Master the key concepts before you attempt the questions
Section 1 · Vocabulary in Context
What is tested?
SSAT vocabulary questions ask you to choose the word closest in meaning to a given word, or to identify how a word is used in a sentence. They test both definition knowledge and contextual understanding.
Know root words (Latin/Greek) to decode unfamiliar words
Use context clues: contrast words (but, however, although)
Eliminate answers that are only partially correct
Beware of "trap" answers — common words used in unusual senses
Essential Vocabulary (SSAT High-Frequency)
Acrimony
n.
Bitterness or ill feeling
Benevolent
adj.
Well-meaning and kindly
Capricious
adj.
Given to sudden changes of mood
Diffident
adj.
Modest, shy, lacking confidence
Ephemeral
adj.
Lasting for a very short time
Fervent
adj.
Having or displaying passionate intensity
Garrulous
adj.
Excessively talkative
Hackneyed
adj.
Overused and lacking in originality
Impetuous
adj.
Acting quickly without thought
Loquacious
adj.
Tending to talk a great deal
Example Q: EPHEMERAL most nearly means:
(A) lasting (B) fleeting (C) emotional (D) powerful (E) hidden
Why (B)?Ephemeral comes from Greek epi- (on) + hemera (day), meaning "lasting only a day." Fleeting = brief/passing. ✓
Section 2 · Analogies
The Relationship Method
SSAT analogies follow the format A : B :: C : D. Your job is to find the pair (C:D) that has the same logical relationship as the given pair (A:B).
A : B :: C : D → "A is to B as C is to D"
Type / Category: SHARK : FISH (a shark is a type of fish)
Part / Whole: PETAL : FLOWER (a petal is part of a flower)
Tool / Function: SCALPEL : SURGEON (a scalpel is used by a surgeon)
Characteristic: MISER : STINGY (a miser is characteristically stingy)
Degree: WARM : HOT (warm is a lesser degree of hot)
Bridge sentence: "An author creates a novel; a composer creates a symphony." Match the relationship, not just the topic.
Section 3 · Reading Comprehension
Key Question Types
Main Idea: What is the passage primarily about?
Detail: According to the passage, which of the following…?
Inference: The author implies / suggests / indicates…
Tone & Attitude: The author's tone can best be described as…
Vocabulary in Context: As used in line X, "word" most nearly means…
Purpose: The primary purpose of the passage is to…
Strategy: Always read the question before the passage. For "Detail" questions, underline the specific line. For "Main Idea," read the first and last paragraphs carefully. Never pick an answer that is true in general but not supported by the passage.
Section 4 · Sentence Completion
Strategy Steps
Cover the choices. Predict your own word first.
Look for signal words: however, although, because, despite, even though
Check for contrast (negative → positive or vice versa)
For two-blank sentences, eliminate by testing one blank at a time
The correct answer must fit the logic AND the tone of the sentence
Example Q: Although the scientist's findings were initially met with _____, they were later widely accepted by the research community.
(A) enthusiasm (B) fascination (C) skepticism (D) curiosity (E) amazement
Signal: "Although … initially … later widely accepted" → the contrast word "although" signals the first blank must be negative. Only skepticism is negative.