Essential Academic Vocabulary - List 4

The debate required a __________ mediator to avoid escalating tensions.

• A. Aggressive

• B. Indifferent

• C. Diplomatic

• D. Uninformed

Answer explanation

A diplomatic mediator is skilled in managing conflicts and reducing tensions, making option C the best choice. Aggressive, indifferent, and uninformed mediators would likely worsen the situation.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

What does "reverberate" mean in this sentence? "The sound of the bell began to reverberate through the quiet hall."

• To echo repeatedly

• To fade quietly

• To grow louder

• To stop suddenly

Answer explanation

In the sentence, "reverberate" means to echo repeatedly, as the sound of the bell resonates through the hall. This aligns with the correct choice, indicating that the sound bounces back and forth, creating an echoing effect.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is a synonym for "homogeneous"?

• Diverse

• Similar

• Powerful

• Complicated

Answer explanation

The term "homogeneous" refers to things that are similar or uniform in nature. Therefore, "similar" is the correct synonym, while "diverse," "powerful," and "complicated" convey different meanings.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

What does "prerequisite" mean in this sentence? "A strong foundation in grammar is a prerequisite for effective writing."

• An obstacle

• A suggestion

• A necessary condition

• A simple task

Answer explanation

In this sentence, "prerequisite" means a necessary condition. It indicates that having a strong foundation in grammar is essential for achieving effective writing, rather than being just a suggestion or an obstacle.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

How is "surpass" used in this sentence? "She worked hard to surpass her previous achievements."

• To improve on

• To ignore

• To reflect on

• To abandon

Answer explanation

In the sentence, "surpass" means to improve on or exceed previous achievements. Therefore, the correct choice is "To improve on," as it captures the intent of working hard to achieve greater success.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What is the opposite of "irksome"?

• Enjoyable

• Boring

• Persistent

• Hasty

Answer explanation

The term "irksome" refers to something annoying or bothersome. The opposite would be something that brings pleasure or satisfaction, which is best described by the word "enjoyable." Thus, "enjoyable" is the correct answer.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

Fill-in-the-blank: The scientist's research was __________, covering many fields of study.

• A. Narrow

• B. Multifarious

• C. Limited

• D. Singular

Answer explanation

The correct choice is B. Multifarious, which means diverse or varied. This fits the context of the scientist's research covering many fields, unlike the other options that imply limitation or singularity.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What does "omnipotent" mean in this sentence? "In many myths, gods are portrayed as omnipotent beings."

• All-knowing

• All-powerful

• Benevolent

• Immortal

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'omnipotent' refers to gods being 'all-powerful.' This means they possess unlimited power and can do anything, distinguishing them from being merely all-knowing, benevolent, or immortal.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does "undermine" mean in this sentence? "Criticizing your teammate in public can undermine their confidence."

• Strengthen

• Weaken

• Support

• Defend

Answer explanation

In this sentence, "undermine" means to weaken someone's confidence. Criticizing a teammate publicly can damage their self-esteem, making "weaken" the correct choice among the options.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What is a synonym for "exemplify"?

• Represent

• Criticize

• Simplify

• Oppose

Answer explanation

The word "exemplify" means to represent or illustrate something. Therefore, "represent" is a synonym, while "criticize," "simplify," and "oppose" do not convey the same meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4