APTIS Vocabulary 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The manager gave a _______ speech that motivated the entire team before the product launch.'

rousing (Correct answer)
drowsy
vague
subdued

Correct answer: rousing

'Rousing' means stirring or exciting, making it the correct word to describe a speech that motivated people. The other options have negative or neutral meanings that do not fit the context.

'Rousing' is an adjective meaning enthusiastic and exciting, used to describe speeches, performances, or calls to action that inspire or energise an audience. In the APTIS vocabulary component, selecting the contextually appropriate adjective from similar-sounding or related options is a core skill. 'Drowsy' means sleepy, 'vague' means unclear, and 'subdued' means quiet — none of these fit a motivating speech.

Question 2: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'Scientists have developed a new _______ to treat the disease that affects millions of people worldwide.'

therapy (Correct answer)
thrive
thorough
threat

Correct answer: therapy

'Therapy' is a noun meaning treatment for a disease or condition. The other options are different word classes or meanings that do not fit.

The APTIS vocabulary section tests understanding of word meaning and word class. 'Therapy' is the correct noun here, referring to a treatment approach for a medical condition. 'Thrive' is a verb meaning to prosper, 'thorough' is an adjective meaning complete, and 'threat' means a danger. Only 'therapy' fits grammatically and semantically as a noun in this sentence.

Question 3: Select the most appropriate word: 'The new employee was _______ to learn all the procedures before starting work independently.'

eager (Correct answer)
idle
reckless
reluctant

Correct answer: eager

'Eager' means enthusiastic and keen, which fits someone who wants to learn procedures before working independently. 'Idle', 'reckless', and 'reluctant' all carry negative or opposite meanings.

In APTIS vocabulary tasks, selecting the word that fits the overall positive or negative tone of the sentence is important. 'Eager' conveys enthusiasm and willingness, which aligns with someone who proactively wants to learn. 'Idle' means lazy, 'reckless' means careless or impulsive, and 'reluctant' means unwilling — all of which contradict the positive action described in the sentence.

Question 4: Which option correctly completes the collocation: 'The committee will _______ a decision on the funding application by the end of the month.'

reach (Correct answer)
do
make a
bring

Correct answer: reach

'Reach a decision' is the correct collocation. While 'make a decision' is also valid English, it is not listed correctly as an option here — 'reach' is the best standalone verb that collocates with 'decision' in formal contexts.

Collocations are fixed or semi-fixed word combinations that native speakers use naturally. 'Reach a decision' is a common formal collocation meaning to arrive at or finalise a decision. APTIS vocabulary tasks frequently include collocation questions to test whether test-takers know the natural word pairings used in professional and academic English. 'Do a decision' and 'bring a decision' are not standard collocations.

Question 5: Choose the word that best replaces the underlined word without changing the meaning: 'The author's writing style is very clear and easy to follow.'

lucid (Correct answer)
obscure
elaborate
complex

Correct answer: lucid

'Lucid' means clear and easy to understand, making it the closest synonym to 'clear' in this context. The other options suggest the opposite or a different quality.

'Lucid' is a formal adjective meaning clearly expressed or easy to understand, making it a precise synonym for 'clear' in the context of writing. APTIS synonym questions test whether test-takers can identify words with equivalent meanings. 'Obscure' means unclear or little known — the opposite. 'Elaborate' means detailed and complex, while 'complex' means complicated — both contrast with 'easy to follow.'

Question 6: Select the word that correctly completes the sentence: 'The charity relies heavily on _______ donations from members of the public to fund its work.'

voluntary (Correct answer)
compulsory
reluctant
mandatory

Correct answer: voluntary

'Voluntary' means done freely without being required to, which accurately describes donations given willingly by the public.

In APTIS vocabulary tasks, understanding the precise meaning of adjectives in context is essential. 'Voluntary' means given or done of one's own free will, without compulsion. This fits perfectly with public donations to a charity. 'Compulsory' and 'mandatory' both mean required or obligatory — the opposite of freely given. 'Reluctant' means unwilling, which contradicts the idea of generosity implied in donations.

APTIS Vocabulary 2

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The manager gave a _______ speech that motivated the entire team before the product launch.'