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Introduction
Test Your Vocabulary
Introduction
Step 1: Time
Step 2: Place
Step 3: Method
Words are the building blocks of thought. They are the means by which we understand the ideas
of others and express our own opinions. It is only logical that people who know how to use words
concisely and accurately find it easier to achieve their aims.
In fact, formal education has less relationship to vocabulary achievement than you might expect;
people can improve their word power on their own. This section will show you how to expand and
improve your vocabulary in just ten minutes a day!
Each of the following lessons is designed to take ten minutes to complete. Do one lesson a day.
Work from beginning to end because the lessons build on each other. Follow these three easy
steps:
Step 1: Time
Begin by setting aside a block of ten minutes a day. Don't split your time into two five-minute
segments—set aside one ten-minute period every day. Consider using ten minutes in the early
morning before you begin your regular activities. Or you might want to use ten minutes on the
bus, subway, or train or ten minutes during a work break. Maybe right after dinner is a convenient
time for you. Whatever time you select, make it your time—carve it in granite! To make your work
even easier, try to set aside the same time every day. You'll be surprised at how quickly your
vocabulary builds.
Step 2: Place
Now, find a place where you can work undisturbed. If you know that you have difficulty tuning out
the distractions of public transportation or the office lunchroom, try to study at home. Perhaps you
have the ability to completely ignore extraneous chatter or music and so can concentrate in the
middle of the family room or in a crowded cafeteria. Wherever you decide to study, try to settle in
the same place every day. In this way, you'll set to work more quickly, concentrate better, and
succeed sooner.
Step 3: Method
Ten minutes a day is all it takes to build a powerful vocabulary. To help you get into the rhythm of
working in ten-minute segments, set your alarm or kitchen timer for ten minutes. When you hear
the buzzer, you'll know that you've spent ten minutes on your vocabulary. Soon you'll be able to
pace yourself without the timer.
The first test consists of twenty-five phrases, each containing an italicized word. Circle the correct
response. This test has no time limit.
1. a lenient supervisor
2. an audacious endeavor
3. a latent talent
a. apparent b. valuable c. present but not apparent d. useless
4. a gaudy dress
5. a disheveled person
6. feign illness
7. an agile child
8. a somber night
9. a prosaic event
a. extraordinary b. irregular c. commonplace d. pretty
S or O
T or F