When you picture things, you easily retain them and so when you write things you have learnt, no doubt you will keep them in your head for longer than you would have if you just memorized. Therefore, it is best to write new vocabulary. Apart from that, if you are doing SAT vocabulary exams, start using the words you have come about in writing compositions. When you experience something, it is best to say it to someone so that you will not forget the encounter you had. If you ever do forget, you have a reference right there. The same theory applies for writing. When you read or hear new words, put them down on paper. It will be very difficult to forget and when you do, there is a reference point. Jo mo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, wanted to read when the whites went to colonize Kenya. When Kenyatta saw the whites' reading, he was inspired and also wanted to read the language of the papers. In his own words, he wanted to know how papers talk to people. Every time, he was learnt new words, he wrote them down and most of the time, he constructed sentences using them. Jo mo Kenyatta went on to become one of the greatest orators in Kenya alongside Tom Mboya.

Vocabulary is a very strong part in the SAT tests. If you can maximize on this part, you are highly likely to score very well. SAT tests also contain verbal tests and other challenging parts like completing sentences. It is therefore, very important to master the words as well as how they are used. Essentially speaking, you need to master a word and then construct a sentence or a paragraph of your own. An effective way to master words is by learning their definitions and later trying to use them in four separate sentences. This exercise gives you familiarity with the word and also enhances your brain’s retaining power. There is another important technique which you can use to be efficient in word use. This technique is called space repetition. Here, you go back to the words that you learnt some time ago. If you have done some writing today, you should go back to the writing the next day and the week after until you are sure that you have understood and retained the words. The internet has brought about another way in which you can master words; simply Google the word. Various pages will come up with the definition of the word and how they have been used in sentences. Reading these sentences will help you understand the context in which the word should be used and in the long run will help you in making your own sentences and also passing your SAT exams.

Finally, another way to help you retain new vocabulary is by self-testing. These tests are very accessible via the internet and so when you have free time, be sure to test yourself.

Belle Jose is the author of this article on SAT Vocabulary. Find more information on Vocabulary For SAT here.