Vocabulary Vocabulary Building Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which strategy best helps you remember a new word's meaning long-term?
- Using it in your own sentences (Correct answer)
- Reading the dictionary once
- Highlighting it in a book
- Saying it aloud one time
Correct answer: Using it in your own sentences
Actively producing a word in original sentences builds durable memory through retrieval practice.
Question 2: What is a 'context clue'?
- Information in surrounding text that hints at a word's meaning (Correct answer)
- A dictionary pronunciation guide
- The first letter of a word
- A footnote reference number
Correct answer: Information in surrounding text that hints at a word's meaning
Context clues are nearby words or sentences that reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.
Question 3: The root 'bio' in 'biology' and 'biography' means:
- Life (Correct answer)
- Book
- Earth
- Sound
Correct answer: Life
The Greek root 'bio' means life, appearing in many science and writing terms.
Question 4: A flashcard system that increases the interval between reviews of mastered words is called:
- Spaced repetition (Correct answer)
- Cramming
- Skimming
- Free association
Correct answer: Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition schedules reviews at growing intervals to strengthen retention efficiently.
Question 5: Which prefix means 'not' or 'opposite of'?
- un- (Correct answer)
- re-
- pre-
- sub-
Correct answer: un-
The prefix 'un-' negates a word, as in 'unhappy' or 'unfair'.
Question 6: Keeping a personal notebook of new words you encounter is best described as a:
- Vocabulary journal (Correct answer)
- Thesaurus
- Glossary appendix
- Spelling bee list
Correct answer: Vocabulary journal
A vocabulary journal records new words and their meanings for ongoing review.
Question 7: Reading widely across many topics improves vocabulary mainly because it:
- Exposes you to words in varied natural contexts (Correct answer)
- Forces you to memorize spelling rules
- Replaces the need for a dictionary
- Limits you to one subject area
Correct answer: Exposes you to words in varied natural contexts
Wide reading repeatedly exposes you to words used naturally, reinforcing meaning and usage.
Which strategy best helps you remember a new word's meaning long-term?