MLAT Paired Associate Memorization Questions and Answers

Question 1

A test-taker is given a short study list for the Paired Associates section that includes the following pairs: 'gorba' = mountain, 'luna' = moon, 'solis' = sun, 'fuego' = fire. After the study period, what is the correct English meaning for the word 'gorba'?

Accepted Answer

mountain

Answer

This question directly simulates the task in the Paired Associates section of the MLAT. The test-taker is required to memorize a list of foreign words and their English equivalents and then recall them. 'Gorba' was explicitly paired with 'mountain'.

Question 2

The Paired Associates section of the MLAT is specifically designed to measure a test-taker's aptitude for which of the following skills?

Accepted Answer

Rote memorization of vocabulary

Answer

The core task of the Paired Associates section is to learn and recall a list of arbitrary vocabulary pairs. This directly assesses an individual's ability for rote memorization, a key component of the early stages of foreign language acquisition.

Question 3

A student preparing for the MLAT is trying to memorize the pair 'perro' = dog. The student creates a mental image of a dog sipping a 'Perrier' bottle of water. This method of creating a vivid, and sometimes humorous, link between the new word and its meaning is an example of what effective memorization strategy?

Accepted Answer

Using a mnemonic keyword association

Answer

The student is using a mnemonic device, specifically a keyword association. They are linking the sound of the new word ('perro') to a known word or concept ('Perrier') and connecting it to the meaning ('dog') through a memorable mental image. This is a highly effective strategy for paired-associate learning.

Question 4

Which of the following real-world language learning activities would present the biggest obstacle for a person who scores very poorly on the Paired Associates section?

Accepted Answer

Rapidly building a base vocabulary of 200 common nouns using flashcards

Answer

A poor score on the Paired Associates section indicates a weakness in the rapid rote memorization of vocabulary. Learning from flashcards is a direct application of this skill, as it requires creating and strengthening the association between a new word and its meaning, which is precisely what the test section measures.

Question 5

During a practice session, you study the following pairs: 'cantare' = to sing, 'cantante' = singer, 'scrivere' = to write. Based on the pattern observed in the first two pairs, what is the most probable meaning of 'scrivente'?

Accepted Answer

Writer

Answer

The pairs 'cantare' (to sing) and 'cantante' (singer) suggest a pattern where changing the ending from '-are' to '-ante' transforms the verb (the action) into the noun for the person who performs the action. Applying this logic to 'scrivere' (to write), 'scrivente' would logically mean 'writer'. Recognizing such patterns can be a powerful aid in memorization.

(MLAT) Modern Language Aptitude Test Practice Test

(MLAT) Modern Language Aptitude Test Practice Test

MLAT Paired Associate Memorization Questions and Answers