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 Success & Failure guide.
01
accomplishedadjective
highly trained or skilled
She was an accomplished pianist, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueAn accomplished musician displays years of training through polished skill.
02
ascendverb
to go up or climb
She ascended to the position of CEO, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueAscend by climbing the staircase toward a higher point.
03
completedverb
finished; brought to an end
She completed the marathon in under four hours, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueA final check mark and a FINISHED stamp show that the task has been completed.
04
conquerverb
to overcome and take control of
She conquered her fears, revealing which choices contributed most directly to the eventual result.
Memory cueConquer a fortress by overcoming its walls and taking control.
05
finishingnoun/verb
completing or bringing to an end; the final treatment of a surface
She is finishing her thesis before the graduation deadline, allowing the final result to show whether the effort achieved its intended purpose.
Memory cueFinishing crosses the final task off or applies the last smooth coat to a surface.
06
obtainverb
to get or acquire something through effort
She worked hard to obtain her medical license, revealing which choices contributed most directly to the eventual result.
Memory cueObtain the key by reaching the end of an effortful path and taking possession.
07
obtainedverb
acquired or gained through effort
The researcher obtained permission to access the archives, revealing which choices contributed most directly to the eventual result.
Memory cueThe prize in hand was obtained after effort successfully gained it.
08
overcomeverb
to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty
She managed to overcome her fear of public speaking, allowing the final result to show whether the effort achieved its intended purpose.
Memory cueClimb over the wall and raise a success flag to show the difficulty was overcome.
09
resolvedverb/adjective
settled or found a solution to a problem; firmly determined to do something
The dispute was finally resolved through mediation, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueA tied-off solution knot shows the problem is resolved; a firm anchor shows determination.
10
successfuladjective
accomplishing a desired aim or result; having achieved fame or prosperity
The campaign was successful in raising awareness about the issue, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueA successful effort crosses the intended finish line and raises the result trophy.
11
thrivingadjective
prospering; flourishing
The thriving community attracted newcomers, giving the team a concrete basis for judging the outcome of its work.
Memory cueA thriving garden grows vigorously and prospers.
