PARCC Reading Vocabulary Practice Questions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 1. After practice, the girls' softball team stated, "We're famished!" Famished means...
- Fatigued.
- Hungry. (Correct answer)
- Excited.
- Ready.
Correct answer: Hungry.
'Famished' is an adjective used to describe someone who is extremely hungry. After a strenuous activity like softball practice, it is common for athletes to feel very hungry. The context clearly indicates a strong desire for food.
Question 2: 2. The newborn baby was enamored with the rattle. Enamored means...
- Fascinated. (Correct answer)
- Happy.
- Unsure what to do.
- Aggravated.
Correct answer: Fascinated.
'Enamored' means to be filled with a feeling of love for or fascination with something. For a newborn baby interacting with a new toy like a rattle, 'fascinated' is the most appropriate and common interpretation. It implies a strong sense of interest, wonder, and delight.
Question 3: 3. When having a problem, it is best to dissect the situation, then act. Dissect means...
- Control.
- Discuss.
- Ignore.
- Analyze. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Analyze.
To 'dissect' literally means to cut apart for examination, typically in biology. Metaphorically, when applied to a problem or situation, it means to break it down into smaller components for detailed scrutiny and understanding. This process of detailed examination and understanding is best described as 'analyze'.
Question 4: 4. The bouncer's countenance discouraged brawls. Countenance means...
- Message.
- Presence.
- Expression. (Correct answer)
- Strength.
Correct answer: Expression.
'Countenance' refers to a person's face or facial expression. A bouncer's stern or intimidating 'expression' would be effective in deterring potential conflicts or brawls. It's the visual demeanor conveyed by the face that discourages misbehavior.
Question 5: 5. The child apprized her father's authority and behaved herself in church. Apprized means...
- Appreciated. (Correct answer)
- Compromised.
- Defied.
- Noted.
Correct answer: Appreciated.
In this context, 'apprized' is likely used to mean that the child understood and respected her father's authority. When a child 'appreciates' or recognizes the value and power of authority, they are more likely to behave appropriately. This understanding and respect directly lead to her good behavior in church.
Question 6: 6. The aural component of balance is critical for postural control during ambulation. Aural means related to the...
- Eyes.
- Ears. (Correct answer)
- Nose.
- Hands.
Correct answer: Ears.
'Aural' is an adjective that specifically relates to the ear or the sense of hearing. The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Therefore, the 'aural component' refers to the role of the ears in postural control during movement.
Question 7: 7. The wound exhibited signs of copious drainage requiring medical intervention. Copious means...
- Clear.
- Maximal. (Correct answer)
- Foul.
Correct answer: Maximal.
'Copious' means abundant in supply or quantity. In a medical context, 'copious drainage' refers to a large or excessive amount of fluid from a wound. 'Maximal' is the closest synonym among the choices, indicating a significant quantity that would necessitate medical intervention due to its volume.
Question 8: 8. The scientist was able to evoke powerful emotions from her audience. Evoke means...
- Sell.
- Calm.
- Call forth. (Correct answer)
- Exaggerate.
Correct answer: Call forth.
To 'evoke' means to bring or recall a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind, or to produce a response. Therefore, if a scientist 'evokes powerful emotions,' she is successfully 'calling forth' or generating those emotions from her audience. The other options like 'sell,' 'calm,' or 'exaggerate' do not accurately capture the meaning of bringing forth emotions.
Question 9: 9. The official exhibited a heedless attitude when dealing with the dignitaries. Heedless means...
- Thoughtless. (Correct answer)
- Pleasant.
- Friendly.
- Bitter.
Correct answer: Thoughtless.
The word 'heedless' describes someone who shows a reckless lack of care or attention, or is unmindful. An official exhibiting a 'heedless attitude' is acting without proper consideration or thought for the dignitaries. Thus, 'thoughtless' is the most accurate synonym, as it conveys the idea of acting without sufficient care or deliberation.
Question 10: 10. The general tried to instill the hope of victory in his troops. Instill means...
- Infuse. (Correct answer)
- Delay.
- Inscribe.
- Indict.
Correct answer: Infuse.
To 'instill' means to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind, or to put a substance into something in drops. 'Infuse' means to fill or pervade something with a quality, or to introduce a new element. In the context of a general trying to 'instill the hope of victory,' both words describe the act of introducing and establishing a feeling or idea, making 'infuse' the closest synonym.
Question 11: 11. The winning team of the World Series often has a jovial attitude. Jovial means...
- Merry. (Correct answer)
- Sad.
- Somber.
- Laborious.
Correct answer: Merry.
The adjective 'jovial' describes someone who is cheerful and friendly, often associated with good humor and festivity. A winning team would naturally feel joyful and celebratory. 'Merry' is a direct synonym for cheerful, lively, and full of good spirits, perfectly matching the positive attitude of a victorious team.
Question 12: 12. A lyre was played in ancient Rome. The lyre is a...
- Stringed instrument in the harp class. (Correct answer)
- Percussion instrument.
- Wind instrument in the wind class.
- Rhythmical percussion device.
Correct answer: Stringed instrument in the harp class.
A lyre is an ancient stringed musical instrument, similar to a small harp, known for its use in classical antiquity, particularly in Greece and Rome. It typically consists of a hollow body, two projecting arms, and a crossbar from which strings are stretched. Therefore, describing it as a 'stringed instrument in the harp class' accurately identifies its nature and classification.
PARCC Reading Vocabulary Practice Questions 1
1.
After practice, the girls' softball team stated, "We're famished!" Famished means...