SELT - Skills for English Understanding Vocabulary in Context Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following sentence: 'Despite the initial challenges, the team decided to press on with the project.' What is the meaning of the phrasal verb 'press on' in this context?
- To iron a piece of clothing
- To complain about the work
- To continue with determination (Correct answer)
- To stop and reconsider
Correct answer: To continue with determination
In this context, 'to press on' means to continue doing something in a determined way, despite difficulties or opposition. The team is choosing to move forward with the project even though they faced challenges.
Question 2: In a conversation, your colleague says, 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I might leave early.' What does your colleague mean?
- They are feeling sad about the bad weather.
- They are feeling slightly ill. (Correct answer)
- They are worried about the forecast.
- They are enjoying the current weather.
Correct answer: They are feeling slightly ill.
The idiom 'under the weather' is a common expression in English that means feeling unwell or sick. It does not literally refer to the weather conditions.
Question 3: Which of the following sentences uses the word 'accountable' correctly?
- The delicious meal was accountable for the restaurant's popularity.
- He is accountable for his actions and must face the consequences. (Correct answer)
- The comfortable chair was accountable for his long nap.
- The train was accountable to arrive at the station on time.
Correct answer: He is accountable for his actions and must face the consequences.
'Accountable' means being responsible for something and expected to explain your actions. Sentence B correctly shows that the person is responsible for what they have done.
Question 4: Read the following passage: 'The manager was explicit in her instructions. She provided a detailed, step-by-step guide and made sure everyone knew their specific tasks.' What is the best synonym for 'explicit' in this context?
- Vague
- Confusing
- Enthusiastic
- Clear and direct (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Clear and direct
The context shows that the manager gave a 'detailed, step-by-step guide' and ensured everyone 'knew their specific tasks'. This indicates her instructions were very clear and direct, which is the meaning of 'explicit'.
Question 5: Your friend is telling you about a recent argument. She says, 'I had to bite my tongue when he made that comment.' What did your friend do?
- She hurt herself by accident.
- She stopped herself from saying something. (Correct answer)
- She started to eat her meal.
- She said something rude in response.
Correct answer: She stopped herself from saying something.
The idiom 'to bite your tongue' means to make a desperate effort to avoid saying something that you want to say, perhaps because it would be rude, inappropriate, or cause an argument.
Question 6: The company had to make a pragmatic decision about its budget, focusing on essential spending rather than desirable but unnecessary projects. The word 'pragmatic' in this sentence means...
- Idealistic and hopeful
- Complicated and difficult
- Careless and quick
- Practical and sensible (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Practical and sensible
A pragmatic decision is one that is based on practical considerations rather than theoretical or idealistic ones. The sentence contrasts 'essential spending' with 'unnecessary projects,' indicating a practical and sensible approach.
SELT - Skills for English Understanding Vocabulary in Context Questions and Answers 1
Read the following sentence: 'Despite the initial challenges, the team decided to press on with the project.' What is the meaning of the phrasal verb 'press on' in this context?