NJGPA Vocabulary in Context 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the sentence: 'The scientist's hypothesis was later corroborated by three independent studies.' What does 'corroborated' most likely mean?
- disproved by evidence
- confirmed by additional evidence (Correct answer)
- questioned by researchers
- replaced with a newer theory
Correct answer: confirmed by additional evidence
'Corroborated' means supported or confirmed by additional evidence from independent sources.
Question 2: In the passage: 'The politician's rhetoric was persuasive but ultimately hollow.' The word 'rhetoric' refers to:
- physical gestures used in speeches
- language designed to influence people (Correct answer)
- written laws and policies
- statistical data presented in debates
Correct answer: language designed to influence people
Rhetoric is language crafted to persuade or impress an audience, often in speeches or writing.
Question 3: The article states: 'Her laconic response frustrated the interviewer who had expected a detailed answer.' 'Laconic' most nearly means:
- enthusiastic and energetic
- using very few words (Correct answer)
- confused and uncertain
- emotionally charged
Correct answer: using very few words
'Laconic' describes speech or writing that uses very few words to express a great deal.
Question 4: From the text: 'The new manager tried to ameliorate the tense workplace atmosphere with team-building activities.' What does 'ameliorate' mean?
- make worse
- analyze carefully
- improve or make better (Correct answer)
- ignore completely
Correct answer: improve or make better
'Ameliorate' means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
Question 5: The sentence reads: 'Her equivocal answer left the jury unsure of whether she was telling the truth.' 'Equivocal' means:
- clear and straightforward
- deliberately ambiguous or uncertain (Correct answer)
- emotionally powerful
- factually incorrect
Correct answer: deliberately ambiguous or uncertain
'Equivocal' describes a statement that can be interpreted in more than one way, often intentionally.
Question 6: The essay contains: 'Unlike his gregarious brother, Marcus was content spending weekends alone with his books.' The word 'gregarious' means:
- introverted and reserved
- sociable and enjoys company (Correct answer)
- intelligent and studious
- moody and unpredictable
Correct answer: sociable and enjoys company
'Gregarious' describes someone who is fond of company and enjoys socializing.
Question 7: The passage states: 'The company faced severe repercussions after the data breach became public.' 'Repercussions' most nearly means:
- financial profits
- indirect consequences or results (Correct answer)
- public announcements
- legal definitions
Correct answer: indirect consequences or results
'Repercussions' are the unintended consequences or results that follow an event or action.
Read the sentence: 'The scientist's hypothesis was later corroborated by three independent studies.' What does 'corroborated' most likely mean?