Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Vocabulary 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The word 'benevolent' most nearly means:
- well-meaning and generous (Correct answer)
- strictly disciplined
- quietly ambitious
- cautiously neutral
Correct answer: well-meaning and generous
Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, often involving generosity toward others.
Question 2: A 'peripheral' concern is one that is:
- central and critical
- on the edge; of minor importance (Correct answer)
- deeply personal
- impossible to solve
Correct answer: on the edge; of minor importance
Peripheral means relating to or situated on the edge or margin; not of central importance.
Question 3: The word 'candid' most nearly means:
- secretive
- forthright and honest (Correct answer)
- overly formal
- highly skilled
Correct answer: forthright and honest
Candid means truthful and straightforward, even if the truth is uncomfortable.
Question 4: Which word best replaces 'impede' in the sentence: 'The road construction will impede traffic'?
- accelerate
- redirect
- hinder (Correct answer)
- document
Correct answer: hinder
Impede means to delay or block the progress of something, making hinder the best synonym.
Question 5: The word 'tenacious' describes someone who is:
- easily discouraged
- holding firmly to a purpose despite difficulty (Correct answer)
- morally flexible
- socially withdrawn
Correct answer: holding firmly to a purpose despite difficulty
Tenacious means not readily giving up; keeping a firm hold on something.
Question 6: A 'superficial' analysis is one that is:
- exceptionally detailed
- dealing only with surface appearances (Correct answer)
- based on new technology
- emotionally driven
Correct answer: dealing only with surface appearances
Superficial means existing or occurring at or on the surface; lacking depth.
Question 7: The word 'obscure' most nearly means:
- brightly lit
- not clear or well-known (Correct answer)
- strongly emphasized
- recently discovered
Correct answer: not clear or well-known
Obscure means not discovered or known about; not clearly expressed or easily understood.
The word 'benevolent' most nearly means: