Word Knowledge: Vocabulary in Context
Word Knowledge questions test whether you can pick the meaning that fits how a word is used in a sentence, not just whether you recognize the word. Build three habits. First, use context clues: contrast words (but, although, unlike), cause-and-effect words (therefore, because), and definition signals (that is, or, in other words) often reveal the meaning. Second, know common prefixes, roots, and suffixes-bene- (good), mal- (bad), cred- (believe), -ject (throw), -cede (go)-so you can break down unfamiliar words. Third, use elimination: cross out choices that clearly contradict the sentence.
The main trap is choosing a familiar meaning that does not fit the sentence. Many words have multiple senses, and the test usually picks a secondary one. Another trap is confusing look-alike words (affect/effect, principal/principle, eminent/imminent). A third is a synonym that is close but wrong in tone or intensity-reluctant is not the same as refused.
Worked example
"The committee's decision was unanimous, so no further debate was needed." The clause "no further debate was needed" signals that everyone agreed. Even if you did not know unanimous, the cause-and-effect logic points to "all in agreement." If a choice says "divided" or "contested," eliminate it immediately.
Rule of thumb
Read the whole sentence before looking at the choices, predict a meaning in your own words, then pick the choice closest to your prediction.