Context Clues
The committee was surprisingly temperate in its response, choosing to address the controversy calmly rather than inflame it further.
In this sentence, “temperate” most nearly means:
A) moderate
B) emotional
C) hostile
D) uncertain
Moderate
Context Clues: Calmly
Her ability to discern subtle shifts in tone made her an excellent editor.
“Discern” most nearly means:
A) hide
B) detect
C) question
D) analyze deeply
detect
Identify the context clues and definition.
If the lightbulb is too dim to illuminate the room, it should be replaced.
Light up
Context Clues: Lightbulb, dim
Although her apology sounded sincere, there was something contrived about her expression, as if she had practiced it beforehand.
“Contrived” most nearly means:
A) awkward
B) forced
C) genuine
D) accidental
forced
Identify the context clues and definition.
The old man ambled slowly down the path with his dog next to him.
Ambled means walked.
Context Clues: verb, connected with slowly and path
The company’s sudden decision to cut funding was met with vehement opposition from employees who feared for their jobs.
“Vehement” most nearly means:
A) mild
B) strong
C) silent
D) cautious
strong
Identify the context clues and definition.
My sister always sleeps with the door closed, but I prefer to sleep with it slightly ajar.
Ajar means open
Context Clues: closed, but (indicates that ajar is contrasting with closed)
The anthropology professor’s lecture was so esoteric that only a handful of students could fully grasp its meaning.
“Esoteric” most nearly means:
A) confusing
B) specialized
C) unpopular
D) outdated
specialized
Identify the context clues and definition.
If you are going to give advice, make sure it is constructive and not hurtful.
Not hurtful
advice
Constructive means helpful or having a purpose
While the two authors differ in tone, their arguments ultimately converge on the idea that technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
“Converge” most nearly means:
A) focus
B) disagree
C) unite
D) shift
unite