FREE NJGPA Vocabulary in Context Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the sentence: 'The general was a brilliant tactician, but his inability to delegate tasks and his mercurial temperament made him a difficult leader to work for.' What is the meaning of the word 'mercurial' as it is used in the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Unpredictable and changeable

Answer

The context describes the general as a 'difficult leader.' A 'mercurial' temperament contributes to this difficulty, suggesting it is not a stable or predictable quality. It means subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Question 2

Read the passage: 'While her older sister was a social butterfly, always surrounded by friends, Maria was more introverted and taciturn, preferring a quiet evening with a book.' Based on the context, what does 'taciturn' mean?

Accepted Answer

Saying little; reserved

Answer

The sentence creates a contrast between Maria and her 'social butterfly' sister. Since her sister is outgoing, Maria is the opposite. The phrase 'preferring a quiet evening with a book' further supports the idea that she is reserved and doesn't talk much.

Question 3

Read the sentence: 'The new CEO's plan to revitalize the company was audacious, involving risks that made the board members nervous but also offered the potential for huge rewards.' What is the best meaning of 'audacious' in this context?

Accepted Answer

Bold and daring

Answer

The plan involved 'risks that made the board members nervous,' which indicates it was not a safe or conventional plan. This suggests the plan was daring and bold, which is the meaning of 'audacious.' The potential for 'huge rewards' also supports this interpretation.

Question 4

Read the passage: 'The city's infrastructure—its roads, bridges, and water systems—was antiquated and in desperate need of modernization. Decades of neglect had taken their toll.' As used in the passage, what does 'antiquated' mean?

Accepted Answer

Old-fashioned and out-of-date

Answer

The passage states the infrastructure was in 'desperate need of modernization,' which is the opposite of being antiquated. The examples of 'roads, bridges, and water systems' and the mention of 'decades of neglect' point to the infrastructure being old and out-of-date.

Question 5

Read the sentence: 'The politician's speech was filled with platitudes about unity and progress, but it offered no concrete solutions to the nation's problems.' What is the meaning of 'platitudes'?

Accepted Answer

Remarks or statements that are unoriginal and overused

Answer

The sentence contrasts 'platitudes' with 'concrete solutions.' This implies that platitudes are remarks that lack substance or originality. They are common, overused statements that sound good but don't mean much in practice.

(NJGPA) New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment Practice Test

(NJGPA) New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment Practice Test

FREE NJGPA Vocabulary in Context Questions and Answers