An Approach to SAT Vocabulary
The College Board assesses Tier 2 academic words — high-utility vocabulary that appears across many subjects. This guide helps you focus on those words for the word-in-context skill.
1. The Question Bank Word List
What it is: An essential SAT Vocabulary Word List designed to support your word-in-context practice using high-frequency Tier 2 words.
Why this list matters
How to use this list
- Identify your level — Sort words into Easy, Medium, and Hard.
- Easy: Words you know — quick review or skip.
- Medium: Recognize them but practice using in sentences.
- Hard: Unfamiliar — study deeply (definitions, collocations, sentence practice).
Tip: For Medium & Hard words, make short example sentences and review them with spaced repetition for best retention.
Tier 2 Word list
Why Answer PSAT Questions for Grades 9 & 10?
Early-level PSAT practice builds the vocabulary and contextual skills that make later SAT passages easier to read and analyze.
The Importance of Tier 2 Academic Words
The College Board tests Tier 2 words — high-utility academic vocabulary that appears across different subjects and grade levels. These words appear from grade 9 through first-year university texts and are central to comprehension.
How PSAT 9–10 Practice Helps
Maximizing Preparation
- Include vocabulary questions from PSAT grades 9–12 in your routine.
- Practice new words in writing and speaking to deepen retention.
- Track words across grade levels to spot recurring Tier 2 targets.
Conclusion: Working through PSAT 9 & 10 questions gives you a head start on essential vocabulary, making the SAT more manageable and improving long-term reading and writing skills.
2.1 College Board Question Bank, PSAT #9 Vocabulary – All Levels & Answer Key
- Questions
- Answer Key
2.2 College Board Question Bank, PSAT #10 Vocabulary – All Levels & Answer Key
- Questions
- Answer Key
2.3 SAT Vocabulary Questions – Question Bank
- Questions
- Answer Key