The ACT has four compulsory and one optional sections. The four compulsory sections are English, Reading, Mathematics and Science Reasoning, and the optional section is the Writing section. All these sections assess the prowess of a student in the areas of knowledge that are generally required for college level studies. The examination pertains mostly to the colleges in the US, which is an English speaking country. All the questions of the test are written and explained in English. Students are not only required to understand the given questions but also have to answer them in correct and fluent English. Due to this reason, the test requires students to be proficient in English before they prepare for any other subject. A vocabulary list is a good aid for students to improve their English language skills.
A list of English words that demonstrates, with examples, their meanings and usage can be called a vocabulary list. The best way to assess language skills is to judge individuals on the basis of syntax. Syntax simply means a combination of vocabulary and grammar. Vocabulary translates to the number of words that a person knows or can use correctly, in that particular language. A good vocabulary list should not only contain a large variety of words but also express their usage and application in simple language.
Ways to get an ACT Vocabulary List:
There are two ways to get a wordlist. The first way is to go online and download the already available lists from the many websites that have them. The second, and the more painstaking but effective way of procuring a vocabulary list is by making one for yourself. Not only will you remember every word of the word list that you make, but, it will also make the process of your test preparation very exciting.
The following are a few links to obtain vocabulary lists specifically for the ACT from the Internet:
- http://www.vocabulary.com/lists/52473#view=definitions&word : This is a good link for most of the competitive exams that require students to refer to vocabulary lists. This website not only provides word lists but also explores all the nuances of the words like their synonyms, forms, making sentences with them etc. The database of wordsfrom this website can be very useful for all students taking the examination.
- http://www.studymyenglish.com/vocab_online.aspx: On this website, the vocabulary list has words given in alphabetical order, providing their parts of speech and definitions. It can be described as a very exhaustive one for students preparing for the ACT.
- http://www.number2.com/exams/act/daily/word/index.cfm?s=4zg5qaSrlPSQCYDbIy4vMvOT: This website has a vocabulary builder for which registration is required. A unique aspect of this website is that it provides a new word daily. Making a note of the word for the day can help students make a list of words on their own. Students can also subscribe for a vocabulary list by email through this website.
- http://www.vocabahead.com/StudyRoom/tabid/61/Default.aspx: This is an interesting website that has vocabulary lists along with vocabulary building videos. Students can search for words and hear them being pronounced as well. This makes the usage and pronunciation of the word very clear. Also, it is easier sometimes to remember a word that you have heard out loud than just by having read it.
- A few other links are: http://www.vocabvideos.com/,http://insidestoryflashcards.com/printable_flashcards/index.php etc.
The following are a few points that can help you make a good ACT vocabulary list of your own:
- Make a format for your wordlist pertaining specifically to this examination. The format should ideally be tabular and should contain columns for word meanings, usage etc. Your format should also be simple and should not take too much time to fill. You can use a format from the Internet as well.
- Make sure that the word meanings and usage are correct by checking dictionaries and a thesaurus. Do not fill up your list with words about which you are not sure.
- Be proactive about filling up your wordlist. If you delay in finding out the meanings of the words, then you will forget where and how you had read or heard the word being used. This will render the entire process meaningless.
- Go through your list regularly to memorize the words and also to check if you have repeated or wrongly entered any word.
- Once you are sure of the existing words in your list, move ahead and look for bigger and better words. Do not restrict your vocabulary to a few words only. You can also move into the category of word groups and make your list more advanced.
Revise your list as your vocabulary grows. Also, keep adding new words to the lists that you have procured from the Internet. Write down all the words that you learn, irrespective of their source. Slowly, the list of words that you make will increase and in the process of exam preparation, you will have made yourself a brand new, customized list of words.
