The Smallest Dragonboy Vocabulary Quiz
The following are questions using vocabulary words from the story. Some will ask you to use prior knowledge and context clues to help you choose the correct definition. Some will ask you to choose the correct vocabulary word that fits in with words similar in meaning. Some words will be used more than once.
- 1.
"Maybe if you run fast enough, " Beterli had jeered on the ocasion when Keevan had been goaded to boast of his swiftness. What does goaded mean?
- A.
The clashing of forces or ideas
- B.
To press or impel to action, effort or speed; provoked
- C.
To accept what is offered as true; disbelieving
- D.
Have an ambition
Correct Answer
B. To press or impel to action, effort or speed; provokedExplanation
Goaded means to press or impel someone to action, effort, or speed; provoked. In the given context, Beterli is teasing Keevan by challenging him to run fast enough, implying that Keevan should be motivated or provoked to prove his swiftness.Rate this question:
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- 2.
"Impression time is imminent, candidate," the wingsecond was saying as everyone crowded respectfully close to him. What does imminent mean?
- A.
About to take place; impending
- B.
Unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true
- C.
A face to face meeting
- D.
Unavoidable fact, need, or obligation that demands immediate attention
Correct Answer
A. About to take place; impendingExplanation
Imminent means that something is about to take place or is impending. In the given context, the wingsecond is telling the candidate that the impression time is imminent, indicating that it is about to happen or is very close to happening.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Keevan had been reminded too often that he was eligible to be a candidate by one day only. What does eligible mean?
- A.
Scornful; arrogant; disrespectful
- B.
To scatter and gradually vanish
- C.
Qualified to be chosen; desirable
- D.
About to take place or happen
Correct Answer
C. Qualified to be chosen; desirableExplanation
Eligible means being qualified to be chosen or desirable. In the given context, Keevan had been reminded multiple times that he was eligible to be a candidate, implying that he met the necessary qualifications and was considered desirable for the role.Rate this question:
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- 4.
"Maybe if you run fast enough," Beterli had jeered on the occasion when Keevan had been goaded to boast of his swiftness, "you could catch a dragon. That's the only way you'll make a dragonrider!" What does jeered mean?
- A.
To speak or cry out in derision; ridicule; taunt, laughed at
- B.
To press or impel to action; push or drive
- C.
To be demanding or claiming immediate attention
- D.
To make uneasy; to bother or disturb
Correct Answer
A. To speak or cry out in derision; ridicule; taunt, laughed atExplanation
Jeered means to speak or cry out in derision, ridicule, or taunt, often accompanied by laughter. In this context, Beterli is mocking Keevan's claim of being able to catch a dragon by saying that it is the only way Keevan could become a dragonrider. Beterli's statement is meant to ridicule and taunt Keevan, suggesting that he is not capable of achieving his goal.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Even the small voice telling him that he's have other opportunities failed to alleviate his crushing depression. What does alleviate mean?
- A.
To cause to spread thin or scatter
- B.
To make more bearable; to relieve or lessen
- C.
To make uneasy; to bother or disturb
- D.
To have a importance or distinction
Correct Answer
B. To make more bearable; to relieve or lessenExplanation
Alleviate means to make something more bearable or to relieve or lessen it. In the given sentence, the small voice telling him that he will have other opportunities failed to alleviate his crushing depression, meaning that it did not make his depression more bearable or relieve it in any way.Rate this question:
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- 6.
He permitted his fears to dissipate. What does dissipate mean?
- A.
To be scornful or arrogant
- B.
About to take place or happen; impending
- C.
Unavoidable fact, need, or obligation
- D.
To cause to spread thin or scatter; gradually vanish
Correct Answer
D. To cause to spread thin or scatter; gradually vanishExplanation
The word "dissipate" means to cause something to spread thin or scatter, gradually making it vanish. In the given sentence, the person allowed their fears to dissipate, indicating that they allowed their fears to gradually vanish or fade away.Rate this question:
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- 7.
He was somewhat peturbed, then, to see Beterli wandering over him. What does peturbed mean?
- A.
To make uneasy; to bother; disturb; agitate
- B.
To arouse a feeling or action
- C.
To make dim or dark; blocked
- D.
To press or impel to action; push
Correct Answer
A. To make uneasy; to bother; disturb; agitateExplanation
The word "peturbed" means to make someone uneasy, bother, disturb, or agitate them. In the given sentence, the person was somewhat bothered or disturbed to see Beterli wandering over him.Rate this question:
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- 8.
There was more pretige to impressing a blue or brown that a green. What does prestige mean?
- A.
To make uneasy; to bother; agitate
- B.
About to take place or happen; impending
- C.
To make easier, endure
- D.
Social or professional importance or distinction; honor
Correct Answer
D. Social or professional importance or distinction; honorExplanation
Prestige refers to the social or professional importance and distinction that someone possesses. It is a measure of honor and respect that is associated with someone's achievements or position in society. In the given context, impressing a blue or brown (presumably referring to individuals of higher social or professional status) carries more weight and significance compared to impressing a green (someone of lower status).Rate this question:
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- 9.
From somewhere, other boys appeared, some with barrows, some mysteriously altered to the prospect of a confrontation among their numbers. What does confrontation mean?
- A.
To have a controlling desire; a goal
- B.
To demand immediate attention
- C.
A face to face meeting; a battle
- D.
To be scornful or arrogant
Correct Answer
C. A face to face meeting; a battleExplanation
Confrontation means a face to face meeting; a battle. In the given context, it suggests that the appearance of other boys, some with barrows and some mysteriously altered, led to a potential clash or conflict among them. The word "confrontation" implies a direct and possibly hostile encounter between the boys, indicating that they may engage in a physical or verbal confrontation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Then the enticing view was obscured as Keevan passed into the hatching ground cavern. What does obscured mean?
- A.
To arouse to a feeling or action
- B.
To be chosen
- C.
To make more bearable
- D.
To make dim or dark; to block
Correct Answer
D. To make dim or dark; to blockExplanation
The word "obscured" means to make something dim or dark, or to block it. In the given sentence, it suggests that the enticing view was no longer visible or clear as Keevan entered the hatching ground cavern.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Beterli provoked a fight. What does provoked mean?
- A.
To make dim or dark, to block
- B.
To arouse to a feeling or action; to incite; aggrivate
- C.
To have as a controlling desire for something
- D.
To press or impel to action; push
Correct Answer
B. To arouse to a feeling or action; to incite; aggrivateExplanation
The word "provoked" means to arouse someone to a feeling or action, to incite them, or to aggravate them. In the given context, Beterli's actions led to a fight, implying that he did something to rouse or irritate someone, causing them to react aggressively.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Someone sniggered, and Keevan, incredulous, knew that he must've been dropped from the candidacy. What does incredulous mean?
- A.
To be disbelieving; skeptical; questioning
- B.
To make uneasy; to bother or disturb
- C.
To arouse to a feeling or action; to anger
- D.
To be chosen; desirable
Correct Answer
A. To be disbelieving; skeptical; questioningExplanation
In this context, the word "incredulous" is used to describe Keevan's reaction to someone sniggering. It suggests that Keevan is surprised and unable to believe that he has been dropped from the candidacy. The word implies a sense of skepticism and doubt, indicating that Keevan does not easily accept or believe what has happened.Rate this question:
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- 13.
It was therefore imperative that Keevan Impress a dragon in his first hatching. What does imperative mean?
- A.
To have as a controlling desire for something
- B.
Qualified to participate or to be chosen
- C.
To cause to spread thin or scatter; gradually vanish
- D.
Unavoidable fact; demanding immediate attention
Correct Answer
D. Unavoidable fact; demanding immediate attentionExplanation
The word "imperative" is used in the sentence to describe the situation of Keevan needing to impress a dragon. This suggests that it is a fact or situation that cannot be avoided and requires immediate attention. Therefore, the correct answer is "unavoidable fact; demanding immediate attention."Rate this question:
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- 14.
A bronze rider could aspire to become Weyrleader. What does aspire mean?
- A.
To be chosen; desireable
- B.
To press or impel into action
- C.
To be scornful; arrogant; desrespectful
- D.
To have as a controlling desire for something; ulitmate goal
Correct Answer
D. To have as a controlling desire for something; ulitmate goalExplanation
Aspire means to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. In this context, a bronze rider, who is a rank in the fictional world of Pern, can have the ultimate goal of becoming a Weyrleader, which is a higher and more prestigious position.Rate this question:
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- 15.
He would have liked to wipe the contemptuous smile from Beterli's face, but the guy didn't fight fair even when a wingsecond was watching. What does contemtuous mean?
- A.
Social or professional importance or distinction
- B.
Unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true
- C.
Manifesting; feeling; scornful; arrogant
- D.
Qualified to participate or to be chosen
Correct Answer
C. Manifesting; feeling; scornful; arrogantExplanation
The word "contemptuous" means showing or feeling scornful and arrogant behavior. In the given sentence, the protagonist wants to wipe the contemptuous smile from Beterli's face, indicating that Beterli is displaying a scornful and arrogant smile.Rate this question:
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- 16.
He didn't see the consternation in the watching Weyrfolk above the Hatching Ground, nor did he hear the excited whispers of speculation. What does consternation mean?
- A.
A sudden fear of dread that makes one feel helpless or unable to act
- B.
Shameful, disgraceful
- C.
Not paying attention; unaware
- D.
A list of names; roll
Correct Answer
A. A sudden fear of dread that makes one feel helpless or unable to actExplanation
Consternation refers to a state of sudden fear or dread that overwhelms an individual, causing them to feel helpless or unable to act. In this context, the protagonist is unaware of the consternation among the watching Weyrfolk above the Hatching Ground, indicating that they are oblivious to the fear and concern that others are experiencing.Rate this question:
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- 17.
With a sinking heart, Keevan knew what the news must be, and he could only stare with intense desolation at the older boy. What does desolation mean?
- A.
A list of names; roll
- B.
Not paying attention; unaware
- C.
A feeling of being abandoned; loneliness
- D.
Shameful; disgraceful
Correct Answer
C. A feeling of being abandoned; lonelinessExplanation
Desolation means a feeling of being abandoned or loneliness. In the given context, Keevan is staring at the older boy with intense desolation, which implies that he is feeling a deep sense of loneliness or abandonment. This suggests that the news he is expecting is likely to be something negative or disheartening.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Now everyone would see his ignominious failure. What does ignominious mean?
- A.
Shameful; disgraceful
- B.
A sudden fear of dread that makes one feel helpless
- C.
Blocked; to make dim or dark
- D.
About to take place or happen, impending
Correct Answer
A. Shameful; disgracefulExplanation
Ignominious means shameful or disgraceful. In this context, it suggests that the person's failure is embarrassing and brings them a sense of dishonor.Rate this question:
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- 19.
"Now, K'last, just look at the roster this Impression. Seventy-two boys and only forty eggs. ect." What does roster mean?
- A.
A list of names; roll
- B.
Widely recognized importance
- C.
Shameful, disgraceful
- D.
Arrogant; scornful
Correct Answer
A. A list of names; rollExplanation
The word "roster" is used in the context of looking at a list of names or a roll. In this case, the speaker is referring to a roster that contains the names of seventy-two boys. Therefore, the correct answer is "a list of names; roll."Rate this question:
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- 20.
___________ : conflict : battle: fight
- A.
Obscure
- B.
Prestige
- C.
Alleviate
- D.
Confrontation
Correct Answer
D. ConfrontationExplanation
The relationship between the words in the given analogy is that "conflict" is a synonym of "battle" and "fight". Therefore, we need to find a word from the answer choices that is also a synonym of "conflict". The word "confrontation" fits this criteria as it means a direct conflict or face-to-face encounter between two parties.Rate this question:
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- 21.
____________ : qualified : desirable
- A.
Aspire
- B.
Eligible
- C.
Dissipate
- D.
Imperative
Correct Answer
B. EligibleExplanation
The word "eligible" fits the given analogy because just as being qualified is desirable, being eligible is also desirable. When someone is eligible, it means they meet the necessary requirements or qualifications for a particular opportunity or status. Therefore, "eligible" is the correct answer in this analogy.Rate this question:
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- 22.
___________ : dark: obstructed: blocked
- A.
Jeered
- B.
Aspired
- C.
Obscured
- D.
Imminent
Correct Answer
C. ObscuredExplanation
The word "obscured" is the correct answer because it is related to the word "dark" in the same way as "obstructed" is related to "blocked". Both "obscured" and "obstructed" indicate something that is not clearly visible or accessible. Therefore, "obscured" is the most appropriate choice for completing the analogy.Rate this question:
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- 23.
_________ : instant; immediate ; urgent
- A.
Imperative
- B.
Incredulous
- C.
Goaded
- D.
Provoked
Correct Answer
A. ImperativeExplanation
The word "imperative" is synonymous with "instant," "immediate," and "urgent." It implies a sense of urgency or importance, suggesting that something needs to be done immediately or without delay. The other options, such as "incredulous," "goaded," and "provoked," do not carry the same meaning as the given words or fit the context of the question.Rate this question:
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- 24.
__________ : arrogant : scornful: disrespectful
- A.
Obscured
- B.
Eligible
- C.
Alleviate
- D.
Contemptuous
Correct Answer
D. ContemptuousExplanation
The word "contemptuous" is the correct answer because it is synonymous with both "arrogant" and "scornful," as well as "disrespectful." When someone is contemptuous, they display a feeling of disdain or scorn towards others, showing a lack of respect. Therefore, "contemptuous" fits well with the given word relationship.Rate this question:
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- 25.
__________ ; disbelieving ; skeptical : questioning
- A.
Imperative
- B.
Incredulous
- C.
Eligible
- D.
Perturbed
Correct Answer
B. IncredulousExplanation
The given question presents a set of words and asks for a word that is similar in meaning to "disbelieving" and "skeptical." The word that fits this description is "incredulous." When someone is incredulous, they are unwilling or unable to believe something. This matches the meaning of "disbelieving" and "skeptical," as all three words convey a sense of doubt or disbelief. Therefore, "incredulous" is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 26.
_________ : honor : status : fame
- A.
Perturbed
- B.
Aspire
- C.
Obscured
- D.
Prestige
Correct Answer
D. PrestigeExplanation
The given analogy follows a pattern of relating words that are synonyms or closely related. "Honor" is a synonym of "prestige," and "status" is also closely related to "prestige." Similarly, "fame" is related to "prestige" as they both represent a high level of recognition and admiration. Therefore, "prestige" is the correct answer as it completes the analogy by maintaining the pattern of synonymous or related words.Rate this question:
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- 27.
___________ : impending : threatening; expectant
- A.
Imminent
- B.
Perturbed
- C.
Confrontation
- D.
Jeered
Correct Answer
A. ImminentExplanation
The word "imminent" means something that is about to happen or occur very soon. It is often used to describe a situation or event that is impending or about to take place. In this context, the word "imminent" is synonymous with "impending" as both words convey the idea of something threatening or expectant. Therefore, "imminent" is the correct answer because it best matches the given relationship between the words.Rate this question:
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- 28.
_________ : annoyed : instigate : enrage
- A.
Provoked
- B.
Imminent
- C.
Alleviate
- D.
Confrontation
Correct Answer
A. ProvokedExplanation
The word "provoked" fits the given analogy because it shares a similar relationship with "annoyed" as "instigate" does with "enrage". Just as "instigate" is a stronger form of "annoyed" that leads to "enrage", "provoked" is a stronger form of "annoyed" that also leads to "enrage".Rate this question:
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- 29.
__________ : lessen: revieve
- A.
Eligible
- B.
Imperative
- C.
Obscure
- D.
Alleviate
Correct Answer
D. AlleviateExplanation
The word "alleviate" is a synonym for "lessen" and "relieve". It means to make something less severe or to ease a burden or pain. Therefore, "alleviate" is the correct answer as it best fits the given relationship between the words. The other options do not have the same meaning or relationship to the word "lessen".Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 24, 2010Quiz Created by
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