Grade 8 Vocabulary Challenge

Which of the following is the correct spelling?

• catastrophy

• catastrophe

• catastrophy

• catastrofe

Answer explanation

The correct spelling is 'catastrophe', which refers to a sudden disaster or misfortune. The other options contain misspellings, making 'catastrophe' the only accurate choice.

What is the meaning of the word "obsolete"?

• Very common

• No longer in use

• Extremely valuable

• Difficult to understand

Answer explanation

The word 'obsolete' means 'no longer in use.' It refers to something that has fallen out of practice or is outdated, making 'No longer in use' the correct choice among the options provided.

Choose the correct definition for "lucrative".

• Causing harm

• Producing a great deal of profit

• Unclear or doubtful

• Very old

Answer explanation

The term 'lucrative' specifically refers to something that produces a great deal of profit, making 'Producing a great deal of profit' the correct definition. The other options do not align with this meaning.

Which word means "to examine closely and carefully"?

• Scrutinize

• Fluctuate

• Resilient

• Hierarchy

Answer explanation

The word 'scrutinize' means to examine closely and carefully, making it the correct choice. The other options do not convey this meaning: 'fluctuate' refers to change, 'resilient' to recovery, and 'hierarchy' to a system of organization.

Select the word that best fits the following sentence: "The weather tends to _______ between hot and cold during spring."

• deliberate

• fluctuate

• obsolete

• notorious

Answer explanation

The word 'fluctuate' means to vary or change, which perfectly describes how the weather shifts between hot and cold in spring. The other options do not convey this meaning.

Which sentence correctly uses the word "imminent"?

• The imminent was very delicious.

• The storm is imminent, so we should take shelter.

• She imminent her homework every day.

• He is imminent for his kindness.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'The storm is imminent, so we should take shelter.' because 'imminent' means something is about to happen, which fits the context of an approaching storm.

Which of the following best describes a "hierarchy"?

• A type of plant

• A system where people or things are ranked one above the other

• A sudden disaster

• A legal boundary

Answer explanation

A hierarchy refers to a system where people or things are ranked one above the other, indicating levels of authority or importance. This definition clearly distinguishes it from the other options provided.

Identify the word that means "famous for something bad".

• Eloquent

• Notorious

• Resilient

• Lucrative

Answer explanation

The word "notorious" specifically means being famous or well-known for something bad, making it the correct choice. In contrast, "eloquent" refers to fluent speech, "resilient" means being able to recover quickly, and "lucrative" relates to profit.

Which word has its origin from the Latin word "resilire," meaning "to spring back"?

• Resilient

• Grievance

• Jurisdiction

• Mediocre

Answer explanation

The word 'resilient' comes from the Latin 'resilire,' which means 'to spring back.' It describes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Choose the sentence that uses "mediocre" correctly.

• The performance was mediocre, not outstanding.

• She was mediocre her homework.

• The mediocre is a type of fruit.

• He is known for his mediocre.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The performance was mediocre, not outstanding.' because it uses 'mediocre' to describe something of average quality, which is its proper usage. The other options misuse the term.