NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Vocabulary in Context 2

Question 1

"The professor's lecture was so **abstruse** that even doctoral students struggled to follow the argument." 'Abstruse' in this context means:

Accepted Answer

extremely difficult to understand

Answer

'Abstruse' means difficult to understand; the context of doctoral students struggling confirms this meaning.

Question 2

"Scientists must remain **impartial**, resisting the temptation to selectively report results that support their hypothesis." The word 'impartial' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

unbiased

Answer

'Impartial' means not favouring one side over another; unbiased.

Question 3

"The CEO's decision to **divest** unprofitable divisions helped stabilise the company's finances." 'Divest' most closely means:

Accepted Answer

get rid of

Answer

'Divest' means to deprive or rid of; in a business context, it means selling off assets or divisions.

Question 4

"The archaeologist made a **cursory** inspection of the site before the full excavation began." As used here, 'cursory' means:

Accepted Answer

hurried and not thorough

Answer

'Cursory' describes something done rapidly with little attention to detail — a quick preliminary look.

Question 5

"The journalist's **tenacious** pursuit of the story, despite repeated legal threats, earned widespread admiration." 'Tenacious' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

persistent

Answer

'Tenacious' means not readily giving up; persistent in maintaining a position or pursuing a goal.

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

NBT NBT Academic Literacy: Vocabulary in Context 2