Overall meaning of a sentence/ paragraph

Read the paragraph: "The new video game console has faster loading times, a more comfortable controller, and stunning 4K graphics. Players have reported a much more immersive experience compared to the older model." Based on the context, what is the most likely meaning of the word "immersive"?

• Deeply engaging and absorbing

• Difficult and challenging

• Expensive and exclusive

• Visually blurry and unclear

Answer explanation

The context clues 'faster loading times,' 'more comfortable controller,' and 'stunning 4K graphics' all describe features that would make a player feel more involved and absorbed in the game, which is the meaning of 'immersive.'

Match each vocabulary word to the sentence that best illustrates its meaning.

• With the release of smartphones, pagers became a thing of the past.

• Lethargic

• After a long week, he felt too slow and tired to do anything but rest on the couch.

• Diligent

• The rain showers were unpredictable, starting and stopping all afternoon.

• Sporadic

• The student worked on her project every night, carefully checking every detail.

• Obsolete

Answer explanation

'Diligent' means hardworking and careful, matching the student's behavior. 'Sporadic' means occurring at irregular intervals, like the rain. 'Lethargic' means sluggish and tired, matching the person on the couch. 'Obsolete' means out of date, like pagers.

Read the sentence: "The old plan was inadequate and led to many problems. The new proposal, however, is comprehensive, addressing all the key issues. We are optimistic it will succeed, unlike the previous flawed attempt." Sort the bolded words into categories based on their connotation.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• optimistic

• inadequate

• comprehensive

• flawed

Answer explanation

'Comprehensive' and 'optimistic' suggest positive qualities or outlooks in this context. 'Inadequate' and 'flawed' suggest negative qualities or problems.

After looking at the exorbitant price tag on the jacket, Maria sighed and put it back on the rack. Based on Maria's actions, what is the most likely meaning of "exorbitant"?

• surprisingly low or cheap

• unreasonably high or expensive

• stylish and fashionable

• slightly damaged or flawed

Answer explanation

Maria's sigh and her action of putting the jacket back on the rack after seeing the price tag are strong clues that the price was too high for her. This indicates that 'exorbitant' means unreasonably expensive.

Read the sentence: "Because the trail was so treacherous, with its steep cliffs and loose rocks, the hikers proceeded with extreme caution." What does the context tell you about the word treacherous?

• It means beautiful and scenic.

• It means easy and flat.

• It means dangerous and unpredictable.

• It means long and winding.

Answer explanation

The context clues "steep cliffs" and "loose rocks" are examples of dangers, which helps the reader understand that "treacherous" means dangerous.

Match each vocabulary word to the sentence that provides the best context clue for its meaning.

• The instructions were unclear and could be interpreted in two different ways.

• Tentative

• Because he was unsure of the plan, he gave a hesitant 'yes' to the proposal.

• Ambiguous

• Despite facing many setbacks, the team bounced back and won the final game.

• Resilient

• The artist was so careful that she spent an hour on a single brushstroke.

• Meticulous

Answer explanation

'Ambiguous' means unclear or open to more than one interpretation. 'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, as the artist does. 'Resilient' means able to recover quickly from difficulties, like the team. 'Tentative' means hesitant or not certain, matching the unsure 'yes'.

Since he didn't study for the test, it was ______ that he received a poor grade. Which word best completes the sentence to show a logical cause-and-effect relationship?

• surprising

• inevitable

• coincidental

• irrelevant

Answer explanation

The cause is 'didn't study.' The effect is 'a poor grade.' The word 'inevitable,' meaning certain to happen or unavoidable, correctly links this cause to its logical effect. The other options contradict the expected outcome.

Read the sentence: "The derelict house stood on a hill, its paint peeling, windows boarded up, and garden overgrown with weeds." Based on the details in the sentence, what does the word "derelict" most likely mean?

• historic and famous

• newly constructed

• in a state of disrepair and neglect

• large and expensive

Answer explanation

The context clues 'paint peeling,' 'windows boarded up,' and 'garden overgrown with weeds' all describe a place that is abandoned and not cared for. These details directly support the meaning of 'derelict.'

Read the sentence: "The project was delayed due to several impediments, such as a lack of funding and a shortage of materials." What does the word "impediments" mean in this context?

• benefits or advantages

• team members or workers

• goals or objectives

• obstacles or hindrances

Answer explanation

The sentence states that 'impediments' caused the project to be delayed. The examples given, 'lack of funding' and 'shortage of materials,' are both problems or obstacles. Therefore, 'impediments' means obstacles or hindrances.

A sign in a library reads: "Please help us maintain a tranquil atmosphere for reading and study." Based on the context of a library, what is the meaning of "tranquil"?

• exciting and energetic

• collaborative and social

• calm, quiet, and peaceful

• brightly lit and modern

Answer explanation

Libraries are places for 'reading and study,' which require a quiet and peaceful environment. This context strongly suggests that 'tranquil' means calm and free from disturbance.