Key Terms for Standardized Tests |
The following 12 terms have been found to trip up students on standardized tests. Along with each term you will find a definition, along with synonyms and writing activities. There is also a section with games/activities to teach the 12 terms, including multiple choice quizzes, crossword puzzles, matching, fill-in-the-blanks, and word searches.
Select a Term from the Box Below!
| 1. Analyze | 5. Evaluate | 9. Predict |
| 2. Compare | 6. Explain | 10. Summarize |
| 3. Contrast | 7. Formulate | 11. Support |
| 4. Describe | 8. Infer | 12. Trace |
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Activities/Games 
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Definition: To study carefully in order to determine what something is, what its parts are, or how its parts fit together.
Synonyms: Study, Investigate, Consider, Question, Explore
Elementary Writing Activities: Analyze Getting Dressed
Middle School Writing Activities: Analyze School Play
High School Writing Activities: Analyze Personal Computer
Definition: To represent as similar. To study in order to note similarities and differences.
Synonyms: Link, Relate, Equate
Elementary Writing Activities: Compare Colors
Middle School Writing Activities: Compare Computer and Typewriter
High School Writing Activities: Compare U.S. & Canada
Definition: To examine and compare in order to show differences. To show differences when compared.
Synonyms: Distinguish, Distinction, Disparity
Elementary Writing Activities: Contrast Spring & Fall / Contrast Grade Levels
Middle School Writing Activities: Contrast Seasons
High School Writing Activities: Contrast People
Definition: To use words to tell or write about something. To give a detailed account of.
Synonyms: Illustrate, Tell, Portray
Elementary Writing Activities: Describe Favorite TV Show / Describe Your Outfit
Middle School Writing Activities: Describe Your Favorite Teacher
High School Writing Activities: Describe Your Neighborhood
Definition: To find out, judge or estimate the quality or value of. To appraise.
Synonyms: Estimate, Calculate, Appraise
Elementary Writing Activities: Evaluate School Lunch Program
Middle School Writing Activities: Evaluate Standardized Tests
High School Writing Activities: Evaluate the Internet
Definition: To make clear or understandable. To clarify or give details of.
Synonyms: Clarify, Justify, Enlighten
Elementary Writing Activities: Explain How a Plant Grows
Middle School Writing Activities: Explain Plants and Animals / Explain Cooking an Egg
High School Writing Activities: Explain Photosynthesis
Definition: To express (a theory, plan etc.) in a systematic way. To express or reduce to a formula.
Synonyms: Prepare, Plan, Originate
Elementary Writing Activities: Formulate School Clean-up / Formulate Morning Routine
Middle School Writing Activities: Formulate Science Fair Project
High School Writing Activities: Formulate Fundraisers for Senior Trip
Definition: To conclude by reasoning from evidence. To lead to as a conclusion.
Synonyms: Conclude, Gather, Assume
Elementary Writing Activities: Arcade Visit with $5
Middle School Writing Activities: Weekly Allowance
High School Writing Activities: City Budget
Definition: To tell about in advance. To state what one believes will happen beforehand.
Synonyms: Guess, Expect, Foresee
Elementary Writing Activities: Predict Baseball Score
Middle School Writing Activities: Predict Sunset
High School Writing Activities: Predict Final Grade
Definition: To tell briefly or be a summary of. To sum up.
Synonyms: Review, Recap, Condense
Elementary Writing Activities: Summarize a Television Show
Middle School Writing Activities: Summarize a Movie
High School Writing Activities: Summarize a Day
Definition: To stand behind the cause of or be in favor of (to support a cause). To help prove or defend.
Synonyms: Defend, Encourage, Assist
Elementary Writing Activities: Support Bedtime on School Nights / Support Your Favorite Gym Shoes
Middle School Writing Activities: Support School on Saturdays
High School Writing Activities: Support the Drinking Age
Definition: To follow the track, course, or trail of. To follow the stages in the history or development of (to trace family history).
Synonyms: Outline, Follow, Mark
Elementary Writing Activities: Tracing Home to School / Tracing Family Tree
Middle School Writing Activities: Tracing Family Tree
High School Writing Activities: Tracing Family Tree
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(Use the Key Terms List to create Word Search Puzzles.) |
