7.ACT Vocabulary in Context Practice

The CEO’s speech was remarkably wordy, covering all major points in just five minutes.

• NO CHANGE

• loquacious

• succinct

• verbose

The teacher appreciated the student’s lethargic approach to studying, as he consistently completed his assignments with care.

• NO CHANGE

• diligent

• lackadaisical

• apathetic

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

His argument was convoluted and easy to follow, making it persuasive to the jury.

• NO CHANGE

• ambiguous

• cogent

• complicated

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The scientist’s research was based on tried-and-true evidence gathered from extensive experiments.

• NO CHANGE

• empirical

• fallacious

• spurious

Answer explanation

"Tried-and-true" is an informal phrase often used in everyday language to describe something that has been tested and proven reliable. However, in academic or scientific writing, 'empirical' is the more precise and professional term because it refers specifically to evidence gathered.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

The author’s use of symbolism was so overkill that many readers missed its deeper meaning.

• NO CHANGE

• subtle

• bombastic

• overt

Answer explanation

"Overkill" is too informal and has a negative connotation, implying excess or exaggeration. However, in this sentence, the intended meaning is that the symbolism was not obvious or was easy to overlook. The word 'subtle' is a better fit because it describes something that is understated, nuanced, or not immediately noticeable.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

His apology was contrite and sincere, demonstrating true remorse.

• NO CHANGE

• facetious

• indifferent

• honest

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The politician attempted to rally the angry crowd with promises of reform.

• NO CHANGE

• incite

• aggravate

• placate

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

The novel’s theme was obscure and easy to understand.

• NO CHANGE

• ambiguous

• lucid

• opaque

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The instructions were so cryptic that even a beginner could follow them.

• NO CHANGE

• explicit

• convoluted

• enigmatic

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

The architect designed the building to be perilous so it would withstand natural disasters.

• precarious

• robust

• ephemeral

• NO CHANGE