Vocabulary and Lexical Norms
What is tested
Vocabulary questions check whether you know word meaning, can choose the right synonym or antonym, understand figurative language, and use words correctly in context. You also need to recognise words that are close in meaning but not interchangeable.
Concepts to know
- Synonyms - words with similar meaning (хубав, красив).
- Antonyms - opposites (висок, нисък).
- Homonyms - same form, different meaning (коса - hair / коса - scythe).
- Figurative meaning - златни ръце does not mean hands made of gold.
- Lexical norms - using a word in its accepted meaning and combination.
Traps
- Choosing a synonym that fits the dictionary but not the sentence.
- Missing that a word is used figuratively.
- Confusing words that look alike but differ in meaning.
- Using a colloquial word in a formal text.
Rule of thumb
Put the candidate word back into the sentence and read it aloud. If the sentence stops making sense or sounds odd, the word is wrong. For figurative meaning, ask: can this literally be true?
Worked example
Тя има златни ръце. Question: What does златни ръце mean here? Answer: It means she is very skilled at handwork. It cannot be literal, because hands are not made of gold; the adjective carries the idea of great value.