1.
Donating blood to the Red Cross is a __________________ act.
Correct Answer
C. Benevolent
Explanation
The correct answer is "benevolent" because donating blood to the Red Cross is an act of kindness and goodwill towards others. It involves selflessly giving one's own blood to help those in need, which aligns with the definition of benevolence as an act of goodwill and generosity towards others.
2.
The beach is ______________ for many, but I think that finding parking makes it too stressful.
Correct Answer
D. Idyllic
Explanation
The word "idyllic" means extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque. In this context, the sentence suggests that the beach is generally considered to be a happy and peaceful place for many people. However, the speaker feels that the experience is marred by the stress of finding parking.
3.
The little girl's constant whining would ________________ Mark so much that Mark would leave whenever the child walked in the room.
Correct Answer
A. Exasperate
Explanation
The correct answer is "exasperate." This word means to irritate or annoy someone greatly. In the given sentence, the constant whining of the little girl bothers Mark so much that he chooses to leave the room whenever she enters. This suggests that her behavior is exasperating to him, causing him to feel frustrated or irritated.
4.
Even though we had extinguished the fire hours earlier, the embers were still _____________________. The coals would glow when we blew on them.
Correct Answer
B. Incandescent
Explanation
The correct answer is "incandescent." This word describes the state of the embers glowing and giving off light and heat. It suggests that the embers were still hot and capable of reigniting the fire if not properly handled.
5.
The young man was ________________ in the woods last week. The deviants got away with his ipod, his backpack, and his dignity.
Correct Answer
C. Assailed
Explanation
The word "assailed" means to attack or assault someone violently or aggressively. In the given context, the young man was attacked in the woods, resulting in the theft of his belongings and his dignity.
6.
I wanted to __________________ my brother's statement, but he was lying. I decided I could not tell a lie to protect him, so I said nothing.
Correct Answer
B. Corroborate
Explanation
The word "corroborate" means to confirm or support a statement or belief by providing evidence or proof. In this context, the narrator wanted to support or confirm their brother's statement, but they realized that he was lying. They decided not to lie themselves and chose to remain silent instead. Therefore, the correct answer is "corroborate" as it aligns with the narrator's intention and actions in the given situation.
7.
Gasoline is ________________, so one must be careful of static electricity when filling a gas can.
Correct Answer
A. Volatile
Explanation
Gasoline is volatile, meaning it easily evaporates at normal temperatures. This volatility increases the risk of igniting the gasoline with static electricity when filling a gas can. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution to prevent accidents or fires.
8.
All of the horns in the traffic jam sounded extremely ___________ so I turned up my stereo system to drown out the sounds.
Correct Answer
D. Discordant
Explanation
The word "discordant" means harsh and unpleasant in terms of sound. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that all the horns in the traffic jam were producing loud and jarring sounds. To escape from this noise, the person turned up their stereo system to drown out the unpleasant sounds of the horns.
9.
If everyone helps build the homecoming float it will ___________ the entire process.
Correct Answer
C. Expedite
Explanation
If everyone helps build the homecoming float, it will expedite the entire process. This means that the process of building the float will be made faster or more efficient. By having everyone contribute and work together, the task can be completed quickly and smoothly.
10.
If you _________________ red curtains and neon yellow walls the results will be ugly.
Correct Answer
A. Juxtapose
Explanation
If you juxtapose red curtains and neon yellow walls, the results will be ugly. Juxtapose means to place two contrasting things side by side in order to highlight their differences. In this context, red curtains and neon yellow walls are being placed together, and since they are contrasting colors, the result would be visually unpleasant or "ugly".
11.
Blowing a trumpet would _______________ Louis Armstrong's cheeks and make his normally regular looking facial structures look abnormally round.
Correct Answer
B. Distend
Explanation
Blowing a trumpet requires a lot of air pressure, which can cause the cheeks to puff out and appear round. This is known as distending the cheeks. In the case of Louis Armstrong, who was a famous trumpet player, his cheeks would have been distended while playing the instrument, giving his face a rounder appearance than usual.
12.
He was shocked that Mary broke up with him just two days after he had written her an ____________ letter that pledged his undying devotion.
Correct Answer
D. Amorous
Explanation
The word "amorous" means showing or expressing love or sexual desire. In this context, the person was shocked that Mary broke up with him soon after he had written her a letter expressing his deep love and devotion. The word "amorous" accurately describes the nature of the letter and the person's feelings towards Mary, which makes it the correct answer.
13.
The jeweler ________________ the diamond for flaws, and he found none.
Correct Answer
C. Scrutinized
Explanation
The correct answer is "scrutinized." The sentence states that the jeweler examined the diamond for flaws and found none, indicating that he carefully inspected it. "Assailed" means to attack or criticize, which does not fit the context. "Histrionic" means overly dramatic or theatrical, which is unrelated to examining a diamond. "Didactic" means intended to teach or instruct, which is also unrelated to inspecting a diamond. Therefore, "scrutinized" is the most appropriate word choice.
14.
Mary would ______________ her brother daily for being afraid of spoons.
Correct Answer
B. Deride
Explanation
Mary would deride her brother daily for being afraid of spoons. This means that Mary would mock or ridicule her brother for his fear of spoons.
15.
One is expected to use _______________ manners when taking tea at my grandmother's house. She will not tolerate elbows on the table, hats, or anything else considered rude.
Correct Answer
A. Decorous
Explanation
The correct answer is "decorous". This word means having good manners or behaving in a proper and polite way. In the context of the sentence, it is expected that one should use decorous manners when taking tea at the grandmother's house, as she does not tolerate any rude behavior such as elbows on the table or wearing hats.
16.
The spoiled child was extremely _________________ when he did not get his own way in the store. He would scream until his father gave him what he wanted.
Correct Answer
B. Histrionic
Explanation
The correct answer is "histrionic." This word means overly dramatic or theatrical in behavior or speech. In the given context, the spoiled child's extreme reaction of screaming until his father gave him what he wanted suggests that he was behaving in a histrionic manner.
17.
The president tried to surround himself with __________ advisers, but he didn't find many worthy candidates.
Correct Answer
C. Sage
Explanation
The president attempted to have wise and knowledgeable advisers around him, but he struggled to find suitable candidates.
18.
Even at the age of ten they called him "Teach" because of his _____________ manner.
Correct Answer
D. Didactic
Explanation
The correct answer is "didactic" because it means instructive or educational in nature. The sentence suggests that even at a young age, the person had a manner that was focused on teaching or imparting knowledge. The word "didactic" fits this context perfectly, as it implies a teaching or instructive manner.
19.
He had the _________________ smile of an imbecile, but he was really just overtired and ill.
Correct Answer
A. Vacuous
Explanation
The word "vacuous" means empty or lacking intelligence. In this context, it suggests that the person's smile appeared foolish or unintelligent, resembling that of an imbecile. However, the explanation reveals that the person's true condition was being overtired and ill, indicating that their smile was not a reflection of their actual intelligence or mental state.
20.
The ___________ earth of the rain forest is going to disappear if we continue its destruction.
Correct Answer
B. Fecund
Explanation
The word "fecund" means fertile or productive. In the given sentence, it suggests that the fertile or productive earth of the rainforest is going to disappear if we continue its destruction. This implies that the rainforest's ability to support life and sustain biodiversity will be lost if we continue to harm it.