A question type that can account for 12 or more questions is vocabulary, which focuses on definitions and meanings for words and phrases in the passage. Typical questions for this style include:
- The word "encumber" in line 12 could most easily be replaced by
- The phrase "up to par" in line 6 is closest in meaning to
- The word "phase" in line 13 means that
- According to the passage, what is "bespectacled"?
- In line 21, "truisms" are
Unlike what many students believe, it is not always necessary to know the definition of the word to answer the question as sometimes, using grammar cues and context may be enough to discover the answer. Try to follow these strategies:
- Predict the meaning from previous knowledge.
When you see the word or phrase in the question, avoid immediately looking at the four choices. Three of them are incorrect and are designed to turn you away from the correct response. First, consider the word or phrase in the question and use whatever previous knowledge you may have about the word. Don't even read the word in context with the passage; simply check if you have any familiarity with the word. - Read the word in context.
Still without looking at the four choices, read the sentence that contains the given word or phrase in the passage and try your best to use grammar and context to help determine the basic meaning of the word. Consider whether it is a verb or noun, if it has a positive or negative context, and which other words are modified or related to it in the sentence. You may need to read the sentence before or after the target sentence as well, but do not waste too much time reading. - Read the choices and choose the most exact synonym.
Now, having considered the word and read its context, choose the answer that is closest in meaning to the word or phrase asked about in the question. Be sure to read all four choices and eliminate the answers that are obviously wrong first. Be careful of obvious choices as there are often very similarly spelled or pronounced words among the choices designed to distract you. - Guess if you run out of time.
There is no penalty for guessing and getting an incorrect answer. If there is very little time, NEVER leave any answers blank and guess the best you can, as quickly as you can. - Review questions if you have extra time.
If you finish early, ALWAYS go back and review your answers, especially the more difficult ones. Be sure of your reasons for changing an answer you have already made as many times a first response is correct.
Now look at a short reading passage and two example questions.
Most people are right handed. In fact, the statistics say that about 90% of the population has their right hand as their dominant hand. Being a part of that left-handed minority, can affect people's daily lives in many ways. This ranges from the numerous inconveniences of using everyday gadgets such as scissors or can openers to social problems that results from appearing different from the norm.
- The word "dominant" in line 2 could most easily be replaced by
- mandatory
- primary
- weakest
- influential
All choices are adjectives and are grammatically correct for the sentence. The first choice, "mandatory", has a different meaning and refers to obligation, not importance or strength. The third choice, "weakest", is an antonym, or opposite word, and doesn't fit the context. The fourth choice, "influential", also has a different meaning and refers to effect or causation. Therefore, the second choice, "primary", is correct as it means first or main.
- The word "gadgets" in line 4 is closest in meaning to
- appliances
- concepts
- tools
- gear
All choices are plural nouns and are grammatically correct for the sentence. The first choice, "appliances", has a similar meaning, but refers bigger devices such as refrigerators, not small, hand-held ones. The second choice, "concepts", refers to something abstract and can not be held in one's hand. The fourth choice, "gear", also has a similar meaning, but refers more to the equipment required for some activity like camping. Therefore, the third choice, "tools", is correct as it means small devices that can be used with the left and/or right hands.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.