Writing
Servals are medium-sized, gold-colored cats covered in darker patterns of stripes and spots. Having a lighter-colored coat with a darker pattern makes them more difficult to spot them.
a. NO CHANGE b.makes them c. makes it d. make it
c. makes it
In the sentence, “After months of uncertainty, the CEO’s resignation was merely the final catalyst for a long-overdue reorganization,” the word catalyst most nearly means:
A. chemical compound
B. triggering event
C. unnecessary addition
D. temporary setback
B. triggering event
In the sentence, “The artist’s ideas were so eclectic that critics struggled to categorize her,” the word eclectic most nearly means:
A. overly predictable
B. unpopular
C. multi-sourced
D. outdated
C. multi-sourced
In the sentence, “After the scandal, the politician tried to save face by issuing a public apology,” the phrase save face means:
A. hide from the public
B. preserve one’s reputation
C. deny responsibility
D. blame others
B. preserve one’s reputation
9. In the sentence, “Jessa finally decided to bury the hatchet with her roommate,” the phrase means:
A. throw away weapons
B. move out
C. hide her feelings
D. make peace with
D. make peace with
Marine welding has become a highly specialized and monetary career.
a. no change b. exorbitant c. budgetary d. lucrative
d. lucrative
In the sentence, “Her argument was built on a tenuous connection between two unrelated statistics,” the word tenuous most nearly means:
A. widely accepted
B. mathematically proven
C. weak or flimsy
D. confusing
C. weak or flimsy
In the sentence, “He offered only a cursory glance at the report before approving it,” cursory means:
A. enthusiastic
B. superficial
C. hostile
D. detailed
B. superficial
In the sentence, “His explanation only added fuel to the fire,” the figurative phrase means:
A. started a literal fire
B. solved the issue
C. made the situation worse
D. distracted people
C. made the situation worse
“The new policy created a double-edged sword for employees,” the phrase means:
A. something extremely dangerous
B. something with both pros and cons
C. a historical reference
D. an outdated rule
B. something with both pros and cons
Her marriage with young Burden was the subject of sharp comment at the time.
Here, "sharp" most closely means __.
a. intense b. stabbing c. elegant d. punctual
a. intense
In the sentence, “The senator’s speech was filled with platitudes that failed to inspire the audience,” the word platitudes most nearly means:
A. insults
B. overused statements
C. technical language
D. lame jokes
B. overused statements
In the sentence, “Her kindness served as a buffer during tense moments,” the word buffer figuratively means:
A. chemical block
B. computer memory
C. protective barrier
D. disguise
C. protective barrier
In the sentence, “The coach’s speech lit a spark in the team,” the figurative phrase means:
A. caused an injury
B. confused them
C. inspired them
D. angered them
C. inspired them
“His apology was just lip service,” the figurative phrase means:
A. a medical condition
B. insincere words
C. a long speech
D. a compliment
B. insincere words
a. anarchy/powers b. edifice/complaints c.institution/results d. urbanity/ambitions e. organism/functions
e. organism/functions
In the sentence, “The scientist refused to draw conclusive claims from such a limited data set,” the word conclusive most nearly means:
A. surprising
B. decisive
C. speculative
D. generous
B. decisive
In the sentence, “After years of success, the company grew complacent and ignored early warnings,” complacent means:
A. humbled
B. careless
C. piquant
D. confused
B. careless
In the sentence, “She decided to take the high road and ignore the rude comments,” the phrase means:
A. choose the longer route
B. get revenge
C. act with integrity
D. avoid responsibility
.
C. act with integrity
15. In the sentence, “The company had to cut corners to finish the project on time,” the phrase means:
A. use fewer people
B. take more time
C. draw better designs
D. do something poorly
D. do something poorly
In his 40-year medical career, Jonas Salk did a stunning amount for humanity.
What does the italicized word likely mean?
a. gorgeous b. amazing c. perplexing d. critical e.unique
b. amazing
In the sentence, “The student’s explanation only muddied the issue further,” the word muddied figuratively means:
A. cleaned
B. confirmed
C. confused
D. clobbered
C. confused
In the sentence, “The author weaves humor throughout the memoir as a foil to the darker moments,” the word foil means:
A. kitchen item
B. contrast
C. dramatic twist
D. mistake
B. contrast
“Ethan’s confidence was shaken after the harsh critique,” shaken figuratively means:
A. physically moved
B. emotionally unsettled
C. excited
D. relieved
B. emotionally unsettled
“After hearing the news, Jordan realized he had to face the music,” the phrase means:
A. start a concert
B. avoid consequences
C. accept responsibility
D. calm down
C. accept responsibility