1.
She was really ______ and believed that when deer grew up the turned into moose.
Correct Answer
D. Gullible
Explanation
The word "gullible" means easily fooled or deceived. In the given sentence, the person is described as believing that deer turn into moose when they grow up, indicating a high level of naivety or gullibility. This word accurately describes the person's mindset and their tendency to believe something without questioning its validity.
2.
Even though he was a fairly subdued man, he enjoyed the companionship of a large number of ______ friends. They were definitely more lively than he.
Correct Answer
B. Convivial
Explanation
The correct answer is "convivial" because it means friendly and sociable, which is the opposite of subdued. The sentence suggests that the man's friends are more lively and outgoing than he is, so "convivial" fits well in this context.
3.
The ______ setting of open fields and rolling hills was a perfect place for the couple to have a romantic picnic.
Correct Answer
A. Bucolic
Explanation
The word "bucolic" means relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside, such as open fields and rolling hills. In this context, the sentence suggests that the setting of open fields and rolling hills is perfect for a romantic picnic. Therefore, "bucolic" is the correct answer.
4.
The speaker wished to show emotion, so he ______ by raising his arms and pounding on his desk.
Correct Answer
A. Gesticulated
Explanation
The correct answer is "gesticulated". Gesticulating involves using hand and arm movements to express emotion or emphasize a point. In this context, the speaker wanted to show emotion, so raising his arms and pounding on his desk would be a form of gesticulating. "Lauded" means praised, "fabricated" means invented or made up, and "discrete" means separate or distinct. None of these words convey the idea of using physical movements to show emotion.
5.
His speech was fairly ______. No one really believed much of what he was saying because they knew he was only saying things to make himself look better.
Correct Answer
C. Pretentious
Explanation
The word "pretentious" means attempting to impress others by pretending to have greater importance, talent, or knowledge than is actually possessed. In the given context, the speaker's speech is described as "fairly pretentious" because he is saying things solely to make himself appear better, without any genuine belief or substance behind his words. This implies that the speaker is being insincere and trying to deceive others, leading to the lack of belief in what he is saying.
6.
I didn't care that he ______ most of his stories about his outrageous adventures because they were really entertaining.
Correct Answer
D. Fabricated
Explanation
The word "fabricated" means to make up or invent something, usually a story or information. In the given sentence, the speaker is saying that they didn't mind or care that he made up most of his stories about his adventures because they found them entertaining. This implies that the person's stories were not true or based on real events, but rather fictional or exaggerated for entertainment purposes.
7.
Apples and tin cans are completely ______; they are clearly not alike.
Correct Answer
A. Discrete
Explanation
The correct answer is "discrete." The word "discrete" means separate or distinct, indicating that apples and tin cans are completely different from each other. This is supported by the statement that they are clearly not alike. The other options, "discreet," "pretentious," and "convivial," do not convey the same meaning of being separate or distinct.
8.
A ______ person does not spread gossip; the know how to keep a secret.
Correct Answer
B. Discreet
Explanation
A discreet person does not spread gossip and knows how to keep a secret. This means that they are careful and cautious in their behavior, especially when it comes to sharing information about others. They are respectful of privacy and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
9.
He kept ______ the plan long after we had agreed on one. It was so annoying
Correct Answer
C. Belaboring
Explanation
The word "belaboring" means to excessively dwell on or discuss a particular topic or issue. In the given sentence, the person continued discussing or talking about the plan long after it had been agreed upon, which was irritating. Therefore, "belaboring" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the behavior mentioned in the sentence.
10.
Our teacher ______ our efforts to read the difficult story and gave us candy as a reward for our hard work.
Correct Answer
D. Lauded
Explanation
The word "lauded" means to praise or commend someone or something. In the given sentence, the teacher praised or commended the students' efforts to read the difficult story and rewarded them with candy. This word fits perfectly in the context of the sentence and makes logical sense.
11.
Her ______ voice sounds much more harsh when I have a migraine headache.
Correct Answer
A. Strident
Explanation
The word "strident" means harsh and loud. In this sentence, the speaker is describing someone's voice as sounding more harsh when they have a migraine headache. This suggests that the person's voice is already somewhat harsh, but it becomes even more so during a migraine. Therefore, "strident" is the correct answer.
12.
The ______ acts of a clown are funny to Riley, but her mother is extremely afraid of clown costumes.
Correct Answer
D. Ludicrous
Explanation
The word "ludicrous" means ridiculous or absurd. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that the acts of a clown are funny to Riley. This implies that the clown's actions are amusing and comical, which aligns with the meaning of "ludicrous." On the other hand, it is stated that Riley's mother is extremely afraid of clown costumes. This contrast highlights the absurdity or ridiculousness of the situation, further supporting the choice of "ludicrous" as the correct answer.
13.
After its defeat in the war, the country was in a state of ______. There was so longer a system of law to keep citizens in check.
Correct Answer
B. Anarchy
Explanation
After its defeat in the war, the country was in a state of anarchy. There was no longer a system of law to keep citizens in check.
14.
A long story can be ______ by leaving out unimportant parts.
Correct Answer
B. Abridged
Explanation
An abridged version of a long story means that it has been shortened or condensed by removing unimportant parts. This allows for a more concise and streamlined narrative, focusing only on the essential elements of the story.
15.
Advertisements are created to ______ people to buy specific products.
Correct Answer
C. Induce
Explanation
Advertisements are created with the intention of persuading or influencing people to buy specific products. The word "induce" means to bring about or cause something to happen, in this case, it refers to the act of convincing or enticing individuals to make a purchase. Therefore, the correct answer is "induce".
16.
The minister's sermon was ______ to the children. By the end of the service, they were fidgeting, crying, or sleeping.
Correct Answer
A. Soporific
Explanation
The correct answer is "soporific" because it means causing sleep or drowsiness. The explanation for this answer is that the minister's sermon was so boring or monotonous that it made the children feel sleepy or drowsy. This is supported by the fact that they were fidgeting, crying, or sleeping by the end of the service.
17.
The ______ copper was hammered into a thin sheet that was used to create bracelets.
Correct Answer
A. Malleable
Explanation
Malleable means capable of being hammered or shaped without breaking or cracking. In this context, the sentence is describing how the copper was hammered into a thin sheet to create bracelets. Therefore, malleable is the correct answer as it accurately describes the property of copper being able to be hammered into shape.
18.
Even though they had just won the state title, the starting pitcher was quite ______ about the whole thing. I thought he would be excited about the win.
Correct Answer
D. Nonchalant
Explanation
The starting pitcher's nonchalant attitude despite winning the state title suggests that he was indifferent or unconcerned about the victory. This is surprising because one would typically expect someone to be excited or enthusiastic after such an accomplishment.
19.
A ______ left the entire neighborhood in ashes.
Correct Answer
B. Conflagration
Explanation
The correct answer is "conflagration" because it means a large and destructive fire that can easily destroy an entire neighborhood. This word accurately describes the situation where the neighborhood is left in ashes, indicating that a massive fire has occurred.
20.
The girl did not move even though the police officer ______ his command that she leave. He put handcuffs on her and took her to the station.
Correct Answer
C. Reiterated
Explanation
The word "reiterated" means to repeat or say something again, typically for emphasis or clarity. In this context, the police officer repeated his command for the girl to leave, but she still did not move. As a result, he had to take further action by putting handcuffs on her and taking her to the station.