Make sure your answer is based on how the word is used IN THE PASSAGE. Don't think that you can answer these questions without referring to the passage. You can be tricked. Often the words you are asked about are used differently in the passage than how you most often hear or see them used.
Use context clues. These clues may be in the same sentence as the word you are asked about. The clues could be in the sentence before or after. You may even have to go with what makes sense according to the WHOLE PASSAGE.
Use knowledge of word parts.
Substitute the answer choices for the word in the passage. Which choices make sense?
Your white book provides some helpful strategies for dealing with the various types of vocabulary questions which you might encounter on the Regents' Test. Study pages 15-17 and do the exercises on pages 23-25. What did you learn (that you didn't already know) about dealing with vocabulary questions?
Here are some exercises from the Townsend Press website which will give you practice using context clues to predict word meaning. Find a comfortable starting level and try to work your way up.
Level 1 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 1
Level 1 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 2
Level 1 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 3
Level 2 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 1
Level 2 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 2
Level 3 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 1
Level 3 Vocabulary in Context Exercise 2