TOEFL Academic Vocabulary in Context 3

Question 1

In the sentence 'The committee's decision was CONTENTIOUS, sparking debate among members,' what does 'contentious' most nearly mean?

Accepted Answer

Causing disagreement

Answer

'Contentious' means causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; the context of 'sparking debate' confirms this meaning.

Question 2

The prefix 'MULTI-' most accurately means:

Accepted Answer

Many

Answer

The prefix 'multi-' means 'many' or 'much,' as in 'multifaceted,' 'multilingual,' or 'multidisciplinary.'

Question 3

Which word is closest in meaning to 'SCRUTINIZE' as used in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Examine carefully

Answer

'Scrutinize' means to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly; it implies critical and detailed attention.

Question 4

The word 'PARADIGM' in academic writing most often refers to:

Accepted Answer

A standard or typical example; a framework of thought

Answer

A paradigm is a standard model or framework that serves as a pattern for thinking within a discipline; Thomas Kuhn popularized the term 'paradigm shift' to describe major changes in scientific thinking.

Question 5

In the context of academic research, 'EMPIRICAL evidence' refers to evidence that is:

Accepted Answer

Based on observation and experimentation

Answer

'Empirical' means based on observation or experience rather than theory; empirical evidence is collected through systematic observation, measurement, or experiment.

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Academic Vocabulary in Context 3