Words in Context practice questions

Words in Context questions

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1. 1Words in contextFoundation

   In the sentence "The engineer's proposal was practical because it used materials already available locally," what does "practical" most nearly mean?In the sentence "The engineer's proposal was practical because it used materials already available locally," what does "practical" most nearly mean?

   • Arelated to a classroom exerciserelated to a classroom exercise
   • Brequiring a great deal of travelrequiring a great deal of travel
   • Cintended only for expertsintended only for experts
   • Dpossible to carry out effectivelypossible to carry out effectively
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   Answer: possible to carry out effectivelypossible to carry out effectively

   The nearby reason - using locally available materials - signals that the proposal is feasible and workable, not merely academic or specialized.The nearby reason - using locally available materials - signals that the proposal is feasible and workable, not merely academic or specialized.

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2. 2Words in contextFoundation

   The review calls the novel's ending "restrained," noting that the author avoids dramatic speeches and allows the final scene to remain quiet. Which meaning best fits "restrained"?The review calls the novel's ending "restrained," noting that the author avoids dramatic speeches and allows the final scene to remain quiet. Which meaning best fits "restrained"?

   • Aangry and confrontationalangry and confrontational
   • Bunrelated to the rest of the novelunrelated to the rest of the novel
   • Ccontrolled and not excessivecontrolled and not excessive
   • Dunclear because it is unfinishedunclear because it is unfinished
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   Answer: controlled and not excessivecontrolled and not excessive

   Avoiding dramatic speeches and keeping the scene quiet shows deliberate control. The context does not suggest incompleteness, anger, or irrelevance.Avoiding dramatic speeches and keeping the scene quiet shows deliberate control. The context does not suggest incompleteness, anger, or irrelevance.

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3. 3Words in contextFoundation

   The committee described the plan as "modest," noting that it proposed a single new bus route rather than a redesigned network. As used in the text, what does the word "modest" most nearly mean?The committee described the plan as "modest," noting that it proposed a single new bus route rather than a redesigned network. As used in the text, what does the word "modest" most nearly mean?

   • Alimited in scopelimited in scope
   • Breluctant to seek attentionreluctant to seek attention
   • Ccarefully researchedcarefully researched
   • Dinexpensive to buildinexpensive to build
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   Answer: limited in scopelimited in scope

   The clause after the comma contrasts one route with a whole network, which fixes the meaning as small in extent. The other senses of "modest" do not fit that contrast.The clause after the comma contrasts one route with a whole network, which fixes the meaning as small in extent. The other senses of "modest" do not fit that contrast.

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4. 4Words in contextFoundation

   The guide calls the trail "deceptive": it looks flat from the parking area but climbs steadily for two miles. As used in the text, what does the word "deceptive" most nearly mean?The guide calls the trail "deceptive": it looks flat from the parking area but climbs steadily for two miles. As used in the text, what does the word "deceptive" most nearly mean?

   • Ararely traveledrarely traveled
   • Bdishonestly constructeddishonestly constructed
   • Cdifficult to locatedifficult to locate
   • Dmisleading in appearancemisleading in appearance
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   Answer: misleading in appearancemisleading in appearance

   The colon supplies the evidence: how the trail looks differs from how it is. That is a gap between appearance and reality, not dishonesty by a builder.The colon supplies the evidence: how the trail looks differs from how it is. That is a gap between appearance and reality, not dishonesty by a builder.

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5. 5Words in contextFoundation

   The report calls the museum's new wing "restrained": bare walls, low lighting, and no signage beyond a single line per object. As used in the text, what does the word "restrained" most nearly mean?The report calls the museum's new wing "restrained": bare walls, low lighting, and no signage beyond a single line per object. As used in the text, what does the word "restrained" most nearly mean?

   • Aheld back by forceheld back by force
   • Bdeliberately plaindeliberately plain
   • Cdifficult to enterdifficult to enter
   • Dfinancially limitedfinancially limited
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   Answer: deliberately plaindeliberately plain

   Bare walls, low light, and minimal labelling describe an aesthetic choice toward plainness. Nothing in the sentence concerns force, cost, or access.Bare walls, low light, and minimal labelling describe an aesthetic choice toward plainness. Nothing in the sentence concerns force, cost, or access.

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6. 6Words in contextFoundation

   The naturalist calls the moth's coloring "economical": two pigments, arranged so that the wing reads differently from above and below. As used in the text, what does the word "economical" most nearly mean?The naturalist calls the moth's coloring "economical": two pigments, arranged so that the wing reads differently from above and below. As used in the text, what does the word "economical" most nearly mean?

   • Aachieving much with littleachieving much with little
   • Bbrief and hurriedbrief and hurried
   • Cinexpensive to produceinexpensive to produce
   • Dcarefully saved for latercarefully saved for later
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   Answer: achieving much with littleachieving much with little

   Two pigments producing two appearances is efficiency of means. The word is not about money, haste, or storage here.Two pigments producing two appearances is efficiency of means. The word is not about money, haste, or storage here.

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7. 7Words in contextFoundation

   The report calls the timetable "punishing": eleven stops in nine hours with no scheduled break. As used in the text, what does the word "punishing" most nearly mean?The report calls the timetable "punishing": eleven stops in nine hours with no scheduled break. As used in the text, what does the word "punishing" most nearly mean?

   • Aintended as a penaltyintended as a penalty
   • Bextremely demandingextremely demanding
   • Cunfairly designedunfairly designed
   • Dstrictly enforcedstrictly enforced
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   Answer: extremely demandingextremely demanding

   The colon gives the evidence: a dense schedule with no break is demanding. Nothing suggests anyone is being penalised or that enforcement is the issue.The colon gives the evidence: a dense schedule with no break is demanding. Nothing suggests anyone is being penalised or that enforcement is the issue.

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8. 8Words in contextFoundation

   The guide describes the harbour wall as "forgiving": beginners misjudge the approach constantly and nothing is damaged. As used in the text, what does the word "forgiving" most nearly mean?The guide describes the harbour wall as "forgiving": beginners misjudge the approach constantly and nothing is damaged. As used in the text, what does the word "forgiving" most nearly mean?

   • Atolerant of mistakestolerant of mistakes
   • Bmorally generousmorally generous
   • Crecently repairedrecently repaired
   • Dgently curvedgently curved
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   Answer: tolerant of mistakestolerant of mistakes

   The colon supplies the evidence: errors happen and cause no harm. The word is describing what the wall does to mistakes, not its shape or its condition.The colon supplies the evidence: errors happen and cause no harm. The word is describing what the wall does to mistakes, not its shape or its condition.

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9. 9Words in contextFoundation

   The guide describes the path as "generous": two people can walk abreast the whole way, and there are benches every quarter mile. As used in the text, what does the word "generous" most nearly mean?The guide describes the path as "generous": two people can walk abreast the whole way, and there are benches every quarter mile. As used in the text, what does the word "generous" most nearly mean?

   • Agiven freely as a giftgiven freely as a gift
   • Bexpensive to maintainexpensive to maintain
   • Ckind toward otherskind toward others
   • Damply providedamply provided
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   Answer: amply providedamply provided

   Width and frequent benches describe how much the path provides. The word is not about anyone's character or the cost of upkeep here.Width and frequent benches describe how much the path provides. The word is not about anyone's character or the cost of upkeep here.

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10. 10Words in contextStandard

    The author writes that a small change to the bus schedule had a "ripple effect" on nearby businesses. In this context, "ripple effect" most nearly refers toThe author writes that a small change to the bus schedule had a "ripple effect" on nearby businesses. In this context, "ripple effect" most nearly refers to

    • Aa change that can be measured only in minutes.a change that can be measured only in minutes.
    • Ba sound made by water striking a wall.a sound made by water striking a wall.
    • Ca pattern that spreads through connected situations.a pattern that spreads through connected situations.
    • Da plan that affects only one location.a plan that affects only one location.
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    Answer: a pattern that spreads through connected situations.a pattern that spreads through connected situations.

    A ripple begins in one place and spreads outward. Here the phrase describes consequences reaching connected businesses beyond the schedule itself.A ripple begins in one place and spreads outward. Here the phrase describes consequences reaching connected businesses beyond the schedule itself.

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11. 11Words in contextStandard

    The mayor described the new library branch as a "cornerstone" of the neighborhood plan. In context, the word suggests that the branch isThe mayor described the new library branch as a "cornerstone" of the neighborhood plan. In context, the word suggests that the branch is

    • Aa central and supporting part of the plan.a central and supporting part of the plan.
    • Blocated at the corner of every street.located at the corner of every street.
    • Cthe smallest part of the plan.the smallest part of the plan.
    • Dbuilt entirely from stone.built entirely from stone.
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    Answer: a central and supporting part of the plan.a central and supporting part of the plan.

    A cornerstone is figuratively an essential foundation. The phrase emphasizes the library's importance, not its construction material or literal location.A cornerstone is figuratively an essential foundation. The phrase emphasizes the library's importance, not its construction material or literal location.

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12. 12Words in contextStandard

    The biographer writes that the inventor's early notebooks are "crowded": margins filled with sketches, corrections layered over corrections. As used in the text, what does the word "crowded" most nearly mean?The biographer writes that the inventor's early notebooks are "crowded": margins filled with sketches, corrections layered over corrections. As used in the text, what does the word "crowded" most nearly mean?

    • Apopular among readerspopular among readers
    • Bnoisy and distractingnoisy and distracting
    • Cdensely filleddensely filled
    • Ddifficult to obtaindifficult to obtain
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    Answer: densely filleddensely filled

    The colon introduces the evidence for the word: filled margins and layered corrections describe density on the page, not sound, popularity, or availability.The colon introduces the evidence for the word: filled margins and layered corrections describe density on the page, not sound, popularity, or availability.

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13. 13Words in contextStandard

    The historian describes the treaty's language as "elastic": each side read its central clause as protecting a different interest. As used in the text, what does the word "elastic" most nearly mean?The historian describes the treaty's language as "elastic": each side read its central clause as protecting a different interest. As used in the text, what does the word "elastic" most nearly mean?

    • Aeasily brokeneasily broken
    • Bopen to more than one readingopen to more than one reading
    • Cquickly writtenquickly written
    • Dphysically flexiblephysically flexible
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    Answer: open to more than one readingopen to more than one reading

    The colon supplies the evidence: two sides drew different meanings from the same clause. That is interpretive stretch, not physical flexibility or fragility.The colon supplies the evidence: two sides drew different meanings from the same clause. That is interpretive stretch, not physical flexibility or fragility.

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14. 14Words in contextStandard

    The engineer described the bridge's design as "conservative": every load-bearing element was specified well above the minimum the calculations required. As used in the text, what does the word "conservative" most nearly mean?The engineer described the bridge's design as "conservative": every load-bearing element was specified well above the minimum the calculations required. As used in the text, what does the word "conservative" most nearly mean?

    • Abuilt with a wide margin of safetybuilt with a wide margin of safety
    • Btraditional in appearancetraditional in appearance
    • Copposed to changeopposed to change
    • Dinexpensive to constructinexpensive to construct
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    Answer: built with a wide margin of safetybuilt with a wide margin of safety

    The colon explains the word: specifying above the minimum is margin, not politics, cost, or style.The colon explains the word: specifying above the minimum is margin, not politics, cost, or style.

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15. 15Words in contextStandard

    The curator describes the collection as "uneven": three rooms of exceptional work and two that could belong to any regional museum. As used in the text, what does the word "uneven" most nearly mean?The curator describes the collection as "uneven": three rooms of exceptional work and two that could belong to any regional museum. As used in the text, what does the word "uneven" most nearly mean?

    • Ainconsistent in qualityinconsistent in quality
    • Bunfairly assembledunfairly assembled
    • Cincompleteincomplete
    • Dphysically unstablephysically unstable
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    Answer: inconsistent in qualityinconsistent in quality

    The colon supplies the evidence: exceptional rooms next to ordinary ones is variation in quality, not in stability, fairness, or completeness.The colon supplies the evidence: exceptional rooms next to ordinary ones is variation in quality, not in stability, fairness, or completeness.

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16. 16Words in contextStandard

    The editor calls the manuscript "dense": three arguments to a paragraph and no illustrations of any of them. As used in the text, what does the word "dense" most nearly mean?The editor calls the manuscript "dense": three arguments to a paragraph and no illustrations of any of them. As used in the text, what does the word "dense" most nearly mean?

    • Aphysically thickphysically thick
    • Bslow-wittedslow-witted
    • Cdifficult to read alouddifficult to read aloud
    • Dpacked with more than it explainspacked with more than it explains
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    Answer: packed with more than it explainspacked with more than it explains

    The colon gives the evidence: many arguments, none developed. That is compression of content, not physical thickness or stupidity.The colon gives the evidence: many arguments, none developed. That is compression of content, not physical thickness or stupidity.

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17. 17Words in contextStandard

    The reviewer calls the staging "austere": one chair, one lamp, and a bare back wall for the whole play. As used in the text, what does the word "austere" most nearly mean?The reviewer calls the staging "austere": one chair, one lamp, and a bare back wall for the whole play. As used in the text, what does the word "austere" most nearly mean?

    • Afinancially strictfinancially strict
    • Bcoldly unwelcomingcoldly unwelcoming
    • Csevere in mannersevere in manner
    • Dstripped of ornamentstripped of ornament
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    Answer: stripped of ornamentstripped of ornament

    The colon lists what is on stage and how little of it there is. That is visual reduction, not personal severity or budgeting.The colon lists what is on stage and how little of it there is. That is visual reduction, not personal severity or budgeting.

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18. 18Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "exhaustive" most nearly mean?The committee's report is exhaustive on procedure and silent on cost.As used in the following sentence, what does "exhaustive" most nearly mean? The committee's report is exhaustive on procedure and silent on cost.

    • AThoroughThorough
    • BTiringTiring
    • CUsed upUsed up
    • DFinalFinal
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    Answer: ThoroughThorough

    The contrast with "silent" is what settles it: the report covers procedure completely and cost not at all. The everyday association with exhaustion is the trap.The contrast with "silent" is what settles it: the report covers procedure completely and cost not at all. The everyday association with exhaustion is the trap.

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19. 19Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "reserve" most nearly mean?Rainfall records before 1890 are patchy, so any trend drawn from them should be advanced with reserve.As used in the following sentence, what does "reserve" most nearly mean? Rainfall records before 1890 are patchy, so any trend drawn from them should be advanced with reserve.

    • AA stored supplyA stored supply
    • BRestraintRestraint
    • CA protected areaA protected area
    • DConfidenceConfidence
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    Answer: RestraintRestraint

    Patchy records are a reason to make a claim cautiously, so the word describes how the trend is advanced. The supply and land senses are commoner and neither fits a manner of speaking; confidence is the opposite of what the sentence asks for.Patchy records are a reason to make a claim cautiously, so the word describes how the trend is advanced. The supply and land senses are commoner and neither fits a manner of speaking; confidence is the opposite of what the sentence asks for.

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20. 20Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "compromised" most nearly mean?Damp had compromised the beams long before the survey found it.As used in the following sentence, what does "compromised" most nearly mean? Damp had compromised the beams long before the survey found it.

    • AWeakenedWeakened
    • BSettled a dispute overSettled a dispute over
    • CExposedExposed
    • DReplacedReplaced
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    Answer: WeakenedWeakened

    Damp acts on timber by degrading it, and the sentence has the damp doing something to the beams over time. The negotiating sense is the one readers reach for first and the one that cannot be done by damp.Damp acts on timber by degrading it, and the sentence has the damp doing something to the beams over time. The negotiating sense is the one readers reach for first and the one that cannot be done by damp.

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21. 21Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "sustained" most nearly mean?The scheme was sustained by a single donor for eleven years.As used in the following sentence, what does "sustained" most nearly mean? The scheme was sustained by a single donor for eleven years.

    • AKept goingKept going
    • BSufferedSuffered
    • CArgued forArgued for
    • DProvedProved
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    Answer: Kept goingKept going

    A donor supporting a scheme over eleven years is keeping it in existence. The injury sense — sustained a fracture — is the one that arrives first and cannot be done by a donor to a scheme.A donor supporting a scheme over eleven years is keeping it in existence. The injury sense — sustained a fracture — is the one that arrives first and cannot be done by a donor to a scheme.

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22. 22Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "discriminating" most nearly mean?She is a discriminating reader of maps, quick to see where a surveyor has guessed.As used in the following sentence, what does "discriminating" most nearly mean? She is a discriminating reader of maps, quick to see where a surveyor has guessed.

    • APrejudicedPrejudiced
    • BPerceptive about small differencesPerceptive about small differences
    • CCritical of other peopleCritical of other people
    • DReluctant to trust anyoneReluctant to trust anyone
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    Answer: Perceptive about small differencesPerceptive about small differences

    The clause after the comma defines it: she notices where the surveying stops being measurement. The word carries its older sense of telling things apart, not the modern one of treating people unfairly.The clause after the comma defines it: she notices where the surveying stops being measurement. The word carries its older sense of telling things apart, not the modern one of treating people unfairly.

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23. 23Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "qualified" most nearly mean?The survey's findings are qualified at every turn: the sample was small, the season unusual, the method new.As used in the following sentence, what does "qualified" most nearly mean? The survey's findings are qualified at every turn: the sample was small, the season unusual, the method new.

    • ALimitedLimited
    • BMade eligibleMade eligible
    • COfficially certifiedOfficially certified
    • DImprovedImproved
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    Answer: LimitedLimited

    The colon lists the limits, so the word names what those limits do to the findings. The eligibility sense is the everyday one and would make the sentence say the opposite of what its own list supports.The colon lists the limits, so the word names what those limits do to the findings. The eligibility sense is the everyday one and would make the sentence say the opposite of what its own list supports.

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24. 24Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "candid" most nearly mean?The evidence for the earlier date is thin, and the author is candid about it.As used in the following sentence, what does "candid" most nearly mean? The evidence for the earlier date is thin, and the author is candid about it.

    • AFrankFrank
    • BKindKind
    • CUncertainUncertain
    • DApologeticApologetic
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    Answer: FrankFrank

    Being candid about weak evidence means saying so plainly. The word describes the author's openness, not the state of the evidence, which the first half of the sentence has already given.Being candid about weak evidence means saying so plainly. The word describes the author's openness, not the state of the evidence, which the first half of the sentence has already given.

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25. 25Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "detached" most nearly mean?Her account of the expedition is detached, recording the deaths in the same register as the weather.As used in the following sentence, what does "detached" most nearly mean? Her account of the expedition is detached, recording the deaths in the same register as the weather.

    • AUninterestedUninterested
    • BPhysically separatedPhysically separated
    • CEmotionally uninvolvedEmotionally uninvolved
    • DBriefBrief
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    Answer: Emotionally uninvolvedEmotionally uninvolved

    The clause after the comma shows what the word means here: no change of tone between a death and a rainfall. Someone uninterested would not have written the account at all, which is why that near-synonym fails.The clause after the comma shows what the word means here: no change of tone between a death and a rainfall. Someone uninterested would not have written the account at all, which is why that near-synonym fails.

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26. 26Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "arrested" most nearly mean?A band of clay arrested the water well before it reached the foundations.As used in the following sentence, what does "arrested" most nearly mean? A band of clay arrested the water well before it reached the foundations.

    • ADetainedDetained
    • BHaltedHalted
    • CCapturedCaptured
    • DSlowed slightlySlowed slightly
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    Answer: HaltedHalted

    Clay stopping water is a physical blockage, and "well before it reached" indicates the water did not get through at all rather than merely losing pace. The legal sense cannot apply to water.Clay stopping water is a physical blockage, and "well before it reached" indicates the water did not get through at all rather than merely losing pace. The legal sense cannot apply to water.

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27. 27Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "economy" most nearly mean?The drawing achieves its effect with striking economy: four lines and no shading.As used in the following sentence, what does "economy" most nearly mean? The drawing achieves its effect with striking economy: four lines and no shading.

    • AA financial systemA financial system
    • BThrift with moneyThrift with money
    • CSmall sizeSmall size
    • DEfficiency of meansEfficiency of means
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    Answer: Efficiency of meansEfficiency of means

    The colon supplies the definition — four lines, no shading — so the word describes how little was used to do the work. The financial senses are the everyday ones and have no application to a drawing.The colon supplies the definition — four lines, no shading — so the word describes how little was used to do the work. The financial senses are the everyday ones and have no application to a drawing.

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28. 28Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "reserve" most nearly mean?The surveyor set aside a strip along the river as a reserve against future flooding.As used in the following sentence, what does "reserve" most nearly mean? The surveyor set aside a strip along the river as a reserve against future flooding.

    • ARestraintRestraint
    • BSomething kept back for later useSomething kept back for later use
    • CA protected area for wildlifeA protected area for wildlife
    • DA doubtA doubt
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    Answer: Something kept back for later useSomething kept back for later use

    "Against future flooding" makes it land held back for a purpose that has not yet arisen. The wildlife sense is a special case of the same idea and is not what the sentence describes; restraint and doubt are the senses used of people."Against future flooding" makes it land held back for a purpose that has not yet arisen. The wildlife sense is a special case of the same idea and is not what the sentence describes; restraint and doubt are the senses used of people.

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29. 29Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "affect" most nearly mean?He affected an indifference to the result that nobody in the room believed.As used in the following sentence, what does "affect" most nearly mean? He affected an indifference to the result that nobody in the room believed.

    • ATo influenceTo influence
    • BTo be moved byTo be moved by
    • CTo damageTo damage
    • DTo put onTo put on
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    Answer: To put onTo put on

    "That nobody believed" makes it a pose rather than a feeling. The influence sense is much commoner and cannot take "an indifference" as its object in this way."That nobody believed" makes it a pose rather than a feeling. The influence sense is much commoner and cannot take "an indifference" as its object in this way.

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30. 30Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "sustained" most nearly mean?The argument is sustained over four chapters and never repeats itself.As used in the following sentence, what does "sustained" most nearly mean? The argument is sustained over four chapters and never repeats itself.

    • ASufferedSuffered
    • BKept upKept up
    • CSupported financiallySupported financially
    • DProvedProved
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    Answer: Kept upKept up

    An argument running across four chapters without repeating is being maintained at length. The injury sense is the commonest use of the word and cannot apply to an argument.An argument running across four chapters without repeating is being maintained at length. The injury sense is the commonest use of the word and cannot apply to an argument.

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31. 31Words in contextStandard

    As used in the following sentence, what does "arrested" most nearly mean?A cold spring arrested the growth just as the buds opened.As used in the following sentence, what does "arrested" most nearly mean? A cold spring arrested the growth just as the buds opened.

    • ADetainedDetained
    • BCapturedCaptured
    • CAcceleratedAccelerated
    • DHaltedHalted
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    Answer: HaltedHalted

    Cold weather stopping growth is a physical check. The legal sense cannot apply to a spring acting on buds, and the sentence rules out the opposite meaning.Cold weather stopping growth is a physical check. The legal sense cannot apply to a spring acting on buds, and the sentence rules out the opposite meaning.

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32. 32Words in contextChallenge

    The critic notes that the sculpture "anchors" the plaza: visitors gather beside it and give directions in relation to it. As used in the text, what does the word "anchors" most nearly mean?The critic notes that the sculpture "anchors" the plaza: visitors gather beside it and give directions in relation to it. As used in the text, what does the word "anchors" most nearly mean?

    • Agives a fixed reference point togives a fixed reference point to
    • Badds weight toadds weight to
    • Cfastens securely to the groundfastens securely to the ground
    • Ddecorates the edge ofdecorates the edge of
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    Answer: gives a fixed reference point togives a fixed reference point to

    The evidence after the colon is about orientation, not weight or attachment: people locate themselves and others by the sculpture, which is what serving as a reference point means.The evidence after the colon is about orientation, not weight or attachment: people locate themselves and others by the sculpture, which is what serving as a reference point means.

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33. 33Words in contextChallenge

    The historian notes that the guild's records are "eloquent" about its finances and silent about its members. As used in the text, what does the word "eloquent" most nearly mean?The historian notes that the guild's records are "eloquent" about its finances and silent about its members. As used in the text, what does the word "eloquent" most nearly mean?

    • Ahighly informativehighly informative
    • Bbeautifully writtenbeautifully written
    • Cspoken aloudspoken aloud
    • Dpersuasive in argumentpersuasive in argument
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    Answer: highly informativehighly informative

    The contrast with "silent" fixes the meaning: the records say a great deal about one subject and nothing about the other. Style, speech, and persuasion are not what the opposition sets up.The contrast with "silent" fixes the meaning: the records say a great deal about one subject and nothing about the other. Style, speech, and persuasion are not what the opposition sets up.

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34. 34Words in contextChallenge

    The biographer writes that the composer's late works are "spare": a single line where the early symphonies would have carried four. As used in the text, what does the word "spare" most nearly mean?The biographer writes that the composer's late works are "spare": a single line where the early symphonies would have carried four. As used in the text, what does the word "spare" most nearly mean?

    • Athin and weakthin and weak
    • Bstripped to essentialsstripped to essentials
    • Cheld in reserveheld in reserve
    • Dproduced quicklyproduced quickly
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    Answer: stripped to essentialsstripped to essentials

    One line against four is reduction of means, offered admiringly. "Thin and weak" imports a judgment the comparison does not make, and the other senses do not fit a description of a work.One line against four is reduction of means, offered admiringly. "Thin and weak" imports a judgment the comparison does not make, and the other senses do not fit a description of a work.

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35. 35Words in contextChallenge

    The historian describes the settlement's layout as "legible": a stranger arriving at any gate could find the market without asking. As used in the text, what does the word "legible" most nearly mean?The historian describes the settlement's layout as "legible": a stranger arriving at any gate could find the market without asking. As used in the text, what does the word "legible" most nearly mean?

    • Aofficially recordedofficially recorded
    • Beasily understood from withineasily understood from within
    • Cwritten in clear scriptwritten in clear script
    • Dvisible from a distancevisible from a distance
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    Answer: easily understood from withineasily understood from within

    The evidence is a stranger navigating unaided, which is comprehension of a place rather than of writing. The word is being used by analogy to reading, and the analogy is the point.The evidence is a stranger navigating unaided, which is comprehension of a place rather than of writing. The word is being used by analogy to reading, and the analogy is the point.

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36. 36Words in contextChallenge

    The engineer describes the older design as "honest": every joint is visible and nothing is hidden behind a panel. As used in the text, what does the word "honest" most nearly mean?The engineer describes the older design as "honest": every joint is visible and nothing is hidden behind a panel. As used in the text, what does the word "honest" most nearly mean?

    • Amorally truthfulmorally truthful
    • Bcheaply madecheaply made
    • Cshowing its own constructionshowing its own construction
    • Dplainly uglyplainly ugly
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    Answer: showing its own constructionshowing its own construction

    The evidence is visible joints and no concealment, which is a property of the object rather than of anyone's character. Nothing suggests the design is ugly or cheap.The evidence is visible joints and no concealment, which is a property of the object rather than of anyone's character. Nothing suggests the design is ugly or cheap.

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37. 37Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "economical" most nearly mean?The novel's structure is economical: four scenes, three of them in the same room, and nothing that does not bear on the ending.As used in the following sentence, what does "economical" most nearly mean? The novel's structure is economical: four scenes, three of them in the same room, and nothing that does not bear on the ending.

    • AInexpensive to produceInexpensive to produce
    • BConcerned with moneyConcerned with money
    • CAchieving its effect with littleAchieving its effect with little
    • DReluctant to spendReluctant to spend
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    Answer: Achieving its effect with littleAchieving its effect with little

    The colon supplies the definition: few scenes, one room, nothing spare. The word is being used of means rather than of money, which is the sense every other choice keeps.The colon supplies the definition: few scenes, one room, nothing spare. The word is being used of means rather than of money, which is the sense every other choice keeps.

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38. 38Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "measured" most nearly mean?The report's tone is measured throughout; even the section on the collapse names no one.As used in the following sentence, what does "measured" most nearly mean? The report's tone is measured throughout; even the section on the collapse names no one.

    • AQuantifiedQuantified
    • BDeliberately restrainedDeliberately restrained
    • CUnhurriedUnhurried
    • DEvasiveEvasive
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    Answer: Deliberately restrainedDeliberately restrained

    The semicolon offers the naming of no one as evidence of the tone, and restraint is what that evidences. Evasive would make the sentence an accusation, but it is offered as description; and a measured report can be entirely frank about what happened without assigning blame.The semicolon offers the naming of no one as evidence of the tone, and restraint is what that evidences. Evasive would make the sentence an accusation, but it is offered as description; and a measured report can be entirely frank about what happened without assigning blame.

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39. 39Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "underwrite" most nearly mean?The paper's central claim is advanced with a confidence that its single experiment cannot underwrite.As used in the following sentence, what does "underwrite" most nearly mean? The paper's central claim is advanced with a confidence that its single experiment cannot underwrite.

    • ASupportSupport
    • BInsure financiallyInsure financially
    • CSign at the bottomSign at the bottom
    • DContradictContradict
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    Answer: SupportSupport

    The sentence sets the confidence against the evidence, so the word names what evidence does for a claim. The financial sense is where the word comes from, and it has nothing to do here.The sentence sets the confidence against the evidence, so the word names what evidence does for a claim. The financial sense is where the word comes from, and it has nothing to do here.

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40. 40Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "couched" most nearly mean?The report is exhaustive on procedure, but its recommendations are couched so carefully that nobody is obliged to act.As used in the following sentence, what does "couched" most nearly mean? The report is exhaustive on procedure, but its recommendations are couched so carefully that nobody is obliged to act.

    • AHiddenHidden
    • BRestedRested
    • CShortenedShortened
    • DExpressedExpressed
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    Answer: ExpressedExpressed

    The word governs how the recommendations are worded, and "so carefully" describes a manner of expression. They are present rather than hidden — that is what makes their caution the problem.The word governs how the recommendations are worded, and "so carefully" describes a manner of expression. They are present rather than hidden — that is what makes their caution the problem.

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41. 41Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "novel" most nearly mean?The technique was novel enough that no established procedure covered it, and the committee had to write one.As used in the following sentence, what does "novel" most nearly mean? The technique was novel enough that no established procedure covered it, and the committee had to write one.

    • ANewNew
    • BFictionalFictional
    • CElaborateElaborate
    • DExperimental in outcomeExperimental in outcome
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    Answer: NewNew

    The clause after the comma explains the sense: nothing established covered it because nothing like it had been done. The literary meaning is the commonest use of the word and is not available for a technique.The clause after the comma explains the sense: nothing established covered it because nothing like it had been done. The literary meaning is the commonest use of the word and is not available for a technique.

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42. 42Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "commanded" most nearly mean?The corner site commanded a view of both approaches to the bridge.As used in the following sentence, what does "commanded" most nearly mean? The corner site commanded a view of both approaches to the bridge.

    • AGave a wide outlook overGave a wide outlook over
    • BOrderedOrdered
    • CControlled by forceControlled by force
    • DDeservedDeserved
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    Answer: Gave a wide outlook overGave a wide outlook over

    A site cannot issue orders, and the object is a view. The word carries the older sense of overlooking from a dominant position, which is why it is used of hills and windows.A site cannot issue orders, and the object is a view. The word carries the older sense of overlooking from a dominant position, which is why it is used of hills and windows.

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43. 43Words in contextChallenge

    As used in the following sentence, what does "temper" most nearly mean?The later editions temper the claim without withdrawing it.As used in the following sentence, what does "temper" most nearly mean? The later editions temper the claim without withdrawing it.

    • ATo moderateTo moderate
    • BTo harden by heatingTo harden by heating
    • CTo lose patienceTo lose patience
    • DTo tuneTo tune
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    Answer: To moderateTo moderate

    "Without withdrawing it" tells you the claim survives in a weakened form, which is moderation. The metallurgical and musical senses are real and have nothing to do with a claim in a book."Without withdrawing it" tells you the claim survives in a weakened form, which is moderation. The metallurgical and musical senses are real and have nothing to do with a claim in a book.

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