1.
Fill in the blank with the best choice:
The ______ man chatted happily will everyone at the block party even though he had only lived in the neighborhood a few days.
Correct Answer
C. Affable
Explanation
The word "affable" means friendly and easy to talk to. In the given sentence, the man is described as chatting happily with everyone at the block party, despite being new to the neighborhood. This suggests that he is sociable and approachable, making "affable" the most suitable choice to fill in the blank.
2.
Complete the analogy with the best choice:
diminish : negative :: _______ : positive
Correct Answer
B. Aggrandize
Explanation
The word "diminish" means to make or become smaller or less, and it has a negative connotation. Therefore, the analogy suggests that the missing word should have a positive connotation. Among the options, "aggrandize" fits this criteria as it means to increase the power, status, or wealth of something or someone, which is generally seen as a positive action.
3.
Is the underlined vocabulary word used correctly or logically in the following sentence:
My aunt is very into experimental cooking, so it can be difficult to tell one amorphous brown blob from another on a dinner plate.
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
The underlined vocabulary word "amorphous" is used correctly in the sentence. It accurately describes the appearance of the brown blob on the dinner plate, suggesting that it lacks a definite shape or form. This implies that the experimental cooking of the aunt results in dishes that are visually indistinguishable from one another.
4.
Which character do you think best represents the archetype of a villain (there is no wrong answer):
Correct Answer(s)
A. Voldemort
B. Saruman
C. Krang
D. The Big Bad Wolf
Explanation
All of the given characters - Voldemort, Saruman, Krang, and The Big Bad Wolf - represent different archetypes of villains. Voldemort from the Harry Potter series is a power-hungry and ruthless dark wizard. Saruman from The Lord of the Rings is a corrupted wizard who betrays his allies for personal gain. Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an evil alien warlord seeking domination. The Big Bad Wolf is a classic fairy tale villain known for his cunning and attempts to harm the Three Little Pigs. Each character embodies different aspects of villainy, making them all suitable representations of the archetype.
5.
Choose one of the following words that best fits as a synonym for "aura":
Correct Answer
C. AtmospHere
Explanation
The word "aura" refers to a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds a person, place, or thing. Therefore, the synonym that best fits this meaning is "atmosphere."
6.
Fill in the blank with the best choice:
Gangsters often smuggled ___________ to Canada by rowing across the lakes that dot the border.
Correct Answer
A. Contraband
Explanation
The correct answer is "contraband" because it fits the context of the sentence. Gangsters often smuggle illegal goods or items across borders, and "contraband" refers to goods that are prohibited or restricted by law. This choice makes sense in the context of smuggling activities and the mention of rowing across lakes to transport these goods.
7.
Complete the analogy with the best choice:
ignorant : wild :: ________ : well-trained
Correct Answer
C. Erudite
Explanation
The analogy is comparing the relationship between "ignorant" and "wild" to another pair of words. "Ignorant" means lacking knowledge or awareness, while "wild" suggests being untamed or uncontrolled. The word that would complete the analogy is "erudite" because it means having or showing great knowledge or learning. This choice creates a parallel relationship where "erudite" is the opposite of "ignorant" just as "well-trained" is the opposite of "wild".
8.
8. According to most dictionary definitions, which animal is most closely associated with gossamer?
Correct Answer
A. Spiders
Explanation
Gossamer refers to a fine, delicate, and sheer substance, often used to describe a spider's web. Spiders are known for their ability to spin intricate webs made of gossamer threads, which they use to catch prey. Therefore, spiders are most closely associated with gossamer, as indicated by most dictionary definitions. Fish, sheep, and butterflies are not typically associated with gossamer in the same way that spiders are.
9.
Is the underlined vocabulary word used correctly or logically in the following sentence:
The students were sitting rather tight-lipped, so it was up to me to infer by other means than interviews whether they were pleased about the vocabulary quiz or not.
Correct Answer
A. Yes.
Explanation
Yes, the underlined vocabulary word "infer" is used correctly in the sentence. It means that the speaker had to deduce or draw a conclusion about the students' feelings without directly asking them through interviews. The word "infer" accurately conveys the idea of making an educated guess or reading between the lines based on other means of observation.
10.
Which word is the best choice of an antonym (word with the opposite meaning) to "inscrutable":
Correct Answer
C. Transparent
Explanation
The word "transparent" is the best choice of an antonym to "inscrutable" because "inscrutable" means difficult to understand or interpret, while "transparent" means easily understood or seen through.
11.
Fill in the blank with the best choice:
It is important to leave an _________ mindset at home any time you are lucky enough to travel abroad.
Correct Answer
D. Insular
Explanation
The word "insular" means having a narrow or limited perspective, often due to being isolated or closed off from other cultures or ideas. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that it is important to not have a closed-minded or isolated mindset when traveling abroad. Instead, one should be open to new experiences and different ways of thinking.
12.
Complete the analogy with the best choice:
fluid : spontaneous :: irrevocable : ___________
Correct Answer
B. Final
Explanation
The analogy in the question is based on the relationship between the words. The word "fluid" is related to "spontaneous" in the sense that fluidity is often associated with spontaneity or the ability to flow freely without constraint. Similarly, "irrevocable" is related to "final" because something that is irrevocable cannot be changed or reversed, just like something that is final is the ultimate decision or outcome. Therefore, "final" is the best choice to complete the analogy.
13.
Match the definition:
Propensity
Correct Answer
C. N. an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
Explanation
The word "propensity" refers to an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. It suggests that someone is more likely to exhibit a certain behavior or have a preference for a specific action. This definition aligns with the given answer choice, which is "n. an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way."
14.
Is the underlined vocabulary word used correctly or logically in the following sentence:
When the bird flew in the house it got trapped in the dining room and shed feathers querulously all over the table.
Correct Answer
B. No.
Explanation
The underlined vocabulary word "querulously" is not used correctly in the sentence. "Querulously" means to complain or express dissatisfaction in a whining or petulant manner. In the given sentence, the word does not accurately describe the action of shedding feathers. A more appropriate word would be "unintentionally" or "accidentally."
15.
Fill in the blank with the best choice:
When the police used excessive force when trying to quiet the protesters, even more came out the next day to __________ the police for their overzealous tactics.
Correct Answer
A. Remonstrate
Explanation
When the police used excessive force when trying to quiet the protesters, even more came out the next day to remonstrate the police for their overzealous tactics. "Remonstrate" means to protest or complain about something, particularly in a forceful or vehement manner. In this context, it implies that the protesters expressed their disapproval and objection to the police's actions.
16.
Complete the analogy with the best choice:
approbation : disapproval :: ___________ : associate (v.)
Correct Answer
C. Repudiate
Explanation
The word "approbation" means approval, while "disapproval" means the opposite. In the analogy, we are looking for a word that has the opposite meaning of "associate" as a verb. "Repudiate" fits this description as it means to reject or disown something or someone. Therefore, "repudiate" is the best choice for completing the analogy.
17.
Match the defintion:
resilient
Correct Answer
C. Adj. able to recoil or spring back; able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Explanation
Resilient means being able to bounce back or recover quickly from difficult conditions. This definition matches the answer choice "adj. able to recoil or spring back; able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions."
18.
When might you need to "retrench"?
Correct Answer
A. After economic hardship
Explanation
"Retrench" means to cut back or reduce expenses, especially during a difficult financial situation. Therefore, it is necessary to retrench after economic hardship to regain financial stability and improve the financial situation.
19.
Fill in the blank with the best choice:
Running down the corridor, the man's steps ___________ in the empty building.
Correct Answer
B. Reverberated
Explanation
The correct answer is "reverberated." This word is the best choice because it means to be repeated several times as an echo, which is fitting in the context of a man running down a corridor in an empty building. The sound of his steps bouncing off the walls and creating an echo effect is described by the word "reverberated."
20.
Choose the word that best fits as a synonym for "scurrilous":
Correct Answer
B. Scandalous
Explanation
The word "scurrilous" means making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. The word "scandalous" also means causing public outrage or shock due to immoral or unethical behavior. Therefore, "scandalous" is the best synonym for "scurrilous" as it captures the negative and damaging connotation associated with the word.
21.
Choose the word that best fits as a antonym (word with the opposite meaning) to "sedulous":
Correct Answer
D. Lazy
Explanation
The word "sedulous" means diligent, hardworking, or industrious. The antonym (word with the opposite meaning) of "sedulous" would be "lazy," which means lacking in effort or motivation to do work.
22.
Fill in the blank with the best choice that completes the antonym:
gracious : rude :: sleazy : _______
Correct Answer
B. Moral
Explanation
The word "sleazy" is an antonym of "gracious" because it implies something that is morally questionable or lacking in integrity. Similarly, the word "moral" is the best choice to complete the antonym relationship because it represents something that is upright, ethical, and virtuous.