Vocabulary Assessment - IGCSE Reading Part 2

What does tranquil mean?

• noisy and busy

• peaceful and calm

• dangerous and fast

• full of people

Answer explanation

The word 'tranquil' means peaceful and calm, which directly contrasts with the other options like noisy, dangerous, or crowded. Therefore, the correct choice is 'peaceful and calm'.

The phrase fast-flowing river means:

• moving slowly

• moving quickly

• not moving at all

• frozen solid

Answer explanation

The phrase 'fast-flowing river' indicates that the water is moving quickly. Therefore, the correct answer is 'moving quickly', as it directly describes the speed of the river's flow.

To fumble means:

• move clumsily

• move gracefully

• move very fast

• move silently

Answer explanation

To fumble means to move clumsily, often resulting in dropping or mishandling something. This aligns with the correct answer choice, as the other options describe movements that are not characteristic of fumbling.

Water described as silty is:

• very salty

• full of fine mud

• frozen

• perfectly clear

Answer explanation

Water described as silty contains fine particles of mud, making it murky and not clear. Therefore, the correct answer is 'full of fine mud'.

Downstream means:

• against the current

• in the direction the river flows

• across the river

• up the hill

Answer explanation

Downstream refers to the direction in which a river flows. Therefore, the correct answer is 'in the direction the river flows', as it indicates movement along the current rather than against it or across.

Which word means “not usual, rare”?

• uncommon

• ordinary

• frequent

• daily

Answer explanation

The word "uncommon" means "not usual" or "rare," making it the correct choice. The other options, "ordinary," "frequent," and "daily," imply regularity or commonness, which contradicts the meaning of rare.

Which word best matches appreciate?

• ignore

• value

• forget

• dislike

Answer explanation

The word 'appreciate' means to recognize the worth or value of something. Therefore, 'value' is the best match, as it conveys a similar meaning, while 'ignore', 'forget', and 'dislike' imply the opposite.

The glitter trail in the water comes from:

• mud in the river

• sunlight reflecting on the water

• leaves floating

• stones in the river

Answer explanation

The glitter trail in the water is caused by sunlight reflecting off the surface, creating a sparkling effect. This is why 'sunlight reflecting on the water' is the correct answer.

If you pause for a moment, you:

• walk faster

• stop briefly

• sleep

• hurry

Answer explanation

Pausing means to stop for a moment, which aligns with the choice 'stop briefly'. The other options imply continued movement or activity, which contradicts the act of pausing.

Sparkle of frost means:

• thin ice shining in light

• falling snow

• melted water

• grey clouds

Answer explanation

The phrase 'sparkle of frost' refers to the way thin ice glimmers or shines when light hits it, making 'thin ice shining in light' the correct choice. The other options do not capture this specific imagery.