RLA Vocabulary in Context 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the sentence: 'The scientist's hypothesis was largely *speculative*, lacking the empirical data needed to draw firm conclusions.' What does 'speculative' mean here?
- Based on proven facts
- Based on guesses or theory rather than evidence (Correct answer)
- Highly controversial among experts
- Deliberately misleading
Correct answer: Based on guesses or theory rather than evidence
'Speculative' describes ideas based on conjecture or theory rather than confirmed facts.
Question 2: In the sentence 'The mayor's *candid* remarks surprised reporters who expected a carefully prepared statement,' what does 'candid' mean?
- Formal and official
- Honest and straightforward (Correct answer)
- Evasive and indirect
- Rehearsed and polished
Correct answer: Honest and straightforward
'Candid' means frank, open, and honest, especially when directness is unexpected.
Question 3: The passage states: 'Her *tenacious* grip on the project, despite repeated setbacks, eventually led to its success.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'tenacious'?
- Careless
- Persistent (Correct answer)
- Aggressive
- Cautious
Correct answer: Persistent
'Tenacious' means holding firmly to something and not giving up easily.
Question 4: The article reads: 'The new policy was *contentious*, sparking heated debate among city council members.' What does 'contentious' mean?
- Widely accepted
- Causing disagreement or controversy (Correct answer)
- Carefully researched
- Rapidly implemented
Correct answer: Causing disagreement or controversy
'Contentious' describes something that causes argument or strong disagreement.
Question 5: In this passage: 'The charity's *benevolent* founder donated millions to local schools and hospitals,' what does 'benevolent' mean?
- Wealthy and powerful
- Well-meaning and generous (Correct answer)
- Famous and celebrated
- Strict and demanding
Correct answer: Well-meaning and generous
'Benevolent' describes someone who is kind and charitable toward others.
Question 6: The editorial states: 'Critics called the senator's response *evasive*, noting that she never directly answered the question.' What does 'evasive' mean?
- Detailed and thorough
- Avoiding a direct answer (Correct answer)
- Angry and defensive
- Polite but firm
Correct answer: Avoiding a direct answer
'Evasive' means avoiding giving clear or direct answers, often to escape accountability.
Question 7: Read: 'The judge found the witness's account to be *credible*, supported by physical evidence and consistent with other testimonies.' What does 'credible' mean?
- Surprising
- Believable and trustworthy (Correct answer)
- Confusing
- Exaggerated
Correct answer: Believable and trustworthy
'Credible' means worthy of belief, especially when supported by evidence.
RLA Vocabulary in Context 2
Read the sentence: 'The scientist's hypothesis was largely *speculative*, lacking the empirical data needed to draw firm conclusions.' What does 'speculative' mean here?