OAR OAR Reading Comprehension: Vocabulary in Context 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the sentence: 'The ensign's **deference** to senior officers was evident in how carefully she listened before offering any opinion.' What does 'deference' most nearly mean?
- Hostility
- Respect and submission (Correct answer)
- Curiosity
- Confidence
Correct answer: Respect and submission
'Deference' means respectful submission to another's authority, illustrated by listening carefully before offering her own view.
Question 2: Read the sentence: 'The mission parameters were **stringent**, requiring crews to meet exacting standards before deployment.' What does 'stringent' most nearly mean?
- Flexible
- Vague
- Strict and demanding (Correct answer)
- Optional
Correct answer: Strict and demanding
'Stringent' means strict, precise, and demanding, consistent with requiring crews to meet exacting standards.
Question 3: Read the sentence: 'After the failed attempt, the team **convened** to analyze what had gone wrong.' What does 'convened' most nearly mean?
- Disbanded
- Gathered together (Correct answer)
- Reported separately
- Argued
Correct answer: Gathered together
'Convened' means came together formally for a meeting or discussion, which fits the context of analyzing the failure.
Question 4: Read the sentence: 'The admiral's speech was **compelling**, persuading even the most skeptical officers to support the new strategy.' What does 'compelling' most nearly mean?
- Confusing
- Forceful and convincing (Correct answer)
- Brief
- Controversial
Correct answer: Forceful and convincing
'Compelling' means powerfully persuasive, directly supported by its effect on even skeptical officers.
Question 5: Read the sentence: 'The report **corroborated** the initial findings, providing additional evidence that confirmed the original analysis.' What does 'corroborated' most nearly mean?
- Contradicted
- Replaced
- Confirmed (Correct answer)
- Ignored
Correct answer: Confirmed
'Corroborated' means confirmed or supported with evidence, directly stated in the phrase 'confirmed the original analysis.'
Question 6: Read the sentence: 'The shipyard faced **unprecedented** demand for repairs following the storm, with more vessels damaged than at any point in its history.' What does 'unprecedented' most nearly mean?
- Predictable
- Never before experienced (Correct answer)
- Temporary
- Manageable
Correct answer: Never before experienced
'Unprecedented' means never having occurred before, confirmed by the phrase 'more than at any point in its history.'
Question 7: Read the sentence: 'Despite the **adversity** of rough seas and equipment failures, the crew completed their mission.' What does 'adversity' most nearly mean?
- Assistance
- Difficult conditions (Correct answer)
- Motivation
- Planning
Correct answer: Difficult conditions
'Adversity' means difficult or unfavorable circumstances, illustrated by the examples of rough seas and equipment failures.
Read the sentence: 'The ensign's **deference** to senior officers was evident in how carefully she listened before offering any opinion.' What does 'deference' most nearly mean?