Vocabulary Test Flashcards
6 cards from real Reading Comprehension practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vocabulary Test flashcards as text
Read the passage: 'The politician's rhetoric about unity was contradicted by her divisive actions. She publicly called for bipartisan cooperation while privately lobbying to block the opposition's proposals.' What does 'rhetoric' mean in this context?
Answer: The art or language of persuasion, especially when it may not match reality
The passage shows a gap between what the politician SAYS (unity, cooperation) and what she DOES (blocking proposals), highlighting 'rhetoric' as persuasive language that doesn't match actions.
In the sentence 'The documentary offered a comprehensive overview of the civil rights movement, covering events from the 1950s through the present day,' what does 'comprehensive' mean?
Answer: Including all or nearly all elements or aspects
Covering events from the 1950s through the present day demonstrates thorough, wide-ranging coverage — 'comprehensive' means complete and all-inclusive.
Read the passage: 'The old bridge was deemed obsolete after the new highway bypass was completed. No vehicles had crossed it in months, and the city council voted to demolish it.' What does 'obsolete' mean?
Answer: No longer in use or needed; outdated
The bridge became unnecessary after the bypass was built (no longer needed), and no vehicles used it (no longer in use) — this is the definition of obsolete.
In the sentence 'The researcher's findings were preliminary and required further investigation before any definitive conclusions could be drawn,' what does 'preliminary' mean?
Answer: Initial or early-stage, serving as a preparation for further work
The need for 'further investigation' before 'definitive conclusions' indicates the findings are early-stage and not yet complete — this is what preliminary means.
Read the passage: 'The drought had a pervasive effect on the region: crops withered in fields, reservoirs dropped to historic lows, and even indoor water use was strictly rationed.' What does 'pervasive' mean?
Answer: Spreading widely throughout an area or group; affecting everything
The drought affected agriculture (crops), water supply (reservoirs), and daily life (indoor rationing) — this widespread, all-encompassing impact defines pervasive.
In the sentence 'The detective was known for her astute observations — she noticed details that others overlooked, such as a faint scratch on the doorframe that proved crucial to solving the case,' what does 'astute' mean?
Answer: Having sharp perception and keen insight
Noticing details others overlook, like a faint scratch that proved crucial, demonstrates sharp perception and keen insight — the meaning of astute.