Word Power: Making ISEE & ERB Vocabulary Prep Actually Fun

If you’re a middle schooler preparing for the ISEE or ERB tests, you’ve probably noticed something: the vocabulary is… intense. We’re talking about words like gregarious and pugnacious – words that most 6th graders aren’t dropping on the daily.

The Verbal Reasoning section, as well as the Vocabulary subtest on the ERB-CTP 5, are the “vocabulary heavyweights” of these tests. While many students dread the word lists, at Mulholland Prep, we’ve found that the secret to a high score isn’t just memorization, it’s immersion.

Here is how to make those words stick without losing your mind.

1. The Old School Power of Flashcards

There’s a reason the old-fashioned way still works. Physical flashcards offer a tactile experience that digital apps can’t match.

Don’t just write the dictionary definition. First, translate the definition into your own words, and even draw a quick, silly doodle that represents the word. If the word is curtail (to cut short), draw a dog with a very short tail. Your brain remembers images 6x better than plain text!

2. Gamify Your Study Session

Vocabulary doesn’t have to happen at a desk. Turn it into a competition:

Challenge your family to a game. Pick 3 “Words of the Day” and see who can work them into a normal conversation most naturally. (Bonus points if you can use belligerent while arguing about whose turn it is to do the dishes!)

Making physical flashcards doesn’t mean you can’t ALSO take advantage of digital apps, which are great for gamified study sessions. Use Quizlet’s “Match” or “Gravity” modes to turn your word lists into a high-speed game.

3. The Mood Detector Strategy

On the ISEE, you won’t always know every word. That’s where your detective skills come in.

Positive vs. Negative: Even if you don’t know what nefarious means, can you tell if the sentence sounds “good” or “bad”? Categorizing words by their “charge” (positive/negative/neutral) is a pro-level strategy that helps you eliminate wrong answers instantly.

4. The Mulholland Advantage: More Than Just a List

You can find Top 100 word lists online, but the ISEE and ERB are moving targets. Prepping with us gives you access to our full suite of meticulously designed test prep materials. 

• The Ultimate Vocab List: A curated, massive database of words that actually appear on these tests year after year. Here are 50 of our favorites to get you started. 
• Paper & Digital Practice Materials: We mirror the real test environments. Whether you’re taking the paper-based ERB or the digital ISEE, you’ll practice in the exact format you’ll face on test day.
• PEAK Online Practice Tests: Prepping with us gives you access to free full-length practice ISEE tests via our online test platform. Check it out here. 

Mastering vocabulary takes consistency, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. By mixing old-school flashcards with modern digital tools and expert coaching, you’ll walk into that testing center with the confidence of a walking dictionary.