The PSAT 8/9 tests vocabulary in context: a Reading and Writing question gives you a passage and asks which word fits, and the wrong answers are usually words that are close in meaning. Studying a whole theme at once is what builds that discrimination — you learn not just what each word means, but how it differs from its neighbors.
Read the definition, then the example, then the memory cue. Come back a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.
The 13 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Difficulty & Complexity guide.
01
accessibleadjective
easy to approach, reach, or use
The new building design makes all facilities accessible to people with disabilities, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cueAn access ramp makes a building accessible: easy to approach, reach, and use.
02
awkwardadjective
causing difficulty or discomfort; clumsy
There was an awkward silence after the controversial comment, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cuePicture a giraffe squeezed into a tiny elevator: clumsy, uncomfortable, and awkward.
03
complexitynoun
the state of having many interconnected parts
The complexity of the issue requires careful analysis, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cueComplexity looks like a machine with many gears connected to one another.
04
complicatedadjective
consisting of many interconnecting parts; difficult to understand
The instructions were too complicated for most users to follow, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cueA complicated machine has many interlocking parts and no obvious path through them.
05
delicateadjective
easily broken or damaged; requiring careful handling
The delicate porcelain vase required extra padding during shipping, showing how demanding the task became for the people responsible for completing it.
Memory cueA delicate glass flower needs careful hands because it can break easily.
06
demandingadjective
requiring much skill, effort, or attention
Medical school is a demanding program that requires years of dedication, showing how demanding the task became for the people responsible for completing it.
Memory cueA demanding climb consumes skill, effort, and close attention at every step.
07
easilyadverb
without difficulty or effort; readily
She easily solved the puzzle that had stumped everyone else, making the challenge more apparent as additional details and constraints emerged.
Memory cueAn open, obstacle-free door lets the task pass easily and without effort.
08
elementaryadjective
relating to the basic elements; simple
The course covers elementary principles of chemistry, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cueElementary knowledge forms the simple first blocks of a subject.
09
feasibleadjective
possible and practical to accomplish; likely to succeed
The engineers determined that the project was technically feasible, showing how demanding the task became for the people responsible for completing it.
Memory cueA feasible plan crosses both bridges marked POSSIBLE and PRACTICAL.
10
incompleteadjective
not having all the necessary parts; unfinished
The application was rejected because it was incomplete, helping the group recognize which parts of the problem required the greatest effort.
Memory cueAn incomplete puzzle still has an empty space where a necessary piece belongs.
11
simpleadjective
easily understood or done; not elaborate or complicated
The instructions were simple enough for anyone to follow, making the challenge more apparent as additional details and constraints emerged.
Memory cueA simple route is one straight path with no maze or extra machinery.
12
simplyadverb
in a straightforward or plain manner; merely; just
I simply wanted to help, nothing more, making the challenge more apparent as additional details and constraints emerged.
Memory cueSimply means taking the plain, straightforward path without additions.
13
strugglingverb/adjective
striving to achieve something in the face of difficulty
Many small businesses are struggling to survive, making the challenge more apparent as additional details and constraints emerged.
Memory cueA climber slipping on a steep slope is struggling against difficulty toward the goal.
