Context Clues
Despite being praised by critics, the film's commercial performance was mediocre, earning just enough money to cover its production costs.
What does mediocre most nearly mean?
Average
Not very successful
For years, residents complained about the abandoned lot in the center of town. Within weeks of the city announcing plans for a public park, local businesses began renovating their storefronts and several nearby houses were listed for significantly higher prices.
Why did they do this?
People expect the park to increase the area's value.
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Many companies once believed employees were most productive when working under direct supervision. Recent studies, however, suggest that workers given greater autonomy often report higher job satisfaction and equal or greater productivity.
Main idea?
Employee autonomy may improve productivity and satisfaction.
During the 19th century, many factories employed children because they could be paid lower wages than adults. Reformers argued that this practice limited educational opportunities and exposed children to dangerous working conditions.
Which statement was stated in the passage?
A. Most factory owners opposed child labor.
B. Reformers believed child labor had negative consequences.
C. Children preferred factory work to education.
D. Child labor ended during the 19th century.
B. Reformers believed child labor had negative consequences.
The professor's explanation initially seemed coherent, but as she introduced more exceptions and qualifications, students found it increasingly difficult to follow her reasoning.
What does coherent most nearly mean?
Logical and easy to understand
Although the museum's newest exhibit received little advertising, tickets sold out every weekend for two months. The museum director later stated that social media had played a larger role than traditional marketing.
What does she mean?
Visitors likely spread information about the exhibit online.
The committee rejected the proposal from the consultants because it contained several unsupported assumptions.
What does it refer to?
The proposal
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A recent survey found that 62% of respondents read at least one book per month. Among those surveyed, younger adults were more likely to consume audiobooks, while older adults were more likely to read printed books.
Which statement is NOT supported by the passage?
A. More than half of respondents read at least one book monthly.
B. Younger adults were more likely to use audiobooks.
C. Older adults preferred printed books more often than younger adults.
D. Most respondents consumed books exclusively through audiobooks.
D. Most respondents consumed books exclusively through audiobooks.
Unlike his gregarious brother, who could start a conversation with anyone, Marcus often avoided social gatherings altogether.
What does gregarious most nearly mean?
Sociable / outgoing
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When the wolves approached the herd, the ranchers released the dogs, which quickly drove them away.
Who does them refer to?
The wolves
For centuries, maps were often designed not only to represent geography but also to project political power. Empires frequently enlarged their territories on maps while minimizing the importance of rival states.
Main idea?
Maps can reflect political agendas, not just geography.
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Although the kingdom appeared prosperous, historians now believe much of its wealth was illusory, sustained by debt and exaggerated reports of success.
What does illusory most nearly mean?
Not real / deceptive
The company insisted that the restructuring would not result in layoffs. However, several departments were merged, employee responsibilities increased, and managers were instructed to identify "redundant positions."
Why are they doing this?
Layoffs are likely being considered despite official statements.
The researchers criticized the earlier study for relying on data collected during an unusually warm year, which may have distorted its conclusions.
What does which refer to?
Data being collected during an unusually warm year
Researchers once assumed that intelligence could be measured through a single score. Contemporary psychologists increasingly argue that human intelligence consists of multiple distinct abilities that interact in complex ways.
Main idea?
Modern views of intelligence are more complex than earlier ones.
The expedition reached the mountain's summit three days later than planned after severe weather blocked several routes. Although the delay increased costs, team members reported that safety remained their highest priority throughout the journey.
Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?
A. The expedition failed.
B. Team members ignored safety concerns.
C. Weather affected the expedition's schedule.
D. The team intentionally increased expenses.
C. Weather affected the expedition's schedule.
The scientist remained circumspect when discussing the preliminary findings, emphasizing that a single study rarely provides sufficient evidence for broad conclusions.
What does circumspect most nearly mean?
Careful and cautious
The mayor repeatedly described the project as "cost-neutral." Yet every time reporters asked for detailed budget figures, officials provided estimates rather than exact numbers and postponed the release of financial reports.
Why are they doing this?
The true costs may be uncertain or politically sensitive.
The historian compared the letters with official records from the period, leading her to question their authenticity.
What does their refer to?
The letters
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While many historians once viewed the empire's decline as sudden, newer research suggests that economic instability, political conflict, and environmental pressures had weakened the state for decades before its collapse.
Which statement would the author most likely support?
A. The empire collapsed because of a single event.
B. Historians completely agree on the causes of the collapse.
C. The empire's decline may have been a long-term process.
D. Environmental pressures played no role in the collapse.
C. The empire's decline may have been a long-term process.