What Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Know for Secondary 4: Elevating Your Language Skills for GCE O-Level Success
At eduKate Singapore, we know how critical it is for Secondary 4 students to have a strong command of vocabulary. Mastering the right words can significantly enhance both written and oral communication, which are essential for excelling in the GCE O-Level English Examination. Our Secondary 4 English tutorial introduces students to the Top 100 vocabulary words that will help them achieve academic success, as outlined in the MOE Secondary English syllabus.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 4 (GCE O-Level English): Ethics, Justice, Compassion, and Critical Thinking
Ethics & Morality (25 words)
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Altruism
- Virtue
- Conscience
- Ethical
- Transparency
- Honesty
- Fairness
- Rectitude
- Honor
- Ethical Dilemma
- Moral Compass
- Empathy
- Honorable
- Principles
- Righteous
- Whistleblower
- Authentic
- Ethical Standards
- Probity
- Fidelity
- Moral
- Benevolence
- Sincerity
Justice & Fairness (25 words)
- Justice
- Equality
- Impartiality
- Equity
- Retribution
- Amnesty
- Compensation
- Due Process
- Restitution
- Reparation
- Discrimination
- Accountability
- Lawful
- Egalitarian
- Jurisprudence
- Clemency
- Impartial
- Advocate
- Arbitrator
- Plaintiff
- Defendant
- Verdict
- Injustice
- Arbitrary
- Tribunal
Compassion & Empathy (25 words)
- Benevolence
- Kindness
- Sympathy
- Humanity
- Mercy
- Charity
- Solidarity
- Generosity
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Philanthropy
- Advocacy
- Humanitarian
- Outreach
- Tolerance
- Sensitivity
- Reconciliation
- Inclusion
- Forbearance
- Empathetic
- Nonprofit
- Volunteering
- Gratitude
- Humanitarianism
- Charity
Critical Thinking & Reasoning (25 words)
- Logic
- Reasoning
- Rational
- Analyze
- Deduction
- Induction
- Evaluate
- Interpret
- Scrutiny
- Synthesize
- Objective
- Subjective
- Assumption
- Hypothesis
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Fallacy
- Premise
- Skepticism
- Argument
- Justification
- Inquiry
- Evidence
- Analysis
- Critical Thinking
Here’s the meaning and examples in table format for Top 100 Vocabulary List for Secondary 4 (GCE O-Level English), focusing on words related to ethics, justice, compassion, and critical thinking. These words are essential for helping students navigate discussions about morality, fairness, empathy, and analytical thought in their writing and speech. The list is divided into categories: Ethics & Morality, Justice & Fairness, Compassion & Empathy, and Critical Thinking & Reasoning.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 4 (GCE O-Level English): Ethics, Justice, Compassion, and Critical Thinking
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics & Morality(25 words) | ||
| Integrity | The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. | His integrity was evident in the way he handled the situation. |
| Accountability | The fact or condition of being responsible for one’s actions. | The leader accepted accountability for the group’s failures. |
| Altruism | The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others. | Her altruism was shown through her volunteer work. |
| Virtue | Behavior showing high moral standards. | Honesty is considered a virtue in all cultures. |
| Conscience | An inner sense of what is right or wrong. | Her conscience wouldn’t allow her to lie to her friend. |
| Ethical | Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these. | He made an ethical decision to return the lost wallet. |
| Integrity | The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. | His integrity was never in question, even in difficult situations. |
| Moral | Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior. | She faced a moral dilemma about whether to tell the truth. |
| Transparency | Openness, communication, and accountability in decision-making. | The organization emphasized transparency in all its dealings. |
| Honesty | The quality of being truthful and sincere. | His honesty earned him the trust of his peers. |
| Fairness | Impartial and just treatment without favoritism or discrimination. | The judge’s fairness was respected by all parties involved. |
| Rectitude | Morally correct behavior or thinking. | He lived a life of rectitude, never compromising his values. |
| Honor | High respect; adherence to what is right. | The soldier acted with honor throughout his career. |
| Ethical Dilemma | A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more morally acceptable options. | She faced an ethical dilemma when deciding how to handle the situation. |
| Moral Compass | A person’s ability to judge what is right and wrong and act accordingly. | His moral compass guided him in difficult situations. |
| Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. | Her empathy made her an excellent counselor. |
| Honorable | Deserving of respect and high regard. | He made an honorable decision by admitting his mistake. |
| Principles | Fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for behavior. | She stuck to her principles, even when it was hard. |
| Righteous | Morally right or justifiable. | He was driven by a righteous cause to fight injustice. |
| Whistleblower | A person who informs on a person or organization engaged in illicit activity. | The whistleblower revealed the corruption within the company. |
| Integrity | Adherence to moral and ethical principles. | Integrity is essential for maintaining trust in leadership. |
| Authentic | True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character. | He remained authentic, even in the face of criticism. |
| Ethical Standards | Rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions. | The company is known for upholding high ethical standards. |
| Probity | The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency. | The lawyer was known for his probity in all dealings. |
| Fidelity | Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief. | He showed fidelity to his principles, never wavering. |
| Justice & Fairness(25 words) | ||
| Justice | The quality of being fair and reasonable. | The court’s decision was based on justice for all parties. |
| Equality | The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. | The movement fought for equality for all citizens. |
| Impartiality | Equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness. | The judge was praised for his impartiality during the trial. |
| Equity | The quality of being fair and impartial. | The school worked to ensure equity in its treatment of all students. |
| Retribution | Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act. | The law seeks retribution for crimes committed. |
| Amnesty | An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses. | The government granted amnesty to political prisoners. |
| Compensation | Something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss or injury. | The company paid compensation to the workers for unfair treatment. |
| Due Process | Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen’s entitlement. | Everyone is entitled to due process under the law. |
| Restitution | The restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner. | The court ordered restitution for the victims of the crime. |
| Reparation | Making amends for a wrong one has done. | The country paid reparations to the victims of the war. |
| Discrimination | Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. | Laws have been enacted to prevent discrimination in the workplace. |
| Accountability | The obligation to accept responsibility for one’s actions. | The leaders were held accountable for their decisions. |
| Lawful | Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law. | The actions of the company were found to be lawful. |
| Egalitarian | Believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. | The policy was praised for its egalitarian approach. |
| Jurisprudence | The theory or philosophy of law. | She studied jurisprudence at university to become a lawyer. |
| Clemency | Mercy shown in the exercise of justice. | The governor showed clemency by reducing the prisoner’s sentence. |
| Impartial | Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just. | The teacher remained impartial during the heated debate. |
| Advocate | A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. | She was a passionate advocate for human rights. |
| Arbitrator | An independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute. | The arbitrator resolved the conflict between the two companies. |
| Plaintiff | A person who brings a case against another in a court of law. | The plaintiff presented evidence against the defendant in court. |
| Defendant | An individual or group being sued or accused in a court of law. | The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. |
| Verdict | The decision reached by a jury in a trial. | The jury returned a guilty verdict after the trial. |
| Injustice | Lack of fairness or justice. | They protested against the injustice faced by the marginalized group. |
| Arbitrary | Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system. | The decision seemed arbitrary and unfair to those affected. |
| Tribunal | A body established to settle certain types of disputes. | The tribunal was set up to investigate human rights abuses. |
| Compassion & Empathy (25 words) | ||
| Benevolence | The quality of being well-meaning; kindness. | Her benevolence towards the homeless was widely admired. |
| Kindness | The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. | His kindness to strangers was remarkable. |
| Sympathy | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. | He expressed sympathy for the victims of the disaster. |
| Humanity | The quality of being humane; benevolence. | Her work showed great humanity and compassion. |
| Mercy | Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. | The judge showed mercy to the first-time offender. |
| Charity | The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need. | She donated a large sum to charity every year. |
| Solidarity | Unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest. | The workers showed solidarity during the strike. |
| Generosity | The quality of being kind and giving more than is necessary. | Her generosity was evident in the way she supported local causes. |
| Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. | Her empathy for others made her a great leader. |
| Compassion | Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. | Compassion is a key quality of a good nurse. |
| Philanthropy | The desire to promote the welfare of others, typically through charitable donations. | The billionaire was known for his philanthropy. |
| Advocacy | Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. | She was known for her advocacy for human rights. |
| Humanitarian | Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare. | The organization launched a humanitarian mission to help refugees. |
| Outreach | An effort to bring services or support to those in need. | The outreach program helped provide education to disadvantaged youth. |
| Tolerance | The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with. | Tolerance of different beliefs is essential in a diverse society. |
| Sensitivity | The quality of being aware of and understanding others’ feelings. | His sensitivity to the needs of others made him an excellent counselor. |
| Reconciliation | The restoration of friendly relations. | The reconciliation between the two countries was a positive step forward. |
| Inclusion | The practice of providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background. | Schools are focusing on inclusion to ensure no student is left behind. |
| Outreach | The act of reaching out to offer help or services. | The charity organized outreach programs for the homeless community. |
| Forbearance | Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance. | She showed great forbearance in dealing with her critics. |
| Empathetic | Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of others. | Her empathetic nature made her a great friend and confidant. |
| Nonprofit | Not making or conducted primarily to make a profit. | The nonprofit organization focused on helping impoverished communities. |
| Volunteering | Offering services by choice without being paid. | She spent her weekends volunteering at the local shelter. |
| Gratitude | The quality of being thankful and showing appreciation. | She expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped her during difficult times. |
| Humanitarianism | The promotion of human welfare and social reform. | His work in humanitarianism helped thousands of displaced families. |
| Critical Thinking & Reasoning (25 words) | ||
| Logic | Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity. | The argument was sound and based on solid logic. |
| Reasoning | The action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way. | His reasoning was clear and well-supported with evidence. |
| Rational | Based on or in accordance with reason or logic. | She made a rational decision after considering all the facts. |
| Analyze | To examine in detail to explain or interpret. | We need to analyze the data before making any conclusions. |
| Deduction | The process of reaching a conclusion based on known facts. | Using deduction, we can figure out who committed the crime. |
| Induction | A method of reasoning in which a generalization is made based on observed patterns. | Induction helped us understand the trends from the data. |
| Evaluate | To assess the strengths and weaknesses of an argument or theory. | The students were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign. |
| Interpret | To explain the meaning of information or actions. | How we interpret the data will affect our conclusions. |
| Scrutiny | Critical observation or examination. | The plan was subjected to close scrutiny by the experts. |
| Synthesize | To combine different ideas to form a coherent whole. | He synthesized the information from multiple sources into his report. |
| Objective | Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts. | The judge remained objective throughout the trial. |
| Subjective | Based on or influenced by personal feelings or opinions. | His subjective interpretation of the story differed from mine. |
| Assumption | Something accepted as true without proof. | The argument was based on the assumption that everyone agreed. |
| Hypothesis | A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. | The scientist developed a hypothesis before beginning the experiment. |
| Deductive Reasoning | The process of reasoning from one or more statements to reach a logically certain conclusion. | The detective used deductive reasoning to solve the mystery. |
| Inductive Reasoning | A method of reasoning in which general principles are derived from specific observations. | Inductive reasoning helped us see the broader patterns in the data. |
| Fallacy | A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound reasoning. | His argument was flawed by several logical fallacies. |
| Premise | A previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows. | The conclusion was based on a faulty premise. |
| Skepticism | A questioning or doubting attitude towards knowledge or beliefs. | His skepticism led him to investigate the claims more thoroughly. |
| Argument | A reason or set of reasons given to persuade others of an idea or action. | The student presented a compelling argument in her essay. |
| Justification | The action of showing something to be right or reasonable. | He provided justification for his decision to change careers. |
| Inquiry | An act of asking for information or conducting an investigation. | The committee launched an inquiry into the company’s practices. |
| Evidence | Information that supports or refutes a claim or argument. | The evidence clearly showed that the hypothesis was correct. |
| Analysis | A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. | The analysis of the text revealed deeper meaning behind the dialogue. |
| Critical Thinking | The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment. | Critical thinking is essential for solving complex problems. |
Why These Words for Secondary 4?
This Top 100 Vocabulary List for Secondary 4 is carefully selected to help students engage with key concepts related to ethics, justice, compassion, and critical thinking. These words are important because:
- Ethics & Morality: Words like integrity, accountability, and moral compass allow students to discuss ethical dilemmas, personal values, and societal responsibilities in depth.
- Justice & Fairness: Vocabulary such as equity, due process, and impartiality helps students articulate ideas related to fairness, legal systems, and societal balance.
- Compassion & Empathy: Terms like humanity, solidarity, and benevolence enable students to express their understanding of compassion, kindness, and social responsibility, fostering emotional intelligence.
- Critical Thinking & Reasoning: Words such as logic, deduction, and hypothesis equip students with the language needed to engage in thoughtful analysis, debate, and problem-solving, essential for academic success and informed citizenship.
These words empower students to discuss complex ethical and social issues, develop empathy for others, and apply critical thinking in both their academic work and everyday life, preparing them for SEAB GCE O-Level English and beyond.
Why Are These 100 Vocabulary Words Important for Secondary 4 Students?
Vocabulary is the foundation of language skills, enabling students to express themselves clearly, understand complex texts, and perform better in both school assessments and national exams like the GCE O-Level. Mastering these Top 100 words prepares students for the challenges of Secondary 4, while laying the groundwork for future academic success.
Benefits of Mastering the Top 100 Vocabulary Words:
- Improved Essay Writing: A rich vocabulary allows students to write more persuasive and nuanced essays.
- Enhanced Comprehension: With a strong command of vocabulary, students can better understand and analyze complex texts.
- Success in Oral Communication: Mastering these words helps students articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently during oral exams and discussions.
For more details about our vocabulary-building programs, visit our homepage.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 4 English
Our Secondary 4 English tutorial emphasizes the Top 100 vocabulary words that are critical for excelling in the MOE SEAB English syllabus and achieving success in the GCE O-Level exams. These words are carefully chosen to enhance writing, comprehension, and oral communication.
What You’ll Learn:
- Academic Vocabulary: Words that are commonly used in exam essays and comprehension passages, essential for clear and effective communication.
- Descriptive Vocabulary: Expanding vocabulary to add depth and detail to creative and descriptive writing.
- Transition Words: Enhancing the flow of essays by using proper connectors and transition words.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Learning multiple ways to express the same idea and improving precision in language use.
For more information about the GCE O-Level syllabus, check out the official page.
How These Top 100 Words Prepare You for GCE O-Level Success
Our Top 100 vocabulary words are selected to help students succeed in all aspects of the GCE O-Level English Examination. By mastering these words, students improve their ability to comprehend exam passages, construct well-argued essays, and articulate their thoughts clearly during oral exams. How to use these vocabulary words:
Key Areas Where Vocabulary Mastery is Crucial:
- Comprehension Skills: Strong vocabulary aids in understanding complex texts, making it easier to answer comprehension questions accurately.
- Essay Writing: Students learn how to use rich, varied vocabulary to improve their essays’ structure and argumentation.
- Oral Communication: Using a wide range of vocabulary improves clarity and confidence during the oral exam component, boosting performance.
Expert English Tutors in Sengkang and Punggol
At eduKate Singapore, our Secondary 4 GCE O-level English tutors are experts in delivering the MOE SEAB syllabus, ensuring that students learn the Top 100 vocabulary words in a way that enhances their writing and speaking skills. Our tutors understand the nuances of the GCE O-Level exam and provide targeted support to help students excel.
Why Choose Our Tutors?
- Deep Understanding of the Syllabus: Our tutors are highly familiar with the MOE SEAB English syllabus, ensuring students are well-prepared for school assessments and national exams like the GCE O-Level.
- Interactive Lessons: Our tutors use a variety of teaching methods, including real-life applications, discussions, and vocabulary exercises, to make learning engaging.
- Personalized Feedback: Each student receives tailored feedback to ensure they are consistently improving their vocabulary and language skills.
What Makes Our Secondary 4 English Tutorial Stand Out
Our Secondary 4 English tuition goes beyond just vocabulary. We provide comprehensive language learning by helping students master the Top 100 words and understand how to apply them in both written and spoken contexts. How to use these vocabulary words to great effect:
Program Highlights:
- Targeted Vocabulary Learning: We focus on the Top 100 words most relevant for the GCE O-Level exam, ensuring students are well-prepared.
- Grammar and Sentence Structure: Vocabulary is integrated with grammar lessons, so students can apply new words correctly in sentences.
- Mock Exams and Quizzes: Regular quizzes and mock exams help students practice using their vocabulary under exam conditions.
- Continuous Feedback: Through regular assessments, we ensure that students are making steady progress in mastering the vocabulary needed for the GCE O-Level.
Why Vocabulary Mastery is Key for Secondary 4 Success
Having a strong vocabulary is essential for excelling in Secondary 4 English and beyond. Our English tutorial in Sengkang and Punggol equips students with the tools they need to succeed in the GCE O-Level exams, while also preparing them for future academic challenges.
Effective Study Techniques for Vocabulary Mastery:
- Consistent Practice: Students are encouraged to use their new vocabulary in writing and speaking activities regularly.
- Reading Widely: Exposure to various types of texts helps students see how new vocabulary is used in different contexts.
- Group Discussions: In our small group tutorials, students have the opportunity to practice vocabulary in peer discussions, improving their spoken language skills.
Additional Support for Secondary 4 English Students
At eduKate Singapore, we are committed to providing the best support possible to help our students succeed including these Vocabulary Lists. Our tutors are available for additional guidance outside of regular class times to ensure that students have the tools they need to excel.
- Homework Assistance: We offer guidance on school assignments, helping students apply their newly learned vocabulary in real contexts.
- One-on-One Consultations: For students needing extra help, we offer personalized consultations to focus on specific challenges.
- Social Media Updates: Follow us on Facebook and Facebook for the latest tips and resources to help students succeed.
Why Choose eduKate Singapore for Secondary 4 English Tutorial?
At eduKate Singapore, we are dedicated to helping students excel in their GCE O-Level exams. Our Secondary 4 English tutorial focuses on vocabulary mastery, grammar, comprehension, and essay writing to ensure that students are fully prepared for their exams.
Contact Us for Secondary 4 English Tuition in Sengkang and Punggol
If you’re looking for a comprehensive Secondary 4 English tutorial that focuses on vocabulary mastery and exam preparation, eduKate Singapore is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our programs:
- Phone: +65 82226327
- Email: admin@edukatesg.com
- Website: eduKate Singapore


