Directions (1-15): In each of the following sentences, there is a blank space. Below each such sentence, there are five options with one word each. Fill up the blank with the word that makes the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
Q1. The author included an ....................... in her speech when she referred to Romeo but didn’t explain who he was.
allusion
insinuate
abjure
pruning
Both (a) and (b)
Solution:
Allusion: an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Q2. Although Jared’s parents are extremely wealthy, he acts like a normal person and does not ........................ about his background.
brag
tout
praising
Both (a) and (b)
callow
Solution:
Tout: to brag or flaunt
Q3. Sally did not give up her phone easily so her father had to ................. it from her hands.
pick
drag
wrest
twisting
Both (b) and (c)
Solution:
Wrest: forcibly pull (something) from a person's grasp.
Q4. By searching my locker, you are trying to ...................... that I stole the money.
predict
pointing
Both (a) and (d)
insinuate
sure
Solution:
Insinuate: suggest or hint (something bad) in an indirect and unpleasant way.
Q5. It is illegal to ........................ with the property of another person, such as painting a fence that is on their property.
adjusted
Both (a) and (c)
defacing
harmed
tamper
Solution:
Tamper: interfere with (something) in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.
Q6. Her reputation was that she liked to ................. into people’s private lives.
thought
depose
meddling
pry
Both (c) and (d)
Solution:
Pry: inquire too closely into a person's private affairs.
Q7. I think Claire was under ................... when she signed the agreement; she never would have voluntarily accepted those conditions.
liberty
licence
weak
Both (c) and (e)
duress
Solution:
Duress: threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone into doing something against their will or better judgement.
Q8. The website is for entertainment only and does not ...................... to give you an accurate prediction of your future.
purport
promotion
exult
exalt
Both (b) and (c)
Solution:
Purport: appear to be or do something, especially falsely.
Q9. To .................... the marathon, the race supervisor will fire the starting gun.
pauper
initiate
triggered
Both (b) and (c)
accelerating
Solution:
Initiate: cause (a process or action) to begin.
Q10. If you ...................... in Jackson’s personal life, he will tell you to mind your own business.
Both (b) and (c)
interference
meddle
nosy
tampering
Solution:
Meddle: interfere in something that is not one's concern.
Q11. In the experiment, the scientist will .......................... several of the variables in hopes of achieving the desired results.
used
employing
controlled
manipulate
Both (c) and (d)
Solution:
Manipulate: handle or control (a tool, mechanism, information, etc.) in a skilful manner.
Q12. During lunch in the cafeteria today, my rival tried to ..................... me into a fight so I would get suspended from school.
hinder
excited
Both (d) and (e)
imbibe
goad
Solution:
Goad: provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate an action or reaction.
Q13. Because Kate is my best friend, she could never ................... by coming to my house unannounced.
obtrude
notice
intervention
appeared
Both (a) and (b)
Solution:
Obtrude: become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.
Q14. Treatment is dependent on the ................ of the disease, and the most critical is treated aggressively.
harsh
severity
strong
violence
Both (a) and (b)
Solution:
Severity: the fact or condition of being severe.
Q15. Even though the company president has not retired yet, the vice-presidents are already starting to ................. for his position.
forcing
pushed
jostle
Both (b) and (c)
squeezed
Solution:
Jostle: struggle or compete forcefully for.