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Words in Context

The document discusses strategies for determining the meaning of unknown words from contextual clues within a passage. It provides examples of contextual clues like words near the unknown word that have the same meaning, or implied meanings based on the overall context. The goal is to analyze context and think about word meanings when reading to improve vocabulary.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
5K views24 pages

Words in Context

The document discusses strategies for determining the meaning of unknown words from contextual clues within a passage. It provides examples of contextual clues like words near the unknown word that have the same meaning, or implied meanings based on the overall context. The goal is to analyze context and think about word meanings when reading to improve vocabulary.

Uploaded by

M M
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Words in Context

OVERVIEW
• Strategies for defining words from context
• Summing it up

At some point, there may be a word you do not know the meaning of and
there may be no prefix or root to help you. In this case, you must look at the
context of the word.

The context of a word is the setting in which the word occurs in speech or in
written materials. You usually learn words by hearing or seeing them in
context, and developing this ability will help you learn more words.

The following includes exercises for words in context. These passages and
vocabulary exercises are not as difficult as those you might find on the
TOEFL since the purpose of this book is to teach vocabulary.

STRATEGIES FOR DEFINING WORDS FROM CONTEXT


• In some cases, if you come across an unusual word, the definition of the word
is close to it. Try to understand the definition and apply it to the word in
context.
• Look for another word or phrase in the context that has the same meaning.
• In some contexts, direct clues are not given but are implied. In this case, you
must think about the context and guess what the meaning of the word can
be. Even if you cannot determine its exact meaning, you will be able to
determine its general meaning.
• Every time you read, practice looking for contextual clues. This will
encourage you to analyze the meaning of what you read and will also train
you to think about words and their meanings.

29

03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 29 8/4/06, 12:30


30 Vocabulary Review
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As you read the following passage, see if you can get the meaning of the underlined

words from the context in which they appear. Then, do the vocabulary builders that

follow.

To the Editor:

Your article on plans for aiding the elderly to pay their housing costs was not quite

clear in several aspects. I would like to clarify the requirements and exemptions

available for those who qualify.


In the first place, a tenant 62 years old or older must live in a rent-controlled or

rent-stabilized dwelling, pay more than one third of his or her income for rent, and

have a yearly income of $8,000 or less. Such a tenant must apply for exemption from

rent increases and must reapply each year thereafter. Once is not enough. It is

understood, however, that should the landlord make a major improvement, a new

furnace for example, all tenants must accept rent raises to pay for increased comfort.

The elderly, poor tenant is not excluded from such a rent increase.

Landlords receive tax exemptions as reimbursement for the money they lose in not

increasing rent for the elderly. In New York City, the cost of these tax reductions is

$41 million a year, a tremendous figure, but likely to be higher if more of the poor

elderly learn they may apply for exemptions. The city is so slow in processing

applications that some tenants have paid the full rent. They ought not to have done

so. They are fully protected by the law and, once they have applied for exemption,

they do not have to pay rent increases.


I appeal to you to clarify this issue so that the elderly poor of our city may become

aware of the housing benefits for which they qualify.


Clara Torres

Office of Housing for the Elderly




Vocabulary Builder 1



Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word.





1. Tenants over 62 can apply for benefits at the Office of Housing for the

Elderly.

(A) poor

(B) people over 62




(C) people who need aid



(D) people who need housing




2. If you don’t get that furnace repaired before winter, we will freeze to death.

(A) fire escape



(B) heater

(C) water container



(D) staircase

















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 30 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 31
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




3. Since landlords get reimbursements, they shouldn’t complain about losing



money.



(A) bills



(B) increases



(C) payments



(D) housing benefits




4. The elderly are not excluded from rent raises that all tenants have to pay



when the landlord makes a major improvement.



(A) obliged



(B) included



(C) excited



(D) eliminated




5. When their rent increased from $200 to $400 a month, they protested



against such a tremendous increase.



(A) light



(B) difficult



(C) huge



(D) tiring




6. Because the city is slow in processing applications, many of the elderly do



not get housing benefits.
(A) providing ○


(B) working on

(C) raising

(D) trying


7. The landlord notified his tenants that their rent would be increased the

following month.

(A) janitors


(B) friends

(C) occupants

(D) poor people




8. Reading a daily newspaper will make you aware of what is going on in the

world.

(A) knowledgeable

(B) ignorant

(C) alike


(D) dependent












03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 31 8/4/06, 12:30




32 Vocabulary Review
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Vocabulary Builder 2



Directions: Try to get the meaning of the underlined word from its context

in the following sentences. Choose the correct synonym. If you cannot figure

it out, look the word up in your dictionary.





1. It is inevitable that smoking will damage your health.



(A) invading

(B) unhealthy

(C) unavoidable

(D) intriguing


2. What you need after a hard week’s work is a little frivolity over the weekend.

(A) luxury

(B) harmony


(C) fireworks

(D) triviality


3. The general planned a new stratagem to conquer the rebel forces.



(A) strafing

(B) scheme

(C) bomb

(D) headquarters


4. Only a quack would recommend a lettuce diet to an athlete.



(A) charlatan

(B) duck

(C) coach

(D) doctor










03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 32 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 33
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5. The expression “out of the frying pan and into the fire” means to go from one



dilemma to a worse one.



(A) situation



(B) predicament



(C) embarrassment



(D) aura




6. He made one last futile effort to convince her and left the house.



(A) difficult



(B) favorable



(C) firm




(D) ineffectual




7. After climbing to the zenith, he slowly worked his way down the mountain.


(A) zero




(B) top



(C) cabin



(D) mountain




8. A glib answer will not serve for a serious question.



(A) gross



(B) capable



(C) facile

(D) ignorant


9. Mary set off on her vacation with the intention of finding a tall, dark,

handsome, debonair companion.



(A) doleful

(B) decent

(C) urbane

(D) mercenary


10. Ponce de Leon searched in vain for a means of rejuvenating the aged.

(A) making young again



(B) making weary again



(C) making wealthy again



(D) making merry again





















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 33 8/4/06, 12:30




34 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○






























Many English words are made up of a combination of word elements. A root is a word

element, often taken from Latin or Greek, that serves as a base to which other elements

are added to modify the root itself. A prefix is a word element placed at the beginning

of a root, and a suffix is attached to the end of a root or word. Both prefixes and suffixes

change the meaning of the root and form a new word.




Recognizing and understanding word elements provide a valuable system of analyzing


words, figuring out their meaning, and comparing them to find relationships with words

you already know. Using this system, you will also be able to organize and learn words

in groups rather than individually.




Here are some common Latin and Greek prefixes. Study them and look up the meanings

of the words you do not know in the Example column.




Prefix Meaning Example




ab, a away from abduct, amoral



ad, ac, ag, at to advent, accrue, aggressive, attracts



ante before antedated



anti against antipathy



bene well benefit



circum around circumnavigate



com, con, col together compliant, conducive, collate



contra against contrary



de from, down delete, descend



dis, di apart disperse, dilate



ex, e out exit, elicit

















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 34 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 35
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Prefix Meaning Example




extra beyond extracurricular



hyper excessively hypertension, hyperactive



in, im, il, ir, un no intrepid, impossible, illicit, irreparable, unlikely



inter between intercultural



intra, intro, in within intramural, introduction, inside



mal bad malediction



per through permeate



peri around perimeter



post after postoperative



pre before precedence, predecessor



pro forward, for propose, proponents



re again review



semi half semicolon



sub under submarine



super above supervisor



trans across transport




Vocabulary Builder 3





Directions: Use the words in the Example column, above, to complete these



sentences.



1. The men had to __________ their canoe through the woods to the river’s edge.

carry across


2. That sentence requires a(n) __________.



half colon


3. His _______________ condition was excellent.


after the operation




4. The law requires that there be a(n) _______ from the second floor apartment.

way out

5. Magellan ___________ the world.



sailed around


6. Our new president is much more popular than his ___________________.


one who came before




7. After the protest march, the crowd __________.



split apart













03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 35 8/4/06, 12:30




36 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




8. In the evolution of animals, plants ___________ insects.

came before


9. We never agree; his opinions are always _______ to mine.


against


10. There seems to be a natural _____________ between cats and dogs.



feeling against


11. Workmen at the refinery find that the smell of oil ___________ their clothing.

goes through


12. Students engage in many ____________________ activities.



beyond the curriculum



13. The Greek and Turkish students had a(n) ____________ exchange.

between two cultures




14. It is __________ for him to see you today.


not possible


15. Living in a(n) _________________ is most confining.



underwater vehicle

16. He got a job as a(n) ____________ in a dress manufacturing company.



person above


17. The chairman of the board takes ____________ over the other board members.

right to come before




18. The __________ of conservation protested against strip-mining.



people for


19. Cutting your salt consumption will __________ your health.


do well for


20. The professor has to ____________ his test papers.



put together

21. Let’s ____________ our algebra for the exam tomorrow.



go over again


22. The terrorists planned to __________ the American general.


take away


23. Some students give more of their time to ______________ sports than to their

assignments. within the school



24. What is the _______________ of this triangle?



distance around


25. A magnet _____________ iron and its alloys.


draws to itself











03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 36 8/4/06, 12:30




38 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




Study these suffixes. Be sure that you understand what each of the words in the

Example column means before you do the exercise.




Suffix Meaning Example



able, ible capable of being expendable, comprehendible




al relating to traditional

ance relating to alliance



ary relating to aviary




ation action provocation



cy quality potency

ence relating to complacence




er one who worker



fy make beautify


ic pertaining to atmospheric

ious full of gracious



ist person who practices psychiatrist




ity condition complexity



ize to make like stabilize



less without penniless




ment result, state contentment




Vocabulary Builder 4



Directions: From the Example column above, choose a word that best fits

the following definitions.





1. A person with no money is _______________.




2. Something that is potent has _______________.




3. The state of being content is called _______________.




4. Something capable of being comprehended is _______________.



5. A person full of grace is _______________.




6. A celebration that has become a tradition is considered _______________.




7. Two countries that are allied form a(n) _______________.




8. The area where birds (avi) are kept is called a(n) _______________.












03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 38 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 39
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




9. Something capable of being expended is considered _______________.




10. When weather forecasters talk about the pressure of the atmosphere, they



refer to _______________ pressure.




11. A person who practices psychiatry is a(n) _______________.



12. Someone who works is a(n) _______________.




13. If something is described as complex, we can say it has _______________.




14. When someone provokes you, we can say he or she has given you ________.




15. When you make something stable, you _______________ it.



16. A complacent person is noted for his or her _______________.




17. To make a house beautiful is to _______________ it.
































































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 39 8/4/06, 12:30




40 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




Vocabulary Builder 5



Directions: See if you can use the suffixes given in the previous exercise to

form new words. When you have finished, check your dictionary to make sure

you spelled all the words correctly.






1. Someone who employs others is a(n) _______________.



2. A person who favors conservation is a(n) _______________.




3. The condition of being sane is _______________.




4. Something giving comfort is _______________.




5. Something full of infection is _______________.



6. The result of adjusting is _______________.




7. A person without sense is _______________.




8. A person with ideals is a(n) _______________. We can say he or she is


_______________.


9. A lenient judge is noted for his _______________.




10. To commit something to memory is to _______________ it.




11. A turbulent sea is characterized by its _______________.



12. To excite intensely as if by an electric shock is to _______________ another



person.










































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 40 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 41
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




Vocabulary Builder 6





Directions: Here are ten groups of words that are frequently confused and



misused. Look at the definitions; then fill in the correct word in the sentences.





1. adapt, adopt



Adapt means to adjust.



Adopt means to take by choice.



(A) The committee decided to _______________ the new regulations.



(B) It is difficult to _______________ to a new environment.




2. adverse, averse



Adverse means acting against.



Averse means having a strong dislike.



(A) The jury made an _______________ decision, so he was hanged.



(B) An anorexic is _______________ to food.



3. allusion, delusion, illusion



Allusion means an implied or indirect reference.



Delusion means a false belief.



Illusion means an unreal image.



(A) That poor man is under the _______________ that he is the president.



(B) I am not familiar enough with mythology to understand all the


_______________ s to it in this poem. ○

(C) A good painter can give you the _______________ of broad space in his works.


4. complement, compliment

Complement means to complete or make perfect.



Compliment means to praise.



(A) I must _______________ you on your choice of flowers for the party.

(B) They are just the right flowers to _______________ the table setting.


5. council, counsel

Council means an elected group to make decisions.



Counsel means advice.



(A) The _______________ advised the president to raise taxes.



(B) The group was famous for its good _______________.



6. elicit, illicit

Elicit means to draw out.



Illicit means against a law or rule.



(A) The detective attempted to _______________ information about the



(B) _______________ drug ring.












03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 41 8/4/06, 12:30




42 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




7. explicit, implicit

Explicit means clear and fully expressed.



Implicit means meant though not plainly expressed.



(A) The manual gives ___________ instructions on how to repair a bicycle.



(B) There was definitely an ___________ threat in the way he glared at her.


8. ingenious, ingenuous

Ingenious means clever at inventing things.



Ingenuous means simple, naive, and inexperienced.



(A) An _______________ high school student invented a video game.



(B) Katy is so _______________ she will believe anything you tell her.


9. infer, imply

Infer means to draw the meaning from.



Imply means to suggest.



(A) I _______________ from what you just said that the engagement is over.

(B) Did you mean to _______________ that you don’t love me anymore?


10. immigrate, emigrate



Immigrate means to come into a country to make one’s home there.



Emigrate means to leave one’s country to go and live in another.



(A) Many venturesome people _______________ from England to Austra-


lia.

(B) If you _______________ to this country, you will have to learn the

language.


Vocabulary Builder 6 Answers




1. A. adopt


B. adapt

2. A. adverse


B. averse


3. A. delusion

B. allusion


C. illusion

4. A. compliment


B. complement

5. A. council


B. counsel











03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 42 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 43
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




6. A. elicit




B. illicit




7. A. explicit



B. implicit




8. A. ingenious



B. ingenuous




9. A. infer



B. imply




10. A. emigrate



B. immigrate




Vocabulary Builder 7





Directions: Write the word next to the definition. Your answers are words



used in this chapter.





1. A one-room apartment ______________________________




2. Occupant of a building ______________________________



3. Advanced in years ______________________________


4. Repayment ______________________________


5. Machine for heating a building ______________________________




6. Hint ______________________________

7. A clever trick to obtain an end ______________________________





































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 43 8/4/06, 12:30




44 PART III: TOEFL Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○





When a word has more than one meaning, the dictionary will number each separate

definition; the first meaning given is usually the most common use of the word. When

looking up a word in the dictionary, you should know which definition provides the

meaning of the word as it is used in the particular context.





Vocabulary Builder 8


Directions: Choose the appropriate definitions for the underlined words.



Write the number in the space provided.





1. (1) on the surface; not deep



(2) not serious; not complete



____ The article gave a superficial analysis of the country’s economic woes.

____ The parachutist was treated for superficial cuts and bruises.


2. (1) working very well; sharp



(2) severe; strong



____ She suffered from acute back pain after the accident.

____ Most animals have an acute sense of smell.




3. (1) thoroughly planned



(2) intentional; on purpose



____ It was an accident; she didn’t break the vase deliberately.



____ The President is taking deliberate steps to balance the federal budget.

4. (1) merciful in judgment



(2) allowing less than the highest standards



____ Some people felt that the jury was too lenient with the man who shot

the senator.

____ It is believed that lenient teachers produce mediocre students.




5. (1) concerning people who have a close relationship



(2) personal; private



____ The two women are intimate friends.



____ They share even their most intimate thoughts.




6. (1) to become or make strong



(2) to combine into fewer or one



____ The two major labor unions consolidated to form one large powerful

union.

____ The United States is attempting to consolidate its position in the



Caribbean.













03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 44 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 45
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




7. (1) to eat or drink



(2) to use up



(3) to destroy



____ The entire apartment was consumed by fire.



____ The tennis player contracted hepatitis after consuming tainted fish.



____ Typing his boss’s correspondence consumed most of the secretary’s time.




8. (1) a particular government



(2) a plan to improve one’s health



____ After following a strict regime, the injured gymnast returned to competition.



____ The nation is sure to prosper under the new regime.




9. (1) causing a feeling of pity



(2) worthless; unsuccessful



____ The supervisor is so pathetic that his entire staff is threatening to resign.



____ We were awakened by the kitten’s pathetic cries.




10. (1) to cause to have no effect



(2) to disprove; deny



____ Thermal insulation negates the effect of the cold.



____ The governor issued a statement in an attempt to negate the accusa-


tions against him.


















































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 45 8/4/06, 12:30




46 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




Vocabulary Builder 9



Directions: Select the one word from the choices given that best completes

each of these sentences. Write it in the space provided.





1. The dying man’s speech was so _______________ that no one was able to

NOTE

interpret his last request.


(A) indiscreet


A rule for the nega- (B) nonchalant



tive prefixes is il (C) incoherent



before l; im before b, (D) impotent



m, or p; ir before r;

and in or un before 2. Due to many years of _______________, the Smiths had nothing to fall back

on when it was time for them to retire.


other letters.

(A) illiteracy

(B) impunity


(C) inflexibility

(D) imprudence


3. Certain pessimists feel that a nuclear war in our time is _______________.



(A) inevitable

(B) illicit

(C) disconcerting

(D) impossible


4. The personnel manager could not even consider her for the position

because of her _______________ appearance.


(A) inept


(B) inflexible

(C) unkempt

(D) disheartened


5. We received the _______________ news today that there would be no raises


this year.

(A) disreputable

(B) uncanny


(C) incongruous

(D) disconcerting

















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 46 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 47
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○




6. It was truly miraculous that the child was _______________ after falling six



stories.



(A) unscathed



(B) uncanny



(C) irreparable



(D) illiterate




7. Modern architecture often seems _______________ in a city rich in history.



(A) unlikely



(B) unwitting



(C) incongruous




(D) unkempt




8. Serpico is known for his _______________ efforts to expose fellow police


officers who accepted bribes.



(A) incalculable



(B) inexorable



(C) unwieldy



(D) illicit




9. Barbara’s parents received a report from her teacher that said, “Barbara is an



excellent student, but she talks to her friends _______________ during class.”



(A) ineptly


(B) incoherently ○

(C) unerringly

(D) incessantly


10. A civil war pits brother against brother and causes _______________ harm

to a nation’s morale.

(A) uncompromising

(B) incalculable

(C) invariable

(D) infallible



























03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 47 8/4/06, 12:30




48 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○













Vocabulary Builder 10



Directions: Write the number of the word in Column B that has the same

meaning as the word in Column A. Put the number on the line provided.



A B

_____ a. sure 1. inexorable



_____ b. unable to do things 2. imprudent



_____ c. unharmed 3. incoherent



_____ d. inflexible 4. incongruous



_____ e. unwise, not careful 5. disreputable



_____ f. forbidden 6. infallible



_____ g. disjointed, garbled


7. incessant

_____ h. not neat 8. illiterate



_____ i. very great 9. incalculable



_____ j. of bad character 10. disconcerted



_____ k. unable to read and write 11. illicit



_____ l. inappropriate 12. inept



_____ m. constant 13. unscathed



_____ n. upset 14. inevitable




_____ o. unavoidable 15. unkempt






































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 48 8/4/06, 12:30




50 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○



EXERCISES: ANTONYMS




Directions: Choose the word among the four alternatives that is the opposite

(antonym) of the underlined word.





1. I ate lunch with a most convivial group of 6. The convicted robber hoped the judge

my friends. would give him a lenient sentence.



(A) lively (A) easy



(B) large (B) unmerciful



(C) unsociable (C) acute



(D) old (D) frightening




2. I prefer muted colors in my living room. 7. Hector takes his dates to intimate restau-

rants where there is candlelight.


(A) changeable

(A) large and brightly lit


(B) bright

(B) quiet

(C) dull

(C) noisy

(D) mauve

(D) dark

3. She came for Christmas laden with gifts



for everyone. 8. As he lay dying, his speech was incoherent.



(A) later (A) inaudible



(B) provided (B) organized



(C) unloaded (C) interesting



(D) lifted (D) indecent




4. She had a cozy little apartment in Boston. 9. If you want to make a good impression on

my father, you will have to be less unkempt


(A) uncomfortable

than you are now.


(B) dirty

(A) discreet

(C) lazy

(B) uncanny

(D) warm

(C) literate

5. She was a very superficial person with a


(D) neat

large group of frivolous friends.



(A) superior 10. His career in the illicit drug trade ended

with the police raid this morning.


(B) deep

(A) irregular

(C) attractive

(B) legal

(D) horrible

(C) elicited

(D) secret


















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 50 8/4/06, 12:30




51
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○



exercises
11. Having planned our weekends to watch 14. I cannot stand professors who think they



football, we found the news of the players’ are infallible.



strike most disconcerting. (A) imperfect



(A) pleasing (B) inexorable



(B) activating (C) inept



(C) refreshing (D) inflexible



(D) debilitating


15. My brother-in-law talks incessantly.


12. A frightening number of illiterate stu-


(A) indiscreetly


dents are graduating from college.


(B) inevitably


(A) able to read and write


(C) seldom


(B) able to enjoy intramural sports


(D) sensibly


(C) unable to pass an examination in



reading and writing



(D) inflexible



13. John was so insubordinate that he lost his



job within a week.



(A) fresh



(B) understanding



(C) indiscreet



(D) obedient


















































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 51 8/4/06, 12:30




52 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○



EXERCISES: MEANING FROM CONTEXT






Directions: Select a word from the list below that best completes the following

sentences.




compete vast

chagrin affluent

innovation lucrative


amenities rejuvenated

apathy stereotype


1. The use of audiovisual materials in for- 6. In order to __________ in today’s market,



eign language teaching was one of the we are going to lower our prices.

most important __________s in recent


years. 7. Mrs. Golightly had cosmetic surgery and


appears much __________.



2. __________ Middle Easterners have been


8. Imagine his __________ when he discov-


buying some of England’s ancient estates.


ered he had forgotten to pay his electric


3. Wearing his ten-gallon hat, the Texan bill and the company turned off his power.

has become the __________ of the Ameri-


9. The automatic washing machine is one of


can Westerner.

the __________ without which I cannot


4. Doing volunteer work at the hospital is live.



not a very __________ pastime.


10. Many a crime has gone unpunished be-



5. You have made a(n) __________ improve- cause of the __________ of bystanders.

ment in your handwriting since you took



that calligraphy course.








































03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 52 8/4/06, 12:30




Words in Context 53
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○



exercises
EXERCISES: SYNONYMS






Directions: Choose the best synonym for the underlined word.






1. She was overcome by chagrin at the check- 6. The doctor warned her that adequate diet


out counter when she discovered she had was of paramount importance in effecting



left her wallet at home. a cure.



(A) anger (A) moving



(B) poverty (B) chief



(C) embarrassment (C) healing



(D) challenge (D) saving




2. The space shuttle covered vast distances. 7. Occasionally, the most unlikely people


manage to collaborate successfully.


(A) very


(A) put together


(B) huge


(B) stand together


(C) varying


(C) work together


(D) hard


(D) get together


3. Dr. Jones suggested that final examina-



tions be discontinued, an innovation I 8. Peter advised his clientele that he would



heartily support. be on vacation for the month of January.



(A) entrance (A) clinic



(B) change (B) customers


(C) inner part (C) salespeople



(D) test (D) contact ○

4. She plans to compete in the marathon. 9. I’d rather stay in a hotel with all the

(A) contend amenities than camp in the woods.



(B) compare (A) conveniences



(C) delay (B) friends



(D) register (C) expenses



(D) sports

5. His new yacht is certainly an ostentacious



display of his wealth. 10. The night before this exam I tried not to

succumb to sleep.

(A) ossified

(A) scoff

(B) showy

(B) save

(C) large

(C) yield

(D) expensive

(D) try

















03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 53 8/4/06, 12:30




54 Vocabulary Review
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○



11. He inherited a lucrative business from 16. Although he knew she had work to do, he

his father. tried to entice her to go to the beach.



(A) lucid (A) trace



(B) wealthy (B) enervate



(C) losing (C) tempt



(D) profitable (D) thrice




12. Apathy toward his studies prevented his 17. Having spent all my money on tuition, I

graduation. am not affluent enough even to go to the



(A) indirection movies.



(B) indifference (A) destitute



(C) indecision (B) arrogant



(D) indication (C) wealthy



(D) afraid

13. Her large weight loss has rejuvenated



her. 18. A domineering husband, he is the stereo-


type of a male chauvinist.


(A) slimmed again


(A) musician

(B) subjugated again


(B) fixed conception


(C) made young again


(C) disagreeable type


(D) made comfortable again


(D) opposite

14. Her early skill with numbers was indica-


tive of a genius in mathematics. 19. The senator formerly supported the



(A) giving direction president’s budget plans ardently.



(B) giving indication (A) expertly



(C) giving assistance (B) zealously



(D) giving approval (C) arduously



(D) entirely

15. Do you think your question is pertinent to



the matter we are discussing? 20. The hurricane caused great havoc in the

islands.

(A) perceptive

(A) winds

(B) appropriate

(B) treatment

(C) discriminating

(C) destruction

(D) apparent

(D) immersion


























03_TOEFL Vocab,Ch3,27-60 54 8/4/06, 12:30



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