Understanding Words in Context

Front

Catalyst: "The new policy acted as a catalyst for change within the organization."

Back

An agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'catalyst' refers to something that provokes or speeds up change, aligning with the correct choice. The new policy is causing significant change within the organization, making it an agent of transformation.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.a

Front

ambiguous: "The instructions were ambiguous, leading to several different interpretations."

Back

Open to more than one interpretation

Answer explanation

The context indicates that the instructions were unclear, leading to multiple interpretations. Therefore, 'ambiguous' means 'open to more than one interpretation', making this the correct choice.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.d

Front

Identify the figure of speech in the sentence: "The silence was deafening in the aftermath of the argument."

Back

Oxymoron; it combines contradictory terms to emphasize the intensity of the silence

Answer explanation

The phrase "deafening silence" is an oxymoron, combining contradictory terms to highlight the overwhelming nature of the silence following the argument, suggesting that the absence of sound can be as impactful as a loud noise.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.5.a

Front

Resilient (in the context of: "Despite the challenges, the community remained resilient and continued to thrive")

Back

Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

Answer explanation

In the sentence, "resilient" describes the community's ability to withstand challenges and recover quickly, making "able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions" the correct choice. The other options do not fit this context.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.a

Front

ephemeral: "The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, lasting only a few moments before the darkness set in."

Back

Lasting for a very short time

Answer explanation

The context describes the sunset as 'ephemeral,' indicating it is beautiful but only lasts a few moments. This aligns with the choice 'Lasting for a very short time,' which captures the fleeting nature of the sunset.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.a

Front

Interpret the figure of speech in the sentence: "He has a heart of stone when it comes to dealing with complaints."

Back

Metaphor; it implies he is unfeeling or unsympathetic

Answer explanation

The phrase "heart of stone" is a metaphor, indicating that he lacks compassion and is unfeeling towards complaints, rather than suggesting he is compassionate.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.5.a

Front

Meticulous: "She was meticulous in her research, ensuring every detail was accurate."

Back

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'meticulous' describes someone who pays great attention to detail and is very careful and precise in their work. This aligns with the correct choice, emphasizing accuracy in research.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.a

Front

Benevolent: "The benevolent leader was loved by all for his kindness and generosity."

Back

Kind and well-meaning

Answer explanation

The term 'benevolent' means kind and well-meaning, which aligns with the description of the leader being loved for his kindness and generosity. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Kind and well-meaning'.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.d

Front

Identify the figure of speech in the sentence: "The world is a stage, and we are merely players."

Back

Metaphor; it suggests life is like a play, emphasizing roles people play

Answer explanation

The correct choice is metaphor, as it compares life to a play, highlighting the various roles individuals assume. This figure of speech emphasizes the performative aspects of human existence.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.5.a

Front

Inundate: "The customer service team was inundated with calls after the product recall."

Back

To overwhelm with things or people to be dealt with

Answer explanation

In this context, "inundate" means to overwhelm with calls, indicating that the customer service team received an excessive number of inquiries due to the product recall. Thus, the correct choice is to overwhelm with things or people to be dealt with.

Tags

CA.L.9-10.4.a