West B Test Reading: Word Meanings in Context 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the passage: 'The historian took a *revisionist* view, challenging long-held assumptions about the causes of the war.' What does 'revisionist' mean?
- Supporting established interpretations
- Seeking to reinterpret accepted history (Correct answer)
- Ignoring primary sources
- Overly patriotic
Correct answer: Seeking to reinterpret accepted history
'Revisionist' describes an approach that reexamines and challenges previously accepted historical accounts.
Question 2: The text reads: 'His *equanimity* in the face of disaster impressed everyone; he calmly directed rescue efforts.' What does 'equanimity' mean?
- Panic and alarm
- Mental calmness and composure (Correct answer)
- Decisive authority
- Physical endurance
Correct answer: Mental calmness and composure
'Equanimity' is mental calmness and evenness of temper, especially in difficult situations.
Question 3: Read the sentence: 'The documentary presented a *harrowing* account of survivors' experiences during the flood.' What does 'harrowing' mean?
- Inspiring and uplifting
- Acutely distressing or traumatic (Correct answer)
- Technically detailed
- Chronologically organized
Correct answer: Acutely distressing or traumatic
'Harrowing' describes something intensely distressing or disturbing.
Question 4: The passage states: 'The treaty was seen as an *iniquitous* agreement, favoring wealthy nations at the expense of developing ones.' What does 'iniquitous' mean?
- Deeply unjust or wicked (Correct answer)
- Financially complex
- Diplomatically sound
- Narrowly focused
Correct answer: Deeply unjust or wicked
'Iniquitous' means grossly unfair and morally wrong.
Question 5: The article reads: 'After months of *vacillation*, the committee finally voted to approve the budget.' What does 'vacillation' mean?
- Careful deliberation
- Irreversible decision-making
- Indecision and wavering back and forth (Correct answer)
- Unanimous agreement
Correct answer: Indecision and wavering back and forth
'Vacillation' is the inability to make firm decisions; going back and forth between options.
Question 6: In the text: 'The politician's *platitudes* drew groans from an audience tired of vague, feel-good promises.' What does 'platitudes' mean?
- Detailed policy proposals
- Offensive personal remarks
- Overused statements lacking real meaning (Correct answer)
- Inspiring original ideas
Correct answer: Overused statements lacking real meaning
'Platitudes' are remarks that are overused and convey nothing of importance or originality.
Question 7: The sentence reads: 'Investigators found *irrefutable* evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene.' What does 'irrefutable' mean?
- Circumstantial and indirect
- Impossible to deny or disprove (Correct answer)
- Legally admissible
- Recently discovered
Correct answer: Impossible to deny or disprove
'Irrefutable' means impossible to challenge or deny; indisputably proven.
West B Test Reading: Word Meanings in Context 4
In the passage: 'The historian took a *revisionist* view, challenging long-held assumptions about the causes of the war.' What does 'revisionist' mean?