Test prep

TOEFL vocabulary practice

Practice general academic words used to understand explanations, summarize ideas, and discuss evidence.

TOEFL vocabulary practice

Word	Meaning	In a sentence
analyzeverb	To study something carefully by examining its parts and how they relate.	We will analyze the survey responses to find common concerns.
argumentnoun	A claim supported by reasons or evidence.	Her argument for a later start time included evidence about sleep.
assessverb	To examine something and judge its quality, importance, or condition.	The coach will assess each player's progress after six weeks.
contextnoun	The surrounding information or situation that helps explain what something means.	Read the whole paragraph to understand the word in context.
contrastverb	To examine or describe differences between things.	Contrast the two endings and explain how each changes the story.
deriveverb	To get something from a source or work it out from other information.	We can derive the missing measurement from the diagram.
evidencenoun	Information or observations that help show whether a claim is true.	The footprints provided evidence that an animal had crossed the garden.
hypothesisnoun	A proposed explanation that can be tested using observations or an investigation.	Our hypothesis was that the seedlings would grow taller with more light.
interpretverb	To explain or understand the meaning of something.	How do you interpret the final line of the story?
justifyverb	To give reasons or evidence showing that a choice, claim, or action is reasonable.	Justify your answer with a calculation.
methodnoun	An organized way of doing something.	Try a different method for keeping track of your notes.
observeverb	To watch or notice something carefully, often to learn about it.	Observe the ants for five minutes and record where they go.
perspectivenoun	A way of thinking about or viewing a situation.	Reading the diary gave us a different perspective on the journey.
processnoun	A series of actions or changes that lead to a result.	The guide explains the process of applying for a library card.
relevantadjective	Closely connected to the topic or purpose being considered.	Include only details that are relevant to your main question.
significantadjective	Important enough to deserve attention or have an effect.	The bridge repair made a significant difference to our journey.
summarizeverb	To state the main points briefly.	Summarize the article in three sentences.
supportverb	To help, strengthen, or provide what someone or something needs.	Local volunteers support the club by repairing its equipment.
thesisnoun	The central claim that a piece of writing develops and supports.	The essay's thesis is that the city needs more shaded public spaces.
validadjective	Well founded or acceptable for the purpose being considered.	You have a valid reason to request more time.