Standardized testing feels more important than ever before as thousands of students struggle between excelling on entrance exams and mastering obscure words. The ACT isn’t built like the SAT when vocab tested appears across English sections and Reading sections. Teachers, counselors, and parents often digest generic study methods without recognizing that 163 key vocabulary words through flashcards as a digital medium in 15-30 minutes over 4 weeks offers a nifty approach.
How to use: Study 15-30 min daily for 4+ weeks. Start easy, progress to harder words. Consistency boosts ACT vocabulary
Whether eyeing admission to Ivy Leagues, major American universities, or exclusive colleges with specific test score requirements, this hand-picked full list represents what instructors and tutors use to boost vocabulary skills and improve test scores. Manhattan Review refined this since 1999 with twenty years of experience watching frequently tested words return on test preparation materials—a free study tool for sharpening skills, pinpoint areas of weakness, and systematically strengthen your vocabulary.
How Does the ACT Test Vocabulary?
Standardized tests have shifted away from emphasizing vocabulary through isolated definitions. The ACT follows this trend. Unlike the SAT with dedicated vocabulary questions, this test doesn’t expect students to rattle off meanings. You won’t see obscure words you’d rarely hear in normal life. The focus is on understanding words in context. Memory alone won’t help you here.
Question 19 from an official ACT practice test shows this clearly. An ACT English question presents four answer choices: cumbersome, thorny, strenuous, gawky. These are words you’ve likely heard before. The correct answer depends on which option fits context best. The passage discusses Navajo code being easier than previous codes. You need solid vocabulary to get context fast.
Vocabulary questions appear as fewer questions than on the SAT. Yet vocabulary significantly impacts your ability to answer questions correctly. Major American universities, state schools, and Ivy Leagues review your score ranges. They use lookup tool systems to digest your admission profile. A strong vocabulary remains essential for success in Reading sections and English sections.
- English Section: The English section tests vocabulary through context. You pick the best answer without memory work.
- Reading Section: ACT Reading checks if you understand passages quickly. Vocab words tested are medium-level difficulty.
- Context Clues: Get context from the passage to answer question correctly. This skill is essential for success.
Flashcards are an effective study tool for ACT vocabulary
Flashcards are an effective study tool for ACT vocabulary preparation because they:
- Turn Fear Into Success: The test makes students nervous. But flashcards create familiarity. This builds confidence. When ACT-level words feel normal, your memory works better. Your performance improves. Anxiety goes down.
- Make Recognition Fast: Some students memorize definitions and struggle. This tool builds instant recognition. You read a word. You know its meaning. You understand the author’s tone quickly. No mental gymnastics needed. This helps you efficiently read passages. Your comprehension gets a boost. Your speed increases when seconds matter.
- Teach Context Clues: Context changes everything. Understanding how a word shifts meaning matters. Examples show you different uses. Flashcards that include nuances help you grasp what the author intended. You better interpret complex material used in reading sections. This enhances your skills.
- Speed Up Your Brain: Effective preparation isn’t about knowing more words. It’s about quick mental access. This study method improves how faster you read and understand dense passages. It enhances natural vocabulary retrieval. This reduces test anxiety. It boosts overall confidence.
Our flashcards include memory tips and ACT preparation strategies. They help you build lasting comprehension skills, not temporary recall.
What’s Next?
Taken the ACT already but feel unhappy with your score? Use our guide to decide whether you should retake the ACT. Not sure when to take ACT? Get a complete study plan and figure out the best date. We’ve got links to every free official ACT practice tests available to get started studying. These are the best ways to prepare for the test and succeed.