Vocabulary Definitions
Antonyms & Synonyms
Impact Meaning
Impact on Tone
Figurative Language, Connotative, and Denotation
100

noisy, energetic, and cheerful

Which word does this define?

A.  Deluge

B.  Boisterous

C.  Prominent

D.  Elaborate  

B.  Boisterous

100

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

Which is an antonym for “careless”?

A. Lazy

B. Diligent

C. Domestic

D. Improvise 

B Dilligent

“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.

D. None of the above

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

Game Changer, 2x!!!

Andrew and Michael had concerns about the server. Although they knew it was powerful, they worried about someone stealing their identity.  They decided to go with something more expensive.  

Which word in this excerpt is considered a technical term?

A.  Powerful

B.  Server

C.  Identity

D.  Expensive  

B.  Server

300

Game Changer, 2X!!

To obtain or bring about by discussion.

Which word does this define?

A.  Negotiate

B.  Designate

C.  Subsequent

D.  Omniscient  

A. Negotiate

300

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.   

D. All of the above

B.  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

Sue decided not to take the job at the bank.  It was a bad decision.  She didn’t realize that a good opportunity was knocking at her door.


Which figurative language device can be found in this excerpt?

A.  Simile
B.  Metaphor
C.  Personification

D.  Onomatopoeia

C. Personification

“She didn’t realize that a good opportunity was knocking at her door.”

Personification is when something non-human takes on human traits.

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

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.

D. None of the above


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

Game Changer, 2x!!

Choose the word with a positive connotation:

A. Monotonous  

B. Paraphrase

C. Terminate

D. Prominent 

D. Prominent

500

What does “persecution” mean?

As a result of the government´s persecution, the refugees fled their country in search of safety. 

The act of harming or bringing hostility to individuals based on ethinicity, religion, or political beliefs. 

500

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

Game Changer, 2x!!!

“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

Everyone waited for the door to open.  Instead of  wearing formal attire, Ingrid walked through the door looking like a clown.  Her hair was a mess, her jeans were ripped, and she was wearing two different shoes.  Her mother shook her head and walked away.  

What is emphasized with the simile in this excerpt?

A.  Mother’s disappointment
B.  Ingrid’s  sloppy attire
C.  the door opening
D.  Ingrid’s new job

B. Ingrid’s  sloppy attire

“Ingrid walked through the door looking like a clown”

Ingrid wasn’t dressed like a clown, she was dressed very sloppily.