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 11 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Morality & Ethics guide.
01
corruptadjective
willing to act dishonestly for personal gain
The corrupt official accepted bribes, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueA corrupt official trades honesty for a hidden bag of personal gain.
02
ethicaladjective
relating to moral principles
The ethical dilemma troubled her conscience, prompting others to judge whether the conduct met accepted ethical standards.
Memory cueAn ethical choice follows the compass of moral principles.
03
exploitnoun/verb
to use selfishly for profit; a bold or daring achievement
Some companies exploit workers by paying unfairly low wages, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueTo exploit can mean squeezing profit unfairly from someone or completing a daring feat.
04
honorableadjective
bringing credit or distinction
He chose the honorable course of action, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueAn honorable act earns a clean medal of credit and distinction.
05
impartialadjective
treating all rivals or disputants equally; unbiased and fair
The judge remained impartial throughout the controversial trial, making the moral consequences of the decision difficult for the group to ignore.
Memory cueAn impartial judge keeps both sides of the scale perfectly level.
06
integritynoun
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
Her integrity was never questioned, making the moral consequences of the decision difficult for the group to ignore.
Memory cueIntegrity is an unbroken moral compass joined to transparent honesty.
07
justifyverb
to show or prove to be right or reasonable; to provide adequate grounds for
The results justify the investment we made in the project, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueJustify a claim by building solid reasons beneath it until it stands.
08
nobleadjective
having high moral qualities
His noble sacrifice inspired others, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueA noble action rises above selfishness through high moral quality.
09
responsibleadjective
having an obligation to do something; being the primary cause of something
Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children, prompting others to judge whether the conduct met accepted ethical standards.
Memory cueA responsibility tag ties a person to an obligation or identifies the cause behind a result.
10
righteousadjective
morally right or justifiable
His righteous anger was understandable, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueA righteous action stands upright on the morally just path.
11
uprightadjective
strictly honorable or honest
The upright judge was respected by all, showing how principles influenced the choice made under challenging circumstances.
Memory cueAn upright column stands straight like a person who is strictly honest.
