NJSLA Vocabulary in Context 4

Question 1

In the passage, the author uses the word 'dearth' in: 'There was a dearth of evidence to support the claim.' What does dearth mean?

Accepted Answer

scarcity

Answer

Dearth means a scarcity or lack of something.

Question 2

A character is described as 'gregarious — always surrounded by friends and the first to introduce himself to strangers.' What does gregarious mean?

Accepted Answer

sociable and outgoing

Answer

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable.

Question 3

Read this sentence: 'The pundit's caustic review of the film left the director feeling deeply wounded.' What does caustic mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

sharply critical

Answer

Caustic means bitterly sarcastic or severely critical.

Question 4

In the poem, the speaker uses the word 'ephemeral' to describe a sunset: 'Its beauty was ephemeral, lasting only moments before darkness fell.' What does ephemeral mean?

Accepted Answer

short-lived

Answer

Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time.

Question 5

A student encounters the word 'ameliorate' in a health article: 'Regular exercise can ameliorate symptoms of anxiety.' What does ameliorate mean?

Accepted Answer

improve

Answer

Ameliorate means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Vocabulary in Context 4