you understand / don't understand?
• What are their endings, how do the words start?

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let's get started on your practice questions.

---