Vocabulary in Context – Inference

Vocabulary in Context

By Noor Al.Migdady

Let’s guess the meaning of the word thrift shop from this sentence

Teri Horton saw a large painting in a California thrift shop.
Think: where would you buy a cheap $5 painting?

Multiple Choice

Teri Horton saw a large painting in a California thrift shop.

What does “thrift shop” mean?

• A store that sells expensive jewelry

• A store that sells second-hand items at low prices

• A place where people trade art

• A shop that only sells paintings

Feedback (Explanation)

What is a thrift shop?

A thrift shop is a store that sells used or secondhand items at very low prices.
Context clue: Teri paid only $5 for a large painting — this tells us it’s not a high-end store.
In the UK, a thrift shop is called a charity shop.

Let’s guess the meaning of the word

Bargaining

Teri was good at bargaining. The shop assistant asked for $8, but she paid only $5.”
💡 Think: How did she get a lower price?

Multiple Choice

What does "bargaining" mean?

• Discussing a price to get a better deal

• Buying an item without looking at the price

• Selling something for more than its actual price

• Paying full price without negotiation

Feedback (Explanation)

What does "bargaining" mean?

Bargaining means negotiating to pay less.
Clue: Teri paid $5 instead of $8.

Let’s guess the meaning of the word

Abstract

“The painting was in the style of a world-famous abstract artist.”
💡 Think: What kind of painting isn’t realistic?

Multiple Choice

What does the word “Abstract” mean in art?

• A painting that looks realistic

• A type of art that does not represent real objects clearly

• A painting of a person

• A copy of an original artwork

Feedback (Explanation)

What does "Abstract" mean?

Abstract art doesn’t show real objects; it uses colors and shapes to express ideas.
Clue: The painting had lots of colors and no clear subject.

Let’s guess the meaning of the word

Authentic

“Some experts claimed the painting wasn’t authentic.”
💡 Think: What kind of painting would be valuable?

Multiple Choice

What does "authentic" mean?

• Fake or copied

• Very expensive

• Real and genuine

• Painted by a famous artist

Feedback (Explanation)

What does "authentic" mean?

Authentic means real or original, not a copy.
Clue: The experts weren’t sure if the painting was truly by the famous artist.

Let’s guess the meaning of the word

Yard Sale

“Teri decided to sell it at a yard sale.”
💡 Think: What kind of place is this?

Multiple Choice

What is a “Yard Sale”?

• A store that sells expensive antiques

• A sale of used items, often held outside a home

• An art exhibition

• A place where people buy and sell paintings

Multiple Choice

Why did Teri Horton buy the painting?

• She knew it was valuable

• She wanted to give it as a gift

• She was an art collector

• She planned to sell it for millions

Multiple Choice

Why didn’t Teri Horton sell the painting for $9 million?

• She lost the painting before she could sell it

• She believed it was worth much more

• No one wanted to buy it

• The museum rejected her offer

Multiple Choice

How did experts determine the painting's authenticity?

• By asking a famous artist

• By testing the paint and brush strokes

• By checking the painting’s price tag

• By comparing it to other paintings in a thrift shop

Multiple Choice

What was the main problem Teri Horton faced?

• She couldn’t find the artist who painted it

• She had no space to store the painting

• No one believed her painting was real

• The painting was too damaged to sell

Multiple Choice

What is the lesson from Teri Horton’s story?

• Art is only valuable if it is in a museum

• Never buy things from thrift shops

• Sometimes, unexpected choices can lead to great opportunities

• Paintings are only worth millions if they are new