Word relationships

Which word is the best synonym for diligent?

• Lazy and unmotivated

• Hardworking and conscientious

• Naturally gifted but careless

• Popular and friendly

Answer explanation

The word 'diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. 'Hardworking and conscientious' is the closest synonym. The other options describe different, unrelated traits.

Match each word to its antonym (a word with the opposite meaning).

• Gradual

• Trivial

• Significant

• Abrupt

• Fearful

• Courageous

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its direct opposite: 'Trivial' (unimportant) is the opposite of 'significant' (important), 'courageous' (brave) is the opposite of 'fearful', and 'abrupt' (sudden) is the opposite of 'gradual' (slow).

Which word correctly completes the sentence: The grocery store was so crowded we could barely walk down the _____.

• isle

• aisle

• I'll

• aisel

Answer explanation

'Aisle' refers to a passageway between rows of seats or shelves. 'Isle' is a small island. 'I'll' is a contraction for 'I will'. 'Aisel' is a misspelling.

Sort these words by their general meaning into the two categories: Words for 'Happy' or Words for 'Sad'.

Groups:

(a) Words for 'Happy'

,

(b) Words for 'Sad'

• Dejected

• Joyful

• Elated

• Ecstatic

• Somber

• Melancholy

Answer explanation

The words are grouped by their synonymous relationship. 'Ecstatic,' 'joyful,' and 'elated' all describe states of happiness, while 'melancholy,' 'somber,' and 'dejected' all describe states of sadness.

Which of the following sentences uses their, there, and they're correctly?

• They're going to put there backpacks over their.

• Their going to put they're backpacks over there.

• They're going to put their backpacks over there.

• There going to put their backpacks over they're.

Answer explanation

This sentence is correct because 'They're' is a contraction for 'they are,' 'their' is a possessive pronoun showing ownership, and 'there' indicates a place.

Complete the analogy: Keyboard is to computer as...

• pedal is to bicycle.

• student is to school.

• sun is to heat.

• car is to road.

Answer explanation

The relationship is part to whole. A keyboard is a part of a computer, just as a pedal is a part of a bicycle. The other options show different relationships (person to place, source to product, object to location).

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• Unclear

• Frequently

• Crucial

• Ambiguous

• Often

• Essential

Answer explanation

Each word is paired with a synonym: 'Essential' and 'crucial' both mean extremely important. 'Ambiguous' and 'unclear' both mean not having one obvious meaning. 'Frequently' and 'often' both mean happening many times.

Which word is an antonym for benevolent?

• Generous

• Malevolent

• Kind

• Thoughtful

Answer explanation

'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly. 'Malevolent' means having or showing a wish to do evil to others, making it the direct antonym. The other options are synonyms for 'benevolent'.

Sort the sentences based on the correct meaning of the bolded word into the categories: 'School Leader' or 'A Fundamental Belief'.

Groups:

(a) School Leader

,

(b) A Fundamental Belief

• Honesty is an important principle to live by.

• He refused to cheat as a matter of principle.

• The school principal announced a snow day.

• My dad was called into the principal's office.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted by the meaning of the homophones. 'Principal' refers to the head of a school, while 'principle' refers to a fundamental rule or belief.

The team's schedule was so _____, they couldn't make any last-minute changes for the game.

• spontaneous

• adaptable

• lenient

• rigid

Answer explanation

The context implies the schedule was inflexible. 'Rigid' means unable to be changed or adapted, which is the opposite of being able to make last-minute changes. The other options are antonyms of 'rigid'.