Upper Level · All Sections
Concepts → Memorization → Practice → Real Test
Study all four sections before the test
SSAT tests whether you know precise word meanings AND whether you can determine meaning from context. You must recognize both denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (positive/negative tone).
Synonym questions: "X most nearly means…"
Context questions: A word underlined in a sentence; choose the best replacement.
🧠 High-Frequency SSAT Words to Memorize
Use root words! "Ameliorate" → Latin "melior" = better. "Mendacious" → Latin "mendax" = liar. "Loquacious" → Latin "loqui" = to speak. Learning roots unlocks dozens of SSAT words at once.
Analogies test logical relationships between words. Format: A : B :: C : ? (A is to B as C is to ___). The RELATIONSHIP between words is what matters, not the words themselves.
Master all nine types — the SSAT uses them in predictable patterns every year.
Create a "bridge sentence": "A [relationship] B." Then test each answer with the same sentence. Example: "OBFUSCATE destroys CLARITY." → Test: "ILLUMINATE destroys DARKNESS." ✓ Perfect match.
Reading passages (150–350 words) are followed by 5–8 questions. Passages include Literary Fiction, Humanities, Science, and Social Studies. You must read actively and return to the passage for evidence.
Main Idea: "The primary purpose of this passage is…"
Detail/Fact: "According to the passage…"
Inference: "The author implies that…"
Tone/Attitude: "The author's attitude toward X is…"
Vocabulary-in-Context: "The word X (line N) most nearly means…"
Structure: "The third paragraph primarily serves to…"
Too broad: Generalizes beyond the passage. Too narrow: Only a detail. Opposite: Reverses the meaning. Out of scope: True but not in the passage. Half-right: First part correct, second part wrong.
These questions test logical deduction using language. You must identify necessary conditions, sufficient conditions, logical implications, and flawed reasoning.
If A then B = A is sufficient for B; B is necessary for A.
Contrapositive: If NOT B then NOT A (always true if original is true).
Converse: If B then A (NOT necessarily true!).
Assumption: An unstated premise the argument requires.
Strengthen: Add information that makes the conclusion MORE likely.
Weaken: Add information that makes the conclusion LESS likely.
For fill-in-the-blank sentences: (1) identify the KEY relationship word (however, therefore, because, although, consequently). (2) Predict the meaning of the blank BEFORE looking at choices. (3) Match your prediction to an answer. Don't let confusing vocabulary distract you from logic.
Here's your performance breakdown
Upper Level — All Sections — 20 Questions