Context Clues
(1)
It is common knowledge that you are not supposed to cheat. So why do so
many students still do it? Rutgers’ Management Education Center surveyed 4,500
high school students across the country. According to the results, 75 percent of
them cheat. Another survey of 18,000 students on 23 college campuses found that
nearly 40 percent of students plagiarize from the Internet. Several college students
also confessed to fabricating lab reports, inventing the data instead of taking the
time to conduct the experiments.
(2)
These students jeopardize their academic careers each time they take a “short
cut.” Losing credit for a class and getting expelled are among the many
consequences for cheating in academic institutions. Schools often note instances
of academic dishonesty on student transcripts, causing detriment to the students’
future educational and employment opportunities.
1. What does fabricating mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
destroying
building
taking
making up
2. What does detriment mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
agreement
damage
debate
improvement
3. Read the sentence from the passage.
"These students jeopardize their academic careers each time they take a 'short cut.' "
What does the word jeopardize most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
play with
design
put at risk
excuse
Flight of the Frisbee
Most of us have thrown a Frisbee at one time or another. But have you ever noticed
the way that a Frisbee seems to float on the air? Have you ever wondered how the
Frisbee flies so far without falling?
Like any other flying object, the two major determinants of a Frisbee's flight are
gravity and air. Gravity acts on all objects the same way. The gravitational constant is
9.8 meters/second, which means that the force of gravity pushes all objects toward the
center of the Earth at the rate of 9.8 meters per second. To achieve flight, additional
forces must counteract the gravitational force. "Lift" is generated by the curved shape of
the Frisbee, which interacts with the air as it passes through it. If a Frisbee is thrown
properly, the air moving over the top of the Frisbee flows faster than the air moving
underneath it. This generates the lift of the Frisbee and causes its lithe, ballet-like
performance upon the air.
There are two scientific principles that further elucidate how a Frisbee stays afloat.
The Bernoulli Principle explains that when the air pressure above an object is less than
the air pressure below, the object rises. In the case of a Frisbee, the difference in
pressure causes the Frisbee to lift higher in the air. This is the same principle that
allows planes to take off, fly, and land. Offering additional insight is Newton's Third Law,
which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case,
the Frisbee forces air down (action) and the air forces the Frisbee upward (reaction).
The air is deflected downward by the Frisbee's tilt, or angle.
4. Read the sentence from the passage.
"To achieve flight, additional forces must counteract the gravitational force."
What does the word counteract most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
embellish
cancel out
play with
support
5. The author describes the performance of a Frisbee on the air as lithe.
Which of the following words best defines the meaning of lithe?
A.
B.
C.
D.
nimble
difficult
miraculous
heavy
6. What is the definition of elucidate, used in paragraph 3?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to
to
to
to
clarify by explanation
make unnecessary
neutralize by force
complicate or confuse
Local Students Dig into History
This summer, two local students were able to experience history firsthand as they
helped to uncover a medieval burial site. High school seniors Gale Devevoise and
Roland Chancey were members of an archaeological team that cleared debris for three
weeks before finding a true treasure.
"We had begun to give up hope," admitted Roland Chancey. "If I weren't getting
college credit for this, I probably would have given up and gone home." The students
were responsible for carrying the equipment for the professional archaeologists and
recording data at the end of each workday. Several tons of dirt, rocks, and concrete
encumbered the archaeological team as they attempted to excavate the entrance to the
burial site.
"The archaeologists rewarded us for our hard work by letting us enter the burial
site," said Gale Devevoise. "It was the best part of the experience. I couldn't believe I
was standing in a sepulchral chamber that was built thousands of years ago." Both
students have plans to pursue careers in archaeology after graduation.
7. Read this sentence from the passage.
"Several tons of dirt, rocks, and concrete encumbered the archaeological team as they
attempted to excavate the entrance to the burial site."
What does the word encumbered mean in this context?
A.
B.
C.
D.
hindered
viewed
assisted
cleared
8. Which of the following best describes the word sepulchral as it is used in
the third paragraph of the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
relating
relating
relating
relating
to
to
to
to
a place of burial
a religious conversion
hard work
education
Driftwood
Maribel knew that her little brother Marco was prone to exaggeration. So she took his
description of the so-called "Ocean Man" with a grain of salt.
"He's ten feet tall," Marco said. "And his hair is long and green and full of seaweed."
The story was ludicrous, but Maribel had to admit that it was also sort of creepy. With
the dark waves crashing against the rocks, and the cold waters reaching up to her
ankles, the thought of a strange man emerging from the turbulent waters was ominous.
It was then that she noticed a strange piece of driftwood that had washed ashore.
Maribel was attracted to its curved, crescent shape.
"It looks like a moon," she observed.
"No," Marco said excitedly. "It's a boomerang! Give it to me!"
Marco reached for the driftwood, but Maribel was too quick for him. She grabbed it
and dangled it high over Marco's head, where he couldn't reach it. His attempts to take
it from her were futile.
All of a sudden, something else caught Marco's attention. He pointed past Maribel in
the direction of the lighthouse on the beach.
Maribel turned to see a tall man with long, unkempt hair. He was walking toward
them.
"The Ocean Man!" Marco shouted. Then he took off running along the beach in the
opposite direction.
Meanwhile, the tall man with the long hair was calling out to Maribel. "What have you
got there?" he asked. "May I see it?"
Maribel handed the piece of driftwood to the man. "I think it looks like the moon," she
said, "but my idiot brother thinks it's a boomerang."
The man laughed. "This piece of wood represents different things to different people.
It also supports the insect and plant life here on the beach, thanks to the time it spent in
the ocean, absorbing nutrients."
"I didn't know that," Maribel said. She turned to see what had become of her brother.
He hadn't stopped running, and was by now no more than a diminutive speck on the
beach.
"So what do you think?" the man asked her. "Is it a moon or a boomerang, or both?"
"I think it's just going to be driftwood," she said.
The man smiled. Then he put the driftwood back on the beach where it belonged.
9. The word diminutive as it is used in the passage means
A.
B.
C.
D.
miniature.
courageous.
impressive.
lanky.
10. Read the sentence from the passage.
"With the dark waves crashing against the rocks, and the cold waters reaching up to her
ankles, the thought of a strange man emerging from the turbulent waters was ominous."
What does the word ominous most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
encouraging
likely
menacing
irritating
11. What does futile mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
hopeless
angry
impressive
certain
12. What does ludicrous mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
unhelpful
honest
absurd
cruel
13. As it is used in paragraph 1, what does the word prone mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
withdrawing or escaping to
against or opposed to
inclined or tending to
demeaning or insulting to
House on the Rock
Throughout southern Wisconsin, the signs for the "House on the Rock" are
ubiquitous—one simply can't miss them! Frequently these advertisements pique the
interest of even the most road-weary travelers. Those lucky enough to have discovered
the strange house will tell you that it is definitely worth a visit.
The first part of the house that one notices is the "Infinity Room," a precarious
corridor that juts out 218 feet from the house—and without supports underneath! The
room has over 3,000 windows, allowing visitors to peer down to the forest far below.
But the "Infinity Room" is just the beginning. Exploring deeper, visitors will hear
cacophonous music coming from somewhere inside the house. Imagine a visitor's
surprise upon finding that the music is coming from hundreds of automatic music
machines, many of which are out of tune! An astute observer will note that while some
of the music machines actually produce sound, others merely perform the illusion of
playing. The silent music machines are mere placeholders that belie the fact that taped
recordings are playing through concealed speakers.
After having heard the strange, slightly out-of-tune music, visitors can venture further
to discover a large room of nautical exhibits. On display are ancient maps of the ocean
and artifacts from different kinds of ships. Watch out for the 200-foot whale model that
looms overhead! Finally, one encounters what is perhaps the most impressive exhibit of
all: an enormous indoor carousel, covered in thousands of Christmas lights.
After an exploration that can last anywhere from an hour to an entire afternoon,
visitors may emerge from the House on the Rock with the feeling that they've awoken
from a dream. How is it possible to describe such a place unless one has seen it with
one's own eyes? Even photographs fail to capture the surreal quality of the place itself.
This "house" is not so much a home as it is a museum of antiques and architectural
oddities. Ultimately, only one thing is certain: it is unlike any other place in the world.
14. What is the definition of nautical, used in paragraph 4?
A.
B.
C.
D.
relating to ships, sailors, or traveling on water
ancient, out-of-date, or predating modern times
popular or familiar to a general audience
loosely organized or neglected due to disinterest
15. Read the sentence from the passage.
"The silent music machines are mere placeholders that belie the fact that taped
recordings are playing through concealed speakers."
What does the word belie most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
misrepresent
taunt
boast
cooperate
16. What does precarious mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
forgettable
narrow
momentous
unstable
17. The word astute used in paragraph 3 means
A.
B.
C.
D.
weary.
careless.
excited.
perceptive.
18. What does pique mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
improve
confuse
attract
pretend
19. In paragraph 3, what does the word cacophonous mean?
A. smooth, soft
B. private, intimate
C. passive, accepting
D. loud, jarring
20. In the last paragraph, the author suggests that the House on the Rock
has a surreal quality. What does surreal most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
lacking liveliness or energy
intentionally offensive or upsetting
having an unpleasant appearance
having an oddly dreamlike quality
21. The first sentence in this passage says that the roadside signs for the
House on the Rock are ubiquitous. Which of the following words best defines
ubiquitous?
A.
B.
C.
D.
popular
hidden
everywhere
simple
Stranded in Italy
The train from Paris to Rome was hot and crowded. Patrick wanted nothing more
than to sleep, but his train compartment was too congested and offered almost no leg
room.
Patrick didn't know Italian, so he cleared his throat to let the other passengers know
that he wanted to exit. Outside of his compartment, a narrow corridor led from one car
to the next. Patrick walked to the end of the corridor, only to find that the next car was
identical to the one he'd left: teeming with passengers. Undeterred by the thought that
all the cars might be the same, Patrick continued to the next car, and then the next, until
at last he'd found exactly what he was looking for: an entire row of empty seats.
It was then that Patrick noticed a posted sign in Italian, punctuated by exclamation
marks. The sign worried him, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to lie down and
stretch his legs. Minutes later, he was sound asleep.
The next thing he knew, a uniformed guard was standing over him, shining a
flashlight in Patrick's eyes. The man's words were unintelligible, but Patrick guessed
from the man's tone that Patrick was supposed to leave. But when Patrick tried to return
to his old car, he saw to his surprise that the cars were no longer connected!
There was nothing to do but disembark and take shelter in a nearby train station.
Patrick had no clue where he was, but he was pretty sure he wasn't in Rome.
Inside the station, a large board flashed and flickered with the names of foreign cities
and departure times. Patrick couldn't make sense of it. He tried to buy a ticket from the
woman at the counter, but she didn't speak English.
Exasperated, Patrick was about to give up when an elderly Italian woman tapped
him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me," she said. "The train conductor told me what happened. You were on
the wrong train car." Then she pointed to the large board that had previously mystified
Patrick. "You will want to catch the next train to Milan," she said. "From there it is easy
to get to Rome."
Patrick was relieved. "You are a life saver," he told the woman. "This day has been
quite a fiasco."
"It helps to be bilingual," she said, winking at him.
22. In the first paragraph of this passage, the train compartment is
described as congested. What is the definition of congested?
A.
B.
C.
D.
changeable
abnormal
overfull
freezing
23. In the last paragraph, Patrick describes his day as a fiasco. What is a
fiasco?
A.
B.
C.
D.
an opportunity
a disaster
a convenience
an amusement
24. What is the definition of disembark, used in the fifth paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
explore
get off
embrace
remain
25. What is the meaning of the word teeming as it is used in the second
paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
swarming
operating
becoming
appearing
26. What is the definition of exasperated, used in the seventh paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
encouraged, promoted
assisted, aided
impatient, angered
intrigued, captivated
27. In the second paragraph, the author says that Patrick is undeterred.
Based on the way in which the word is used in the passage, an undeterred
person is one who
A.
B.
C.
D.
becomes quickly bored.
does not give up easily.
has little respect for others.
holds a position of authority.
(1)
When astronauts and cosmonauts first began circling the globe, they faced a
unique problem: how to keep track of all their stuff. On the ground, if you wanted to
stow your car keys, for example, you simply left them on the night table. They could
be found in the morning right where you left them—perhaps after a bit of lastminute searching on the way out the door—but at least they stayed put.
(2)
Space travelers faced a different problem. Objects had a habit of just floating
off. A pencil, a wrench, would just hang around drifting weightlessly wherever a tiny
shove or air current would take it.
(3)
Keeping tabs on a capsule full of flotsam was a job in itself, a full-time job
because if a tiny piece lodged itself into the hardware, it could short-circuit whoknows-what. The fact that orbital living quarters would make a phone booth look
spacious only compounded the problem of keeping things neat and orderly.
(4)
How could one make sure things stayed put?
(5)
The answer came in a system of hooks and loops that when pressed together
tightly stick to one another but when pried apart easily separate. Velcro—derived
from velvet and crochet—was first made in France. Each Velcro tape was made by
hand and took almost forever to produce.
(6)
Even today, no better substitute has been found. When getting ready to leave
orbit, space shuttle astronauts literally spend a full day in space collecting all of the
material Velcro-ed to the walls.
(7)
In addition, Velcro has been improved over the years. It has become impervious
to water, chemicals, and corrosive ultraviolet light. Extra-strong Velcro can be
made out of stainless steel and synthetic fibers that withstand temperatures
upwards of 800 degrees F and do not catch fire.
adapted from They All Laughed by Ira Flatow
28. The word impervious used in paragraph 7 means
A.
B.
C.
D.
synthetic.
attracted.
unaffected.
fireproof.
29. Define flotsam as it is used in paragraph 3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
safety flotation rings
ship logs and records
technical repair tools
loose, floating items
Local Woman's Generosity Inspires Others
Seamstress Alma Dunderfluke never earned more than $16,000 a year, but at her
death last week, it was discovered that her will stipulated a gift of $300,000 to a local
school. Family members say that Dunderfluke was well known for her kindness and
thrifty ways.
"She could stretch a dollar until it screamed," said daughter Rita Satajay. "However,
she always made sure we had everything we needed and wanted. Education was close
to her heart."
Dunderfluke's generous legacy to the Northshore Learning Academy was a secret
from everyone but her lawyer. Her children, who each received a portion of their
mother's estate, were unaware of their mother's riches.
"We knew she worked hard her entire life," admitted Satajay. "But we never knew
the exact amount." All three of Dunderfluke's children have decided to carry on the
family tradition of charity by donating their time and money to local schools.
"This gift will change many lives and give children hope," said Houston LeFanu,
director of Northshore Learning Academy. "We are forever in debt to our benefactor,
Mrs. Dunderfluke."
30. In the fifth paragraph, Mrs. Dunderfluke is referred to as the school's
benefactor. Which of these phrases best describes the meaning of
benefactor?
A.
B.
C.
D.
one
one
one
one
who
who
who
who
lives in near poverty
works as a seamstress
receives money
gives aid to others
31. What is the meaning of the word legacy as it is used in the third
paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a
a
a
a
document containing important historical information
memorial commemorating a person after his/her death
gift of money or personal property donated by a will
way for people to influence local educational policies
Thelonious Monk: Jazz Giant
Thelonious Monk was an innovative jazz pianist and composer. Some regard him as
the founder of bebop, which is a style of jazz music that features a fast tempo,
instrumental virtuosity, and improvisation. Playing bebop requires many years of
practice and detailed knowledge of one's chosen instrument.
What made Monk unique was his unorthodox approach to the piano. Unlike many
other musicians at the time, Monk's playing included many strange rhythms and
dramatic silences. Another unconventional aspect of his playing is seen in his use of
dissonant harmonies. It is this harshness that causes some listeners to believe that
Monk is actually playing "wrong" notes. In fact these notes are intentional and contribute
a creative spontaneity to his playing.
Monk was not only an odd musician; he was also an idiosyncratic man. Friends and
fellow musicians reported that he sometimes refused to speak for days at a time. Other
times, in the middle of a performance, he would stop, stand up from the keyboard, and
dance for a few moments before returning to the piano. One of his regular dances
consisted of continuously turning counterclockwise.
Monk's songs were incredibly difficult to play. Even Miles Davis, another jazz legend,
once complained that it was too difficult to improvise over Monk's strange piano
melodies. One of Monk's early recordings, a song called "Brilliant Corners," was so
exigent that the final version had to be edited together from multiple takes.
Monk died in 1982, but he has not been forgotten. In fact, in 1993, he received a
posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
32. The word posthumous as it is used in the last sentence means
A.
B.
C.
D.
premature.
popular.
after death.
mistaken.
33. What does idiosyncratic mean as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
peculiar
talented
predictable
intelligent
34. In the fourth paragraph, Monk's song "Brilliant Corners" is described as
exigent. Which of these words best defines the meaning of exigent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
unpopular
demanding
strange
eligible
35. Read the sentence from the passage.
"What made Monk unique was his unorthodox approach to the piano."
What does the word unorthodox most likely mean?
A. absent-minded
B. untalented
C. original
D. stylish
36. In the second paragraph, the author states that Monk used dissonant
harmonies. Which of the following phrases best describes the meaning of the
word dissonant?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with a harsh or unpleasant sound
featuring a familiar structure
well-rehearsed and polished
borrowed from another source
37. What does the word virtuosity mean in the first paragraph?
A.
B.
C.
D.
laziness
masterful ability
amateurishness
physical balance
38. The author describes Monk as innovative because Monk
A.
B.
C.
D.
died before receiving awards.
played jazz piano his entire life.
rarely spoke to family and friends.
introduced new musical ideas.
(1) In dealing with the State we ought to remember that its institutions are not
aboriginal, though they existed before we were born; that they are not superior to the
citizen; that every one of them was once the act of a single man; every law and usage
was at man's expedient to meet a particular case; that they all are imitable, all alterable;
we may make them better. (2) But politics rests on necessary foundations and cannot
be treated with levity. (3) Republics abound in young civilians who believe that the laws
make the city; that commerce, education, and religion may be voted in or out; and that
any measure, though it were absurd, may be imposed on a people if only you can get
sufficient voices to make it a law. (4) The law is only a memorandum. (5) We are
superstitious and esteem the statute somewhat. (6) The statute stands there to say,
"Yesterday we agreed so and so, but how feel ye this article today?" (7) Our statute is a
coin which we stamp with our own portrait; it soon becomes unrecognizable and in
process of time will return to the mint. (8) Nature is not democratic, nor limited-
monarchical, but despotic and will not be fooled or abated of any jot of her authority by
the protest of her sons; as fast as the public mind is opened to more intelligence, the
code is seen to be brute and stammering. (9) It speaks not articulately and must be
made to. (10) Meantime the education of the general mind never stops. (11) The
reveries of the true and simple are prophetic. (12) What the tender poetic youth dreams,
prays, and paints today, but shuns the ridicule of saying aloud, shall presently be the
resolutions of public bodies. (13) The history of the State sketches in coarse outline the
progress of thought and follows at a distance the delicacy of culture and aspiration.
adapted from Politics by Ralph Waldo Emerson
39. In the first sentence of this passage, the reader is urged to remember
that institutions are not aboriginal. What is the definition of aboriginal?
A.
B.
C.
D.
abnormal
native
alterable
counterfeit
40. Sentence number 4 states the law is only a memorandum. What is a
memorandum?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a
a
a
a
guide for human behavior
specific means to an end
legislative meeting
short reminder notice
41. What is the definition of republic, used in sentence number 3?
A.
B.
C.
D.
any government where absolute power rules
a loosely organized group of states or city-states
sole and absolute supremacy over the state
a political order that is not a monarchy
42. The last sentence in this passage says that the State follows at a
distance the "delicacy of culture and aspiration." What does aspiration
mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a strong desire for high achievement
to occupy a territory or possessions
setting the norm for members of society
the labor and accomplishment of citizens
43. Sentence 2 says that politics cannot be treated with levity. How is Mr.
Emerson telling the reader to treat politics?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with close scrutiny
avoid politics
with criticism and insults
in a frivolous manner
(1)
The imagination is the workshop where people create. The impulse or desire to
create something is given shape, form, and action through the imaginative faculty
of the mind.
(2)
It is said that we can create anything we imagine. Accomplishments start with
an idea, a spark of imagination. What the mind can conceive and believe it can
achieve.
(3)
Through the aid of imagination, humanity has discovered and harnessed more
of nature's forces during the past 100 years than during the entire history of the
human race. We have conquered space; birds cannot match our flying. We have
analyzed and weighed the sun at a distance of millions of miles and have
determined, through the aid of imagination, the elements of which the sun consists.
We can travel faster than sound. Robots transmit clear photographs from Mars.
(4)
Humankind's only limitation, within reason, lies in the development and use of
imagination. We have not yet reached the pinnacle of development in the use of
our imaginative faculty. We have merely discovered that we have an imagination
and have just begun to use it in an elementary way.
adapted from Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
44. Elementary as it is used in the last sentence means
A.
B.
C.
D.
to use the imagination with elements.
a basic understanding of imagination.
most people never use their imagination.
the future is bleak without imagination.
Sighting the Purple Finch
Natalie had it down to a science. Every Saturday morning she would drive to
Camano Park, leave her Chevy pickup truck in the parking lot, and walk along an
abandoned hiking trail. The trail led to an isolated section of the park where an old
wooden bench sat in the shade of a magnolia tree. The bench had obviously been
abandoned to decrepitude long ago: its wooden construction sagged with the weight of
past rains and encroaching moss. But the bench was located a great distance from the
noise of other visitors to the park, which was essential to Natalie's purpose—watching
for birds. Quiet, above all else, was most conducive to bird sightings.
Natalie was an ornithologist, and it was here in Camano Park that she'd spotted
more than ten species of rare birds. She was a diligent observer and kept an inventory
of the birds she'd seen in a spiral notebook.
That Saturday, Natalie's tremendous patience paid off. Using her binoculars, she
caught sight of a reddish-purple color in the branch of a far-off maple tree. It was a
purple finch! Immediately Natalie made a note in her spiral notebook. The note read
"Purple Finch=1." No sooner had she jotted this note than the finch left its perch and
flew directly toward her. She watched as it swooped down and plucked an earthworm
from the ground. Then, it zinged past her and alighted on a branch directly over her
head.
Taking care to remain quiet, Natalie aimed her binoculars overhead at the branch
where the purple finch had landed. Now, she could see a nest. Engrossed, she watched
as the purple finch fed its spawn. After watching uninterrupted for almost fifteen
minutes, Natalie took out her spiral notebook. She crossed out the "1" that she'd written
next to "Purple Finch," and replaced it with a "5."
45. Conducive as it is used in the last sentence of the first paragraph means
A.
B.
C.
D.
favorable.
simple.
frustrating.
fearsome.
46. In the last paragraph, the author says that Natalie is engrossed. Which
of the following words best defines engrossed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
perplexed
detached
frustrated
absorbed
47. Take a look at the way that the word diligent is used in the second
paragraph. A diligent person is one who
A.
B.
C.
D.
takes things for granted.
refuses to adapt to change.
avoids taking responsibility.
devotes great effort to a task.
48. Read the sentence from the passage.
"The bench had obviously been abandoned to decrepitude long ago: its wooden
construction sagged with the weight of past rains and encroaching moss."
What does the word encroaching most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
departing
living
perishing
invading
49. In the third paragraph, the author says that the bird alighted on the
branch of a tree. Which of the following words best describes the meaning of
alighted as it is used in the passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
contained
flew
submerged
settled
50. In sentence 4, the author says that the bench had "been abandoned to
decrepitude." This is another way of saying that the bench is
A. wet and slippery.
B. old and broken down.
C. small and delicate.
D. smooth and well-worn.
Aaron asked me why I looked frightened. What was I supposed to tell him? He was
my friend, and he had rebuilt his car by himself. He was so proud of it. He always talked
about how the car was over 70 years old, as if that excused all the dents and the
problems with the motor. As I looked over at him, I wanted to say, "The problem is that I
don’t like barreling down the road in a tin can on wheels," but I wanted to keep the
peace, so I said, "I’m not scared. Keep driving!"
51. What does the author mean by the figurative phrase "barreling down the
road in a tin can on wheels"?
A.
B.
C.
D.
throwing trash on the side of the road
spending the afternoon with a friend
rolling down the road in a trashcan
speeding in an old, beat-up car
Louis was a good dog. He wasn’t the kind of dog that would save your life. He wasn’t
the kind of dog that would get your paper. He wasn’t even the kind of dog that would
listen to you. However, he was a good dog. He was pretty grumpy most of the time. He
was probably grumpy because he was older than dirt. My grandma said that old dogs
have bad attitudes. Anyway, even when he was grumpy, he was still pretty friendly. He
would lick your face. He would let you rub his belly. Then he’d go to sleep. That’s pretty
much all he did.
52. Which sentence from the passage above contains figurative language?
A.
B.
C.
D.
"However, he was a good dog."
"He was probably grumpy because he was older than dirt."
"My grandma said that old dogs have bad attitudes."
"He wasn't the kind of dog that would save your life."
Timothy scanned the audience, looking for a girl with purple hair. That hair color was
the only thing he could think of that would distinguish Jennifer from the rest of the
crowd. Unfortunately for Timothy, purple was the hair color of the week. It seemed like
every other person had chosen that color. Timothy attempted, but failed, to pinpoint
Jennifer in the sea of violet that stretched out before him.
53. What does the word "pinpoint" mean as it is used in the passage above?
A.
B.
C.
D.
touch with a pin
know the direction
locate exactly
visit with
Alex was walking down the road by himself. He knew that it was late at night and that
walking alone could be dangerous. However, he also knew that he was out in the
country, and that made him believe that being alone late at night was less dangerous.
Just as he turned onto a dirt road that he had never been on, he saw hovering above
him a bright light that looked to be the size of a football field. Upon seeing it for the first
time, he was staggered. He could not believe that such a thing, whatever it was,
existed. It seemed too big to fly and too bright to be from Earth.
54. Based on its context in the passage above, what does the word
"staggered" mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
unsteady on his feet
overwhelmed, impressed
frightened
arranged in alternating positions
Carol had only been in the small Texas town for a few minutes. She could not
believe that she was supposed to play a concert there later in the evening. Seeing that
the town had only one stoplight and very few businesses, she assumed that fewer
people lived in the town than had shown up to her previous concert.
As the clock struck nine, the manager of the dancehall opened the doors and in
came a deluge. Carol could not believe her eyes. It was the biggest crowd she had seen
on the entire tour. When she asked where they discovered her music, they all yelled,
"The Internet!"
55. What is the meaning of the phrase "in came a deluge"?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A big crowd of people arrived.
An unfortunate accident occurred.
It started raining hard.
The dancehall was flooded.
56.
Usually she walked alone, but on rare occasions, especially 'round
Christmastime, she might have been seen accompanied by some silent, doe-eyed girl,
who would follow her dumbly in and out of stores.
In the context of this excerpt, what is the meaning of the word dumbly?
A.
B.
C.
D.
ignorant or stupid
fearful
unable to move
not speaking
57. slough ('slü) n. [German] 1. a muddy or marshy area. 2. a type of swamp or
shallow lake system. 3. something that may be shed or cast off. 4. a state of
depression.
What is the meaning of the word slough as it used in the passage below?
Troy came home early from work to take Jingles to the dog park. But Jingles was
lying in his bed and would not get up. Thinking he could trick the labrador, Troy got a
Meaty Bone treat out of the kitchen cupboard and tried to use it to bait Jingles and get
him to follow him to the car. Jingles' eyes focused on the treat and followed it wherever
Troy moved, but he did not get up from his cot. Worried, Troy picked up Jingles and
took him to the veterinarian. Dr. Jules examined Jingles and said that he was in a
slough. She then prescribed anti-depressant medication to help bring Jingles back to
normal.
A. definition 3
B. definition 4
C. definition 2
D. definition 1
58. tarry ('ter-ē) v. [English] 1. delay or be tardy. 2. stay somewhere temporarily. 3.
linger in expectation of.
tarry ('tär-ē) adj. [English] 4. covered with tar.
What is the meaning of the word tarry as it used in the sentence below?
"George and Ollie decided to tarry in a coffee shop while the auto mechanics next door
serviced their car."
A.
B.
C.
D.
definition
definition
definition
definition
1
3
2
4
59.
The crowd cheered in vain as their basketball team was trampled by their
opponenets.
As it is used in the sentence, the word vain most nearly means
A.
B.
C.
D.
with blood.
without purpose.
internally.
egotistically.
60.
Keith is considering changing his major from Marketing to a focus in
Entrepreneurship. To help make a better decision, he requests permission from the
Dean of the College of Business to audit a course in the Entrepreneurship track. This
will allow him to sit through a class in that subject area and see if he's really interested
in it. After the course, he will sit with his academic counselor and make a decision about
his major.
As it is used in the passage, audit most nearly means
A.
B.
C.
D.
to attend a course without formal credit.
to take a course without paying for it.
a formal examination of financial accounts.
a methodical examination and review.
61. converse (kən-'vərs) v. [Latin] 1. to have a conversation
converse ('kän-ˌvərs) n. 2. a conversation 3. the opposite or reverse of something
converse (kən-'vərs) adj. 4. opposite or reverse in direction
What is the meaning of the word converse in the sentence below?
All trained astronauts are space travelers, but the converse, that all space travelers are
trained astronauts, is not true.
A.
B.
C.
D.
definition
definition
definition
definition
3
2
4
1
62.
Jeremy left the office at noon intending to drive to Barnes Restaurant for lunch.
He was shocked to discover his car was missing. A boy who had been sitting at a
nearby bus stop told him that the car had been towed. Jeremy had parked the car
legally so he could not imagine why this happened. The thought of lunch left his mind as
he called his wife. He explained the situation to Susan and then she reminded him that
they had received a letter two weeks earlier from the bank. The letter stated they were
default on the auto loan because of several months of non-payment. The car had
probably been towed for repossession.
The author mentions that Jeremy is default on his loan. Based on the
passage, what does default mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Write
condition of failing to meet an obligation
loss incurred by failing to compete
in good standing with a company
a value used when none has been given
63. pique ('pēk) n. [French] 1. a feeling of hurt, vexation, or resentment, awakened by a
social slight or injury. 2. a remark, usually witty, made in a social situation and intended
to slight someone else. 3. a cotton fabric, figured in the loom. 4. keenly felt desire; a
longing.
What is the meaning of the word pique as it used in the sentence below?
"Beth needed something cool to wear to the carnival, so she bought a pique tee from
Cruzer's department store."
A.
B.
C.
D.
definition
definition
definition
definition
3
1
4
2
64.
Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician, and actor, but is best known as
"The King of Rock 'n' Roll." To date, he is the only performer to have been inducted into
four music halls of fame. He has become a legend in music history. Many musicians
have named Presley as a great influence on their careers.
As it is used in the passage, the word legend most nearly means
A.
B.
C.
D.
a
a
a
a
person so celebrated that they inspire others.
fictitious person whom stories and myths are written about.
fictitious person who is characterized as a music performer.
person with a rich and well-documented heritage.
65.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is a 3,200-year-old account of the mythological heroking Gilgamesh's exploits. It is one of the oldest works of literature in the world. The first
modern translation of Gilgamesh's impressive adventures was made in the 1880s by
George Smith.
In the context of this passage, what is the meaning of the word exploits?
A.
B.
C.
D.
abusive undertakings
English translations
extraordinary deeds
to take advantage of
66. aggregate ('a-gri-gət) n. [Latin] 1. a mass, assemblage, or sum of particulars. 2. a
mass formed by the union of homogeneous particles. 3. the full chromatic or the set of
all twelve pitch classes. 4. solid particles of low aspect ratio added to a composite
material.
What is the meaning of the word aggregate in the passage below?
In soccer, a two-legged match is a match-up between two clubs or nations that lasts
over two individual games. Typically, these are used in knockout cup competitions. The
team who progresses is the one with the better aggregate score. If the aggregate score
is tied, then away goals may come into consideration. If away goals are equal, or are
not considered, then extra time and possibly a penalty shootout will occur.
A.
B.
C.
D.
definition
definition
definition
definition
1
3
4
2
The student newspaper was printing the story the next day. April knew that the other
students would freak out when they read that the student council had not raised enough
money to pay for the prom. She told her friends that it was not a big deal. In the
previous ten years, the student council had only raised enough money for the prom
once. Local businesses always chipped in before the other students found out about the
lack of funds. She hoped that telling people this would help stem the hysteria that the
newspaper story was bound to cause.
67. Based on its context in this passage, what does the word stem mean in
the last sentence?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a vertical support
to stimulate
to stop or hold back
a stalk or trunk
Jack walked through the grocery store looking at various items he did not plan on
buying. He was not there out of necessity—he did not need anything—but rather, he
was there out of boredom. He needed to get out of the house. He had spent the
afternoon staring at a blank canvas on which he was supposed to paint his final project
for his art class. He was out of ideas. Then, as he stared at pork chops, he suddenly
had an idea! He rushed over to the butcher and asked him for some butcher paper and
a pen. Upon receiving the paper and pen, Jack began furiously scratching a picture on
the paper. It was not a fully developed idea, but it was a start.
68. Based on its context in this passage, what does the writer mean by
"scratching a picture"?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to
to
to
to
etch a design with nails or claws
make a stencil with an X-ACTO knife
draw hurriedly or haphazardly
make shallow cuts with a sharp tool
Angie is spending a summer at her aunt and uncle's Tennessee farm so that she
can experience something different from her urban life. The first chore her aunt assigns
to her is to diffuse organic grains in front of the chicken coop at 6 A.M. every morning.
This provides forage for the chickens. It doesn't take Angie long to learn that it is best to
diffuse the grains quickly and get out of the way, unless she wants the chickens to come
pecking her way.
69. The author says that Angie's first chore is "to diffuse organic grains in
front of the chicken coop. . . ." What does diffuse mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
spread out
unconcentrated
to water down
ill organized
70. As it is used in the passage, what does forage mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
food for animals to graze
to strip of all provisions
place of shelter for chickens
to make a thorough search
The second day of the Coach vs. Fearon trial, the defense attorneys decided to cite
prosecutor Charlene Svaloski as a witness. Ms. Svaloski took the stand and after being
sworn in, admitted to driving to the crash site at night, ignoring the yellow barricade, and
searching the hulk for incriminating evidence. She had not obtained a search warrant
prior to this activity. Upon hearing this, the judge dismissed the items she had
confiscated as evidence. Since she had not received the proper authorization, the crash
site and items from the site were outside her jurisdiction.
71. Based on the passage, what does cite mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to
to
to
to
quote by way of example
refer to someone else's work
see someone somewhere
call upon officially to appear
72. Based on the passage, what does jurisdiction mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
an area where justice can take place
authority of a sovereign power to govern
a place where jurors are allowed to rest
the power or right to exercise authority
73. Based on the passage, what does hulk mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a heavy clumsy ship
one that is bulky or unwieldy
an abandoned wreck
to appear impressively large
Sharon had just graduated high school, literally. Only thirty minutes earlier, she was
walking across the stage and accepting her diploma. After she accepted it, she
continued walking; off the stage, through the crowd, and out of the school. She was
ready to start her adult life, and she felt that she could not do that if she spent the rest of
the day and the month reliving her high school memories. She told herself that moving
on with her life required the abandonment of childish friends, desires, and memories.
She was ready to be a new person, or at least she thought she was ready.
74. In the context of this passage, what is the meaning of the word
abandonment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to
to
to
to
leave empty and bereft
embrace something
be irresponsible
give up or relinquish
After having spent his entire life in a middle-class neighborhood in a small town,
Joey was struck by the poverty and suffering he saw when he traveled across the
country for the first time. He was overcome by feelings of deep sadness and confusion.
Like many people, he believed that poverty no longer existed in the United States. He
wanted to help, but he did not know what to do.
75. Based on its context in this passage, what does the word struck mean in
the first sentence?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to
to
to
to
be viciously attacked
hit something intentionally
pose in a certain way
have an emotional response
Answers
1. D
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. A
9. A
10. C
11. A
12. C
13. C
14. A
15. A
16. D
17. D
18. C
19. D
20. D
21. C
22. C
23. B
24. B
25. A
26. C
27. B
28. C
29. D
30. D
31. C
32. C
33. A
34. B
35. C
36. A
37. B
38. D
39. B
40. D
41. D
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
A
A
B
A
D
D
D
D
B
D
B
C
B
A
D
B
C
B
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
C
C
A
A
D
D
C
D
D
Explanations
1. The passage says, "Several college students also confessed to fabricating
lab reports, inventing the data instead of taking the time to conduct the
experiments." The words after "fabricating" are a clue to what the word
means. In this passage, it means to invent or make up.
2. Look closely at the sentence that "detriment" appears in. A note of
academic dishonesty on a student's transcript causes damage to the
student's future educational and employment opportunities. It tells the
people who look at the student's transcript—future colleges and future
employers—that the student can't be trusted.
3. The word "jeopardize" appears in the first sentence of the second
paragraph. The rest of the paragraph talks about how cheating "puts at risk"
students' academic careers. Students risk getting expelled and losing credit
each time they cheat.
4. The author describes how the gravitational force pushes all objects toward
the center of the earth. The reader can infer that an object is able to fly only
if additional forces are working in opposition to the gravitational force. In
other words, additional forces work to cancel out the gravitational force.
5. Re-read the sentence in which the word lithe appears. The author
describes the Frisbee's performance on the air as lithe and also "ballet-like."
Because the reader knows that a ballet dancer is graceful and nimble, the
reader can infer the meaning of lithe.
6. The author describes two scientific principles that help us to understand
how a Frisbee stays afloat. With these principles, the author is able to
elucidate, or clarify by explanation, how a Frisbee flies.
7. The word encumber means to "hinder or impede the action or
performance of." In this passage, the debris blocking the entrance to the
burial site hindered the ability of the archaeology team to enter the site.
8. The word sepulchral is defined as "relating to a burial vault or a receptacle
for sacred relics." In this passage, Gale Devevoise describes a chamber
located in a medieval burial site as "sepulchral." Based on the context of the
passage, the reader can tell that this word refers to a place of burial.
9. The author says that Marco runs away from the spot where his sister is
standing on the beach. From Maribel's perspective, he is a "speck" on the
beach. This helps the reader guess that diminutive means "tiny or
miniature."
10. Note that the author uses the word "creepy" to describe Marco's story
about the Ocean Man. Note also that the author describes the waves as
"dark" and the waters as "cold" and "turbulent." These words serve to
establish a mood that is menacing, or ominous.
11. Since the author says that Maribel holds the piece of driftwood high
where Marco cannot reach it, the reader can guess that Marco's attempts to
take it from her are hopeless, or futile.
12. Look closely at the sentence that ludicrous appears in. The use of the
conjunction, "but," tells the reader that the two adjectives, "ludicrous" and
"creepy," have contrasting or different meanings. Next, re-read Marco's brief
story about the Ocean Man. It contains exaggerated details that are absurd,
or ludicrous.
13. The word prone means having a tendency or being inclined to do
something. Based on Marco's exaggerated description of the Ocean Man, the
reader can guess that he has a tendency to exaggerate.
14. Nautical, an adjective, is used to describe anything related to shipping,
sailing, or traveling on water. Since the paragraph including the word
nautical mentions ships, maps of the ocean, and a whale, the reader can
infer that a nautical exhibit involves items having to do with ships and the
ocean.
15. In the third paragraph, the author provides several clues to the meaning
of the word belie. One clue is the word "illusion." The second clue is the fact
that the music speakers are "concealed." With these clues, the reader can
guess that the exhibit is meant to trick or deceive the observer into thinking
that the machines are playing music. In other words, these machines belie,
or misrepresent, what is actually happening.
16. The word precarious means dangerously lacking in security or stability.
The author notes in the second paragraph that the precarious corridor juts
out 218 feet from the house and without supports underneath it.
17. Look at the paragraph in which the word astute appears. The author
says that some observers will note that the music machines perform an
"illusion." Since the reader knows that an "illusion" is a trick or deception,
the reader can infer that these observers will have to be very perceptive, or
astute, to notice what is happening.
18. Look closely at the sentence that the word appears in. The author states
that the roadside signs pique the interest of "even the most road-weary
travelers." The author is saying that travelers who are very tired have a
reaction to the signs that is different than what one might expect. It is this
clue that helps the reader to infer that pique means "to arouse or attract."
19. To understand why the author describes the music as cacophonous, the
reader should read the rest of paragraph 3 to see if the music is described in
some other way. Since the author says the music is performed by hundreds
of instruments that are out-of-tune, the reader can guess that the music is
loud and jarring.
20. The word surreal means "having an oddly dreamlike quality." The reader
can guess this based on what the author says about visitors who feel that
"they've awoken from a dream" when they leave the House on the Rock.
21. The word ubiquitous means "being or seeming to be everywhere at the
same time; omnipresent." The author gives a clue to this definition when he
says that travelers in southern Wisconsin "simply can't miss" the signs.
22. The word congested, when used as an adjective, has the following
definition: overfull or overcrowded." The reader can infer from the way in
which the compartment is described as "hot" and "crowded" that the
compartment is overfull.
23. Patrick's day, which consists of being disconnected from his train and
being unable to communicate with people, can be summarized as an
unsuccessful, frustrating day. Thus, the reader can guess that fiasco means
a misfortune or disaster.
24. The events of the story help the reader to guess the meaning of the
word. Patrick is asked by a train conductor to leave the train car. He then
discovers that his train car is no longer connected. His only option is to get
off the train, or disembark.
25. The word teem means "to be full of things; abound or swarm." Thus, a
train compartment that is teeming is swarming with passengers. Because
the author says the train compartments are all identical to Patrick's
compartment, the reader can guess that teeming means swarming, or
crowded.
26. Exasperation is defined as a state of frustrated annoyance. Since the
author says that Patrick is "about to give up," the reader can infer that the
word exasperated means impatient or irritated.
27. Take another look at the sentence in which the word appears. The
author mentions the thought that all the train cars are identical. Despite this
thought, Patrick continues to explore the cars until he finally finds one that is
different, i.e. with room enough for sleeping. Thus, the reader can guess
that Patrick is described as undeterred because he does not easily yield or
give up.
28. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language lists two
definitions of impervious: "1. Incapable of being penetrated. 2. Incapable
of being affected." The second definition specifically applies here since the
writer notes in paragraph 7 that water, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and high
temperatures do not affect Velcro.
29. In The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the
definitions of the noun flotsam are as follows: "1. Any wreckage or cargo
that remains afloat after a ship has sunk. 2. a. Any discarded odds and ends.
b. Unemployed and vagrant people; drifters." As it is used in this passage,
flotsam applies to items that float around, as in the first definition.
30. A "benefactor" is one who gives some form of help to benefit others. In
the passage, Mrs. Dunderfluke is called a benefactor because she leaves
$300,000 to a local school.
31. The passage describes the gift of money donated to a local school
through Mrs. Dunderfluke's will. This gift is described as a "generous
legacy." Therefore, the reader can conclude that the word "legacy" is used in
this context to mean "a gift of money or personal property donated by a
will."
32. Posthumous is defined as occurring or continuing after one's death. The
reader can infer the meaning of posthumous by looking at the sentence that
directly precedes the one in which the word appears. The writer states that
Monk died in 1982. Thus, if Monk received his award in 1993, the reader
knows this happened after Monk's death.
33. After stating that Monk was an idiosyncratic man, the author gives
several examples of unusual behaviors that made Monk different from most
people. These behaviors offer a clue to what the word means. In this
passage, idiosyncratic means unusual or peculiar.
34. The word exigent means either demanding or requiring immediate
action. In this case, the author says that Monk's songs were "incredibly
difficult to play." So, the reader can assume that the song "Brilliant Corners"
is demanding.
35. The author provides several clues that help the reader to infer the
meaning of unorthodox. First, the author states that Monk's unorthodox
approach made him "unique." Second, the sentence that follows the
appearance of unorthodox states that Monk was "Unlike many other
musicians at the time. . . ." So the reader can infer that unorthodox means
different, or original.
36. The word dissonant means harsh or inharmonious in sound. Since the
author states that some people believe they hear wrong notes in Monk's
playing, the reader can infer that Monk's harmonies feature harsh or
unpleasant sounds.
37. A "virtuoso" is one who exhibits exceptional technical skill or mastery. So
any act of virtuosity is one that shows masterful ability. The reader can infer
this definition by looking at the third sentence of the passage, which states
that "Playing bebop requires many years of practice and detailed knowledge
of one's chosen instrument."
38. An innovative person is one who introduces something new. In the
second sentence of the passage, the author points out that people "regard
Monk as the founder of bebop." The reader can infer that Monk is described
as innovative because he founded or introduced a new style of playing jazz.
39. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,
aboriginal is an adjective that has the following definitions: "1. Native,
indigenous; 2. Of or pertaining to aborigines." We can infer from the word's
use in context that institutions are not native, even though "they existed
before we were born."
40. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language lists five
definitions: "memorandum, n. 1. a short note written as a reminder. 2. A
written record or communication, as in a business office. 3. Law. A
transaction, or contract. 4. A business statement made by a consignor about
a shipment of goods that may be returned. 5. A brief, unsigned diplomatic
communication." Emerson's use of the word "only" reminds the reader that
while the law is important, it should be subject to change, which he goes on
to explain in sentences 5, 6, and 7.
41. Republic, a noun, has three definitions: 1. Any political order that is not
a monarchy. 2. A constitutional form of government, especially a democratic
one. 3. Any group of people working freely and equally for the same cause.
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
42. Aspiration is defined as a strong desire for high achievement or an
object of such desire. Emerson reminds us that it is the culture and
aspirations of those who make up the State that determines what course the
State follows. In other words, the State follows our aspirations.
43. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,
two definitions of levity are "1. Lightness of speech or manner, especially
when inappropriate; frivolity. 2. Changeableness and inconstancy." Since the
author says that's not the way to approach politics, you can assume that he
is encouraging the reader to regard the political process with serious
scrutiny, rather than a frivolous attitude.
44. Key words in the sentence are "merely discovered" and "just begun to
use." Because the writer says that we are just beginning to use imagination
in "an elementary way," you can infer that "elementary" means "beginning"
or "basic." In other words, the writer is saying that humans are now just
beginning to use their powers of imagination and understanding.
45. The most important clue is the word "essential," which can be found in
the previous sentence. The author states that Natalie's location is far away
from the noise of the park, which makes it "essential" for her purposes. With
this clue, the reader can guess that silence is helpful, or favorable, for
spotting birds.
46. Throughout the passage, the author describes Natalie as someone who is
fascinated by and devoted to bird-watching. In the final paragraph, the
author says that Natalie watches the purple finch "uninterrupted for almost
fifteen minutes." The reader can guess that Natalie is absorbed, or
engrossed, by the behavior of the purple finch.
47. The author says that Natalie visits the park every Saturday and takes
notes on the birds she sees. The author also says that Natalie has spotted
more than ten species of rare birds. The reader can guess that Natalie is a
hard-working and devoted observer.
48. Note that the author says the bench "sagged with the weight" of the
moss. This phrase implies that the moss is overtaking or invading the bench,
making it heavy.
49. The word alight means to come down and settle, as after flight. The
writer says in the last paragraph that the bird "landed" on the branch and
began to feed its young.
50. The word decrepitude means "the quality or condition of being
weakened, worn out, impaired, or broken down by old age, illness, or hard
use." The sentence in which the word appears contains clues such as
"abandoned" and "long ago." The author also says that the bench "sagged
with the weight of past rains." With these clues, the reader can guess that
the bench is old and broken down.
51. The author is talking about going for a ride with his friend Aaron. They
are riding in a car that Aaron rebuilt by himself. The author is nervous
because the car is old, is beat-up, and is traveling very quickly. Instead of
merely saying that, he uses the figurative phrase "barreling down the road in
a tin can on wheels," which gives the reader a sense of what it is like to be
in the car.
52. In order to understand figurative (i.e., non-literal) language, you have to
be able to recognize it. In the passage above, the clearest example of
figurative language is the sentence with the reference to the dog being older
than dirt. Since dirt has been around for a long time, this is another way of
saying that somebody or something is very old. However, the author does
not expect the reader to believe that the dog is older than actual dirt.
53. The phrase "to pinpoint" has a non-literal meaning, which is "to locate
exactly." By using the imagery of a pin, with its sharp point, we understand
that the Timothy is trying to locate Jennifer in a crowd of people who look a
lot like her.
54. The word "staggered" has several meanings. Literally, it means "to be
unsteady on your feet, faltering." It can also literally mean "arranged in a
pattern of alternating positions." In this context, the author uses the word's
non-literal meaning, which is "overwhelmed, impressed." We know that this
meaning is the appropriate one because the passage is about Alex seeing a
light that he cannot believe is real. Alex believes that it is too big and too
bright to actually exist.
55. Writers often use non-literal imagery to describe a scene. In this case,
the phrase "in came a deluge" is used to describe the large crowd of people
who arrived at the concert. While "deluge" is a term that literally means
"heavy rain," it can also be used non-literally, as it is above. Look at clues
such as "It was the biggest crowd she had seen on the entire tour." This
suggests that the dancehall was crowded.
56. The word "dumb" has several possible meanings: mute, ignorant or
stupid, or speechless with fear. Nothing indicates fear. The passage says
nothing about the girl's intelligence, so the most accurate meaning would be
mute or not speaking.
57. Look at the definitions and then re-read the passage. The passage says,
"Dr. Jules examined Jingles and said that he was in a slough." The passage
goes on to say, "She then prescribed anti-depressant medication to help
bring Jingles back to normal." The "anti-depressant medication" is meant to
counter, or fix, Jingles' "slough," so Jingles must be depressed. Definition 4
is the only option that makes sense.
58. George and Ollie are temporarily waiting for their car to get repaired.
Read the definitions. Based on the context of the sentence, definition 2 is
the only option that makes sense for tarry.
59. The word vain has several meanings: "excessive pride," "futile" and
"showing personal vanity." Based on the sentence, we can see that the
correct meaning in this context is "without purpose" because the team being
cheered for is being defeated.
60. The word audit has more than one meaning. As a noun, it can mean "a
formal examination of an organization or individual's accounts," and "a
methodical examination and review." As a verb, it means "to attend a course
without working for, or expecting to receive, formal credit." In the context of
this passage, audit means "to attend a course without formal credit." Keith
wants to audit an Entrepreneurship class to help him determine if he would
enjoy that field of study.
61. The sentence compares trained astronauts and space travelers. The only
definition that makes sense is definition 3, which shows that the opposite, or
reverse, of the first half of the statement is not true.