Vocabulary Definitions
Antonyms/ Synonyms
Impact on Meaning
Impact on Tone
Connotation
100

Noisy, energetic, and cheerful

Which word does this define?

A.  Deluge
B.  Boisterous
C.  Prominent
D.  Elaborate

B. Boisterous

100

She needed concrete evidence to support her argument in the debate. 

Which is a synonym for “concrete”?

A.  Dominate
B.  Tangible  
C.  Boycott
D.  Vibrant

B.  Tangible

100

“How are things going at work, Ella?” ask Janette.

“I’m in predicament,” replied Ella.  “How about you?”

The use of the word “predicament” indicates that Ella is - 

A.  having a good time at work.
B.  meeting a new client at work.
C.  having difficulty at work.
D.  learning a new skill at work. 

C.having difficulty at work.

A “predicament” is a “difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation”.

100

“All my friends are against me,” shouted Bill.  “They accused me of taking the wallet without any proof at all.  I’m never going to talk to any of them again.”

What is the tone of this excerpt?

A.  Humorous
B.  Bitter
C . Optimistic
D.  Impartial 

B.  Bitter

100

McDonald’s food is inexpensive.  In order to indicate a negative connotation, the word “inexpensive” should be changed to –

A.Expensive

B.Cheap

C.  Substantial

B. Cheap

200

Which word means “very happy”?

A.  Significant
B.  Unique
C.  Jovial  
D.  Marvel 

C. Jovial

200

Her careless approach led to many mistakes, whereas her teammate worked with great dedication and attention to detail.

Which is an antonym for “careless”?

A. Lazy
B. Diligent
C. Domestic
D. Improvise

B. Diligent

“Diligent” mean “hard-working and conscientious” which is the opposite of “careless”.


200

Jessica looked out of the window.  “I won’t be able to weed the garden today if it rains,” she said to her mother.

Mother looked out the same window.  “The rain’s inevitable,” she responded. 

The use of the word “inevitable” indicates that –

 A.  Jessica will be able to weed.

B.  Jessica will not be able to weed.

C.  Mother is unsure whether it will rain.

B.Jessica will not be able to weed.

The word “inevitable” means “certain to happen; unavoidable”.  Since it will rain, Jessica will not be able to weed. 

200

“Of course I’ll clean your room for you,” said mother. 

“Right after they crown me Queen of England.”

What is the tone of this excerpt?

A.  Sarcastic
B.  Depressing
C . Serious
D.  Objective

A.  Sarcastic

200

The candidate was described as confident. To indicate a more negative connotation, the word "confident" should be replaced with –

A) Arrogant
B) Secure
C) Self-assured
D) Positive

A. Arrogant

300

To obtain or bring about by discussion.

Which word does this define?

A.  Negotiate
B.  Designate
C.  Subsequent
D.  Omniscient  

A. Negotiate

300

She gave specific instructions to ensure there was no confusion about the task. 

Which is a synonym for “specific”?

A.  Preliminary
B.  Drastic
C.  Prosper
D.  Distinct

D.  Distinct

300

“How did the Giants do tonight?” asked Juan.

“The Eagles dominated the game,” replied his father.

The use of the word “dominated” indicates that –

A.  The Giants won the game.
B.  The Eagles won the game.
C.  The game ended in a tie.  

B.The Eagles won the game.

The word “dominating” means “having a commanding position”, so they won the game. 

300

The snow fell softly all the night
And slowly all the world went white.
So softly did the snowflakes fall
I slept and heard them not at all.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

A. Serious
B. Regretful
C. Indignant
D. Gentle

D.  Gentle

300

The building is old. To make it sound more positive, "old" could be changed to –

A) Ancient
B) Vintage
C) Aged
D) Worn

B. Vintage

400

Something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.

Which word does this define?

A.  Controversy
B.  Accommodate
C.  Supplement
D.  Formulates 

C.  Supplement

400

His honesty made him a reliable friend, unlike those who deceived and betrayed others for their own gain. 

Which is an antonym for “honesty”? 

A.  Plummet
B.  Collide  
C.  Treacherous
D.  Diversity 

C.Treacherous

“Treacherous” means guilty of or involving betrayal or deception.  This is the opposite of “honesty”. 

400

“I can’t believe George works here!  Is he the captain of the boat, or a crewmember?” asked Joan.

“He’s a subordinate,” replied Tom.

The use of the word “subordinate” indicates that –

A.  Tom doesn’t want to reveal George’s position.
B.  George is the captain of the boat.
C.  George is a crewmember on the boat.

C.  George is a crewmember on the boat.

A “subordinate” is someone who is “lower in rank or position”, so George would have to be a crewmember, not a captain.

400

“I’m so excited about your visit!  We will have plenty of time to relax by the pool during the day, and shop in town at night.”

What is the tone of this excerpt?

A. Pessimistic
B. Serious
C. Upbeat
D. Sarcastic 

C. Upbeat

400

The child was playful. To imply a more negative connotation, the word "playful" should be changed to –

A) Mischievous
B) Energetic
C) Fun-loving
D) Joyful

A. Mischievous

500

Timothy cleaned his room so thoroughly that not a single particle of dust remained. Nothing was out of place, nor was there even the smallest bit of dirt or grime on any surface. ____ 

Choose the correct definition of the word particle

 a. small amount b. package c. leftover

A. Small amount


500

She spent weeks to design the perfect layout for the project, while he decided to make changes on the fly without any planning. 

Which is an antonym for “design”?

A.  Improvise  
B.  Possess
C.  Supplement
D.  Unanimous

A.Improvise

“Improvise” means “to create spontaneously or without preparation.”  This is the opposite of “design” which means “to create according to a plan”. 

500

“What do you think about Caryn’s decision to hire an interior decorator?” asked Gene.

“I think it is ingenious,” replied Alex.

The use of the word “ingenious” indicates that –

A.  Gene thinks it is a bad idea.
B.  Alex thinks it is a wonderful idea.
C.  Gene is unsure about the idea.
D.  Alex isn’t thrilled with the idea.

B.Alex thinks it is a wonderful idea.

An “ingenious” idea is one that is “clever, original, and inventive”. 

500

Virginia’s Henrico Hospital has been named one of the top hospitals and workplaces for nurses.

Out of 107 Virginia hospitals, Henrico Hospital ranks 12th on the list of top hospitals to work for and has one of the highest levels of job satisfaction among its nurses.

What is the tone of this excerpt?

A.  Pessimistic
B.  Professional
C.  Sympathetic

B.  Professional

500

The restaurant’s portions are generous. To make it sound more negative, "generous" should be replaced with –

A) Abundant                                                        B) Excessive
C) Sizable
D) Sufficient

B.Excessive