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 17 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Relevance & Importance guide.
01
basicadjective
forming an essential foundation; fundamental
Understanding basic grammar is essential for learning a new language, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueThe basic block sits at the bottom of the tower; it forms the essential foundation.
02
centraladjective
of greatest importance; principal
This is central to our strategy, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueThe central issue sits at the middle and controls the surrounding discussion.
03
criticaladjective
expressing disapproval; extremely important
Timing is critical to the success of this operation, helping the group judge how the detail related to the larger issue.
Memory cueA critical red pen points out faults; a critical bridge support is too important to fail.
04
crucialadjective
of great importance; critical
The crucial vote determined the outcome, helping the group judge how the detail related to the larger issue.
Memory cueA crucial support bears the entire bridge and cannot fail.
05
essentialadjective
absolutely necessary; extremely important
Water is essential for survival, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueThe essential gear is the one piece without which the machine cannot run.
06
featuredverb/adjective
given special prominence; included as a main element
The article featured interviews with several industry experts, showing why the information deserved attention within the broader discussion.
Memory cueA featured item stands in the center spotlight as a main element.
07
fundamentaladjective
forming a necessary base or core
These are fundamental principles, helping the group judge how the detail related to the larger issue.
Memory cueA fundamental block forms the necessary base and core.
08
highlightverb
to emphasize or draw attention to something important
The report will highlight the key findings of our research, showing why the information deserved attention within the broader discussion.
Memory cueA yellow highlighter and a spotlight both draw attention to what matters.
09
ignoredverb
refused to take notice of; disregarded
Her advice was ignored, and the project failed as a result, showing why the information deserved attention within the broader discussion.
Memory cueThe ringing bell received no glance or response because it was ignored.
10
importantadjective
of great significance or value; having high rank or influence
Education is important for personal and professional development, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueAn important object stands on a high-value pedestal because it has great significance.
11
materialadjective
significant or relevant
The information was material to the case, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueA material fact carries enough significance and relevance to affect the matter.
12
requireverb
to need for a particular purpose; to demand as necessary
This recipe will require three cups of flour, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueA missing essential piece shows what the task requires before it can work.
13
requiredverb/adjective
needed for a particular purpose; officially compulsory
All students are required to complete the assignment by Friday, showing why the information deserved attention within the broader discussion.
Memory cueA required item carries both a NECESSARY label and an official command stamp.
14
requirementnoun
something that is needed or demanded; a necessary condition
A college degree is a requirement for this position, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueA requirement is the necessary key that must be present before the gate opens.
15
requiresverb
needs for a particular purpose; demands as necessary
The job requires excellent communication skills, making the subject's practical significance or supporting role easier to recognize.
Memory cueThe machine requires the missing gear because it cannot operate without it.
16
significantadjective
sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; meaningful
There has been a significant improvement in her grades, helping the group judge how the detail related to the larger issue.
Memory cueA significant item stands under an IMPORTANT spotlight because it deserves attention.
17
vitaladjective
absolutely necessary or important
Oxygen is vital for life, helping the group judge how the detail related to the larger issue.
Memory cueA vital component is as necessary as a beating heart.
