STEP Vocabulary in Context 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The government's _____ to improve infrastructure has led to significant development across the Kingdom.'
- reluctance
- commitment (Correct answer)
- opposition
- indifference
Correct answer: commitment
'Commitment' means dedication or a pledge to do something. The context (leading to significant development) indicates a positive, dedicated effort. 'Reluctance' (unwillingness), 'opposition' (resistance), and 'indifference' (lack of interest) are all negative and don't match the positive outcome.
Question 2: What is the meaning of 'sustainable' in: 'Saudi Arabia is investing in sustainable energy sources'?
- Temporary and short-term
- Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources (Correct answer)
- Expensive and difficult to implement
- Related to oil production only
Correct answer: Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources
'Sustainable' means able to continue over time without causing environmental damage or resource depletion. In the context of energy, it refers to renewable sources (solar, wind) that can be maintained indefinitely, unlike finite fossil fuels.
Question 3: Select the synonym for 'innovative' in: 'The company developed an innovative approach to water conservation.'
- Traditional
- Creative and original (Correct answer)
- Expensive
- Complicated
Correct answer: Creative and original
'Innovative' means introducing new ideas or methods; creative and original. It implies a fresh, novel approach that differs from existing methods. In this context, the company found a new, creative way to conserve water.
Question 4: What does 'consequently' mean in: 'The city expanded rapidly; consequently, new schools were needed.'?
- However
- As a result; therefore (Correct answer)
- Meanwhile
- Nevertheless
Correct answer: As a result; therefore
'Consequently' means as a result or therefore — it shows a cause-and-effect relationship. The city's rapid expansion (cause) led to the need for new schools (effect). Other cause-effect connectors: therefore, thus, hence, as a result.
Question 5: Choose the antonym of 'abundant' in: 'Saudi Arabia has abundant reserves of oil.'
- Plentiful
- Scarce (Correct answer)
- Adequate
- Sufficient
Correct answer: Scarce
'Abundant' means existing in very large quantities; plentiful. Its antonym is 'scarce,' meaning insufficient in quantity; in short supply. Knowing antonyms is important for STEP vocabulary questions.
Question 6: What does 'implement' mean in: 'The ministry plans to implement new educational policies'?
- Cancel
- Put into effect; carry out (Correct answer)
- Discuss
- Delay
Correct answer: Put into effect; carry out
'Implement' means to put a plan, decision, or policy into effect. It implies taking action to make something happen, moving from planning to execution. In this context, the ministry will put new policies into practice.
STEP Vocabulary in Context 1
Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The government's _____ to improve infrastructure has led to significant development across the Kingdom.'