Question

determining precise meaning
choose the most accurate paraphrase for each sentence.

1. his choleric disposition is what i remember most.

(a) his amicable disposition is what i remember most.
(b) his irate disposition is what i remember most.

1. with a modicum of luck, we can pull off a victory on saturday.

(a) with a little bit of luck, we can pull off a victory on saturday.
(b) with a huge dose of luck, we can pull off a victory on saturday.

1. winston churchill never denied being a patrician.

(a) winston churchill never denied being a member of the nobility.
(b) winston churchill never denied being someone who held racist views.

1. poland found itself boxed in between germany and russia.

(a) poland found itself caught in a squeeze between germany and russia.
(b) poland found itself holding the balance of power between germany and russia.

1. junaid’s utilitarian approach made him a useful member of the team.

(a) junaid’s unconventional approach made him a useful member of the team.
(b) junaid’s practical approach made him a useful member of the team.

1. the information comports with what we learned earlier.

(a) the information agrees with what we learned earlier.
(b) the information is in contradiction with what we learned earlier.

1. we were told that the waters from the hot spring were therapeutic.

(a) we were told that the waters from the hot spring possessed healing properties.
(b) we were told that the waters from the hot spring were harmful to one’s health.

1. teddy’s phlegmatic approach to the political campaign made him invaluable.

(a) teddy’s “take no prisoners” approach to the political campaign made him invaluable.
(b) teddy’s calm and unflappable approach to the political campaign made him invaluable.

1. a band of pirates marauded the coast.

(a) a band of pirates raided the coast.
(b) a band of pirates left the coast.

1. the sudden hailstorm was disconcerting to everyone.

(a) the sudden hailstorm was obvious to everyone.
(b) the sudden hailstorm was disturbing to everyone.

1. the agency prepared a list of accoutrements for a visit to mars.

(a) the agency prepared a list of finalists for a visit to mars.
(b) the agency prepared a list of items for a visit to mars.

Explanation:

1. "Choleric" means easily angered, which is similar to "irate".
2. "A modicum of" means a small amount, so "a little bit of" is more accurate than "a huge dose of".
3. The original sentence is about Churchill being a patrician (member of nobility), not about his racist views.
4. "Caught in a squeeze" means being in a difficult position between two forces, not "holding the balance of power".
5. "Utilitarian" means practical and useful, so "practical" is a better match than "unconventional".
6. "Comports with" means agrees with, not contradicts.
7. "Therapeutic" means having healing properties, not harmful.
8. "Phlegmatic" means calm and unflappable, not "take no prisoners" (aggressive).
9. "Marauded" means raided or attacked, more intense than just "left".
10. "Disconcerting" means disturbing, not obvious.
11. "Accoutrements" means items or equipment, not finalists.

Answer:

1. (b) His irate disposition is what I remember most.
2. (a) With a little bit of luck, we can pull off a victory on Saturday.
3. (a) Winston Churchill never denied being a member of the nobility.
4. (a) Poland found itself caught in a squeeze between Germany and Russia.
5. (b) Junaid's practical approach made him a useful member of the team.
6. (a) The information agrees with what we learned earlier.
7. (a) We were told that the waters from the hot spring possessed healing properties.
8. (b) Teddy's calm and unflappable approach to the political campaign made him invaluable.
9. (a) A band of pirates raided the coast.
10. (b) The sudden hailstorm was disturbing to everyone.
11. (b) The agency prepared a list of items for a visit to Mars.