AP Literature Unit 1 Vocabulary

The changes in the room were so ________ that most people didn’t even notice them.

• perceptible

• imperceptible

• noticeable

• obvious

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'imperceptible' because it means the changes were so subtle that most people didn't notice them. 'Perceptible', 'noticeable', and 'obvious' imply that the changes could be easily seen, which contradicts the context.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

She felt ________ after receiving the bad news, struggling to find hope in the situation.

• elated

• despondent

• joyful

• optimistic

Answer explanation

The word 'despondent' means feeling hopeless or in low spirits, which aligns with her struggle to find hope after receiving bad news. In contrast, 'elated', 'joyful', and 'optimistic' suggest positive feelings, making them incorrect choices.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The author ________ the loss of her friend in a heartfelt poem that resonated with many readers.

• celebrated

• ignored

• lamented

• forgot

Answer explanation

The author 'lamented' the loss of her friend, indicating deep sorrow, which aligns with the heartfelt nature of the poem that resonated with readers. The other options do not convey this sense of mourning.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

He had to ________ control of the project when it became clear that he was overwhelmed by the workload.

• retain

• relinquish

• seize

• maintain

Answer explanation

He had to relinquish control of the project because he was overwhelmed. 'Relinquish' means to give up or let go, which fits the context of needing to hand over responsibilities due to excessive workload.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

After the heated debate, he finally had to ________ that his opponent had made a valid point.

• deny

• ignore

• concede

• reject

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'concede' because it means to admit that something is true or valid, which fits the context of acknowledging an opponent's valid point after a debate. The other options imply refusal or dismissal.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

The scientist described the phenomenon as an ________ that baffled even the most experienced researchers.

• enigma

• solution

• answer

• explanation

Answer explanation

The term 'enigma' refers to something that is mysterious or puzzling, which fits the context of a phenomenon that confounds experienced researchers. The other options, like 'solution' and 'answer', imply clarity, which contradicts the baffling nature described.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

The ship’s journey across the stormy sea was ________, filled with challenges and uncertainties.

• calm

• tumultuous

• smooth

• uneventful

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'tumultuous' because it describes a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, contrasting with the other options like 'calm' and 'smooth', which imply ease and tranquility.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Her curiosity was ________ when she overheard a snippet of their secret conversation.

• satisfied

• piqued

• ignored

• dismissed

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'piqued' because it means her curiosity was aroused or heightened by overhearing the secret conversation, while 'satisfied', 'ignored', and 'dismissed' do not convey this sense of increased curiosity.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

His ________ decision to quit his job without a backup plan left him scrambling to find new opportunities.

• cautious

• impetuous

• calculated

• deliberate

Answer explanation

The word 'impetuous' describes a hasty decision made without careful thought, which fits the context of quitting a job without a backup plan. In contrast, 'cautious', 'calculated', and 'deliberate' imply careful consideration.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

The extra decorations were ________ and didn’t add anything meaningful to the party’s atmosphere.

• necessary

• essential

• superfluous

• crucial

Answer explanation

The word 'superfluous' means unnecessary or excessive, which fits the context of the sentence. The extra decorations did not enhance the party, making 'superfluous' the correct choice, unlike 'necessary' or 'crucial'.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4