General Verbal Ability and Comprehension 5

Question 1

Select the sentence that uses the correct form of 'lie' vs. 'lay':

Accepted Answer

She lies down for a nap every afternoon.

Answer

The intransitive verb 'lie' (to recline) is correct here; 'lay' requires a direct object, and 'lied' refers to telling an untruth.

Question 2

Which word best completes the sentence? 'The politician's speech was filled with ______, making it hard to find any concrete proposals.'

Accepted Answer

rhetoric

Answer

Rhetoric here refers to language used for persuasive effect rather than informational content, implying a lack of substance.

Question 3

Identify the type of context clue used: 'The arid, or extremely dry, climate made farming nearly impossible.'

Accepted Answer

Definition clue

Answer

The phrase 'or extremely dry' directly defines 'arid' within the sentence, making it a definition (restatement) context clue.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

Accepted Answer

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Answer

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely connected words; 'Peter Piper picked' all begin with the 'P' sound.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the root word 'bene-' as found in 'beneficial'?

Accepted Answer

Good or well

Answer

The Latin root 'bene-' means good or well, as seen in words like benefit, benefactor, and benevolent.

General Practice Test