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IQ and Vocabulary
IQ tests have a long and controversial history, but they remain one of the most popular psychological tests taken today. They measure both crystallized and fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence refers to the skills and knowledge you learn throughout your life. It is directly impacted by learning and can increase as you get older. Fluid intelligence refers to your ability to reason, problem-solve, and interpret abstract information. Fluid intelligence is not impacted by learning, and experts believe that it declines as you get older. (1)
Early intelligence quotient tests were scored by dividing a person’s mental age by their chronological age and then multiplying that number by 100. Today, IQ scores are determined by how far someone differs from the average score, which is 100. (1, 2)
This means that the mean IQ score is 100, with about two-thirds of all scores falling within 15 points above or below it. So if you have a score around 100, you’re of average intelligence, as do the vast majority of people who take an IQ test. (1, 2)
Many IQ tests include subtests that measure things like memory, reasoning skills, processing speed, mathematical skills, and language skills. This is one reason some people believe that vocabulary and intelligence quotient are related and that you can increase your IQ by improving your vocabulary. (1)
Vocabulary Quiz
Whether or not you agree with the idea that vocabulary and intelligence are related, it’s always fun to test your knowledge of words! (Or maybe that’s just me. Any other English majors out there?)
Take this quiz to see how well you know these 17 words. The answers are in the next section. No peeking!
1. fastidious (adjective)
- a. excessively particular or demanding
- b. bite-sized
- c. rowdy
2. cobbler (noun)
- a. someone who grows apples
- b. someone who makes canes
- c. someone who repairs shoes
3. abdicate (verb)
- a. to give up a position
- b. to secure a stronghold
- c. to surrender
4. rescind (verb)
- a. to boast
- b. to endorse
- c. to repeal
5. qualm (noun)
- a. a recommendation
- b. a feeling of unease
- c. a recipe
6. loathe (verb)
- a. to concern oneself with others’ business
- b. to celebrate
- c. to feel intense hatred
7. quaint (adjective)
- a. chilly
- b. colorful and bright
- c. charming and unique
8. brazen (adjective)
- a. bold
- b. overfilled
- c. mild
9. famish (verb)
- a. to abolish
- b. to mutiny
- c. to cause extreme hunger
10. parched (adjective)
- a. excited
- b. extremely thirsty
- c. devastated
11. contingent (adjective)
- a. highly likely
- b. impossible
- c. conditional
12. enunciate (verb)
- a. to commit a crime
- b. to deteriorate
- c. to pronounce clearly
13. dire (adjective)
- a. overwhelming
- b. extremely serious or urgent
- c. ugly
14. gullible (adjective)
- a. lazy
- b. easily fooled
- c. luxurious
15. inferior (adjective)
- a. lower in station
- b. restless
- c. unoriginal
16. vapid (adjective)
- a. overbearing
- b. offering nothing of substance
- c. minimal
17. conundrum (noun)
- a. a confusing and difficult problem
- b. an apology
- c. a confession
Quiz Scoring
You can self-score your quiz with the answers below. If you don’t love how well you did, no worries! We’re always learning new words and increasing our vocabulary. If you want to improve your vocabulary and do some good at the same time, check out freerice.com. It’s a game from the United Nations that donates money to the World Food Programme every time you get an answer correct. (3)
- a
- c
- a
- c
- b
- c
- c
- a
- c
- b
- c
- c
- b
- b
- a
- b
- a
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