Reconnaissance- A military search to discover hidden info Heuristics- Trial and Error Empirics- Related to experiments/observation Medium- A way of doing something, and intermediary Etymology- Study of the origin of a word Entomology- Study of insects Ornithology- Study of birds Histrionic- Overly dramatic/emotional Supple- Flexible Denizen- An inhabitant of a particular place Foible- A weak[…]
Roiling- To displease or disturb Expediency- Done quickly with purpose Privations- Loss or absence of a quality normally present Arid- Dry Revanchist- One who advocates a policy of revenge Succumb- Surrender Imperial- Of or relating to empire Façade- Artificial or deceptive front Wretched- Very bad Pariah- Outcast Stagnation- State of inactivity Brimming- Be full to[…]
Rancor- Personal resentment Rank and file- Ordinary members of an organization, not leaders Seminal- Influential Promulgate- To promote Protean- Versatile Embers- Slowly fading Ire- Anger Tactile- Related to touch Virulent- Harmful Imbroglio- Complex situation Filigree- Fine ornamental work Distillation- Purifying Exegesis- Explanation Exigent- Urgent Arcane- Hard to understand Tepid- Showing little interest/Lukewarm Raucous- Loud Execrable-[…]
Autarky- National economic self-sufficiency/not trading with any other country Beleaguered- Surrounded with problems Liberal arts- Subjects/skills thought to be important for civic life (sciences, arts, humanities, Exegesis- Critical interpretation of a text Imbibe- To drink Parable- Short allegorical story Antidote- Cure for poison Nominally- Not important Austerity- Seriousness/severity/enforced economic policies Watershed- An important time/event Aphids-[…]
Roil- To make turbulent Toil- To work hard Moil- To make wet/dirty/to work hard Imprimatur- Approval Meted- Rhythm/division of words in a poem Bailiwick- Sphere of authority Feted- Celebrated Demurral- Rejection/Objection Vivacious- Lively Capacious- Roomy Retinue- Group of advisors Megalomania- Being obsessed with yourself Approbation- Approval Epigram- A short poem (sometimes sarcastic) Motif- A recurring[…]
Test Taking Tips for SAT II Literature: Important Vocabulary Words- 1. Sonorous-loud/deep sounds 2. Conspicuous-visible 3. Repose-rest 4. Admonishing-critical 5. Reverence-deep respect 6. Reverie -celebration SAT II Literature Terms- 1. Couplet-a 2 line rhyme unit with same meter 2. Quatrain-4 line stanza or poem a. AAAA; AABB; ABAB 3. Sestet-a stanza or poem in 6[…]
How to pick the best high school for your child: 1. Do not think too much about environment-Most schools are big enough that any child can find his or her way. 2. Prioritize academics, course offerings, and college admissions statistics 3. Location, location-forcing your child to commute more than 30 minutes per day creates added stress and[…]
How can you incentivize your child to study? 1. Ownership-From a young age, help your child to feel proud of achievements in school. Every A should be celebrated. The most successful students are the SELF motivated ones. 2. Environment-Create the right environment for your child. This includes everything from the right school, group of friends, and home[…]
Follow these 5 math tips to improve your score! 1. Don’t get stuck on one problem. If you notice you are wasting too much time on one problem, mark it and skip it. Come back to the problem when you have extra time at the end. All questions weigh the same amount so try to figure out all[…]
Should I take the SAT or ACT- Answer these questions: Are you good at reasoning and inference? Can you think on your feet even when a question looks unfamiliar? Can you memorize vocab words? Is it easier for you to concentrate in short bursts rather than all at once? Do you think you have a[…]