FREE ELPT Vocabulary Questions and Answers

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The pride of being ladies had something to do with it: the Brooke connections, though not exactly aristocratic, were unquestionably "good:" if you inquired backward for a generation or two, you would not find any yard-measuring or parcel-tying forefathers-anything lower than an admiral or a clergyman; and there was even an ancestor discernible as a Puritan gentleman who served under Cromwell, but afterward conformed, and managed to come out of all political troubles as the proprietor of a respectable family estate.

What does “proprietor” mean?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
The surrounding context is useful for this question. The beginning of Sentence 4 establishes that the Brookes' social class was respectable, and the end of the sentence establishes a similar idea: the family "managed to come out of all political troubles" with a "respectable family estate." "Owner" is the only choice that makes the idea of the second half of the sentence match the first half. (A harbinger is an omen, a spendthrift is a person who squanders money, and an iconoclast is a rule breaker. None of these choices make sense in context.)

The summit of the mountain offered a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

What does "panorama" mean in the passage?"

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Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "panorama" refers to a wide and comprehensive view of the surrounding landscape, typically seen from a high vantage point. It suggests that from the summit of the mountain, one can see a vast and impressive landscape that includes valleys and peaks.

The detective meticulously gathered evidence at the crime scene, piecing together clues to unravel the mystery.

What does "meticulously" mean in the passage?

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Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "meticulously" means that the detective gathered evidence with great attention to detail and care. It suggests that the detective was thorough and precise in collecting the evidence, leaving no stone unturned in their investigation.

The author's eloquent prose painted vivid images in the reader's mind, transporting them to distant lands and times.

What does "eloquent" mean in the passage?

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Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "eloquent" refers to the author's prose being persuasive in its ability to effectively convey ideas and evoke emotions. It suggests that the author's writing is articulate, expressive, and persuasive in painting vivid images in the reader's mind.

The entrepreneur's innovative idea revolutionized the industry, leading to significant advancements in technology.

What does "innovative" mean in the passage?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "innovative" describes the entrepreneur's idea as being creative and original. It suggests that the idea brought about a significant change or improvement in the industry through its novelty and ingenuity.

"During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was - but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit."

Which word could best replace pervaded in the above passage?

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Explanation:
To pervade means to fill, permeate, and spread through. Poe describes a feeling of gloom spreading through and FILLING his spirit.

"During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was - but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit."

What is the best definition of “glimpse” in this passage?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Glimpse means to view/see something for a brief time. "To catch a glimpse" means to see all or only part of something quickly.

The old lighthouse stood sentinel on the rugged coastline, its beacon guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters.

What does "sentinel" mean in the passage?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "sentinel" refers to the lighthouse acting as a guard or watcher. It suggests that the lighthouse stands as a vigilant protector, keeping watch over the coastline and guiding ships safely through the dangerous waters.

The orchestra's performance was captivating, each note resonating through the concert hall with precision and clarity.

What does "captivating" mean in the passage?

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Explanation:
In the context of the passage, "captivating" means holding one's attention by being fascinating or compelling. The passage describes the orchestra's performance in a positive light, indicating that it was captivating, meaning it held the audience's attention and was likely very enjoyable.

She invited to stay with her in succession various poor ladies who presumed on a distant tie to call her Aunt Eliza, and they accepted her summons, more imperious than a royal command, with gratitude by no means unmixed with fear, bearing the servitude meekly as a cross which in the future would meet due testamentary reward.

What does “imperious” most likely mean?

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Explanation:
Here, you could notice that "imperial," or emperorly, shares a root with "imperious." We can also derive the word's meaning from context, though. The poor ladies are "forced to accept her summons," and her imperiousness is greater than "a royal command." The only choice that makes sense in this context is peremptory.

The old tyrant, much as she hated her relations, hated still more to live alone; she needed someone on whom to vent her temper, and through the illness of a niece, due to spend March and April with her, had been forced to pass a month of solitude; she wrote back, in the peremptory fashion which, even with Miss Ley, she could not refrain from using, that she expected her on such and such a day by such and such a train.

What does “peremptory” mean?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
"Peremptory" is defined as imperious, high-handed, or even dictatorial. Even if you didn't know this, you could still eliminate those answer choices that don't fit Miss Dwarris's personality and actions. Magnanimous and munificent both mean generous, lascivious means lustful, and quizzical means puzzled or curious.

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