HSPT Practice Test Verbal Skills

Question 1

An index is to a book as an elegy is to

Accepted Answer

A Funeral

Answer

This is an analogy question. An index helps you find information within a book, often at the end. Similarly, an elegy is a poem or song of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead, often recited or performed at a funeral. Both serve a specific purpose related to their respective main item or event.

Question 2

The underdog is to audacious as the conspirator is to

Accepted Answer

Elusive

Answer

This is an analogy question based on characteristics. An 'underdog' is typically expected to lose but might be 'audacious' (bold, daring) in their attempt to win. A 'conspirator' is someone involved in a secret plan, often to do something unlawful. Their nature or actions are typically 'elusive' (difficult to find, catch, or achieve) as they operate in secrecy to avoid detection.

Question 3

Secede is the opposite of

Accepted Answer

Merge

Answer

To 'secede' means to withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association. The opposite of withdrawing or separating is to join or combine. 'Merge' means to combine or cause to combine to form a single entity, making it the direct antonym of secede.

Question 4

Which of the following words does not belong with the others?

Accepted Answer

Gasoline

Answer

This question asks to identify the word that doesn't belong. 'Combustible,' 'ignitable,' and 'inflammable' are all adjectives describing something capable of catching fire and burning. 'Gasoline,' on the other hand, is a noun that refers to a specific type of combustible liquid fuel. It is an example of something that is combustible, not a descriptor itself.

Question 5

Otis was the inventor of more patents than his brother Eric. Adam had twice the number of patents as Jackson. Adam and Otis both had the same number of patents. If the first two statements are correct, the third is as follows:

Accepted Answer

Unknown

Answer

Let's analyze the statements: 1) Otis > Eric, and 2) Adam = 2 * Jackson. The third statement claims Adam = Otis. The first two statements establish relationships between Otis and Eric, and Adam and Jackson, respectively. They provide no information that links Adam's patent count directly to Otis's, making the truthfulness of the third statement 'Unknown' based solely on the given premises.