MLAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MLAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following pairs shows zero-derivation (conversion)? → email (noun) / email (verb)
2. Why is rehearsal important for language learning? → To improve retention and recall through repetition and practice
3. A learner notices that the Spanish suffix '-ción' often corresponds to the English suffix '-tion' (e.g., nación/nation). This demonstrates: → Cross-linguistic morphological transfer
4. Why is it important to understand sentence structures in language learning? → To form correct, meaningful sentences and improve communication skills
5. How can word meaning comprehension improve writing skills? → By improving word choice, making writing more precise and expressive
6. Which of the following words is morphologically simple (contains only one morpheme)? → depth
7. A language learner encounters the unfamiliar word 'malfunction.' Using morphological analysis, the best conclusion is that it means: → An improper or failed operation
8. Which of the following best illustrates 'productive morphology' in language use? → Applying '-er' to new verbs like 'googler' or 'tweeter' to create novel nouns
9. What is phonetic coding in language aptitude testing? → The ability to recognize and manipulate language sounds and phonemes
10. Which cognitive ability is primarily assessed by the 'Aural Number Learning' section of the MLAT? → Rote memorization and auditory processing
11. Which suffix changes a verb into a noun meaning 'one who performs the action'? → -er
12. Why is context important in word meaning comprehension? → It provides clues to the word's meaning based on its usage in a sentence
13. In morphological analysis, what is a 'free morpheme'? → A morpheme that can stand alone as a complete word
14. How can phonetic coding affect pronunciation in a foreign language? → By aiding in understanding and replicating the sounds necessary for correct pronunciation
15. Which morphological feature would a language aptitude test most likely assess to measure a learner's ability to analyze new words? → Recognition of morpheme boundaries and their contributions to meaning
16. How many morphemes does the word 'unbreakable' contain? → 3
17. Why is recall important in language aptitude tests? → It enables learners to retrieve and apply learned information in communication and tests
18. Which option correctly identifies ALL morphemes in 'internationalization'? → inter-, nation, -al, -ize, -ation (5 morphemes)
19. Which of the following is an example of a bound morpheme? → -tion
20. What is the significance of long-term memory in language learning? → To store language knowledge over time for later use and communication
21. How does memory influence speaking ability in language learning? → By allowing learners to recall vocabulary and sentence structures during conversations
22. Which word pair best demonstrates inflectional morphology? → run / running
23. How does spacing affect memory retention in language learning? → By reviewing language information at spaced intervals to enhance long-term retention
24. What is the role of memory in language learning? → To store and recall linguistic information, facilitating communication and understanding
25. How does phonetic coding help with language learning speed? → By helping learners recognize and produce sounds quickly, speeding up learning
26. The Paired Associates section of the MLAT is specifically designed to measure a test-taker's aptitude for which of the following skills? → Rote memorization of vocabulary
27. Why is morphological awareness important for second language acquisition? → It allows learners to infer meanings of unfamiliar words by analyzing word structure
28. What is the significance of stress and intonation in sound discrimination? → They help convey meaning and emotion, influencing how words and phrases are understood
29. What does the Latin root 'port' mean in words such as 'transport,' 'portable,' and 'export'? → To carry
30. What is the impact of chunking on language learning? → By grouping language components into manageable units, improving memory retention