CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
I. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined
word(s) in each of the following questions.
1. Don't worry, you can count on me. I'll try my best to help you.
A. look after
B. live on
C. rely on
D. stand for
2. We had a discussion in class today about requiring students to wear school uniforms.
A. ban
B. arrangement
C. reduction D. debate
3. The graduation is sad, because the time we studied together has come to an end.
A. succeeded
B. begun
C. finished
D. changed
4. Under the major's able leadership, the soldiers found safety.
A. guidance
B. intensity
C. flagship
D. ability
5. Binh is an active student. He has taken part in different charity projects in his town.
A. been involved in
B. taken care of
C. looked forward to
D. been grateful to
6. Everyone has their own style of studying. I prefer to study by myself so I am not disturbed.
A. location
B. method
C. culture
D. network
7. Many language learners do not try to learn all new words they come across.
A. study
B. like
C. meet
D. understand
8. Electric cars are better for the environment. In addition, they can save money on petrol
A. In conclusion
B. For example
C.Nevertheless
D. Furthermore
9. After her parents' death, her chief inheritance was an old Bible, which she read and valued.
A. pursuit
B. possession
C. mistrust
D. misery
10. They need to cut back on eating a lot of salt and sugary foods. They're not good for their health.
A. reduce
B. begin
C. speed up
D. carry out
11. I only have time to tell you the main idea of it, not the details.
A. story
B. gist
C. list
D. start
12. Wildlife on Earth is disappearing fast and will continue to do so unless urgent action is taken.
A. vanishing B. damaging C. polluting
D. destroying
13. I didn't think his comments were very appropriate at that time.
A. right
B. correct
C. exact
D. suitable
14. Have you found out how much all this is going to cost? Is it expensive?
A. got information about
B. found by chance
C. talked to someone about
D. met someone and asked
15. Everything seems to be very complicated, and the police have promised to look into the problem.
A. discover
B. examine
C. investigate
D. communicate
16. The new camera didn't work, so she took it back to the shop.
A. was out of date
B. was out of order
C. didn't break down
D. became too old
17. It's easy to confuse me for my brother; we are twins and we look the same.
A. mix up
B. choose out
C. pick down
D. take after
18. The notice should be put in the most isible place so that all the students can be well-informed.
A. popular
B. often visited
C. easily seen
D. beautiful
19. Children normally feel a lot of anxiety about their first day at school.
A. nervousness
B. silence
C. self-control
D. agreement
20. The 1923 earthquake in Japan killed about 200,000 people and left countless wounded and homeless.
A. imprisoned
B. injured
C. killed
D. enriched
21. The Internet is available only in cities and town, so we cannot easily get access to it in the
countryside.
A. visiting
B. existing
C. safe
D. helpful
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-1-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
22. The naughty boy was scolded for breaking the neighbour's window yesterday. A. told off
complimented
C. caught
D. taken care of
B.
23. No matter what happens, I assure you that I will not forget how hard you have worked on this project
A. dare
B. promise
C. persuade
D.insure
24. Most animals can communicate with members of their own species, but not with other groups.
A. specialized researchers
B. kind of plant
C. geographical areas
D. type of animal
25. They grumbled about the food. They didn't seem to be pleased.
A. argued
B. complained
C. thought
D. bargained
26. The shop assistant was totally bewildered by the customer's behavior.
A. puzzled
B. disgusted
C. angry
D. upset
27. Sue and Daisy are as different as chalk and cheese. No wonder their friendship has broken up recently.
A. changed
B. ended
C. improved D. appeared
28. He was astounded at his bad luck. He couldn't believe it.
A. unhappy
B. frightened
C. astonished
D. amused
29. It hasn't rained for a long time. If the crops are not irrigated soon, the harvest will be affected.
A. plowed
B. watered
C. planted
D. fertilized
30. In the 1920s, amateur theater performances benefited poor families and other charitable causes.
A. untrained
B. inexperienced
C. non-profit
D. nonprofessional
31. It is imperative that they arrive on time for the lecture. They mustn't be late.
A. necessary
B. suggested
C. hoped
D. intended
32. The widespread use of pesticides and herbicides has led to contamination of groundwater in some areas.
A. extensive
B. experimental
C. occasional
D. popular
33. The professor tried to stimulate interest in archaeology by taking his students on expeditions.
A. simulate
B. fake
C. encourage D. diminish
34. In this fairytale there is a wicked old woman. Nobody wants to come near her.
A. evil
B. marked
C. weak
D. immortal
35. The boundary between Canada and the United States has been unfortified for over one hundred years.
A. border
B. binding
C. relationship
D. water
36. This organization aims to help the less able in society to lead an independent life.
A. identify
B. entertain
C. assist
D. defend
37. For nearly a hundred years, the lake was present continually, and has appeared and disappeared again
several times since.
A. vanish
B. exist
C. inhabit
D. grow
38. When we travel overseas we hope to go to Iceland.
A. on the sea
B. by water
C. with foreigners D. to foreign lands
39. The guests at the Japanese Embassy reception enjoyed it very much but refused to eat the raw fish.
A. stale
B. fresh
C. rotten
D. uncooked
40. The teacher gave some suggestions on what could come out for the examination.
A. demonstrations B. symptoms
C. hints
D. effects
41. We always split the housework equally - my mom cooks, my dad cleans the house and I do the washing-up.
A. join
B. break
C. share
D. pick up
42. Parent are recommended to collaborate with teachers in educating children.
A. part
B. cooperate
C. separate
D. disagree
43. Acupuncture originated in China and has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years.
A. began
B. created
C. developed D. introduced
44. There is no evidence at this time that acupuncture can treat cancer itself.
A. clue
B. data
C. proof
D. sign
45. Acupuncture can treat from simple to complicated ailments.
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-2-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
A. acupoints B. diseases
C. points
D. treatments
46. Some people believe that acupuncture can be a cure of cancer.
A. allergy
B. practice
C. therapy
D. treatment
47. This year, more girls enrolled on courses in art and design.
A. avoided
B.inserted
C. erased
D. enlisted
48. In some rural areas, women and girls are forced to do most of the housework
A. invited
B. encouraged
C.made
D contributed
49. Our government has done a lot to eliminate gender inequality.
A. cause
B. remove
C. add
D. allow
50. We never allow any kind of discrimination against girls at school
A. approve
B. deny
C. refuse
D. debate
51. Experiences at work help women to widen their knowledge
A. eliminate
B. broaden
C restrict
D. spoil
52. If women have to do too much housework, they cannot concentrate or work effectively.
A. learn
B. distract
C. focus
D. ignore
53. Mary is planning to tie the knot with her German boyfriend next June.
A. get married
B. say goodbye
C. get together
D. fall in love
54. In sonic Asian countries like Vietnam or China, money is given to the newly- married couple as a
wedding present.
A. gift
B. donation
C. souvenir
D. contribution
55. We should encourage women to join more social activities.
A. prevent
B. stimulate
C. permit
D. forbid
56. Working mothers contribute to household income.
A. reduce
B. take
C. add
D. double
57. How are governments addressing the problem of inequality in wages?
A. focusing on
B. raising
C. creating
D. ignoring
58. Mary countries now allow and encourage women to join the army and the police forces.
A. permit
B. force
C. make
D. prevent
59. Acupuncture can ease nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
A. increase
B. prevent
C. reduce
D. spoil
60. Are there any alternatives that might provide better options for gay people?
A. choices
B. decisions
C. judgements
D.votes
61. Becoming a super star performing on stage was my burning desire when I was a teenager.
A. well-known painter
B. famous singer
C. good writer
D. famous composer
62. We were surprised to know that over 150000 fans packed into the stadium to support Vietnamese
football team.
A. people
B. admirers
C. visitors
D. watchers
63. But for your support, our band couldn't have won the Grand Music competition.
A. show
B. quiz
C. contest
D. tour
64. If you want to become a well-known singer, you need to have a unique selling point, a way to
differentiate yourself from the crowd.
A. genius
B. infamous
C. renowned
D.new
65. He's planning to release his new solo single album about New Year.
A. put out
B. set free
C. imprison
D. come out
66. This game show has attracted many participants since it was aired in 2015.
A. breathed
B. impacted
C. introduced
D. broadcast
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-3-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
67. In the last quarter of this year, our entertainment company had a big success in signing a lot of
contracts with celebrities.
A. bargains
B. agreements
C. arrangements
D. profits
68. "Cindy", which originated in North California, is a popular American folk song.
A. came from
B. finished
C. made
D. recognized
69. Mozart was a child prodigy that he composed music at the age of four.
A. dunce
B. brain
C. genius
D. intelligence
70. We're seeking for a talented musician to join our entertainment company.
A. good
B. famous
C. great
D. gifted
71. I got the teaching job in the Happy Child Charity Centre just by chance.
A. accidentally
B. purposefully
C. easily
D. immediately
72. Every month, the volunteer group go to remote and mountainous areas to help those in need.
A. empty
B. faraway
C. crowded
D. poor
73. Mother Teresa devoted herself to caring for the sick and the poor.
A. spent
B. contributed
C. gave up
D. dedicated
74. Our top priority is to clean and protect the environment in our neighbourhood. A. hobby
B.job
C. preference
D. idea
75. Young people are now getting more and more concerned about environmental problems.
A. worried
B. nervous
C. hopeless
D. uneasy
76. In Vietnam, it is customary to choose a favourable day for occasions such as weddings, funerals, or
house-moving days.
A. suitable
B. favourite
C. beautiful
D. whole
77. They were qualified for the job, but they were not recruited.
A. competitive
B. selected
C. competent
D. applied
78. Wage discrimination affects women negatively
A. motivates B. influences C. encourages
D. affords
79. Men should share household chores with women in their families.
A. cover
B. finish
C. take
D. split
80. The Government has raised the national minimum wage?
A. bonus
B. expense
C. waste
D. pay
II. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined
word(s) in each of the following questions.
1. A small fish needs camouflage to hide itself so that its enemies cannot find it.
A. cover
B. beautify
C. show
D. locate
2. Solar energy doesn't cause pollution, but it is not cheap.
A. expensive
B. effective
C. commercial
D. possible
3. If you follow these simple rules, not only will you save money, but also the environment will be
cleaner.
A. earn
B. count
C. waste
D. replace
4. Animal communication is not a straightforward subject. It's complicated because animals communicate
differently with each other.
A. impossible to express
B. difficult to understand
C. easy to interpret
D. interesting to study
5. We must not let small children play in the kitchen. It is a dangerous place.
A. handy
B. suitable
C. central
D. safe
6. With the help of the Internet, information can reach every corner of the world swiftly.
A. at a low speed
B. at a high price
C. with some difficulty
D. unexpectedly
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-4-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
7. The tendency to develop cancer, even in high-risk individuals, can be decreased by increasing the
amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet.
A.consuming
B. growing
C. lessening
D. stopping
8. With butterflies in my stomach, he waited for his job interview.
A. nervously B. patiently
C. happily
D. courageously
9. I find playing sports, like badminton, an exciting way to exercise.
A. stimulating
B. regular
C. normal
D. boring
10. Population growth rates vary among regions and even among countries within the same region.
A. come up
B. stay unchanged
C. remain unstable
D. go down
11. Fruit and vegetables grew in abundance on the island. The islanders even exported the surplus.
A. large quantity
B. small quantity C. excess
D. sufficiency
12. I think that the local authority should prohibit and fine heavily anyone catching fish in this lake.
A. allow
B. discourage
C. recognize D. agree
13. They would never admit that they made a serious mistake during the experiment.
A. refuse
B. argue
C. deny
D. calculate
14. Watching the movie with all of my friends from school was fun, but it was too lengthy.
A. ordinary
B. short
C. silly
D. funny
15. Conversations you strike up with traveling acquaintances usually tend to be trivial.
A. helpful
B. unimportant
C. insufficient
D. noteworthy
16. The world's population keeps increasing during the past few years.
A. coming up
B. getting on
C. going down
D. taking off
17. My friend and his soccer coach are incompatible. They are always arguing.
A. too different to work together
B. having little in common
C. related in some way
D. getting on well
18. The earthquake in October 1989 in Loma Prieta caused extensive damage in the area.
A. widespread
B. narrow
C. long-lasting
D. complete
19. If we had taken his sage advice, we wouldn't be in so much trouble now.
A. unwilling
B. clever
C. unwise
D. eager
20. When you put on clothing make-up, you place it on your body in order to wear it.
A. take off
B. look after
C. wash up
D. get on
21. The Ministry of Health is carrying out a health project for the poor in mountainous regions and rural
areas.
A. urban
B. mountainous
C. suburban
D. coastal
22. Our children must attend some acceptable school during the years of compulsory education.
A. advisory
B. inspirational
C. commercial
D. voluntary
23. Whenever he returns to this place he is happy and contented.
A. discouraged
B. displeased
C. satisfied
D. serious
24. "Mary, of course you're overweight. You eat too much junk food. Even worse, you exercise
infrequently."
A. nearly every day
B. at a gym
C. in the open
D. quite often
25. There were so many members of the political party who had gone against the leader that he had to
resign.
A. invited
B. opposed
C. insisted
D. supported
26. I'm sorry I can't come out this weekend - I'm up to my ears in work.
A. busy
B. bored
C. idle
D. scared
27. A surprising percentage of the population in remote areas is illiterate.
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-5-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
A. able to speak fluently
B. unable to speak fluently
C. unable to read and write
D. able to read and write
28. These shoes are made of imitation leather, so they are not expensive.
A. natural
B. valuable
C. man-made
D. cheap
29. Later that evening, when I was almost asleep, the sound of a crowd brought me back to full
consciousness.
A. afraid
B. tired
C. awake
D. aware
30. Your poster is very good. I think that you could enhance it by adding some more color. That will tend
to attract everyone's attention.
A. draw again
B. throw away
C. make better
D. make worse
31. My mother often tells me never to accept a lift from someone I've just met!
A. assist
B. deny
C. refuse
D. prevent
32. When you bought that new computer a couple of years ago, you probably thought its 500-megabyte
hard disk would last forever.
A. certainly
B. absolutely
C. possibly
D. generally
33. It'stough being an applicant these days. Imagine the questions interviewers ask!
A. violent
B. costly
C. generous
D. pleasant
34. People who go ahead constructively in life are those who hold on to their work or opportunities with
zest.
A. indifference
B. hesitancy
C. passion
D. enthusiasm
35. Someone who can think fast and make decisions easily is said to be brilliant.
A. smart
B. cheerful
C. stupid
D. successful
36. When you play professional football, you lose the ability to play simply for fun.
A. watched only, not played well
B. played in a team, not individually
C. considered serious as a job
D. done for enjoyment, not as a job
37. They left their first temporary home last week when the overcrowded camp ran out of fresh water and
space.
A.country
B. familiar
C. permanent
D. expensive
38. Humans can use language deceptively by telling lies or half-truths.
A. in an honest way
B. in detail
C. in a serious way
D. carefully and effectively
39. Unluckily the main tourist attraction was lost when the small town was burned down in an accidental
fire.
A. done on purpose
B. made by chance
C. happening unexpectedly
D. coming to an end
40. The livelihood of each species in the vast and intricate assemblage of living things depends on the
existence of other organisms.
A. difficult
B. widespread
C. simple
D. complex
41. From my point of view, parental divorce can cause lasting negative consequences for children.
A. beginning of a marriage
B. the situation of not marrying
C. single person
D. ending of a marriage
42. It is important to create a daily routine so as to improve your work-life balance today.
A. a situation in which two or more things are not treated the same
B. a state that things are of equal weight or force
C. a state that things are of importance
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-6-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
D. a situation that things change frequently in amount
43. The gender gap in primary education has been eliminated.
A. variety
B. inconsistency C. difference.
D. similarity
44. The United Kingdom has made a remarkable progress in gender equality.
A. insignificant
B. impressive
C. notable
D. famous3
45. Men and women equally gain first class degrees.
A. acquire
B. lose
C. achieve
D. obtain
46. The United Kingdom still faces challenges in gender equality.
A. fairness
B. inequality
C. evenness
D. equilibrium
47. Much has to be done to achieve gender quality in employment opportunities.
A. attain
B. obtain
C. reach
D. abandon
48. People have eliminated poverty and hunger in many parts of the world.
A. created
B. eradicated
C. phased out
D. wiped out
49. Because Jack defaulted on his loan, the bank took him to court.
A. failed to pay
B. was paid much money
C. had a bad personality
D. paid in full
50. His career in the illicit drug trade ended with the police raid this morning.
A. legal
B. irregular
C. secret
D. elicited
51. Both genders should be provided with equal rights to education, employment and healthcare.
A. deprived of
B. furnished with C. equipped with D. supplied with
52. We should not allow any kind of discrimination against women and girls.
A. inequality
B. hatred
C. unbiased feeling D. intolerance
53. Family values are likely to pass down from generation to generation.
A. put down
B. cut down
C. go down
D. hand down
54. Women's salaries are becoming important to their household budgets
A. funds
B. costs
C.expenses
D.fees
55. Being practical, Americans avoid taking jobs which are beyond their ability.
A. out of
B. far from
C. within
D. inside
56. In many countries, it is customary for the bride to throw her bouquet of flowers into a crowd
of well-wishers.
A. uncommon
B. inadvisable
C. usual
D. normal
57. To an American, success is the result of hard work and self-reliance.
A. devotion
B. industry
C. laziness
D. enthusiasm
58. Success has always meant providing their families with a decent standard of living.
A. high
B. good
C. acceptable
D. low
59. It'sincredible that his new song leads the Billboard hot 100 chart only in 3 days.
A. beyond belief B. believable
C. implausible
D. unbelievable
60. She was given a prize for her achievement in classical and traditional music.
A. success
B. feat
C. failure
D. accomplishment
61. To have chance enter the final round, you have to eliminate lots of competitors.
A. retain
B.remove
C. restrict
D. reject
62. It is undeniable that instrument innovations hit the right note in 2013 with the 3D-printed
guitar, the AT-200 guitar, the seaboard grand and the wheel harp.
A. growth
B. modernization C. revolution
D. stagnation
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-7-
Bien Giang Secondary School
CLOSEST& OPPOSITE MEANING EXERCISES
63. After a very short time, this kind of music becomes wildly popular among the youth.
A. appealing
B. attractive
C. unknown
D. common
64. LuuHuuPhuoc is extremely well-known for his patriotic wartime songs.
A. fight time
B. peacetime
C. battle time
D. tranquil time
65. Hector Berlioz was one of the most prominent composers of the Romantic period.
A. classical
B. unknown
C. prolific
D. modern
66.The new star always appears with a lovely affected smile on her lips, but no one realises it.
A. natural
B. artificial
C. dishonest
D. charming
67. We absolutely adore his music because of sweet melodies and meaningful lyrics.
A. favour
B. hate
C. love
D. prefer
68. She finds herself more confident after standing on stage many times.
A. independent
B. assured
C. brave
D. fearful
69. Many people who do volunteer work think they are more fortunate than others. A. lucky
B. blessed
C. unlucky
D. uncomfortable
70. Public service announcement is a special advertisement for the community, normally about
health or safety matters.
A.Open
B. Private
C. Secret
D. Popular
71. Economically disadvantaged student often drop out of school, choosing a low paying job to
earn money.
A. leave
B. attend
C. accept
D. reject
72. We are looking for camp helpers who are hard-working, energetic, and able to organise
activities for young children.
A. active
B. dynamic
C. passive
D. reluctant
73. Volunteering also means getting to meet people with a similar passion.
A. alike
B. identical
C. common
D. distinct
74. Stores everywhere compete to sell their distinctive versions of Christmas cake before the
holiday.
A. different
B. various
C. similar
D. special
75. At first, he was reluctant to help us. However, after persuading for a long time, he agreed to
play the guitar at our tea-shop.
A. hesitate
B. willing
C. eager
D. keen
76. Stop being mean to everyone or you'll have no friends.
A. unkind
B. cruel
C. miserable
D. kind
77. Fresh water is very important to life because no one can live without it. Yet it is one of the
limited and most endangered natural resources on our planet.
A. Clean
B. Drinkable
C. Polluted
D. Running
78. One way to protect our environment from pollution is to reduce wasteful consumption.
A. costly
B. excessive
C. safe
D. economical
79. If you follow at least one of the tips, you can be proud of taking part in the preservation of
water, one of the very important and limited natural resources on earth.
A. self-confident B. self-satisfied C. discontent
D. unpleasant
80. Soil pollution leads to lack of fertile land to grow enough food for an increasing
population.
A. arid
B. rich
C. unclean
D. deserted
Composed by teacher: Bui thi Kim Thuy
-8-
Bien Giang Secondary School