VCLA Vocabulary and Word Analysis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Latin root 'bene' mean, as found in words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'?
- Bad or harmful
- Good or well (Correct answer)
- Large or great
- Old or ancient
Correct answer: Good or well
The Latin root 'bene' means 'good' or 'well,' which is reflected in words like 'benefit' (something good) and 'benevolent' (well-wishing).
Question 2: Which word is a synonym for 'ambiguous' as it might appear in a VCLA reading passage?
- Clear
- Vague (Correct answer)
- Specific
- Direct
Correct answer: Vague
'Vague' is a synonym for 'ambiguous,' both meaning unclear or open to more than one interpretation.
Question 3: What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in words like 'misinform' and 'misplace'?
- Below or under
- Wrongly or badly (Correct answer)
- Again or anew
- Before or earlier
Correct answer: Wrongly or badly
The prefix 'mis-' means 'wrongly' or 'badly,' as seen in 'misinform' (to inform incorrectly) and 'misplace' (to place wrongly).
Question 4: In a VCLA passage, the word 'concise' most nearly means:
- Lengthy and detailed
- Brief and clear (Correct answer)
- Complicated and technical
- Repetitive and redundant
Correct answer: Brief and clear
'Concise' means expressing much in few words—brief and clear without unnecessary elaboration.
Question 5: Which suffix changes the adjective 'effective' into a noun meaning the quality of being effective?
- -ly
- -ness (Correct answer)
- -ive
- -tion
Correct answer: -ness
Adding '-ness' to an adjective creates a noun meaning the quality or state of that adjective—'effectiveness.'
Question 6: The word 'excerpt' in a VCLA passage most likely refers to:
- A complete novel or book
- A short passage taken from a longer work (Correct answer)
- An original writing prompt
- A list of vocabulary words
Correct answer: A short passage taken from a longer work
An 'excerpt' is a short passage or quotation taken from a longer piece of writing, such as a book or article.
VCLA Vocabulary and Word Analysis 1
What does the Latin root 'bene' mean, as found in words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'?