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 12 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Wealth & Poverty guide.
01
borrowverb
to take and use something with the intention of returning it
May I borrow your pen for a moment, giving observers a clearer picture of the economic conditions surrounding the situation.
Memory cueA borrowed library book travels out on a boomerang because it must be returned.
02
charitableadjective
generous in giving to those in need
The charitable foundation helped thousands, illustrating the resources available to the people affected by the decision.
Memory cueA charitable hand directs generous help toward people in need.
03
costlyadjective
expensive; causing significant loss or damage
The costly renovation exceeded the original budget, showing how financial circumstances limited or expanded the choices people could make.
Memory cueA costly choice carries a huge price tag or drains a tank marked money, time, and damage.
04
expensiveadjective
costing a lot of money; high in price
The repairs turned out to be more expensive than we had anticipated, illustrating the resources available to the people affected by the decision.
Memory cueAn expensive object bends the price scale under a very heavy cost.
05
generousadjective
showing a readiness to give more
Her generous donation helped many, showing how financial circumstances limited or expanded the choices people could make.
Memory cueA generous hand gives more than expected from a full basket.
06
lucrativeadjective
producing a great deal of profit; financially rewarding
The tech industry offers many lucrative career opportunities, illustrating the resources available to the people affected by the decision.
Memory cueA lucrative machine produces a stream of profit and financial reward.
07
luxuriousadjective
extremely comfortable and elegant
They stayed in a luxurious hotel suite, illustrating the resources available to the people affected by the decision.
Memory cueA luxurious room surrounds comfort with elegant fabric and fine detail.
08
possessionnoun
the state of having or owning something
The antique clock was her most treasured possession, showing how financial circumstances limited or expanded the choices people could make.
Memory cueA key held beneath a MINE tag represents possession and ownership.
09
possessionsnoun
things that one owns; belongings
She packed all her possessions into a single suitcase, showing how financial circumstances limited or expanded the choices people could make.
Memory cuePossessions are the belongings gathered inside a chest labeled MINE.
10
pricedverb
assigned a price to something; valued at a certain amount
The house was priced well above the market average, showing how financial circumstances limited or expanded the choices people could make.
Memory cueA priced object has a specific value written on its tag.
11
prosperousadjective
successful in material terms; flourishing
The prosperous merchant expanded his business, giving observers a clearer picture of the economic conditions surrounding the situation.
Memory cueA prosperous business grows a healthy tree of material success.
12
wealthyadjective
having a great deal of money or assets
The wealthy philanthropist donated millions, illustrating the resources available to the people affected by the decision.
Memory cueA wealthy vault holds a great quantity of money and assets.
