PSAT 8/9 vocabulary: effectiveness and quality.

meeting the required standards; satisfactory

The quality of work was acceptable but not exceptional, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueAn acceptable paper earns a plain PASS: it meets the standard without needing to be exceptional.

the quality of being correct or precise

The accuracy of the measurements was critical to the experiment's success, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueAn archer's arrow hits the exact bull's-eye: accuracy is correctness and precision.

satisfactory or acceptable in quality

The facilities were adequate for the event, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueAdequate reaches the line marked ENOUGH and earns a satisfactory pass.

suitable or proper for a particular situation

Wearing formal attire is appropriate for the gala event, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueThe appropriate key fits this particular lock; it is suitable for the situation.

having sufficient skill or knowledge to perform a task (also: having the necessary ability or skills)

She proved herself to be a competent leader during the crisis, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueA competent worker has the knowledge and tools needed to complete the job correctly.

the state of something; a requirement for something else

The house was in excellent condition when they bought it, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueA condition can be a state shown on a gauge or a requirement that opens an IF gate.

circumstances affecting the way people live or work

Working conditions have improved significantly over the past decade, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueConditions are the surrounding circumstances, like weather that changes how everyone can work.

free from error; accurate

Please verify that all information is correct before submitting, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueA correct answer lands exactly on the bull's-eye with no error.

having the ability to produce original ideas

Her creative approach to problem-solving impressed the team, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueA creative mind opens a box of original ideas instead of copying an old pattern.

standards by which something is judged or decided

Applicants must meet all criteria to be considered for the position, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueCriteria are the labeled rulers used to judge and decide among choices.

achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort

The new software made the workflow much more efficient, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueAn efficient machine produces a full output while its waste bin stays nearly empty.

to intensify, increase, or improve the quality or value of

Adding spices will enhance the flavor of the dish, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueTurn the quality dial upward to enhance something and make it better or more valuable.

very unusual or remarkable; beyond what is ordinary

The young musician displayed extraordinary talent at the competition, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueExtraordinary literally steps outside the ordinary line and shines as unusually remarkable.

in good physical or mental condition; conducive to good health

Eating a healthy diet can significantly improve your energy levels, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueA healthy body shows a full battery and a steady heart.

created or designed something new

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueThe new device bears a FIRST-EVER tag because it was invented.

to ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something using an instrument or standard

Scientists measure temperature changes to track global warming trends, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueMeasure by placing an object against a ruler, scale, or other standard.

having or showing the knowledge and ability to perform a task well

The company employs highly skilled engineers, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueA skilled worker handles the tools confidently and completes the task well.

a level of quality or attainment; used or accepted as normal or average

The hotel offers a high standard of service, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueA standard is the marked quality line used for comparison and accepted as normal.

right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation

This dress is suitable for a formal occasion, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueA suitable key fits the particular lock and purpose correctly.

higher in quality or status

The superior craftsmanship justified the high price, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueA superior item occupies the higher rung of quality or status.

able to be used for a practical purpose; helpful

The guidebook proved useful for navigating the unfamiliar city, allowing the final outcome to reveal how well the approach worked in practice.

Memory cueA useful tool fits a practical task and helps complete it.

not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose; pointless

Without batteries, the flashlight was completely useless during the power outage, showing whether the method achieved its purpose under realistic conditions.

Memory cueA useless key fits no lock and accomplishes no intended purpose.

to use or expend carelessly or to no purpose; unwanted material

It would be a waste to throw away perfectly good food, giving the reviewers concrete evidence for judging the quality of the completed work.

Memory cueWaste pours useful resources into a bin without achieving any purpose.