CONTEXT CLUES - 2 -

1. "Using sound to decode brain activity might seem preposterous, but ultrasound has had quite the run in medicine." * In this sentence, what does 'preposterous' mean?

• A. dirty, messy; thickly covered with dirt or soot
• B. ridiculous, contrary to common sense; absurd
• C. confused, puzzled, filled with bewilderment
• D. so amazed that you cannot speak; to cause to become speechless with astonishment

2. "Councilors are entitled to basic allowances to recompense them for the hours they put in sitting on committees and reading reports and agendas." * The word 'entitled' most likely means:

• A. asked
• B. afraid
• C. allowed
• D. accustomed

3. "The list of 2021 James Beard nominees also included the names of some chefs who have recently faced controversy and criticism, which, according to the foundation’s rules of eligibility, could disqualify them from winning." * A “controversy” is something that people:

• A. blow their noses into
• B. eat with sweet candy
• C. need to pay for a visit to a doctor
• D. have strong disagreements over

4. "Boris Yeltsin made a career out of bashing the bureaucrats and railing against privilege as Moscow party boss in the late 1980s." * What does "bashing" mean in the above selection?

• A. hitting hard with a heavy tool
• B. going to too many expensive parties
• C. voting for a different candidate
• D. speaking or writing harshly about

5. "On February 11, 1847, Thomas Edison was born. He experienced a lot of diseases and hearing issues as a child. He did not, however, let his sicknesses or the fact that he was almost deaf affect him. In fact, he said that being almost deaf allowed him to sleep better and work more efficiently because there was less noise to disturb him." * Thomas Edison was “almost deaf.” This means that Thomas Edison:

• A. had trouble hearing
• B. had trouble seeing
• C. had trouble staying healthy
• D. had trouble listening

6. "Children are sometimes understandably reluctant to wear glasses that are ugly or uncomfortable." * In this sentence, the word “reluctant” means:

• A. happy
• B. ready
• C. keen
• D. unwilling

7. "In the 80s and 90s, as people became more environmentally conscious, there was a revival of naturally pigmented cotton." * What is the best meaning of “conscious”?

• A. hearing with only one ear
• B. knowing what is happening
• C. feeling great worry and pain
• D. speaking aloud one's thoughts

8. "There is a large highly mobile expat community living here and they need kennel and pet sitting services immediately." * In this sentence, 'Kennel' means:

• A. a large cage for an animal
• B. a place for stray animals
• C. a place where animals stay
• D. a special room at home

9. "Fortunately for the county, advances were made with the introduction of modern sewers and water supplies a century ago." * What does 'century' mean?

• A. Day
• B. Week
• C. Month
• D. 100 years

10. "Planting strawberries in rows one plant wide will help sunlight penetrate the entire plant and increase fruiting." * In this sentence, what does “penetrate” mean?

• A. pushed against
• B. blew snow on to
• C. to get back
• D. to go through