1.
Although she was unusually happy, I found that she was in a ______ state today.
Correct Answer
B. Querulous
Explanation
The word "querulous" means to be in a complaining or irritable state. In this context, the person is described as unusually happy, but the speaker still found them to be in a querulous state. This suggests that despite their happiness, they were still displaying a tendency to complain or be irritable.
2.
The girl likes to ______ her gymnastic abilities to everyone, so even though she's on our team, we are secretly glad when she loses.
Correct Answer
A. Tout
Explanation
The word "tout" means to promote or boast about something, often excessively. In the given sentence, the girl likes to promote or boast about her gymnastic abilities to everyone. This behavior might make others feel jealous or resentful, which is why the team members are secretly glad when she loses.
3.
I tried to ______ a fire, but my wet matches were useless.
Correct Answer
D. Kindle
Explanation
The word "kindle" means to start or ignite a fire. In the given sentence, the speaker attempted to start a fire but their wet matches were ineffective. Therefore, the correct answer is "kindle" as it accurately describes the action of trying to start a fire.
4.
My grandmother will sometimes try to speak what she think is my ______. I laugh hysterically when she says things like "what up" and "homegirl."
Correct Answer
D. Vernacular
Explanation
In this context, the correct answer is "vernacular" because the grandmother is attempting to speak in a casual or informal way, using slang or colloquial expressions such as "what up" and "homegirl." The word "vernacular" refers to the everyday language spoken by a particular group of people, often specific to a region or social group. The grandmother's attempts to mimic this language demonstrate her familiarity and attempt to connect with a younger generation's way of speaking.
5.
I refuse to ______ anyone who doesn't deserve the praise.
Correct Answer
A. Extol
Explanation
The word "extol" means to praise or admire someone or something highly. In the given sentence, the speaker refuses to praise or admire anyone who doesn't deserve it. This suggests that the speaker has high standards for giving praise and only wants to give it to those who truly deserve it. Therefore, "extol" is the correct answer as it aligns with the context of the sentence.
6.
I could not ______ the directions to Connecticut, so I put Larry on the phone to describe them.
Correct Answer
C. Delineate
Explanation
The word "delineate" means to describe or outline something in a clear and detailed way. In this context, the speaker is saying that they were unable to understand or follow the directions to Connecticut, so they asked Larry to describe them in a clear and detailed manner. Therefore, "delineate" is the correct answer.
7.
My aunt thinks that she will ______ her features with makeup, but her color choices (blue mascara and fuchsia gloss) only make her look old.
Correct Answer
A. Enhance
Explanation
The word "enhance" means to improve or increase the quality or appearance of something. In the given sentence, the aunt believes that she can improve her features with makeup. However, her choice of colors, such as blue mascara and fuchsia gloss, only make her look old instead of enhancing her appearance.
8.
I ate a ______ amount of chocolate and regurgitated in all over my mom's new carpet.
Correct Answer
C. Copious
Explanation
The word "copious" means a large or abundant amount. In the given sentence, it suggests that the person ate a large amount of chocolate, which resulted in them regurgitating it all over their mom's new carpet.
9.
I wanted to ______ the walls, but I have to be careful that the structure remained sound. Also, I had to be a bit more delicate with the sledgehammer than planned.
Correct Answer
B. Obliterate
Explanation
The word "obliterate" is the correct answer because it means to completely destroy or remove something. In the given context, the person wanted to do something to the walls, but they had to be careful not to damage the structure. However, they ended up being more forceful than intended, causing more damage than expected. This aligns with the meaning of "obliterate" as it suggests the act of completely destroying or erasing something.
10.
Do not yell "fire" in a crowded building or you may ______ a stampede.
Correct Answer
B. Engender
Explanation
The word "engender" means to cause or bring about, typically in a negative or undesirable way. In this context, if someone were to yell "fire" in a crowded building, it would likely cause panic and chaos, leading to a stampede. Therefore, the correct answer is "engender" as it accurately reflects the cause and effect relationship described in the sentence.
11.
My father tried to warn me that the snowstorm would ______ my course of action, but I did not listen to him. Instead I drove in the perilous conditions and went off the road.
Correct Answer
B. Hinder
Explanation
The correct answer is hinder. In this context, hinder means to create obstacles or difficulties for someone or something. The father tried to warn the speaker that the snowstorm would create obstacles or difficulties for their planned course of action. However, the speaker did not listen and drove in the dangerous conditions, which ultimately led to them going off the road.
12.
Because of his ______ ways, Hitler probably would have been killed for committing genocide.
Correct Answer
D. Nefarious
Explanation
Hitler's actions were characterized by extreme wickedness and evil, making him a nefarious individual. This is evident in his decision to commit genocide, which involved the deliberate extermination of millions of innocent people. Given the severity and cruelty of his actions, it is likely that he would have faced severe consequences, including the possibility of being killed, due to his nefarious ways.
13.
Many of James Joyce's allusions in Finnegan's Wake are ______. This is especially true when he makes up new and unusual words. How are we supposed to understand the text?
Correct Answer
A. Obscure
Explanation
James Joyce's allusions in Finnegan's Wake are obscure. This is evident when he creates new and unusual words, making it difficult for readers to comprehend the text. The use of obscure allusions adds to the complexity and depth of the novel, challenging readers to engage in a deeper level of interpretation and analysis. Joyce's intentional obscurity may be seen as a reflection of the fragmented nature of human consciousness and the elusive nature of meaning itself.
14.
I tried to _____ the crying baby with a pacifier, but he just spit it out and cried some more.
Correct Answer
C. Quell
Explanation
The word "quell" means to calm or pacify. In this context, the person tried to calm the crying baby by giving them a pacifier, but it didn't work as the baby spit it out and continued crying.
15.
The film crew is on ______ while they wait for a new contract
Correct Answer
B. Hiatus
Explanation
The correct answer is "hiatus" because it is the only word that fits the context of the sentence. A hiatus refers to a break or pause in an activity, which makes sense in this scenario as the film crew is waiting for a new contract. The other options, "artisan," "brawn," and "efface," do not relate to the idea of taking a break or waiting.
16.
I tried to ______ the graffiti, but none of the chemicals I used would work.
Correct Answer
C. Efface
Explanation
Efface means to erase or remove completely. In the given sentence, the speaker tried to remove the graffiti but none of the chemicals they used were effective. Therefore, efface is the correct answer as it accurately fits the context and conveys the meaning of trying to completely erase or remove the graffiti.
17.
I like to knit, but I do not consider myself an ______ when it comes to knitting. In fact, many of my projects end up looking really bad.
Correct Answer
A. Artisan
Explanation
The correct answer is "artisan". An artisan is someone who is skilled in a particular craft or trade, such as knitting. The sentence suggests that the person enjoys knitting but does not consider themselves skilled or talented in it, as their projects often turn out poorly. Therefore, the word "artisan" fits as it implies a higher level of skill and expertise in knitting, which the person does not believe they possess.
18.
Mike Tyson is known for being _______ whether he is boxing an opponent of in a domestic squabble.
Correct Answer
A. Pugnacious
Explanation
Mike Tyson is known for being pugnacious whether he is boxing an opponent or in a domestic squabble. This means that he is aggressive, combative, and ready to engage in a fight or conflict. His reputation as a fierce and confrontational individual is evident in both his professional boxing career and his personal life, where he has been involved in various altercations and controversies.
19.
Many people gain weight around the holidays because they become ________.
Correct Answer
D. Gluttonous
Explanation
Many people gain weight around the holidays because they become gluttonous. This means that they indulge excessively in eating and overeat, often consuming large quantities of food without self-control. The word "gluttonous" accurately describes the behavior of overindulging in food, which is commonly observed during festive seasons like holidays.
20.
He does not look like he has a lot of ______, but you would be surprised at how much weight he can bench.
Correct Answer
C. Brawn
Explanation
The word "brawn" means physical strength and muscular power. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that the person does not appear to have a lot of something, but despite that, they are able to lift a significant amount of weight. This implies that the person possesses hidden physical strength, which aligns with the meaning of "brawn."