The Japanese government has been reluctant to open the country to large-scale immigration, especially to those engaging in unskilled labor.

What does "reluctant" mean?

• happy

• unwilling

• discussing

• exciting

Answer explanation

Clues:

"Reluctant" is an adjective, so it cannot be "discussing". You should understand from the context that it is not a positive reaction.

It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for awhile.

What does "society" mean?

• people living as members of a group

• homes with messy floors

• the fastest runners

• people who have no religions

Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!” The word “extensive” means ____.

• costing a lot of money

• large amount

• having no color

• not enough

Today, nearly 3 million immigrants live in Japan out of a population of 126 million. That number is triple the figure in 1990. And as Japan struggles with a rapidly aging population and shrinking domestic workforce, it’s looking to increase that number further.

What does "shrinking" mean?

• getting better

• getting worse

• getting smaller

• getting bigger

In India, the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Bihar have particularly witnessed soaring temperatures in the past few days, India's weather department said.

What does "soaring" mean?

• increasing rapidly on an unusual level

• flying high above the sky

• dropping slowly

• making loud noises

Friendship is a priceless thing. If someone puts a price, or conditions, on our friendship, it’s no longer priceless. In fact, it’s not real friendship at all!

What does "priceless" mean?

• it has a missing price tag

• it has no value

• it has great value

• it is made out of rice

The reporter insisted that the letter he used was authentic. He said that he had shown it to many experts before he used it in his story.

When something is "authentic", it’s ___.

• genuine, or real

• carefully planned

• tasty noodles

• very old, almost ancient

No matter what happens, I assure you that I will not forget how hard you have worked on this project.

What does "assure" mean?

• dare

• promise

• act like a monkey

• forget

Marsha is really an introvert. When I took her to Jason’s party, she sat in a corner without speaking to anyone.

What does " an introvert" mean?

• an outgoing person

• a dirty person

• an angry person

• a shy person

We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend university. You will become rich and famous, you will have a business of your own.

What does "lofty" mean?

• low

• high

• shaky

• small