1.
Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!”
The word “extensive” means __________.
Correct Answer
B. Large amount
Explanation
The word "extensive" means a large amount or a wide range. In the given context, Mr. Huge is proud of his auto superstore because it has a wide selection of cars, indicating that there are many options available. Therefore, the correct answer is "large amount".
2.
Friendship is a priceless thing. If Chris put a price, or conditions, on her friendship, it’s no longer priceless. In fact, it’s not real friendship at all!
If something is priceless, __________.
Correct Answer
C. It has great value
Explanation
If something is described as priceless, it means that it has great value. The word "priceless" implies that the item or concept cannot be assigned a monetary value because it is considered to be extremely valuable or precious. In the context of the given explanation, friendship is described as priceless because it holds immense value and cannot be measured or quantified in terms of money or conditions.
3.
The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again?
A fabrication is __________.
Correct Answer
D. Fake
Explanation
A fabrication refers to something that is fake or not true. In the context of the given situation, the news story was based on a letter that turned out to be a fabrication, meaning it was not genuine or accurate. As a result, the reporter who wrote the story is facing significant trouble because their credibility has been compromised. The word "fake" accurately describes the situation and the consequences the reporter is now facing.
4.
The reporter insisted that the letter he used was authentic. He said that he had shown it to many experts before he used it in his story.
When something is authentic, it’s __________.
Correct Answer
A. Genuine or real
Explanation
The reporter claimed that the letter he used was authentic because he had shown it to many experts before using it in his story. This implies that the letter is genuine or real, as the experts would have confirmed its authenticity.
5.
In 1975, Governor James promised to do something about the high taxes in our state. She didn’t present a tax cut bill to lawmakers until 1985. It took her a decade to keep her promise, but better late than never.
How long is a decade?
Correct Answer
D. 10 years
Explanation
A decade refers to a period of 10 years. In this given context, it took Governor James 10 years to fulfill her promise of presenting a tax cut bill to lawmakers, which aligns with the definition of a decade.
6.
Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match.
When you describe an event as “transient,” you are saying that __________.
Correct Answer
D. It doesn't last long
Explanation
When you describe an event as "transient," you are saying that it doesn't last long.
7.
Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music.
A dispute is a __________.
Correct Answer
D. Disagreement
Explanation
A dispute is a disagreement. In this scenario, Brea and Elizabeth are having a disagreement over which radio station to play at work. They have different preferences and cannot agree on the same kind of music.
8.
When they heard the good news about the court’s decision, the angry crowd cheered and then began to disperse. “It looks like everyone is going home,” one reporter stated.
Which would be the opposite of “disperse”?
Correct Answer
A. Come together
Explanation
The opposite of "disperse" would be to "come together".
9.
It’s a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions.
What does “distinct” mean?
Correct Answer
C. Clearly different
Explanation
The word "distinct" means clearly different. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that the two candidates are easily distinguishable from each other and have contrasting qualities or ideologies. The speaker finds it surprising that anyone could still be undecided because the candidates are so clearly different from one another.
10.
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 context, the cousin's explanation of the doors being frozen shut is considered plausible because it got really cold last night, which could have caused the doors to freeze. However, there may still be some doubts or skepticism about the cousin's explanation, hence the phrase "I'll just have to take his word for it."
11.
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 cut back or decrease. The word "reduce" also means to decrease or make something smaller. Therefore, "reduce" is a synonym of "curtail".
12.
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" refers to something that is done secretly or in a concealed manner. Similarly, the word "secret" also means something that is not known or seen by others. Therefore, "secret" is a synonym of "clandestine" as both words convey the idea of something being kept hidden or confidential.
13.
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
"Inhibit" means to block or slow down. In this context, the medicine is being used to prevent the infection from spreading by blocking or slowing down its attempt to do so.
14.
Poor Farmer Chevez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.
Correct Answer
C. Works
Explanation
The given correct answer is "works." This answer is supported by the statement that Poor Farmer Chevez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. This implies that he spends most of his time working and does not have any leisure time. The suggestion that everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation further emphasizes the idea that Chevez is constantly working and deserves better.
15.
It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for a while.
Correct Answer
A. People living as members of a group.
Explanation
The given statement suggests that the person is not unfriendly, but sometimes they prefer to be alone and separate themselves from society. This implies that they value their solitude and prefer to spend time by themselves rather than being part of a group. Therefore, the correct answer is "people living as members of a group" because it contrasts with the person's desire to be alone and suggests that they do not always want to be part of a social setting.
16.
Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the house.
An intruder is someone who intrudes. To intrude is to _________.
Correct Answer
C. go where one is not wanted or doesn't belong
Explanation
To intrude means to go where one is not wanted or doesn't belong. In the context of the given question, an intruder is someone who enters a house without permission or authorization, thus going where they are not wanted or don't belong. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the definition of intrude.
17.
Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.
Correct Answer
A. The first or main one
Explanation
The scientists want to hear the opinion of our professor because he is considered the foremost expert in their field. This suggests that he holds a significant position in terms of knowledge and expertise, making his opinion highly valuable and influential. Therefore, he is referred to as the "first or main one" in this context.
18.
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 phrase "carry out" means to put a plan or action into effect or to perform a task. In this context, the speaker is expressing their hope that the plan will be implemented and executed successfully. The phrase suggests that the plan is well thought out and now it is time to see if it will be as effective as claimed.
19.
If your plan fails, we’ll have to find someone who can devise a better one.
Correct Answer
A. Design
Explanation
The given sentence states that if the plan fails, an alternative person will need to come up with a better plan. The word "design" fits this context as it refers to the act of creating or devising something, such as a plan or strategy. Therefore, "design" is the correct answer.
20.
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 phrase "I tend to be optimistic, so I won't be surprised when you succeed" suggests that the speaker has a positive outlook and believes that the plan will be successful. This aligns with the meaning of "expecting the best to happen." The other options, such as needing glasses to see or being full of glass, do not fit the context of the sentence and are unrelated to the speaker's optimistic attitude. Additionally, there is no indication of being unselfish in the sentence.