Vocabulary Quiz A

Choose the word or phrase that best matches the meaning of the underlined word in each sentence.

The explorer’s trepidation was evident as he approached the dark, unexplored cave.

• bravery

• nervous fear

• boredom

• curiosity

Her argument was so incoherent that even the teacher struggled to follow her reasoning.

• unclear and disjointed

• highly persuasive

• brief and polite

• emotionally powerful

He had a profound influence on the team, changing how they thought and worked.

• shallow

• temporary

• deep and meaningful

• weak

The magician's elusive tricks baffled the audience.

• easily understood

• constantly escaping notice

• terrifying

• repetitive

The poem was filled with melancholy imagery.

• joyful

• mysterious

• sorrowful

• angry

She made a valiant effort to complete the marathon despite her injury.

• brave and determined

• hesitant and slow

• quick and careless

• quiet and polite

The judge delivered a scathing criticism of the defendant’s actions.

• kind

• humorous

• harsh and severe

• vague

His explanation was both lucid and convincing.

• unclear

• logical and easy to understand

• overly emotional

• brief

The ancient manuscript was kept in a meticulously controlled environment.

• casually

• lazily

• carefully and precisely

• hurriedly

The two scientists had a contentious debate over the experiment’s results.

• boring

• polite

• friendly

• argumentative and heated