HBS HBS English Comprehension

Question 1

In a passage, the word 'benevolent' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

kind and generous

Answer

'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly, i.e., kind and generous.

Question 2

Which sentence uses a simile correctly?

Accepted Answer

She ran like the wind.

Answer

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'; 'ran like the wind' is a simile.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea

Answer

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph, usually at the beginning.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

Accepted Answer

Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Answer

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound; 'Peter picked…peppers' uses 'p' repeatedly.

Question 5

What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'misunderstand'?

Accepted Answer

wrongly

Answer

The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or incorrectly, so 'misunderstand' means to understand wrongly.

HBS - Henrietta Barnett School Practice Test