Vocab In Context
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.
If something is ubiquitous, __________.
a. it is fuzzy and will bite you
b. it is everywhere
c. it costs too much money
d. it causes rashes
b. it is everywhere
Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United states until 1920.
What is “suffrage” ?
a. something that causes physical pain
b. an early flag
c. skirts that did not cover ankles
d. the right to vote
d. the right to vote
Turner almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning.
Which probably happened?
a. Turner realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts.
b. Turner had promised himself to do something silly that morning.
c. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain.
d. Turner planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride.
c. Turner had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain.
Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!
In the above context, what does “rash” mean?
a. an itchy skin condition
b. funny
c. trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese
d. with little thought or consideration
d. with little thought or consideration
Some people are sure that the new health care law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.
A controversy is something that people _______.
a. have strong disagreements over
b. blow their noses into
c. need to pay for a visit to a doctor
d. eat with sweet candy
a. have strong disagreements over
“Larry, as your boss, I must say it’s been very interesting working with you,” Miss Valdez said. “However, it seems that our company’s needs and your performance style are not well matched. Therefore, it makes me very sad to have to ask you to resign your position effective today.”
What was Miss Valdez telling Larry?
a. She would feel really bad if he decided to quit.
b. He was being fired.
c. He was getting a raise in pay.
d. She really enjoyed having him in the office.
b. He was being fired.
Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while?
What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?
a. hitting hard with a heavy tool
b. going to too many expensive parties
c. speaking or writing harshly about
d. voting for a different candidate
c. speaking or writing harshly about
Removing seeds from cotton plants was a slow job until Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.
What is a cotton gin?
a. a drink
b. a book
c. a machine
d. a cloth
c. a machine
No, Honey, I don’t want you to spend a lot of money on my birthday present. Just having you for a husband is the only gift I need. In fact, I’ll just drive my old rusty bucket of bolts down to the mall and buy myself a little present. And if the poor old car doesn't break down, I’ll be back soon.
What is the message?
a. I don’t want a gift.
b. Buy me a new car.
c. The mall is fun.
d. I’ll carry a bucket for you.
b. Buy me a new car.
Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research.
What does “esteemed” mean?
a. held over boiling water
b. very old
c. unable to chew gum
d. greatly admired
d. greatly admired
In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.
A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.
a. tickle
b. amuse
c. lose or misplace
d. frighten or intimidate
d. frighten or intimidate
Bill and Jessica were almost done taking turns choosing the players for their teams. It was Jessica’s turn to choose, and only Kurt was left. Jessica said, “Kurt.”
We can infer that ________
a. Kurt is not a very good player.
b. Jessica was pleased to have Kurt on her team.
c. Kurt was the best player on either team.
d. Jessica was inconsiderate of Kurt’s feelings.
a. Kurt is not a very good player.
I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder.
What is the meaning of “incentive”? __________.
a. a reason to do something
b. a small amount of money
c. a tax
d. a good job
a. a reason to do something
Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.
What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?
a. stands up straight
b. peeks at presents
c. drinks too much egg nog
d. goes back to being what he was
d. goes back to being what he was
Before the 1800's people didn't have right or left shoes. They had shoes of just one shape that they used for both feet. When people first saw right and left shoes, they laughed. They called them "crooked shoes." "What a silly idea," they said. You can tell that shoes before 1800:
a. were pretty
b. didn't fit very well
c. didn't look alike
d. didn't exist
b. didn't fit very well