Question

vocabulary in context: test a
a. for each item below, underline the examples that suggest the meaning of the italicized term. then, in the space provided, write the letter of the meaning of that term.

1. most daydreams concern such mundane events as paying the telephone bill and picking up the groceries.

a. complicated
b. ordinary
c. proper
d. exciting

1. everyone has their foibles, and i admit that mine include eating with my hands and being late everywhere i go.

a. strengths
b. minor faults
c. hobbies
d. crimes

1. the supervisors day was filled with one minor calamity after another. in the morning, his car broke down; at lunchtime, he lost his wallet; and at the end of the day, his computer crashed and he lost a days work.

a. requirement
b. claim
c. question
d. disaster
b. each item below includes a word or words that are a synonym of the italicized word. write the synonym of the italicized word in the space provided.

1. you cant do algebra until you have mastered rudimentary math skills—basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
2. love is not always considered a prerequisite for marriage. in some cultures, social status or economic potential is a more important requirement.
3. according to recent studies, a shortage of sleep due to long work or study hours will not cause any permanent damage to your health. one good night of sleep, researchers say, can make up for a week of sleep deficit.

c. each item below includes a word or words that are an antonym of the italicized word. underline the antonym of each italicized word. then write the letter of the meaning of the italicized word.

1. the children wanted us to adopt an older german shepherd from the pound, but we were told he was rather wild, so instead we chose a collie that was more docile.

a. manageable
b. disobedient
c. expensive
d. temporary
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copyright © 2008 by townsend press. permission to copy this test is granted to teachers using ten steps to improving college reading skills as a class text

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Q1 context

The examples "paying the telephone bill and picking up the groceries" are routine, common events. Match to the synonym "ordinary".

Step2: Analyze Q2 context

The examples "eating with my hands and being late everywhere" are small flaws. Match to "minor faults".

Step3: Analyze Q3 context

The examples "car broke down; lost his wallet; computer crashed" are bad, disruptive events. Match to "disaster".

Step4: Identify Q4 synonym

The text explicitly states "basic addition..." as the explanation for "rudimentary", so the synonym is basic.

Step5: Identify Q5 synonym

The text explicitly states "more important requirement" as the explanation for "prerequisite", so the synonym is requirement.

Step6: Identify Q6 antonym

The text contrasts "permanent" with the idea that one good night fixes sleep deficit, so the antonym is temporary, meaning permanent means long-lasting.

Step7: Analyze Q7 context

The antonym is "wild", so "docile" means the opposite: manageable.

Answer:

1. B. ordinary
2. B. minor faults
3. D. disaster
4. basic
5. requirement
6. temporary
7. A. manageable