Practice Test Verbal Skills Flashcards

An index is to a book as an elegy is to

Answer: A Funeral

This is an analogy question. An index helps you find information within a book, often at the end. Similarly, an elegy is a poem or song of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead, often recited or performed at a funeral. Both serve a specific purpose related to their respective main item or event.

The underdog is to audacious as the conspirator is to

Answer: Elusive

This is an analogy question based on characteristics. An 'underdog' is typically expected to lose but might be 'audacious' (bold, daring) in their attempt to win. A 'conspirator' is someone involved in a secret plan, often to do something unlawful. Their nature or actions are typically 'elusive' (difficult to find, catch, or achieve) as they operate in secrecy to avoid detection.

Secede is the opposite of

Answer: Merge

To 'secede' means to withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association. The opposite of withdrawing or separating is to join or combine. 'Merge' means to combine or cause to combine to form a single entity, making it the direct antonym of secede.

Which of the following words does not belong with the others?

Answer: Gasoline

This question asks to identify the word that doesn't belong. 'Combustible,' 'ignitable,' and 'inflammable' are all adjectives describing something capable of catching fire and burning. 'Gasoline,' on the other hand, is a noun that refers to a specific type of combustible liquid fuel. It is an example of something that is combustible, not a descriptor itself.

Otis was the inventor of more patents than his brother Eric. Adam had twice the number of patents as Jackson. Adam and Otis both had the same number of patents. If the first two statements are correct, the third is as follows:

Answer: Unknown

Let's analyze the statements: 1) Otis > Eric, and 2) Adam = 2 * Jackson. The third statement claims Adam = Otis. The first two statements establish relationships between Otis and Eric, and Adam and Jackson, respectively. They provide no information that links Adam's patent count directly to Otis's, making the truthfulness of the third statement 'Unknown' based solely on the given premises.

Coarse most likely means

Answer: Harsh

The word "coarse" describes something that is rough in texture or crude in manner. Among the given options, "harsh" is the most fitting synonym as it implies a lack of refinement, gentleness, or smoothness, aligning with the meaning of coarse. Therefore, "harsh" accurately captures the essence of what coarse most likely means.

Which of the following words does not belong with the others?

Answer: Burden

This question asks to identify the word that does not belong with the others. "Benchmark," "brick," and "bottleneck" all refer to tangible objects or points of reference, often with a structural or physical connotation (a standard, a building material, a constricted point). "Burden," however, refers to a heavy load or responsibility, which is an abstract concept rather than a physical object or structural element. Thus, "burden" is the outlier.

Deter most likely means

Answer: Stop

To "deter" means to discourage someone from doing something or to prevent something from happening. Among the choices, "stop" is the most direct and accurate synonym for deter. While other options like "grind" or "sway" have different meanings, "stop" directly reflects the action of hindering or preventing.

The word Espionage is to discreet as the word kindling is to

Answer: Ominous

This is an analogy question where the relationship is about a key characteristic or implication. Espionage is characterized by being discreet or secretive. Similarly, kindling, by its nature, is used to start a fire, and the uncontrolled spread of fire can often be perceived as ominous, suggesting a threat or danger. Therefore, kindling can imply or foreshadow something ominous.

Novice most likely means

Answer: Beginner

The word "novice" refers to a person who is new to a field or activity and lacks experience. Among the given choices, "beginner" is a direct synonym that perfectly captures this meaning. Options like "veteran" and "expert" are antonyms, while "naught" means nothing.

A barometer is to pressure as chronometer is to _______________.

Answer: time

This is an analogy question based on function. A barometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure atmospheric pressure. Following this relationship, a chronometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure time with high precision. Therefore, "time" completes the analogy.

The Poppy is to flora as the tabletop is to __________.

Answer: surface

This analogy establishes a "type of" relationship. A "Poppy" is a specific example of "flora" (plant life). Similarly, a "tabletop" is a specific example of a "surface." While a tabletop is part of "furniture," "surface" describes its fundamental nature and function more directly in this hierarchical relationship.

The wedding was ______________ affair in sharp contrast to the previous night's revelry.

Answer: a dignified

The sentence indicates a "sharp contrast" between the wedding and the "previous night's revelry," which implies lively, noisy, and perhaps unrestrained celebration. To create a sharp contrast, the wedding must have been the opposite of revelry. "A dignified" affair means formal, serious, and worthy of respect, which directly contrasts with the boisterous nature of revelry.

Isaac was extremely _____________ unlike his brother who sought solitude.

Answer: Gregarious

The sentence states that Isaac was "unlike his brother who sought solitude," meaning his brother preferred to be alone. To be unlike someone who seeks solitude, Isaac must be someone who enjoys company and social interaction. "Gregarious" perfectly describes someone who is fond of company and sociable, making it the correct choice to complete the contrast.

When autumn arrives in the Southwest, the chamisa plant blooms, and this previously _____________ shrub seems to be everywhere.

Answer: Inconspicuous

The sentence describes the chamisa plant blooming and then "seems to be everywhere." This suggests that before blooming, the plant was not widely noticed or prominent. "Inconspicuous" means not clearly visible or attracting attention, which fits the idea that the plant was less noticeable until it bloomed and became widespread.

The soiled is to filthy as the wet is to ____________.

Answer: drenched

This analogy demonstrates a relationship of increasing intensity or degree. "Filthy" is a more extreme form of "soiled" (dirty). Following this pattern, we need a word that represents a more extreme degree of "wet." "Drenched" means completely saturated with liquid, indicating a much higher degree of wetness than "damp" or "moist."

The infringement is to violation as the expedition is to ____________.

Answer: excursion

This analogy establishes a relationship of synonymity. An "infringement" is a "violation" of a law or agreement; they are synonyms. Similarly, an "expedition" is a journey or voyage undertaken for a specific purpose, and an "excursion" is a short journey or trip, often for pleasure. "Excursion" is the closest synonym that maintains the same relationship.

A nocturnal is to diurnal as a cloying is to ____________.

Answer: unsentimental

This analogy establishes a relationship of antonyms. "Nocturnal" (active at night) is the opposite of "diurnal" (active during the day). Following this pattern, we need an antonym for "cloying." "Cloying" describes something excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental to the point of being sickening, and "unsentimental" means not displaying or influenced by sentimental feelings, making it the direct opposite.

The retina is to eye as the letter is to ____________.

Answer: word

This analogy describes a part-to-whole relationship where the part is fundamental to the function or existence of the whole. The "retina" is a crucial component of the "eye," essential for vision. Similarly, a "letter" is a fundamental component of a "word," essential for forming meaning and language.

Ellen was feeling lethargic from a bad night's sleep, but she still made it to work on time. Which of the following is the definition of the word "lethargic" in the previous sentence?

Answer: tired

The sentence states that Ellen was feeling "lethargic" due to "a bad night's sleep." A common consequence of poor sleep is feeling tired, sluggish, or lacking energy. Therefore, "tired" is the most accurate definition of "lethargic" in this context, as it describes a state of lacking energy and enthusiasm.