1.
Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.
If a statement is plausible, __________.
Correct Answer
D. It's believable enough to possibly be true
Explanation
If a statement is plausible, it means that it is believable enough to possibly be true. In this case, the cousin's explanation of the frozen doors is considered plausible because it got really cold last night, which could have caused the doors to freeze shut. While there may be doubts about the cousin's claim, the plausibility suggests that it is reasonable to consider it as a potential explanation.
2.
If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all!
Which word is a synonym of "curtail"?
Correct Answer
A. Reduce
Explanation
The word "curtail" means to decrease or limit. The synonym of "curtail" is "reduce", which also means to make something smaller or lessen its quantity or intensity. Therefore, "reduce" is the correct answer in this case.
3.
No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed.
Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?
Correct Answer
D. Secret
Explanation
The word "clandestine" means secret or done in a secretive manner. Therefore, the synonym for "clandestine" is "secret".
4.
Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will inhibit the infection's attempt to spread.
What does “inhibit” mean?
Correct Answer
B. Block or slow down
Explanation
The word "inhibit" means to block or slow down. In the given context, the medicine is expected to prevent or hinder the infection from spreading by blocking its attempt to do so.
5.
Beware of those who use the truth to deceive. When someone tells you something that is true, but leaves out important information that should be included, he can create a false impression.For example, someone might say, “I just won a hundred dollars on the lottery. It was great. I took that dollar ticket back to the store and turned it in for one hundred dollars!” This guy’s a winner, right? Maybe, maybe not. We then discover that he bought two hundred tickets, and only one was a winner. He’s really a big loser!He didn’t say anything that was false, but he deliberately omitted important information. That’s called a half-truth. Half-truths are not technically lies, but they are just as dishonest.Untrustworthy candidates in political campaigns often use this tactic. Let’s say that during Governor Smith’s last term, her state lost one million jobs and gained three million jobs. Then she seeks another term. One of her opponents runs an ad saying, “During Governor Smith’s term, the sate lost one million jobs!” That’s true. However an honest statement would have been, “During Governor Smith’s term, the state had a net gain of two million jobs.” Advertisers will sometimes use half-truths. It’s against the law to make false claims so they try to mislead you with the truth. An ad might boast, “Nine out of ten doctors recommend Yucky Pills to cure nose pimples.” It fails to mention that they only asked ten doctors and nine of them work for the Yucky Corporation.This kind of deception happens too often. It’s a sad fact of life: Lies are lies, and sometimes the truth can lie as well.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Read before answering 6-10
B. Read before answering 6-10
6.
Which statement is true according to the article?
Correct Answer
D. The truth can be used in dishonest ways.
Explanation
The article states that the truth can be used in dishonest ways. This implies that although someone may be telling the truth, they could still be misleading or deceiving others by manipulating the truth or using it to their advantage. This suggests that the concept of truth is not always synonymous with honesty and trustworthiness.
7.
What does “deceive” mean?
Correct Answer
C. Fool
Explanation
The word "deceive" means to fool or trick someone into believing something that is not true. It involves intentionally misleading or manipulating someone's perception or understanding. Therefore, the correct answer is "fool."
8.
What does “omitted” mean?
Correct Answer
B. Left out
Explanation
The word "omitted" means to leave something out or exclude it. In this context, it implies that something was intentionally not included or left out. Therefore, the correct answer is "left out".
9.
The author clearly wants people to _________.
Correct Answer
A. Think carefully about what they read and hear
Explanation
The author wants people to think carefully about what they read and hear. This implies that the author believes in the importance of critical thinking and not blindly accepting information without questioning its validity. By encouraging people to think carefully, the author is promoting a more informed and discerning approach to consuming information.
10.
Another appropriate title for this selection would be:
Correct Answer
C. Lying With the Truth
Explanation
The given answer, "Lying With the Truth," is an appropriate title for the selection because it suggests that the content of the selection involves some form of deception or manipulation through the use of truth. It implies that the information presented may be misleading or deceptive despite being based on true facts. This title captures the idea that the selection explores the concept of dishonesty or deceit in a subtle or indirect manner.
11.
Short stories may be studied by breaking them down into several manageable and identifiable parts. The overall events, conflicts, and character (s) in a short story form the____________.
Correct Answer
B. Plot
Explanation
Short stories can be understood by analyzing their different components. The events, conflicts, and characters in a short story collectively form the plot. The plot refers to the sequence of events that occur in a story and how they are connected. It includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. By examining the plot, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the narrative structure and the development of the story's events.
12.
The main character, who usually represents the good, is called the_____________.
Correct Answer
C. Protagonist
Explanation
The correct answer is "Protagonist." In storytelling, the protagonist is the main character who typically represents the good side of the story. They are the character that the audience tends to root for and follow throughout the narrative. The protagonist is usually the one who drives the plot forward and undergoes a significant transformation or growth. They are the central figure around whom the story revolves, and their actions and decisions shape the outcome of the story.
13.
His opposition, usually bad or evil, is called the __________________.
Correct Answer
C. Antagonist
Explanation
The opposition to the main character, who is typically portrayed as bad or evil, is referred to as the antagonist. This character creates conflict and obstacles for the protagonist, driving the plot forward and adding tension to the story. The antagonist's actions and motivations often oppose those of the protagonist, leading to a clash between the two characters.
14.
When the two opponents are about to meet in conflict, this lead-up creates____________.
Correct Answer
D. Suspense
Explanation
When the two opponents are about to meet in conflict, the lead-up creates suspense. Suspense is a feeling of excitement, uncertainty, and anticipation about what is going to happen next. In this context, the anticipation and excitement build up as the confrontation between the opponents approaches, creating a sense of suspense for the readers or audience.
15.
, which makes the story interesting and exciting. A _________________________ usually creates a crisis or a situation that leads to the two forces meeting.
Correct Answer
B. Conflict
Explanation
Conflict is the correct answer because it refers to the central struggle or problem in a story that creates tension and drives the plot forward. Conflict can be between characters, between a character and society, or even within a character themselves. It is an essential element in storytelling as it creates obstacles and challenges for the characters to overcome, making the story more interesting and exciting.
16.
When they meet, the _________ of the story occurs
Correct Answer
E. Climax
Explanation
The climax of a story is the point of highest tension or excitement, where the main conflict reaches its peak and the outcome of the story is determined. It is the moment when all the events and conflicts come together and lead to a turning point in the narrative. The climax is often the most intense and dramatic part of the story, and it is what keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
17.
Usually, but not always, there is a ________________________, or "unraveling of the plot" where the reader finds out what happened.
Correct Answer
D. Resolution
Explanation
The correct answer is "Resolution". In a story, the resolution refers to the point where the conflicts and problems introduced in the plot are resolved and the loose ends are tied up. It is the part of the story where the reader finds out what happened and how the story concludes. While it is not always present in every story, it is a common element that provides closure and satisfaction to the reader.
18.
Conflict is essential to an exciting story. Writers make use of two major forms of conflict: 1________________________ and 2. __________________________
Correct Answer(s)
A. Internal
C. External
Explanation
Conflict is essential to an exciting story because it creates tension and drives the plot forward. Writers use two major forms of conflict: internal and external. Internal conflict refers to the emotional or psychological struggles that a character faces within themselves, such as a moral dilemma or a battle with their own fears. External conflict, on the other hand, involves the protagonist facing obstacles or challenges from external sources, such as other characters, nature, or society. By incorporating both internal and external conflicts, writers can create a compelling and dynamic narrative that keeps readers engaged.
19.
When a writer writes a story and you are reading it, you should be aware of his ____________, or his attitude toward his subject, event or character. Writers can sway us to their way of thinking and we might not even be aware of it.
Correct Answer
B. Bias
Explanation
When a writer writes a story, they often have a certain perspective or opinion that they want to convey to the readers. This perspective is known as bias, and it refers to the writer's attitude or inclination towards the subject, event, or character in the story. Through their choice of words, tone, and portrayal of events, writers can subtly influence the readers' thoughts and emotions, shaping their understanding and interpretation of the story. Therefore, being aware of the writer's bias is important in order to critically analyze and evaluate the story.
20.
The previously mentioned attitude may be positive, negative or ____________________. We must learn to read for ourselves and make our own decisions about issues.
Correct Answer
D. Neutral
Explanation
The previously mentioned attitude may be positive, negative or neutral. The statement emphasizes the importance of reading for ourselves and making our own decisions about issues, suggesting that a neutral attitude is necessary to approach information objectively and without bias.
21.
When a writer wants to add feeling or emotion, or values to his writing, he uses the ___________________ meaning (feelings, emotions).
Correct Answer
A. Figurative
Explanation
When a writer wants to add feeling or emotion, or values to his writing, he uses the figurative meaning (feelings, emotions). This means that the writer uses language in a non-literal way, using metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech to convey a deeper or more vivid meaning. By employing figurative language, the writer can evoke strong emotions and create a more engaging and impactful piece of writing.
22.
Thus, although "red" is a color, when a person "sees red", he is very ________________.
Correct Answer
C. Angry
Explanation
When a person "sees red", it means they become angry. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is extremely upset or enraged. The color red is commonly associated with anger and intense emotions, so when someone "sees red", it implies that they are experiencing strong feelings of anger or frustration.
23.
The dictionary meaning of a word is its _____________________ meaning.
Correct Answer
C. Literal
Explanation
The dictionary meaning of a word refers to its literal meaning, which is the most straightforward and basic interpretation of the word. This is in contrast to figurative meanings, which involve using the word in a metaphorical or symbolic way. Lateral, presumptive, and idiomatic do not accurately describe the dictionary meaning of a word.
24.
Thus, "Lance is wearing a blue shirt", would signify the word "blue" is an _________________.
Correct Answer
D. Adjective
Explanation
In the given sentence, "Lance is wearing a blue shirt," the word "blue" describes the shirt that Lance is wearing. It provides additional information about the shirt's color. Since adjectives are used to describe or modify nouns, "blue" is an adjective in this context.
25.
Finally, we now discuss perspective and setting. "Perspective" is a big word for ________________.
Correct Answer
A. Point of View
Explanation
The word "perspective" refers to the point of view or the way someone sees and understands a situation. In the context of the given sentence, "perspective" is described as a big word, suggesting that it carries significant importance. Therefore, the correct answer is "Point of View", as it aligns with the definition and significance of perspective.
26.
Setting refers to the ______________________ and _________________ of a story.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Time
E. Place
Explanation
The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which the events take place. It includes the specific time period, such as past, present, or future, as well as the physical location or environment where the story unfolds. The setting helps to establish the context and atmosphere of the story, influencing the actions and interactions of the characters and contributing to the overall theme and mood of the narrative.
27.
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word.
Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It’s time to implement it and see if it’s as brilliant as you claim.
Correct Answer
D. Carry out
Explanation
The word "implement" in the context suggests that it is time to put the plan into action and see if it works. "Carry out" is the best meaning or synonym for "implement" in this context, as it means to perform or execute a plan or action.
28.
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word.
If your plan fails, we’ll have to find someone who can devise a better one.
Correct Answer
A. Design
Explanation
The word "devise" in this context means to create or come up with. The sentence is saying that if the plan fails, we will need to find someone who can come up with a better plan. Therefore, the best meaning or synonym for "devise" is "design".
29.
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word.
Of course, I’m not saying that your plan is no good. I tend to be optimistic, so I won’t be surprised when you succeed.
Correct Answer
A. Expecting the best to happen
Explanation
The speaker is expressing their optimistic outlook on the success of the listener's plan. They believe that the best outcome is likely to happen and they will not be surprised when it does.
30.
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word.
When your plan brings us great wealth, you will be rewarded for your sagacity.
Correct Answer
C. Intelligence
Explanation
The word "sagacity" refers to the ability to make good judgments and decisions based on wisdom and intelligence. In this context, it suggests that the person's plan is expected to bring wealth because they have shown intelligence and wisdom in their approach. Therefore, the correct answer is "intelligence."
31.
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word.
No matter what happens, I assure you that I will not forget how hard you have worked on this project.
Correct Answer
B. Promise
Explanation
The word "dare" in this context means to make a promise or commitment. The speaker is assuring the listener that they will not forget the effort and dedication the listener has put into the project. Therefore, the correct answer is "promise."
32.
Juan loves to play games. His favorite game is chess because it requires a great deal of thought. Juan also likes to play less demanding board games that are based mostly on luck. He prefers Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. If he’s alone, Juan likes to play action video games as long as they aren’t too violent.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Correct Answer
D. Juan enjoys playing games.
Explanation
The main idea of the paragraph is that Juan enjoys playing games. This is evident from the statement that Juan loves to play games, and it further explains his preferences for different types of games such as chess, Monopoly, and action video games. The paragraph provides information about Juan's favorite game and his preferences, indicating that his main interest and enjoyment lies in playing games.
33.
Maria is watching too much television. A toddler shouldn’t be spending hours staring blankly at a screen. Worse yet, some of her wild behavior has been inspired by those awful cartoons she watches. We need to spend more time reading books with her and pull the plug on the TV!
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Correct Answer
A. Watching a lot of television isn’t good for Maria.
Explanation
The main idea of this paragraph is that watching a lot of television isn't good for Maria. The paragraph emphasizes that a toddler shouldn't spend hours staring blankly at a screen and that some of her wild behavior has been influenced by the cartoons she watches. The author suggests spending more time reading books with Maria and turning off the TV.
34.
Samantha, I can’t eat or sleep when you are gone. I need to hear your scratchy voice and see your lovely toothless smile. I miss that special way that you eat soup with your fingers. Please come home soon!
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Correct Answer
C. Samantha, I miss you.
Explanation
The main idea of this paragraph is that the speaker, who is addressing Samantha, misses her. This is evident from the statements about not being able to eat or sleep when Samantha is gone, wanting to hear her voice and see her smile, and missing the special way she eats soup.
35.
Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants. They will look and behave much like real humans. We will be able to talk to these mechanical helpers and they will be able to respond in kind. Amazingly, the robots of the future will be able to learn from experience. They will be smart, strong, and untiring workers whose only goal will be to make our lives easier.
Which sentence from the paragraph expresses the main idea?
Correct Answer
A. Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants.
Explanation
The main idea of the paragraph is that in the future, we will have robots as personal servants. This is expressed in the sentence "Someday we will all have robots that will be our personal servants."
36.
I might be letting my young son watch too much television. I am certainly watching too many of his programs. They can really be perplexing as they force you to ponder the mysteries of life.For example, when Franklin (the turtle) wanted a pet, his parents didn’t want it to be a frog. They felt that frogs belong in a pond. Isn't that where turtles belong?And why is it that Little Bear’s animal friends can all talk and behave like people, but his friend Emily has a dog that can only bark and fetch? Tell me that isn’t a mystery!Dog lovers can be reassured by Kipper and his friends. These dogs are very human. However, the only time they wear clothes is when they put on bathing suits to go swimming. I’m confused!Speaking of dogs, could Pluto ever be Goofy’s pet? I don’t get it! What did the great Mr. Disney have in mind?And this is gross! The other day we watched a very nice little pig setting up a picnic. One of the foods was a big ham. Could it have been a soy ham? Is there such a thing? I hope so!Another thing that bothers me: What if Elmo isn’t real? He can’t be a mere puppet! He’s got a better attitude than most people. I just keep wondering.I think we’ll turn off the TV and go out for a walk. Maybe we’ll run into that mouse who dresses well but certainly doesn’t speak as clearly as the average bear.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Read before answering the 40-44
B. Read before answering 40-44
37.
Which word is a synonym of “perplexing”?
Correct Answer
B. Confusing
Explanation
The word "confusing" is a synonym of "perplexing" because both words refer to something that is difficult to understand or figure out.
38.
Which word is a synonym of “ponder”?
Correct Answer
C. Consider
Explanation
Consider is a synonym of "ponder" because both words refer to the act of thinking about something carefully or deeply. When someone ponders or considers something, they are giving it careful thought and consideration. Therefore, "consider" is the correct answer as it closely matches the meaning of "ponder".
39.
The author thinks it’s “gross” when __________.
Correct Answer
D. A pig eats ham because ham is made from pigs
Explanation
The author finds it "gross" when a pig eats ham because ham is made from pigs. This suggests that the author finds it unpleasant or distasteful for an animal to consume a product that is made from its own kind. It implies a sense of cannibalism or a violation of natural order, which the author finds unappealing.
40.
The author probably __________.
Correct Answer
B. Wishes that Elmo were a real live creature
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the author wishes that Elmo were a real live creature. This can be inferred from the fact that the author probably has positive feelings towards Elmo and desires for him to exist in reality.
41.
The author is implying that __________.
Correct Answer
D. Playing outdoors is better than watching television
Explanation
The author is implying that playing outdoors is a better option than watching television. This suggests that the author believes that engaging in physical activity and being in nature is more beneficial than spending time indoors and being sedentary.
42.
This online quiz was dealing with_____________________.
Correct Answer
A. Language Arts
Explanation
This online quiz was dealing with Language Arts. The question does not provide any specific information about the content of the quiz, but the correct answer indicates that the quiz was focused on Language Arts.