Vocab Skill
After she gave the lecture on molecular geometry, Dr. Jones realized that she would have to expound on the subject at greater length because the students looked confused and gave blank stares when she asked if there were any questions.
What is the meaning of the word expound as it is used in the sentence?
to explain in detail
Which option provides an accurate definition of the term explicit?
A.)lacking B.)clarity C.)implied D.)directly stated E.)complex
directly stated
Which response most clearly explains the difference in part of speech between digress and digressions?
A.)The adjective digress, meaning “to stray off topic,” is changed to the verb digressions by the addition of the suffixes -ion and -s.
B.)The verb digress, meaning “to stray off topic,” is changed to the plural noun digressions by the addition of the suffixes -ion and -s.
The verb digress, meaning “to stray off topic,” is changed to the plural noun digressions by the addition of the suffixes -ion and -s.
You have decided to try to define words as you are reading your assignments for school, instead of just skimming over the words you don’t know. What tool should you be sure to have at your disposal?
dictionary
Which sentence most effectively uses the word vestige?
1.Despite the people’s best efforts at survival, no vestige of their community remained following detonation of the bomb.
2.
Upon looking at the fallen bird, the two young boys quickly understood that no vestige in the world would save the creature.
3.
Before his wife could disagree, Brian snatched the TV controls and sank down into the cushions of his favorite sofa to watch the show’s vestige.
Despite the people’s best efforts at survival, no vestige of their community remained following detonation of the bomb.
arduous
extremely difficult to achieve
Which synonym most accurately conveys the meaning of the word credulous?
trusting
Which response most clearly explains how to change the noun peril, meaning “danger,” to an adjective meaning “dangerous”?
1.Add the suffixes -ous and -ly to create the adjective perilously.
2.Add the suffix -ous to create the adjective perilous.
3.Add the suffix -ing to create the adjective periling.
4.Add the suffix -ous to create the adjective perilous.
Add the suffix -ous to create the adjective perilous.
You are watching The Weather Channel on your computer. A meteorologist is talking about a cloud phenomenon called a “scud,” but your sister interrupts you and you miss the explanation of what it is. Where can you find information on what a “scud” is?
glossary on the National Weather Service website
The police had been trying to capture the leader of the arson ring for weeks. Having received the tip about the secret meeting place of the arsonists, the police surreptitiously wired the abandoned warehouse with microphones and video cameras in order to catch him discussing his next crime.
Which options use the word surreptitiously as it is used in the paragraph?
1. Reaching into the open bag next to her, the thief surreptitiously retrieved the leather wallet and stuffed it in her own purse before anyone could notice.
2.
The dark clouds loomed dangerously in the sky as the landscaper surreptitiously mowed the lawn in the hope of avoiding the coming downpour.
3.Betty always wanted to be a grandmother, but since her daughter never had a child, she surreptitiously wanted to meet her first grandchild.
Reaching into the open bag next to her, the thief surreptitiously retrieved the leather wallet and stuffed it in her own purse before anyone could notice.
contrive
to plan cleverly; develop or devise
What response most accurately defines perspective?
1.a person’s attitude or opinion about someone or something
2.a person’s inclinations toward someone or something
3.a person’s prejudices or misconceptions about someone or something
a person’s attitude or opinion about someone or something
Which sentence uses the word taciturn correctly?
1.Sasha’s uncle was usually reserved and taciturn, so the family was quite surprised when he talked animatedly all through dinner.
2. The presidential nominee was loudly cheered by the taciturn crowd; as he mounted the stage, the noise in the stadium was deafening.
3.The news reporter tirelessly pursued the truth for her story with taciturn determination; she would not allow the perpetrator to avoid justice.
Sasha’s uncle was usually reserved and taciturn, so the family was quite surprised when he talked animatedly all through dinner.
Which option most accurately identifies the two types of characterization?
1.direct and indirect
2.static and dynamic
3.round and flat
direct and indirect
Boarding a plane to New York City, Jane felt a sizzle of excitement for all the adventures she would have in the city. Her favorite thing to do was visit the Freedom Tower, which stands proud, powerfully surmounting even the tallest skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline.
Which context clues are most helpful in defining the word surmounting?
1.even the tallest skyscrapers
2.a plane to New York City
3.Freedom Tower, which stands proud
even the tallest skyscrapers
obstinacy
quality of being stubborn or persistent in a course of action
Jacob’s goal was to contrive a comprehensive plan that would allow him to complete his research paper before leaving for his family’s vacation.
Which word or phrase is a synonym of contrive?
1.come up with
2.design
3.enact
design
come up with
Which options name elements of a narrative text?
1.plot
2.characters
3.perspective
Plot Characters
The subject of bereavement is one that has often been treated powerfully by poets, who have run the whole gamut of the emotions while laying bare for us the agony of those who have lost parents, wives, children, gazelles, money, fame, dogs, cats, doves, sweethearts, horses, and even collar studs. But no poet has yet treated of the most poignant bereavement of all—that of the man halfway through a detective story who finds himself at bedtime without the book.
Based on its use in the excerpt, what is the meaning of poignant?
1.extremely moving
2.powerfully connecting
3.deeply uninterested
extremely moving
vulnerable
capable of being attacked or manipulated; lacking defenses
What option contains an accurate definition of the theme?
1.the universal truth that the author conveys through the characters and plot
2.the craft of writing, through which the reader understands linguistic and narrative elements
3.the summary that the reader conveys through the careful analysis of the important events
the universal truth that the author conveys through the characters and plot
In some ancient societies, women often had a servile role. They took care of their men, doing chores such as cooking and cleaning. On the other hand, in a few cultures, women held much of the power.
Based on the excerpt, which option provides the most accurate definition of the word servile?
1.submissive and subordinate
2.fundamental and basic
submissive and subordinate
Which option most accurately defines figurative language?
1.language that uses unconventional construction or differs from literal meaning to create a more powerful effect
2.language that orders words and sentences in a way that makes sense to create a linear effect
3.language that conveys factual information about a person, place, or thing to create a realistic effect
language that uses unconventional construction or differs from literal meaning to create a more powerful effect
Which passages most effectively use the word harangue?
1.The car was emitting a terrible noise as she turned the ignition. She sighed as she looked at the clock on the dashboard and thought of the harangue that awaited her at work.
2.The crowd listened uncomfortably as the drunken man harangued about the president’s social policies.
3.
The man listened attentively as his wife harangued about her enjoyable day. Her eyes were bright as she recounted the time spent at the mall and visiting with friends.
The car was emitting a terrible noise as she turned the ignition. She sighed as she looked at the clock on the dashboard and thought of the harangue that awaited her at work.
The crowd listened uncomfortably as the drunken man harangued about the president’s social policies.