West B Reading: Word Meanings in Context Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following sentence: 'The politician's speech was full of platitudes, offering vague promises of a brighter future but no concrete plans.' Based on the context, what is the most likely meaning of the word 'platitudes'?
- Detailed policy proposals
- Remarks or statements that are commonplace and unoriginal (Correct answer)
- Controversial opinions
- Inspiring and novel ideas
Correct answer: Remarks or statements that are commonplace and unoriginal
The sentence contrasts 'platitudes' with 'concrete plans' and describes them as 'vague promises.' This context indicates that the statements were empty and lacked originality or specific detail. Therefore, 'platitudes' are commonplace and unoriginal remarks.
Question 2: In a historical text, a historian describes a treaty as a 'Pyrrhic victory' for the winning nation, as the conflict decimated their army and treasury. Which of the following best defines 'Pyrrhic victory' in this scenario?
- A swift and decisive win
- A victory that comes at a great, ruinous cost (Correct answer)
- An unexpected and surprising victory
- A victory achieved through diplomacy rather than fighting
Correct answer: A victory that comes at a great, ruinous cost
The context explains that the victory was costly because it 'decimated their army and treasury.' This indicates that the win was not truly a success, as the losses were so severe. A Pyrrhic victory is one that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat.
Question 3: Read the sentence: 'Despite her normally placid demeanor, the constant interruptions and mounting pressure caused her to become visibly agitated.' What does the word 'placid' most nearly mean?
- Cheerful
- Anxious
- Calm and peaceful (Correct answer)
- Energetic
Correct answer: Calm and peaceful
The word 'despite' signals a contrast between her 'normally placid demeanor' and her current state of being 'visibly agitated.' Since 'agitated' means troubled or nervous, 'placid' must mean the opposite, which is calm and peaceful.
Question 4: A science article states: 'The ecosystem was surprisingly resilient; after the wildfire, new growth began to emerge almost immediately, and animal populations started to recover within a year.' In this context, the word 'resilient' means:
- Fragile and easily damaged
- Lacking in biodiversity
- Unchanging and static
- Able to recover quickly from difficulties (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Able to recover quickly from difficulties
The sentence provides a clear example of resilience. The phrases 'new growth began to emerge almost immediately' and 'animal populations started to recover' directly illustrate the ecosystem's ability to bounce back from the wildfire. This demonstrates the meaning of resilient as the capacity for quick recovery.
Question 5: Which of the following sentences uses the word 'sanction' to mean a penalty for disobeying a law or rule?
- The school board will sanction the new curriculum to be implemented in the fall.
- The United Nations imposed a trade sanction on the country for violating the treaty. (Correct answer)
- Her parents did not sanction her decision to travel alone.
- The committee gave its official sanction to the building project.
Correct answer: The United Nations imposed a trade sanction on the country for violating the treaty.
In this sentence, 'sanction' is used as a noun to mean a penalty. The context of the United Nations imposing a 'trade sanction' on a country for 'violating the treaty' clearly indicates a punishment for wrongdoing. The other options use 'sanction' to mean official permission or approval.
Question 6: Read the passage: 'The manager was known for his capricious decision-making. One week, he would insist on formal, written reports, but the next, he would demand brief, informal verbal updates. No one could predict his preferences.' What is the meaning of 'capricious'?
- Consistent and fair
- Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior (Correct answer)
- Thoughtful and deliberate
- Based on strict company policy
Correct answer: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
The examples provided—switching from formal written reports to informal verbal updates without a clear reason—illustrate unpredictable and inconsistent behavior. The final sentence, 'No one could predict his preferences,' reinforces this idea of sudden, unaccountable changes. Therefore, 'capricious' means unpredictable and impulsive.
West B Reading: Word Meanings in Context Questions and Answers
Read the following sentence: 'The politician's speech was full of platitudes, offering vague promises of a brighter future but no concrete plans.' Based on the context, what is the most likely meaning of the word 'platitudes'?