PowerSchool Aptitude Test PowerSchool Aptitude Test: Verbal Reasoning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: EPHEMERAL most nearly means:
- Permanent
- Short-lived (Correct answer)
- Meaningful
- Widespread
Correct answer: Short-lived
Ephemeral describes something that lasts for a very short time.
Question 2: Which pair of words are SYNONYMS?
- Loquacious / Taciturn
- Pragmatic / Idealistic
- Benevolent / Charitable (Correct answer)
- Reticent / Forthcoming
Correct answer: Benevolent / Charitable
Benevolent and charitable both mean well-meaning and generous toward others.
Question 3: In the sentence 'The superintendent's decision was seen as arbitrary,' what does 'arbitrary' mean?
- Well-researched
- Based on random choice rather than reason (Correct answer)
- Legally binding
- Unanimously approved
Correct answer: Based on random choice rather than reason
Arbitrary describes decisions made without clear reason, often based on personal whim.
Question 4: MITIGATE : WORSEN :: CLARIFY : ?
- Explain
- Obscure (Correct answer)
- Define
- Simplify
Correct answer: Obscure
Mitigate and worsen are antonyms; the antonym of clarify is obscure.
Question 5: Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
- The principal however, disagreed with the policy.
- The principal, however, disagreed with the policy. (Correct answer)
- The principal however disagreed, with the policy.
- The principal however disagreed with, the policy.
Correct answer: The principal, however, disagreed with the policy.
Parenthetical expressions like 'however' used as an interrupter must be set off by commas on both sides.
Question 6: Which word is closest in meaning to TENACIOUS?
- Fragile
- Persistent (Correct answer)
- Indifferent
- Flexible
Correct answer: Persistent
Tenacious means holding firmly to a position or persisting in a course of action.
Question 7: Choose the sentence that contains a dangling modifier.
- Running quickly, the student reached the bus.
- After reviewing the data, the report was submitted. (Correct answer)
- Having finished the exam, she felt relieved.
- While grading papers, the teacher noticed an error.
Correct answer: After reviewing the data, the report was submitted.
The report cannot review data; the modifier dangles because its implied subject differs from the sentence subject.
PowerSchool Aptitude Test PowerSchool Aptitude Test: Verbal Reasoning 3
EPHEMERAL most nearly means: