Nelson-Denny Reading Test Meaning from Context Vocabulary 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The new CEO's PRAGMATIC approach focused on what would actually work rather than on lofty ideals that couldn't be implemented. What does 'pragmatic' mean?
- Idealistic and visionary
- Practical and focused on results (Correct answer)
- Aggressive and competitive
- Cautious and risk-averse
Correct answer: Practical and focused on results
'Pragmatic' means dealing with things sensibly and practically, contrasted here with 'lofty ideals that couldn't be implemented.'
Question 2: The old mansion had fallen into such DISREPAIR that the city council considered demolishing it rather than attempting restoration. What does 'disrepair' mean?
- A state of poor condition due to neglect (Correct answer)
- A state of historic preservation
- A condition of structural perfection
- A period of active renovation
Correct answer: A state of poor condition due to neglect
'Disrepair' means a poor condition resulting from neglect, evidenced by the council considering demolition over restoration.
Question 3: The chef's INNOVATIVE use of unexpected ingredients transformed ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. What does 'innovative' mean?
- Traditional and time-tested
- Featuring new ideas or methods (Correct answer)
- Expensive and rare
- Simple and straightforward
Correct answer: Featuring new ideas or methods
'Innovative' means introducing new ideas or methods, supported by 'unexpected ingredients' transforming the ordinary.
Question 4: Her TENACITY in pursuing the research grant, despite five rejections, ultimately led to her receiving full funding for the project. What does 'tenacity' mean?
- Willingness to compromise
- Persistence in spite of obstacles (Correct answer)
- Ability to work quickly
- Skill at persuasion
Correct answer: Persistence in spite of obstacles
'Tenacity' means persistent determination, illustrated by continuing to pursue the grant despite five rejections.
Question 5: The soldier's VALOR on the battlefield earned him the highest military honor his country could bestow. What does 'valor' mean?
- Strategic intelligence
- Great courage in the face of danger (Correct answer)
- Loyalty to commanding officers
- Skill in combat techniques
Correct answer: Great courage in the face of danger
'Valor' means great bravery, particularly in battle, as supported by it earning the highest military honor.
Question 6: The documentary filmmaker remained OBJECTIVE, presenting all sides of the controversial issue without inserting her personal opinions. What does 'objective' mean?
- Highly emotional and passionate
- Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions (Correct answer)
- Focused on a single viewpoint
- Deliberately one-sided
Correct answer: Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions
'Objective' means not influenced by personal bias, directly supported by 'without inserting her personal opinions.'
Question 7: The toddler was OBSTINATE about wearing his rain boots on a sunny day, refusing to listen to any of his parents' reasoning. What does 'obstinate' mean?
- Easily persuaded
- Stubbornly refusing to change (Correct answer)
- Confused and uncertain
- Happily cooperative
Correct answer: Stubbornly refusing to change
'Obstinate' means stubbornly resistant to argument, shown by the child refusing all parental reasoning.
Nelson-Denny Reading Test Meaning from Context Vocabulary 3
The new CEO's PRAGMATIC approach focused on what would actually work rather than on lofty ideals that couldn't be implemented.
What does 'pragmatic' mean?