OLNA Reading: Vocabulary in Context 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read this sentence: 'The scientist was meticulous in her research, checking every measurement three times before recording the results.' What does 'meticulous' most likely mean?
- Careless and rushed
- Very careful and precise (Correct answer)
- Confused and uncertain
- Quick and efficient
Correct answer: Very careful and precise
'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail and care, which is supported by the clue 'checking every measurement three times.'
Question 2: Read this sentence: 'After the heavy rain, the river was turbulent, with waves crashing against the banks.' What does 'turbulent' most likely mean?
- Calm and still
- Shallow and clear
- Wild and unsteady (Correct answer)
- Cold and deep
Correct answer: Wild and unsteady
'Turbulent' means moving in a wild, unsteady way, which is supported by the image of waves crashing against the banks.
Question 3: Which strategy is MOST useful for working out the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
- Skip the word and continue reading
- Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word (Correct answer)
- Replace the word with a synonym you already know
- Sound out each syllable of the word
Correct answer: Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word
Using context clues — the words and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word — is the most effective strategy for determining its meaning.
Question 4: Read this sentence: 'The old building had deteriorated over the years, with crumbling walls and broken windows.' What does 'deteriorated' mean?
- Been renovated and improved
- Become worse or broken down over time (Correct answer)
- Been painted and restored
- Grown larger and more impressive
Correct answer: Become worse or broken down over time
'Deteriorated' means to become worse in condition over time, supported by the clues 'crumbling walls and broken windows.'
Question 5: A word's 'connotation' refers to:
- Its dictionary definition only
- The emotional feeling or association it carries beyond its literal meaning (Correct answer)
- Its origin and history
- The number of syllables it contains
Correct answer: The emotional feeling or association it carries beyond its literal meaning
Connotation refers to the feelings and associations a word carries in addition to its literal or dictionary definition.
Question 6: Read this passage: 'The puppy was timid at first, hiding behind the couch and refusing to approach strangers.' What does 'timid' mean?
- Playful and energetic
- Easily frightened and shy (Correct answer)
- Aggressive and loud
- Curious and bold
Correct answer: Easily frightened and shy
'Timid' means shy and easily frightened, which is clearly shown by the puppy hiding and refusing to approach strangers.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of using a contrast clue to find a word's meaning?
- 'The athlete was agile, moving quickly and gracefully.'
- 'Unlike his gregarious sister who loved parties, Tom was reserved and preferred to be alone.' (Correct answer)
- 'The summit, or top, of the mountain was covered in snow.'
- 'She felt elated — she had won first place!'
Correct answer: 'Unlike his gregarious sister who loved parties, Tom was reserved and preferred to be alone.'
A contrast clue uses words like 'unlike' or 'but' to show the opposite meaning, helping readers deduce the unfamiliar word's definition.
OLNA Reading: Vocabulary in Context 1
Read this sentence: 'The scientist was meticulous in her research, checking every measurement three times before recording the results.' What does 'meticulous' most likely mean?