Verbal ability is equated with vocabulary skills on many standardized tests. You may be asked to do any of the following:

• Choose the antonym of a given word.
• Choose the synonym of a given word.
• Complete an analogy.
• Complete a sentence by choosing the appropriate word(s).

The level of vocabulary, in each of these cases, is challenging. Although you can't expect to develop a strong vocabulary quickly, you may increase your vocabulary gradually by reading widely, always checking the definitions of unfamiliar words, and by learning the meanings of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes.