SAT Vocabulary
Lesson 10
Words Relating to Problems, Puzzlements, and Disasters
adversity (n) Great trouble or difficulty
conflagration (n) a huge fire, an inferno
confounding (adj) puzzling; baffling
cryptic (adj) hidden; hard to understand; mysterious, obscure
debacle (n) a failure or breakdown; a collapse that is often nonsensical
enigma (n) a riddle or mystery; a puzzling or baffling matter or person
labyrinth (n) a maze from which it is very hard to extricate or free oneself
precarious (adj) dangerous or risky; uncertain
quagmire (n) difficult or troubling situation; a swampy ground, bog, mire
quandary (n) a dilemma; a confusing or puzzling situation
turbulence (n) great unrest; turmoil or disorder
turmoil (n) a turbulent scenario or situation;
Matching
conflagration
a. big trouble
adversity
b. a very difficult situation
precarious
c. uncertain or risky
quandary
d. a huge fire
cryptic
e. hidden, mysterious
Sentence Completion
1 Rather than picturing a ferocious and potentially lethal blaze when you imagine a (an)
______, visualize a scenic bonfire on the beach at night—complete with toasted
marshmallows, hot chocolate, and stargazing!
(debacle, labyrinth, enigma, adversity, conflagration)
2. Even after being in her presence on several social occasions, Heidi remains a (an)
_____ because she hardly speaks and gives only brief answers when she is asked
questions.
(adversity, confounding, conflagration, enigma, turmoil)
3. Despite the ________ of her busy afternoons—homework, carpooling, dinner
preparation—Annabelle strives to maintain an inner sense of order and calm.
(labyrinth, turbulence, enigma, cryptic, precariousness)
4. The dormitory seemed like a (an) _____; the bedrooms, hallways, and common living
quarters intersected each other in an intricate, maze-like pattern.
(quandary, enigma, labyrinth, turmoil, quagmire)
5. Despite Michael’s proficiency in mathematics, he still finds advanced algebra ______
and attends extra- help sessions two mornings a week.
(confounding, labyrinthine, turbulent, adversary, quagmire)
Words in Context
Based on the context in which each bold word is used, identify the word usage of each
sentence as either C (Correct) or I (Incorrect).
1. Turmoil is the manifestation of a tranquil mind.
2. Where there is overcrowding, a conflagration is scarcely detectable.
3. How you manage adversity tells something about your inner character.
4. Enigmatic situations require a great deal of thinking.
5. Conflicting values and backgrounds can contribute to some degree of
interpersonal turmoil.