Vocabulary in Context
In the sentence “The old mansion was a relic of a bygone era,” what does “relic” most nearly mean?
A) A new invention
B) An artifact from the past
C) A modern building
D) A work of fiction
B) An artifact from the past
If a character avoids a certain street because of past experiences, what can you infer about that character’s feelings?
The character likely feels fearful, anxious, or uncomfortable about the street due to negative or traumatic past experiences.
Identify the literary device in this sentence: “The wind whispered secrets through the trees.”
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Personification
D) Hyperbole
C) Personification
Rewrite this sentence to make it clearer: “She went to the store, and also she bought some fruits that were fresh.”
She went to the store and bought fresh fruit.
Choose the best meaning of the underlined word based on context.
“The scientist’s theory was controversial because it challenged long-held beliefs.”
A) widely accepted
B) causing disagreement
C) easy to understand
D) unimportant
B) causing disagreement
“The politician’s speech was filled with rhetoric but lacked concrete plans,” what does rhetoric most nearly mean?
A) Honest communication
B) Persuasive language
C) Confusing jargon
D) Factual evidence
B) Persuasive language
If a text states that a city’s population has “skyrocketed” in recent years, what does this suggest about the city?
The city’s population has increased rapidly and significantly.
Recent studies reveal that certain species of birds use tools to extract insects from tree bark. This behavior challenges earlier beliefs that tool use was unique to humans and some primates. Scientists are intrigued by these findings, as they suggest a more complex level of cognition in the animal kingdom than previously understood.
What effect does the phrase "more complex level of cognition" have on readers?
It emphasizes that the intelligence and mental abilities of animals, specifically these birds, are deeper and more advanced than previously believed, which may surprise readers and challenge their assumptions about animal behavior.
Revise this sentence to eliminate redundancy: “He returned back to the house after the party was over.”
After the party was over, he returned to the house.
or
He returned to the house when the party was over.
Read this sentence: “After the storm, the streets were empty, and the sky was gray and heavy.” What can you infer about the mood?
The mood is somber, gloomy, and possibly tense or reflective, suggesting a feeling of quietness or sadness after a difficult event.
Choose the word that best fits the sentence: “The artist’s work was celebrated for its innovative use of color and form.”
A) Traditional
B) Creative and new
C) Unfinished
D) Simple
B) Creative and new
A passage describes a character who avoids eye contact and speaks softly. What might you infer about the character’s personality?
The character may be shy, nervous, insecure, or lacking confidence.
Festivals around the world serve as vibrant expressions of cultural identity. Whether through dance, music, or food, these celebrations strengthen community bonds and preserve heritage. Though modern influences sometimes alter traditional practices, many communities strive to maintain the authenticity of their festivities.
What is the author’s tone toward cultural festivals?
The tone is positive and respectful, appreciating festivals as lively, important expressions of cultural identity that foster community and preserve traditions despite changes over time.
An essay includes this sentence: “The author’s vivid description creates a strong emotional impact.” Where is the best place to insert this quote from the text?
A) At the very end of the paragraph discussing the author’s descriptive language.
B) Before introducing the author’s style.
C) In the middle of unrelated background information.
D) At the very beginning of the essay.
At the very end of the paragraph discussing the author’s descriptive language.
A passage argues that education improves economic opportunities. Which of the following is the strongest evidence to support this claim?
A) “Many people enjoy learning new things.”
B) “Studies show that individuals with college degrees tend to earn higher salaries.”
C) “Some jobs do not require formal education.”
D) “Education systems vary worldwide."
B) “Studies show that individuals with college degrees tend to earn higher salaries.”
In the early 20th century, cities underwent rapid transformation. Skyscrapers emerged as symbols of progress and ambition, towering over streets bustling with commerce. Yet beneath this gleaming facade, many workers faced grueling conditions and scant pay. The duality of prosperity and hardship shaped the urban landscape, inspiring reformers to advocate for change.
What does "gleaming facade" most nearly mean?
A) Shiny outer appearance
B) Structural weakness
C) Hidden disaster
D) Temporary design
A) Shiny outer appearance
Recent studies reveal that certain species of birds use tools to extract insects from tree bark. This behavior challenges earlier beliefs that tool use was unique to humans and some primates. Scientists are intrigued by these findings, as they suggest a more complex level of cognition in the animal kingdom than previously understood.
What is the significance of the birds’ tool use according to the passage?
The birds’ tool use shows that some animals have higher cognitive abilities than previously thought, challenging the idea that tool use is unique to humans and primates.
In the early 20th century, cities underwent rapid transformation. Skyscrapers emerged as symbols of progress and ambition, towering over streets bustling with commerce. Yet beneath this gleaming facade, many workers faced grueling conditions and scant pay. The duality of prosperity and hardship shaped the urban landscape, inspiring reformers to advocate for change.
How does the word choice (“gleaming facade” vs. “grueling conditions”) affect the tone?
The contrasting word choices create a tone of complexity and tension by highlighting the difference between the outward appearance of prosperity (“gleaming facade”) and the harsh reality faced by workers (“grueling conditions”), suggesting underlying social issues beneath surface success.
Combine the following sentences for clarity:
“The movie was exciting. It was also very long and exhausting.”
The movie was exciting, but it was very long and exhausting.
Although the movie was exciting, it was very long and exhausting.
or
Despite being long and exhausting, the movie was exciting.
In the early 20th century, cities underwent rapid transformation. Skyscrapers emerged as symbols of progress and ambition, towering over streets bustling with commerce. Yet beneath this gleaming facade, many workers faced grueling conditions and scant pay. The duality of prosperity and hardship shaped the urban landscape, inspiring reformers to advocate for change.
What is the author’s likely purpose in describing both progress and hardship?
The author aims to show that while cities appeared successful and advanced, serious social and economic problems existed beneath the surface, highlighting the need for reform
Recent studies reveal that certain species of birds use tools to extract insects from tree bark. This behavior challenges earlier beliefs that tool use was unique to humans and some primates. Scientists are intrigued by these findings, as they suggest a more complex level of cognition in the animal kingdom than previously understood.
The word "intrigued" most nearly means:
A) Confused
B) Interested
C) Disappointed
D) Unaware
B) Interested
In the early 20th century, cities underwent rapid transformation. Skyscrapers emerged as symbols of progress and ambition, towering over streets bustling with commerce. Yet beneath this gleaming facade, many workers faced grueling conditions and scant pay. The duality of prosperity and hardship shaped the urban landscape, inspiring reformers to advocate for change.
Why might reformers feel compelled to act during this period?
Reformers might feel compelled to act during this period because, despite the appearance of progress and prosperity symbolized by skyscrapers and bustling commerce, many workers were suffering from harsh working conditions and low pay. This contrast between wealth and hardship motivated reformers to seek social and labor improvements.
Hold fast to dreams.
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
How does the use of imagery in a poem create a mood of melancholy?
The imagery of a “broken-winged bird that cannot fly” and a “barren field frozen with snow” evokes feelings of loss, despair, and emptiness, which together establish a somber, melancholic mood.
A paragraph explains the impact of social media on communication. Where should you place the quote: “Social media has revolutionized the way people connect and share information”?
A) Right after the topic sentence introducing social media’s impact.
B) At the end of the essay’s introduction.
C) In a paragraph about traditional media.
D) In a paragraph about dietary habits.
A) Right after the topic sentence introducing social media’s impact.
The author claims that regular exercise benefits mental health. Which sentence provides the best support for this claim?
A) “Exercise strengthens muscles and bones.”
B) “Research indicates that physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
C) “People often exercise in gyms.”
D) “Some sports are more popular than others.”
B) “Research indicates that physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”