Free Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Test Question and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Her home had been furnished with expensive window treatments for 17 years, but they were now "outmoded".

pointless
out-of-date (Correct answer)
worthless
unnecessary

Correct answer: out-of-date

The sentence states the window treatments had been in the home for '17 years' and 'but they were now 'outmoded'.' The phrase 'but they were now' signals a change from their previous state. The passage of 17 years strongly implies that something once fashionable or current has become old-fashioned or no longer in style, making 'out-of-date' the most fitting definition.

Question 2: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. The spies carried out a "covert" mission.

dangerous
illegal
foreign
hidden (Correct answer)

Correct answer: hidden

The context clues in the sentence are 'spies' and 'mission.' Spies are known for operating in secrecy and carrying out tasks without being detected. Therefore, a 'covert' mission aligns with the nature of espionage, meaning it is done in secret or kept 'hidden' from public knowledge.

Question 3: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. The baseball player's caustic comments to the media, which nearly ended the referee's career, exposed his "spiteful" toward the official.

rude
vindictive (Correct answer)
unpleasant
crazy

Correct answer: vindictive

The sentence describes the baseball player's 'caustic comments' that 'nearly ended the referee's career,' indicating a strong desire to inflict harm or punishment. 'Spiteful' in this context refers to a malicious desire for revenge or to cause harm, which is precisely what 'vindictive' means. The player's actions were driven by a retaliatory and harmful intent.

Question 4: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Michael is an obstinate young guy who "obdurately" refuses to withdraw his application despite the fact that he is far too inexperienced for the managerial role.

foolishly
stubbornly (Correct answer)
reluctantly
constantly

Correct answer: stubbornly

The sentence explicitly states that Michael is an 'obstinate young guy' and that he 'refuses to withdraw his application despite the fact that he is far too inexperienced.' 'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Therefore, 'obdurately' reinforces this characteristic, meaning he refuses in a 'stubbornly' unyielding manner.

Question 5: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Mark was enraged by his neighbor's "superficial" comments that devalued the disagreement over the property line.

petty (Correct answer)
misleading
enraged
insulting

Correct answer: petty

Mark was 'enraged' by his neighbor's comments that 'devalued the disagreement over the property line.' To devalue something means to treat it as less important or serious than it is. 'Superficial' comments, in this context, would be those that lack depth, seriousness, or importance, treating a significant issue lightly. This aligns with 'petty,' which describes something trivial or of little importance, especially in a way that shows meanness of spirit.

Question 6: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. She disregarded the laws in a ""blatant"" manner.

hidden
rebellious
obvious (Correct answer)
last-minute

Correct answer: obvious

To disregard laws in a 'blatant' manner implies that the action was done openly and unashamedly, making it very clear and noticeable to everyone. There was no attempt to hide the transgression. Therefore, 'obvious' is the best definition, as it conveys that the disregard for laws was unmistakable and unconcealed.

Question 7: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Tina's sense of style was typically classified as "flamboyant", but on the night of the party, her attire was rather understated.

sloppy
unassuming
showy (Correct answer)
impeccable

Correct answer: showy

The word 'but' signals a contrast in the sentence. Tina's style was 'typically classified as flamboyant,' but on the night of the party, her attire was 'rather understated.' If 'understated' means subtle and not drawing attention, then 'flamboyant' must mean the opposite—attention-grabbing and showy. Thus, 'showy' is the correct definition for her usual style.

Question 8: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Mr. Shaun was so "gullible" that he accepted the most absurd justifications from his dishonest workers.

critical
naïve (Correct answer)
intelligent
dishonest

Correct answer: naïve

The context states that Mr. Shaun 'accepted the most absurd justifications from his dishonest workers.' This indicates a lack of critical judgment or suspicion on his part. 'Gullible' means easily persuaded to believe something, often to the point of being easily tricked. This characteristic is synonymous with being 'naïve,' which describes someone who is innocent, inexperienced, and easily deceived.

Question 9: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Without finishing the "prerequisite" student teaching assignment, you cannot become a certified teacher.

preferred
advisable
required (Correct answer)
optional

Correct answer: required

The phrase 'Without finishing the 'prerequisite' student teaching assignment, you cannot become a certified teacher' clearly indicates a necessary condition. A 'prerequisite' is something that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist. Therefore, the student teaching assignment is 'required' before one can achieve teacher certification.

Question 10: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Because of his propensity for gum disease, Cheska is "diligent" about flossing. Charles is diligent about flossing.

uncomfortable
ambivalent
excited
thorough (Correct answer)

Correct answer: thorough

The reason given for Cheska/Charles being 'diligent' about flossing is 'Because of his propensity for gum disease.' To effectively prevent gum disease, one must be careful, persistent, and thorough in their flossing habits. 'Diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties, which aligns perfectly with being 'thorough' in a preventative health routine.

Question 11: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Even after reading her supervisor's memo four or five times, she was still confused by its "ambiguous" meaning.

inspiring
ridiculous
unclear (Correct answer)
profound

Correct answer: unclear

The key context clue is 'she was still confused by its 'ambiguous' meaning' even after reading it 'four or five times.' If someone is confused after multiple readings, it means the message was not clear or had multiple possible interpretations. 'Ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation or having an unclear meaning, making 'unclear' the most accurate definition.

Question 12: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Maria came up to the podium and gave an "animated" acceptance speech after being thrilled to earn the prize.

courteous
lively (Correct answer)
abbreviated
reserved

Correct answer: lively

Maria was 'thrilled to earn the prize,' which suggests she would be full of energy and excitement. An 'animated' acceptance speech would reflect this excitement, meaning it was lively, full of movement, and expressive, rather than dull or reserved. 'Lively' accurately captures the energetic and enthusiastic nature of her speech.

Question 13: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. At several points throughout the day, the "intermittent" rain saturated the garden.

protracted
light
incredulous
periodic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: periodic

The phrase 'At several points throughout the day' indicates that the rain was not continuous but occurred in separate bursts or intervals. 'Intermittent' means occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady. This definition is synonymous with 'periodic,' which describes something happening at regular or irregular intervals.

Question 14: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Watching you go from the diving board gave me a "vicarious" thrill virtually.

unpleasant
evil
shared (Correct answer)
adventurous

Correct answer: shared

The phrase 'Watching you go from the diving board gave me a 'vicarious' thrill virtually' indicates that the speaker experienced the thrill indirectly, through someone else's action. 'Vicarious' means experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person. Therefore, the thrill was 'shared' in the sense that the speaker felt it by observing another's experience.

Question 15: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. Officials thought it was necessary to "augment" the regulations governing campfires following a number of small brushfires at the campground.

expand (Correct answer)
criticize
consider
retract

Correct answer: expand

Following 'a number of small brushfires at the campground,' officials would logically want to make the regulations stronger or more comprehensive to prevent future incidents. To 'augment' means to make something greater by adding to it; to increase. In this context, it means to 'expand' or strengthen the existing regulations to improve safety and prevent further fires.

Question 16: Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word. The newspaper was "inundated" with calls as soon as the results of the election were made public, much too numerous to manage efficiently.

rewarded
provided
flooded (Correct answer)
bothered

Correct answer: flooded

The sentence states that the calls were 'much too numerous to manage efficiently.' This phrase directly implies an overwhelming quantity, which is precisely what 'flooded' means in this context. Therefore, 'flooded' accurately captures the idea of being overwhelmed with an excessive number of calls.

Free Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Test Question and Answers

Try to find context hints in the sentences as you read the following sentences to determine which definition best fits the quoted word.
Her home had been furnished with expensive window treatments for 17 years, but they were now "outmoded".