The Verbal Skills section of the HSPT includes five question types, and word classification is one that tends to catch students off guard — mostly because it's not something they've encountered much in school. The good news is that once you understand the pattern, these questions are very approachable. Here's a strategy for tackling them.
What Are Word Classification Questions?
Word classification questions ask you to identify which word doesn't belong with the other three. Here's a simple two-step approach that works for most of them.
Step 1: Define each word.
You don't need a dictionary-perfect definition — just a general sense of what each word means. If you're stuck, at minimum try to determine whether the tone of the word is positive or negative. That alone can point you in the right direction.
Step 2: Find the category that three of the words share.
Once you have a rough definition for each word, look for a category that three of them fit into. The word that doesn't fit that category is your answer.
Let's walk through a couple of examples.
Example 1: Which word does not belong with the others?
- a) encourage
- b) support
- c) endorse
- d) criticize
Step 1 — Define each word:
- encourage — to motivate or inspire
- support — to approve of
- endorse — to support or recommend
- criticize — to say negative things about
Step 2 — Find the category: Answer choices A, B, and C all have positive tones and similar meanings — they all mean something close to "to approve of or support." Answer choice D has the opposite meaning and a negative tone. The category is synonyms meaning "to approve of," and criticize doesn't fit.
Correct Answer: D
Example 2: Which word does not belong with the others?
- a) computer
- b) electronics
- c) television
- d) digital camera
Step 1 — Define each word:
- computer — an electronic device that stores and processes data
- electronics — a broad category of devices that use electricity
- television — an electronic device for watching content
- digital camera — an electronic device for taking photos
Step 2 — Find the category: Answer choices A, C, and D are all specific electronic devices. Answer choice B — electronics — is the broad category that the other three fall under, not a specific device itself. The category is "types of electronic devices," and electronics doesn't fit.
Correct Answer: B
The Two Most Common Patterns
Most word classification questions on the HSPT fall into one of these two types:
- Type 1: Three words are synonyms and the fourth has a different meaning.
- Type 2: Three words are specific examples of something, and the fourth is the broad category they belong to.
Keeping these two patterns in mind as you work through the Verbal Skills section will help you move quickly and confidently through these questions.
If you have questions about the HSPT or aren't sure where to start with prep, feel free to reach out at info@elevateprep.com — I'm always happy to help.