West B Test Reading: Word Meanings in Context 5

Question 1

The passage reads: 'Her *sardonic* smile told the audience she found the speaker's optimism naive.' What does 'sardonic' mean?

Accepted Answer

Grimly mocking or cynical

Answer

'Sardonic' means grimly mocking, disdainful, or cynically humorous.

Question 2

Read: 'The organization's *ostensible* goal was charity, but investigators suspected financial misconduct.' What does 'ostensible' mean?

Accepted Answer

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so

Answer

'Ostensible' means appearing as such but perhaps not actually being so.

Question 3

The text states: 'The chairman's *perfunctory* review of the report suggested he hadn't read it carefully.' What does 'perfunctory' mean?

Accepted Answer

Carried out with minimal effort or care

Answer

'Perfunctory' describes actions done as a routine duty with little thought or care.

Question 4

The passage says: 'The company's *fortuitous* timing—launching just before the market boom—made it an overnight success.' What does 'fortuitous' mean?

Accepted Answer

Happening by lucky accident

Answer

'Fortuitous' means happening by chance, particularly a lucky or fortunate chance.

Question 5

Read this sentence: 'The author used *pathos* effectively, making readers deeply sympathize with the protagonist's loss.' What does 'pathos' mean?

Accepted Answer

A quality that evokes sadness or pity

Answer

'Pathos' is a quality that evokes feelings of pity, sorrow, or tenderness in an audience.

West B Test Practice Test

West B Test Practice Test

West B Test Reading: Word Meanings in Context 5