West B Reading: Word Meanings in Context 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'?

Accepted Answer

Remarks or statements that are commonplace and unoriginal

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A victory that comes at a great, ruinous cost

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Calm and peaceful

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Able to recover quickly from difficulties

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The United Nations imposed a trade sanction on the country for violating the treaty.

Answer

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.

West B Test Practice Test

West B Test Practice Test

West B Reading: Word Meanings in Context Questions and Answers