Wizened- Shriveled up, dried up Vicissitude- A change, alternation, mutation Unctuous- Greasy (physically or personality) (-) Acronym- Name in which each letter stands for something Flippant- Rude, glib (-) Swagger- Boasting manner Retraction- Withdrawal of something (especially a statement) Sardonic- Sarcastic or mocking (-) Naysayer- One who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical Quaffable- Drinkable[…]
At this point, you are almost there are on the English/Writing section. Here are the question types to be on the lookout for. You know these grammar rules, you just have to recognize when they are being tested. 1. Separating two complete sentences There are only a few ways to CORRECTLY do this. You can use[…]
1. Review vocabulary words for the days leading up to the test. The most common ISEE vocab words include -Acclaim- to praise -Aesthetic- related to beauty -Sentimental- Nostalgic-Related to a positive emotional connection to the past -Banal- cliché-commonplace, not original, boring 2. Exercise the day before the test. Try to tire yourself out and get to[…]
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[…]