The PSAT 8/9 tests vocabulary in context: a Reading and Writing question gives you a passage and asks which word fits, and the wrong answers are usually words that are close in meaning. Studying a whole theme at once is what builds that discrimination — you learn not just what each word means, but how it differs from its neighbors.
Read the definition, then the example, then the memory cue. Come back a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.
The 13 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Power & Authority guide.
01
assignedverb
allocated or designated for a particular task
Each student was assigned a topic for their research paper, making the balance of influence within the group easier for observers to recognize.
Memory cueA name written beside a task shows that the task has been assigned to that person.
02
commandnoun
an authoritative order or instruction
The general issued a command to advance at dawn, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA commander points and gives an order; a command carries authority.
03
demandsnoun/verb
insistent requests or requirements; asks for forcefully
The job demands excellent communication skills and attention to detail, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueDemands arrive as forceful requests stamped REQUIRED, not gentle suggestions.
04
democraticadjective
supporting or practicing democracy
The democratic process allows citizen participation, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA democratic circle gives each citizen a ballot and a voice.
05
directedverb
guided or aimed toward a particular direction or purpose
The officer directed traffic away from the accident scene, showing who possessed the authority to determine what would happen next.
Memory cueA compass arrow directed the traveler toward one particular destination and purpose.
06
influencenoun
the capacity to have an effect on someone's character, development, or behavior
Her parents had a strong influence on her career choice, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueInfluence acts like an invisible magnet that bends another person's path or development.
07
influencedverb
had an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something
The artist was greatly influenced by the Impressionist movement, showing who possessed the authority to determine what would happen next.
Memory cueThe compass needle changed direction because a nearby magnet influenced it.
08
mandatoryadjective
required by law or rules; compulsory
Attendance at the safety training session is mandatory for all new employees, showing who possessed the authority to determine what would happen next.
Memory cueA mandatory task carries a REQUIRED stamp from the rulebook or law.
09
optionaladjective
available to be chosen but not obligatory
The extra credit assignment is optional, making the balance of influence within the group easier for observers to recognize.
Memory cueAn optional choice stands beside doors marked DO or SKIP.
10
powerfuladjective
having great power, influence, or effect
The powerful speech inspired the crowd to take action, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA powerful force lifts a heavy weight and moves every nearby needle.
11
prescribedverb
recommended or authorized officially; ordered as a medical treatment
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA prescribed treatment arrives on an official order signed by an authorized professional.
12
regulateverb
to control or maintain the rate or speed of something; to control by means of rules
The government must regulate the financial industry more effectively, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA regulator holds the speed needle steady and enforces the rules controlling it.
13
sovereignadjective
possessing supreme power
The sovereign nation rejected foreign interference, demonstrating how control was distributed among the people and institutions involved.
Memory cueA sovereign crown sits at the very top with supreme power.
