CAT Question: How to build Vocabulary?

Q. Where do you stand in terms of vocabulary?

A. Attempt this TEST to get an idea where do you stand. Being the level of test easy, follow the following ranking criteria

• Good score - above 12
• average - 10 to 12
• below average- below 10

Q. What is Vocabulary?

A. Technically speaking Vocabulary is Study of meaning of different words. Though

• Some people directly relate it with understanding of a particular language.
• And most of us relate it with getting good percentile in verbal section. ;)

Q. How to deal with words?

A. To learn something you must know about that thing. Words are divided in broadly three parts.

1 - Words with roots: These are the words that have there root, generally from Latin/Greek words. These are the words that are easiest to deal with, once you know about their root word. Root could be anything like 'EGO' means 'I' and is used in different words like

• Egoist - self-centered person
• Egotist- one likes to talk about himself

2- Words with common field: As the name suggests, these are the words that have their ground in some particular field and known as terminology. The field could be anything like Science, Business etc.

3 - Words with suffix and prefix: These are the most common words that add in the starting or at the end of other words and can change the meaning of word entirely.

Once you know the function of a suffix or a prefix you can guess the meaning of the word easily.

Example: sub + standard = substandard meaning below standard.

Q. How to build Vocabulary?

A. Unlike any other field of a language, Vocabulary is something that is endless. More you learn, more you find to learn. That's why Vocabulary building is considered a continuous process leading to continuous learning.

• Read as much as you can: The more you read,more and faster you will learn. Reading different reading material is always advisable . Don't run for dictionary for each and every unfamiliar word or phrase. And before referring a dictionary, try to make some sense out of them through context they are used in. Only the words that you come across regularly should be referred from dictionary. Noting down the words on a paper gives great results as this aids better remembrance.
• For root words particularly, you can choose some book and by the time you will be over with the book, you will be having a good word bank with you. One great book in regard is Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• Make schedule and follow that strictly:- 10 minutes on daily basis or closer to that is sufficient but follow it with full dedication.
• Don't take over-dosage:- Keep in mind that Rome is not build in a day. So don't torture your mind and work accordingly
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