1.
As an English teacher, it is often my job to ____________ a more thoughtful response from my students.
Correct Answer
B. Elicit
Explanation
The word "elicit" means to draw out or evoke a response or reaction from someone. In the context of the sentence, the English teacher wants to provoke or obtain a more thoughtful response from their students. This implies that the teacher is trying to encourage their students to think deeply and provide meaningful answers, rather than giving simple or superficial responses.
2.
Swinkles received an unprecedented amount of _________________ for scoring the game winning goal to advance Drew to the NCS Finals.
Correct Answer
C. Approbation
Explanation
Swinkles received an unprecedented amount of approbation for scoring the game-winning goal to advance Drew to the NCS Finals. This means that Swinkles received a significant amount of praise, approval, and admiration for his achievement. The word "unprecedented" suggests that the level of approbation received by Swinkles was exceptional and beyond what was expected or experienced before.
3.
In an attempt to eat more healthy, Sherane decided that burgers were a bit too __________ for her to continue to eat them.
Correct Answer
D. Unctuous
Explanation
Sherane decided that burgers were a bit too unctuous for her to continue to eat them. The word "unctuous" means excessively smooth or greasy, often referring to food that is rich and fatty. Sherane's decision to avoid burgers suggests that she wants to make healthier choices and avoid indulging in high-fat foods.
4.
Despite what teachers and parents may say, at the end of the day, it is your ___________ to decide whether you go college or not.
Correct Answer
A. Prerogative
Explanation
The word "prerogative" means the right or privilege to make a decision or take action. In this context, it implies that the decision of whether to go to college or not ultimately rests with the individual, regardless of what teachers or parents may advise.
5.
Although it was cool when we first started saying it, "Swag" has been _____________ at this point.
Correct Answer
B. Hackneyed
Explanation
The word "hackneyed" means overused or cliché. In the given sentence, it is stated that "Swag" was cool when it was first introduced, but now it has become hackneyed. This implies that the term "Swag" has been used so much that it has lost its originality and appeal, becoming a common and uninteresting phrase.
6.
To test his surgically repaired elbow, Mariano Rivera had to _______________ game action before being cleared to play.
Correct Answer
A. Simulate
Explanation
To test his surgically repaired elbow, Mariano Rivera had to simulate game action before being cleared to play. This means that he had to recreate or imitate the conditions of a real game in order to evaluate the condition and functionality of his elbow. Simulating game action would involve performing various movements and actions that are typically required during a game, such as throwing, catching, and pitching, to assess the strength and endurance of his elbow.
7.
Adrian Peterson's wife had to ____________ on behalf of her son to get him to stop beating the boy.
Correct Answer
D. Intercede
Explanation
Adrian Peterson's wife had to intercede on behalf of her son to get him to stop beating the boy. This means that she had to intervene or mediate in order to prevent her son from continuing to beat the boy.
8.
The 10 frustrating years he spent in politics left him ___________ when it came to watching the news.
Correct Answer
B. Jaded
Explanation
The 10 frustrating years he spent in politics left him jaded when it came to watching the news. This means that his experiences in politics had made him tired, cynical, and lacking enthusiasm or interest in current events. He had become disillusioned and skeptical due to the negative aspects of his political career, which affected his perception of the news.
9.
After completing a marathon, Diane scheduled visits to the chiropractor and massage therapist to ____________ her aching body.
Correct Answer
C. Assuage
Explanation
After completing a marathon, Diane scheduled visits to the chiropractor and massage therapist to assuage her aching body. The word "assuage" means to relieve or alleviate, which suggests that Diane sought these treatments to ease the pain and discomfort in her body after the physically demanding marathon.
10.
As much as I tried, nothing could ___________ my friend Brad from driving home drunk.
Correct Answer
C. Expostulate
Explanation
Expostulate means to express strong disapproval or disagreement. In this context, it suggests that the speaker tried their best to dissuade or persuade their friend Brad from driving home drunk, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The word "nothing" emphasizes the speaker's frustration and inability to prevent Brad from making a dangerous decision.
11.
As part of the "New Age" movement, people began to meditate in attempt to ____________ the human experience.
Correct Answer
A. Transcend
Explanation
As part of the "New Age" movement, people began to meditate in attempt to transcend the human experience. Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to go beyond their ordinary state of consciousness and connect with a higher level of awareness. By transcending the limitations of the human experience, individuals hope to achieve spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
12.
Boston College wore red handkerchief uniforms to commemorate the ______________ acts of their alumni who laid down his life on 9/11 rescuing at least 18 people.
Correct Answer
D. Meritorious
Explanation
Boston College wore red handkerchief uniforms to commemorate the meritorious acts of their alumni who laid down his life on 9/11 rescuing at least 18 people. This suggests that the alumni's actions were deserving of praise or recognition due to their exceptional merit or worthiness.
13.
Although she was based in the city, Olivia's thinking reflected her _______________ upbringing, as she favored a slower pace of life.
Correct Answer
B. Provincial
Explanation
Olivia's thinking reflects her provincial upbringing because she prefers a slower pace of life. The term "provincial" refers to someone who is from a rural or small-town area, which often implies a simpler and more traditional lifestyle. This is contrasted with city life, which is typically faster-paced and more cosmopolitan. Therefore, Olivia's preference for a slower pace aligns with the characteristics associated with a provincial upbringing.
14.
On account of her innocence, Shirley missed the sexual ____________ that her boyfriend was trying to slip into the conversation.
Correct Answer
A. Innuendo
Explanation
Shirley missed the sexual innuendo that her boyfriend was trying to slip into the conversation because she was innocent and unaware of the suggestive or hidden meaning behind his words.
15.
As much as I love fresh air in the house, I have to keep my doors closed because insects prove to be a bit ____________.
Correct Answer
C. Petulant
Explanation
The word "petulant" means easily irritated or annoyed. In this context, it suggests that insects can be bothersome or irritating, which is why the speaker keeps their doors closed despite their love for fresh air.
16.
After working 4 hours in the sun, Fred was delighted to find himself a bit of ______________ to enjoy lunch under.
Correct Answer
D. Umbrage
Explanation
After working for 4 hours in the sun, Fred was delighted to find himself a bit of "umbrage" to enjoy lunch under. The word "umbrage" refers to shade or shelter from the sun. In this context, it suggests that Fred found a shady spot or some sort of shelter where he could comfortably have his lunch away from the direct sunlight.
17.
Reagardless of what profession you choose, there is a good chance that you will be working in ____________ with others. No man is an island.
Correct Answer
B. Coalition
Explanation
In this context, the word "coalition" is the correct answer because it refers to a group or alliance of individuals or organizations working together towards a common goal. The sentence suggests that regardless of the profession, one is likely to work in collaboration with others, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
18.
From the _____________ expression on his face, you could see he was terrified.
Correct Answer
B. Lurid
Explanation
The word "lurid" means shocking or sensational, often referring to something that is vividly gruesome or disturbing. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that the person's expression was intense and alarming, indicating a state of terror. The other options - "unctuous" (oily or insincere), "hackneyed" (overused), and "expostulate" (to argue or protest) - do not convey the same sense of fear and intensity as "lurid" does.
19.
Financial experts forecasted that following the economic rise of the early 2000's would come a dangerous period of ____________ .
Correct Answer
B. Decadence
Explanation
Financial experts forecasted that following the economic rise of the early 2000s would come a dangerous period of decadence. Decadence refers to a state of moral or cultural decline, characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury. The forecast suggests that after the economic boom, there would be a decline in moral values and excessive indulgence in luxury, leading to potential dangers or negative consequences.
20.
Since he'd been playing his whole life, Michael decided it was time to take a ____________ from basketball.
Correct Answer
B. Hiatus
Explanation
The word "hiatus" means a break or pause from something. In this context, since Michael had been playing basketball his whole life, he decided it was time to take a break or pause from it. Therefore, "hiatus" is the correct answer.