gre help blog

AWA:::

2008-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sample Issue Essays
HERE YOU'LL FIND sample essay responses to the diagnostic Issue test at the end of Part 1 of the book. These essays were composed by actual GRE or GMAT test takers with varying undergraduate experiences. Each essay is scored and is immediately followed by my commentary. All test-taker errors in spelling, punctuation, etc. have been retained in the essays on this Web page.
Here is the simulated Issue statement from Part 1 and to which these essays respond:
"Leisure time is becoming an increasingly rare commodity, largely because technology has failed to achieve its goal of improving our efficiency in our daily pursuits."
In your view, how accurate is the statement above? Use relevant reasons and/or examples from your experience, observations, or reading to support you viewpoint.

Essay No. 1
(composed under a 45-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 6
In a society where most households have clocks, phones, and televisions in almost every room, and daily schedules are demarcated by minutes instead of hours, many Americans suffer from stress and constantly complain that they don't have enough time to do everything they want to do. This complaint appears paradoxical because we know there has been an almost exponential development in technology. Our computers are faster and more powerful, we have more machines to do our tasks for us, and even our transportation gets us where we need to be much more quickly. Still, we have less time than ever to spend leisurely, and I will argue that this problem is not because technology has failed to achieve its goal of improving efficiency, but rather, because technology has created more pursuits and Americans are subject to a basic ethical drive for "More".
Many Americans complain they don't have enough time. As a society, most of us get caught up in a schedule of going to work each day, coming home late, then taking care of mundane details before finally falling into bed only to get up early the next day to continue the routine. In most households, both parents work full-time, so are busy working throughout the week, which leaves them only the weekends to take care of household duties like cleaning and doing the bills. As a result, many parents feel ostracized from their children because they don't have the time or energy to spend with their kids. Many people suffer from chronic stress because they don't take the time out from their busy lives to just relax. What little free time people do have, they spend on the phone, in front of the TV, or on the computer so that they are still not relaxing, but actively engaged in a cognitive process. People can wile away hours in front of a TV, and not come away feeling relaxed because they've spent that entire time keeping up with the constant flash of images, storing information about characters, plots, themes, products and other aspects of the media and all without realizing that they're doing so. The influx of media is just one element of the reason why people don't have enough time.
While technology has made many things better and faster, it has also created more pursuits with which the public can engage itself. We now have televisions, computers, palm pilots, stereos, DVDs, play stations, and cell phones to occupy our time with, just to name a few. Furthermore, all these things are within easy access to the average American. Meanwhile, pursuits that are traditionally considered relaxing are becoming more expensive and less accessible. For example, for most Americans $100 massages are an unaffordable luxury and as cities grow larger, nature walks are becoming harder to find. It is sometimes easier to just sit down in front of the TV than it is to take the time out to do something special. So people fill their time with mediated technologies and get so caught up in their favorite shows or games that they don't take the time to do other things they've been "meaning to do".
This whirlwind of activity is a product of another reason why our society pines for more leisure time. This country was founded on the conservative Protestant ethic that dictates people should work hard now so they may reap the rewards later. While this ethic is essential for effective productivity and pushes us to want more, it has become detrimental to the American psyche. People push themselves to become more efficient so they can accomplish more. However, then they've started adding more goals so that in effect, the job never gets done. For example, people will also want to buy more things to achieve higher social status, so instead of saving for early retirement, they end up having to work just as long to pay off all their debts. Furthermore, people are so busy pushing themselves daily with the vague promise of retirement at the end, hoping to retire sooner in life, that they forget to stop and enjoy life as it is happening. Instead of working when they are older, but enjoying each day of their lives, people forgo daily enjoyments for the promise of later rewards.
So while technology has given the means of more efficient production, it has also given us more things to deal with and accomplish. As a result, people find themselves running around endlessly, sometimes forgetting what it is they are running after. The key to more leisure time has become not more technology, but a refusal to let technology run our lives. We must learn to stop once in awhile, breathe, and enjoy life as it comes. We must learn to achieve a balance between looking ahead to tomorrow and learning to enjoy today.
Commentary on Essay No. 1 (Score: 6)
This outstanding essay provides an insightful analysis of the issue at hand, although it deserves what might be termed a "weak 6" (rather than a "strong 6").
The opening paragraph is particularly effective, providing a clear statement of premise (the writer's position or perspective on the issue). In Paragraph 2 the writer first establishes that our leisure time is in fact diminishing, then provides the first of three reasons for this phenomenon. (Paragraphs 3 and 4 provide two more reasons.) The supporting examples given for each reason are ample and relevant. While the reasons and examples given in Paragraphs 2 and 3 are not especially insightful, Paragraph 4 makes up for it with highly incisive discussion, contributing greatly to the essay's score of 6.
The discussion throughout the three middle paragraphs is not entirely unflawed. Notably, the three reasons (see above) could have been more clearly identified and delineated, and Paragraph 2 is a bit long-winded and rambling. Also, the writer should have made more explicit the important point that technology is not the culprit for our diminishing leisure time.
The essay demonstrates a mature, sophisticated writing style virtually free from grammatical, syntax, and language problems. (In the final paragraph the writer exhibits a particularly distinctive, and effective, style and voice.) These strengths contribute greatly to elevating this essay from the 5 to the 6 category.

Essay No. 2
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 5
I beg to differ with the speaker's contention which seems to imply that the goal of technology is not only to increase effciency but also our leisure time. Also interwoven in the speaker's statement is the fallacious assumption that they are connected. So we have three points which need to be considered - technological advances, efficiency & leisure - and how they are related.
The aim of technological advance (progress in applied sciences), as far as I know, is to apply scientific data and discoveries toward practical and beneficial use. For instance we've used new knowledge of Particle Physics in diagnosing medical conditions - eg. through Magneto Resonance Imagery - and also in treatment - eg., radiotherapy. Did this technological advance and the motivation behind it really have anything to do with efficiency? Only in that efficiency might be a by-product of a certain technology , but I do not think it was the primary objective.
Of course the by-product of certain new technologies might be"efficiency" but to what extent? Computers are typically cited as a perfect example. Yes they do help us get more work done without expending as much energy. But we need to factor in the time and energy required in learning how to efficiently operate one, and then expended in keeping our learning up to date with the rapid technological advances in the same. (A person with the energy to compile and critically analyze the data constructively to formulate the answer to that one will definitely need an advanced computer!) So its possible that even computers don't in the end improve the efficiency of our daily lives, in net terms.
And then, there is the question of "leisure". Personally I think it is a matter of choice and not time saving ,technologically advanced, efficient tools. The speaker seems to assume that the time "saved" (we are still waiting for the verdict on that one) will be spent towards leisure. I do not see the connection. Ulitmately the motivation of a person, personality & lifestyle choices and circumstances determine how the time that is saved is used. It could be towards leisure in one person's case; in another's towards putting in more hours to make more money to make ends meet or to buy that new car which he/she absolutely must have.
In the end I think there is no clear connection between the three points under consideration. Hence in the absence of the relationship between technology, efficiency & leisure claimed by the speaker I disagree on whole.
Commentary on Essay No. 2 (Score: 5)
This essay provides an insightful and organized analysis of the issue's complexities, but is flawed by problems of syntax, too-informal expression, and a weak recapitulation of the essay's premise or conclusion.
The initial paragraph, which anticipates a three-pronged critique, is followed by three body paragraphs addressing each point in turn. These features demonstrates a thoughtful approach to the issue and strong organizational skills. The result is a balanced, cohesive, and persuasive essay overall. The reasons and examples in support of each point of critique are relevant and incisive, and the writer acknowledges differing perspectives on this issue. These features help distinguish this essay from lower-scoring ones. However, the two parenthetical comments (in Paragraphs 3 and 4) are inappropriately informal asides that contribute to keeping this essay out of the 6 category.
Also contributing to the essay's less-than-optimal score is the final paragraph, which appears to be an afterthought—a hurried attempt to summarize the essay's arguments. A more effective closing paragraph would provide a clearer statement of premise (thesis or conclusion) and would more clearly recapitulate the writer's line of reasoning.
While the writer demonstrates good overall control of language and written expression, several problems in these areas contribute to keeping this otherwise effectively-argued essay out of the 6 category. The problems vary, from redundancy ("apply...toward use") to use of vernacular ("we are still waiting for the verdict on that one") to loose syntax ("A person with the energy to compile and critically analyze the data constructively to formulate the answer to that one will definitely need an advanced computer!"). (There are other instances of syntax problems as well.) The essay's occasional errors in spelling and punctuation did not adversely affect its score.

Essay No. 3
(composed under a 45-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 4
Leisure time is becoming an increasingly rare commodity in our society. However, this is not due to the failure of technology to improve our efficiency in our daily pursuits. In fact, improvements in technology have had a positive impact in our daily lives. We live in consumerist time savvy society that thrives on immediate gratification. Our lives depend on the convenience of technology in order that we may continue our busy lifestyles and accomplish simple everyday tasks faster and more efficiently.
Technology is improving the efficiency of our home, school, and work environments everyday. Because of technological improvements, hospitals, schools, libraries, businesses, and other institutions can look up information and records more efficiently. It is not always necessary to walk down a flood of charts and files to look up basic information. Computer software, such as Excel and Quicken allow us to budget and sort information more quickly and effectively. We do not have to pull out a calculator. The machines do it for us!
Since the invention of the internet, people have been able to accomplish time consuming tasks in short amounts of time. It is no longer necessary to write out a letter and wait for the postman to pick up your mail. Now you can type up a letter and send it instantaneously into cyberspace. We are able to make hotel reservations, book flights, process financial aid applications, and do our Christmas shopping in a matter of minutes. It is no longer necessary to go into the travel agency, shopping mall, or wait on hold for fifteen minutes to accomplish a simple task.
However, with all of these new technological conveniences, how come we find ourselves with even less leisure time? Because it does not matter how many fax machines, cell phones, drive thru windows, and ATM Machines we invent. We will always find some way to use to fill up our leisure time. Unfortunately, it is often through technology that we accomplish this. Just take a look at the stockbroker who takes his cell phone to his son's graduation ceremony. Or the couple that spends an afternoon emailing each other, when they could be out chatting during a nice leisurely hike or bike ride. Technology is not to blame for our lack of leisure time. Technology has made our lives more efficient. It is because of our unfortunate skewing of priorities that technology is not enough to provide us with more leisure time.
Commentary on Essay No. 3 (Score: 4)
This response is generally competent; it responds to the topic, recognizes some complexity about the issue, and conveys its ideas clearly and effectively (for the most part). The score of 4 is mainly a reflection of certain substantive and structural problems.
Paragraph 1 is problematic in several respects. First, the writer simply accepts, without providing reasons or examples, that our leisure time is diminishing. Second, the contention that "[w]e live in a consumerist time savvy society that thrives on immediate gratification" does not address the issue at hand, and in any event is not developed or supported in the essay. Thirdly, the paragraph is confusing and rambling overall, suggesting that the writer lacks a clear idea about the direction the essay will take—an organization problem that helps keep this essay out of either the 5 or 6 category.
Paragraphs 2 and 3 provide numerous examples of the ways in which technology has enhanced the efficiency of our daily lives. While the examples provide adequate support for this point, they are not especially incisive. It is the writer's undue attention, in these two paragraphs, to a secondary point at the expense of developing the main premise that is primarily responsible for keeping this essay just out of the 5 category. The essay fails to adequately develop that premise, provided in Paragraph 4—that "our unfortunate skewing of priorities," not technology, is responsible for our diminishing leisure time.
The writer handles language and syntax competently. The essay does contain a few minor language problems, varying from improper references ("institutions can look up...") to improper word usage ("to budget ... information") to questionable idioms ("how come we find out..."). However, these minor and infrequent problems carry little adverse impact on the essay's overall score.

Essay No. 4
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 3
Picture this, a family sitting down for breakfast. The father at the head of the table asking everyone what their agenda is for the day. Suddenly he looks at his watch, then with a frantic look on his face, he lets out a bellowing roar of I'm late. Every one looks at each other and scrambles to get thier belongings for the day. Five minutes later everyone meets at the family vehicle and files in. The car speeds away and everyone is off to their busy filled day.
you would think that with today's technology, the family would be able to sit down together and enjoy breakfast without being rushed, but in todays society this is not the case. It seems like the more we are advanced in technology the more we pack into our schedultes eliminating free time. We are trained as children to work as hard as we can, to advance ourseveles in careers or growth and any relaxation could be viewed as laziness by out parents or peers.
Though we do have the technology which could enable us to live stress free lives, we choose to use it to our benefit, but instead of taking advantage of our newly created "spare time", we bog ourselves with more work. Let's take the father of this family who is a well known executive at a prominant accounting firm. He is the man that solves all the problems and has all the answers for his company. During his lunch hour he sits and calculates numbers instead of enjoying himslef and relaxing. "No time for rest" is his motto. When his boss says we're going to give you a half day today, he decides to spend it on the golf course discussin work. He has no time for his family and always seems to be found in his office when at home. This is a very unhealthy way of live and could be damaging to the raising of his children.
The children pick up patterns at a very young age. Grwoing up we are trained by our parents subcounciously. These children from a very young age are taught that leisure time is wrong. At a young age that children are subjected to little league and ballet, as a detourant of cutting into their parents time. In these activities childrn are pushed to their fullest potential, allowing them to accompish the honor roll, class president, or even valedictorian for there graduating class. It is great that the children have such drive, but without relaxation or leisure time it oculd lead to psychological problems or mental breakdowns.
Even though technology has created free or leisure time, we as individuals need to learn to take advantage of it. We have been trained at a very young age always to be busy. When were not working on deadline or have meeting to be at we are often wondering what do we do with ourselves. The fact of the matter is that we do have the technology to make our lives a lot easier, we just need to take advantage of it, if we don't we could end up seriously injured physically, or even more detrminetal psychologically.
Commentary on Essay No. 4 (Score: 3)
This essay, which contains 526 words, exemplifies that composing a lengthy essay is not the key to a high score. Although the essay exhibits some competence, it suffers from limited analysis, lack of cohesiveness, and frequent problems in written expression.
Throughout the essay, the writer provides anecdotal support for the claim that as a society we do indeed lack leisure time and that the reason for this phenomenon has to do with how we choose to use our time. However, the writer fails to develop, or even articulate, a position on the extent to which technology is to blame. The writer digresses from the issue, focusing in a rambling fashion on our penchant for busy-ness and its potential health problems. It is the essay's improper focus and lack of clear structure that are primarily responsible for the essay's limited score of 3.
Frequent grammatical errors and other problems in expression also contribute to keeping this essay out of a higher score category. Examples of grammatical errors include:
o error in choice of relative pronoun ("everyone looks at each other")
o mixed case ("The children pick up patterns at a very young age. Growing up we are trained...")
o misplaced modifying words and phrases ("trained by our parents subconsciously" and "These children from a very early age are taught")
o vague prounoun references ("without relaxation or leisure time it oculd lead to...")
Here are some examples of other problems in expression:
o awkward phrases ("It seems like the more we are advanced in technology")
o awkward use of the passive voice ("seems to be found in his office")
o lack of sentence sense (first sentence of the third paragraph: "Though we do have the technology...")
o improper word choice ("Though we do have the technology which could")
o improper idiom ("accomplish the honor roll...")
Punctuation and spelling errors, while frequent, do not obscure intended meaning and hence do not contribute to keeping this essay out of a higher score category.

AWA

2008-06-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sample Argument-Analysis Essays
HERE YOU'LL FIND sample essay responses to the diagnostic Argument-Analysis test at the end of Part 1 of the book. These essays were composed by actual GRE or GMAT test takers with varying undergraduate experiences. Each essay is scored and is immediately followed by my commentary. All test-taker errors in spelling, punctuation, etc. have been retained in the essays on this Web page.
Here is the simulated Argument (and directive) from Part 1 and to which these essays respond:
The following appeared in an advertisement for United Motors trucks:
"Last year the local television-news program In Focus reported in its annual car-and-truck safety survey that over the course of the last ten years United Motors vehicles were involved in at least thirty percent fewer fatal accidents to drivers than vehicles built by any other single manufacturer. Now United is developing a one-of-a-kind computerized crash warning system for all its trucks. Clearly, anyone concerned with safety who is in the market for a new truck this year should buy a United Motors truck."
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.

Essay No. 1
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 6
A person viewing this advertisement might at first glance be convinced that a safety-minded truck buyer should buy a new United Motors truck rather than some other new truck. After all, United Motors has an ostensible superior safety record over the past 10 years, and the company seems committed to further improving the safety of its new trucks. However, if one examines the evidence provide in the ad more carefully, one sees that the ad's success turns on consumers blindly accepting numerous assumptions about the statistics and other facts in the ad. I will discuss each one in turn below.
First I turn to the statistic given in the ad. The "30%" statistic does not differentiate trucks from cars. We are asked to assume that this safety statustic is accurate even for trucks alone - in other words, 30% fewer United Motors trucks (not just vehicles generally) have been involved in fatal accidents than other trucks. It is also presumed that the 10-year record for safety applies to the company's new line of trucks. But is this necessarily so? The ad offers no proof or evidence to back up this implicit claim. An astute consumer would require more information about the safety of United trucks (not cars) compared to other trucks manufactured during the most recent year or two. (However, there might not be enough data yet about this year's models.) Finally, the statistic cannot be relied upon as accurate unless we know that the survey was fair and objective. (What if United motors is a sponsor of In Focus? Could we trust the truthfulness of accuracy of the statistics? No!)
These are not the only reasons why the statistic in the ad does not give us enough evidence to support the argument that new United trucks are safer than other new trucks. The statistic really says nothing explicit about why this is the case. Is it because United trucks are safer? Or becase United truck drivers are better drivers? Or because of some other reason? Once the company can prove that the safety of its trucks is the reason why they are in fewer accidents, then the statistic becomes valid to the intelligent consumer deciding bewteen a United truck and another brand.
Besides the assumptions about the statistic in the ad, another assumption involves second part of the ad - about the new crash warning system United is developing for its trucks. Presumably the new system will not be available for a while because it is still being developed. However, the ad tries to convince us to buy a new United truck now based on this evidence, which is illogical. Once United's trucks have the system and it can be proven that the system adds to the safety of the driver and other occupants, then I might be swayed toward purchasing a United truck as opposed to another brand on the basis of the safety factor. But not until then.
In sum, in light of all of the assumptions listed above needed for the argument to "have teeth" but missing from the ad, no consumer should buy a United truck based soley on this ad's false appeal to safety. Consumers should not be hoodwinked by an advertisement like this one that leaves out important information about how an impressive statistic is arrived at, or that attempts to entice the consumer based on impressive but unproven R&D (especiaaly when today's United Motors truck buyers are the ones who actually paying for the R&D but don't receive the benefits from it.)
Commentary on Essay No. 1 (Score: 6)
This outstanding essay exhibits very strong analytical and organizational skills, as well as a firm grasp of language, grammar and syntax. Ultimately it is the essay's incisive, comprehensive and well-organized analysis—not its mechanical aspects (grammar, syntax, diction)—that places it squarely in the highest score category.
The essay commences with an introductory paragraph that is rhetorically effective, then proceeds to identify nearly all of the major problems with the argument, in a logical sequence, each point connected with the next by helpful transitions. In the three middle paragraphs the writer challenges the following assumptions underlying the argument:
o that the statistical datum is an accurate gauge of the comparative safety level of United Motors trucks (rather than vehicles generally)
o that the statistical datum—which involves prior years—is an accurate reflection of current conditions
o that the survey results are unbiased
o that the past fatal-accident record of United Motors trucks is due to the truck's safety feature (rather than to some other factor)
o that the new crash-warning system is included in current United Motors trucks and serves its intended purpose
The only major flaw in the argument that this essay neglects to identify and discuss is that the statistic fails to account for non-fatal accidents. However, this single oversight is far outweighed by what is otherwise a comprehensive critique.
The final paragraph serves as a stylistic and rhetorically-effective recap. (However, the essay's closing parenthetical remark about R&D is unnecessary and appears to be an afterthought.)
Admittedly, the essay does suffer from various problems in grammar and expression. These problems vary widely:
o improper idiom ("differentiate trucks from cars")
o several instances of redundancy ("The ad offers no proof or evidence," "reasons why" and "because of some other reason")
o faulty parallelism ("deciding between a United truck and another brand" and "safety of United trucks ... compared to other trucks")
o loose syntax ("in light of all of the assumptions listed above needed for the argument to "have teeth" but missing from the ad...").
However, these flaws are neither major nor frequent enough to warrant lowering the essay's score to a 5. A GRE or GMAT reader would overlook this essay's occasional word omissions and other typos, since they are infrequent and do not interfere with the writer's communication.

Essay No. 2
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 5
United Motors truck advertisement is weak and misleading. In their advertisement, the company does not provide sufficient evidence and a strong argument for the sale of this year's United Motors trucks. The reports and evidence that United Motors uses to back up this year's trucks is based on past studies and future developments, rather than current research. Not every consumer would be convinced by United Motor's sales pitch. However, the company does use some language that could easily manipulate and convince some unassuming consumers into buying a new United Motors truck.
United Motors ad is questionable because the only information they provide regarding the safety of their trucks is based on insufficient past and future evidence. The safety survey they mention was reported by In Focus a year ago and was conducted over a period of ten years. This information does not support the safety aspects of this year's United Motors trucks. United Motors mentions that their vehicles were involved in at least thirty percent few fatal accidents to drivers than vehicles built by any other single manufacturer. However, they fail to mention the fatal accidents to passengers and any statistics for non-fatal automotive accidents involving their brand vehicle.
In their ad, the company describes the one-of-a-kind computerized crash warning system they are developing for all of their trucks. However, this new technology is not currently installed in this year's model, so this is not a valid persuasion for a consumer to buy a United Motors truck this year. Consumers would be more likely to buy a future model that included this computerized crash warning feature. In addition, a crash warning system does not make United Motor's vehicles safer. It simply warns the driver that they are about to crash, which most likely would be apparent to the driver without the computerized system in the first place.
However, the United Motor's advertisement does use some manipulative language that could persuade the unquestioning consumer. In their pitch, they use statistics and a safety-survey to convince the consumer. United Motors also mentions that the survey was reported by a local television- news program, and many people believe what they see or read in the news. The automotive manufacturer also states that it is "clear" that this year's car buyers should purchase a United Motors truck. However, despite the effectiveness this advertisement may have on some car buyers, analytically United Motors ad is weak and unconvincing.
Commentary on Essay No. 2 (Score: 5)
This strong response demonstrates solid analytical and organizational abilities, as well as a solid control of language, grammar and syntax.
In Paragraphs 2 and 3 the writer identifies the following problematic aspects of the argument:
o that the statistics do not necessarily indicate current safety levels
o that the statistics fail to account for non-fatal accidents
o that the new crash-warning system is not included in current United Motors trucks
o that the new crash-warning system might not actually enhance safety
The writer's critique of each but the last aspect (which critique is weak and unpersuasive) is adequate. However, the writer neglects to identify any of three additional, and important, potential problems with the argument:
o that the survey encompassed cars as well as trucks, possibly undermining the statistic's relevance
o that the argument provides no evidence that the survey sample was of sufficient size and representativeness to provide a reliable indication of United Motors vehicles' comparative safety record
o that the stellar past safety record of United Motors trucks might be due to some factor other than their safety
These omissions contribute significantly to keeping this essay out of the 6 category. Also contributing to this essay's sub-optimal score is the essay's final paragraph, which is not a critique of the argument itself (either its line of reasoning, use of evidence, or internal logic), but rather little more than a claim about consumer gullibility.
The essay contains a scant few diction problems ("not a valid persuasion" and "despite the effectiveness this advertisement may have..."). The essay's otherwise clear expression and complete absence of grammatical, syntax, language, spelling or punctuation errors help distinguish it from lower-scoring essays.

Essay No. 3
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 4
There are two "exhibits" used in this argumnet in evidence of the conlcuion that anyone concerned with safety should buy a United Motors truck. The first is the survey that claims to prove that United Motors "vehicles" were involved in 30% fewer "fatal accidents" during the last 10 years than other vehicles were. To base the given conclusion on this stitistic is faulty reasoning for three reasons:
1) the survey only covered fatal accidents. It should also cover nonfatal accidents which also help to prove the safety of one type of truck vs. other trucks.
2) Vehicles include more than trucks. They also includes cars. THerefore, the survey is only vaild to help prove the company's argumnet for trucks, and therefore is not very convincing on this basis.
3) In Focus could be paid by United Motors to conduct a survey in a wya that shows what the company wants consumers to see to help sell their trucks. We cannot trust the numbers. If its a show like 60 Minutes then maybe the survey would be beliveable. We need more information about this to evaluate the argument.
The second exibit is the crash warning system, which is in current development. This fact is also not convincing to prove the argument. There are two questionable assumptions that underlie this evidence:
1) The system is installed on the trucks available now from truck dealers. (If not, then the conclusion that "anyone in the market for a new truck THIS YEAR should buy a United track" is invalid. A future feature is irrelevant for consumers this year.
2) We are asked to assume that the warning system will perform its purpose - namely, to help prevent accidents. (The argument contains no evidence to support this assumption.)
In conclusion, the evidence might persuade some consumers to to buy a truck from United because the evidence sounds convincing, like many advertsiements. However, upon further analysis the questionable assumptions need to be proven before a more skeptical consumer could accept the argument and justify buying a United truck on the basis of safety. The argument would be strengthened by pointing out other features that make United trucks better than other trucks (price, comfort, cargo space, reliability, etc). The argument would be more logically sound if IN Foucs provided more facts to help prove the assumptions listed in this essay: the crash warning system is available this year and makes United trucks even safer than before.
Commentary on Essay No. 3 (Score: 4)
This essay exhibits better-than-average organizational skills but mere adequacy in developing an analytical critique and in overall written expression.
The essay shows that the writer recognizes most problematic aspects of the argument — specifically:
o that the survey failed to account for non-fatal accidents
o that the survey encompassed cars as well as trucks, possibly undermining the survey's relevance
o that the survey is potentially biased
o that the new crash-warning system might not be included in current United Motors trucks
o that the new crash-warning system is not shown to actually enhance safety
When it comes to developing each point of critique, however, the essay is not especially effective. (The writer's second numbered point of critique is particularly inarticulate.) Although the essay fails to identify certain other problems with the argument (see my foregoing commentary on the higher-scoring essays), these omissions do not contribute significantly to keeping this essay out of a higher score category (5 or 6).
The essay's final paragraph is a merely adequate attempt to recapitulate the essay's salient points. More importantly, the additional types of evidence listed in this paragraph as means of strengthening the argument are in fact irrelevant to it. This problem leaves the reader with a distinctively negative impression of the writer's analytical ability, and contributes to keeping the essay out of the 5 category.
The essay is well organized — into a two-prong analysis with enumerated points of critique under each prong. (The writer's enumeration of these points is a useful device but does not in itself serve to enhance the essay's score.) The essay's clear structure helps significantly to keep this essay out of a lower score category.
The essay demonstrates adequate control of language, grammar, and other aspects of written expression. Nevertheless, the essay suffers from numerous problems in these areas, ranging from awkward strings of prepositional phrases (e.g., "...in this argument in evidence of the conclusion" and "what the company wants consumers to see to help sell their trucks") to vague and unclear pronoun references (e.g., "The second exhibit is the crash warning system, which is in current development. This fact..." and "We cannot trust the numbers. If its a show like 60 Minutes") to questionable parallelism ("to base the given conclusion on this stitistic is faulty reasoning"). Such problems are frequent and bothersome enough to help keep this essay out of a higher score category. Spelling and punctuation problems, although frequent, do not interfere with meaning and hence do not adversely impact the essay's score.

Essay No. 4
(composed under a 30-minute time limit)
Score (on the 0-6 scale): 3
As a prospective buyer this advertisement is not very convincing to me. The thread of reasoning is broken right in the middle. It cites a TV programme's survey based on the past 10yrs and then jumps to talking about the future installment of a crash warning system in their trucks, which by the way is still in it's developmental stage. The survey is based on the PAST and the argument for convincing the buyer is based on the FUTURE. The omission of the PRESENT is glaring.
On rereading the advertisement I can conclude that the cars AND trucks were under consideration and that the trucks definitely did not get a clean bill of health compared to the cars hence they are trying to develop a computerised system to warn the driver in advance of the crashes their trucks seem to be prone to.Till they work out a way to make them less prone to accidents and not just warn me of the accident Iam headed towards , as a buyer I'd just focus on the cars.
It is true that fatal-crash-statistics incline buyers towards the manufacturer but to cement the deal I think the manufacturer needs to focus on their R&D contribution towards making their cars safer than the competitors.How are the United Motors'cars safer ? By what means provided by them are the fatalities reduced? Is it extra air bags? Is it the design? Could it be all time on headlights? The advertiser should be careful to not presume that the buyer has seen the TV programme and is already aware of all this.This is an advertisement where United Motors should focus on reiterating the facts which make their vehicles on sale NOW a safer bet for the discriminating buyer.
Commentary on Essay No. 4 (Score: 3)
This limited essay provides some reasoned analysis of the argument but suffers from bothersome problems with the presentation and development of its critique as well as with grammar, syntax and diction.
The essay identifies four questionable assumptions underlying the argument:
o that a past safety record provides a reliable indication of a current one
o that a future development is relevant to the truck's current safety level
o that a statistic about all vehicles (cars and trucks) applies as well to trucks only
o that the crash-warning system currently under development will be effective in enhancing safety
However, none of the points of critique is stated articulately, and none is fully developed. Also, the essay's conclusion (in Paragraph 2) about United Motors' truck safety record is unjustified. Moreover, the essay fails to identify certain other key problems with the argument. (See my foregoing commentary on the higher-scoring essays.)
The essay is not well organized; the ideas do not flow logically and naturally from one point to the next. Also, the essay demonstrates less-than-adequate control of expression. Such problems are frequent, ranging from misplaced modifying phrases ("As a prospective buyer this advertisement") to awkward or inappropriate idioms ("jumps to talking about," "a clean bill of health" and "cement the deal") to loose and confusing syntax (Paragraph 2's first sentence). These and other problems of expression contribute to keeping this essay out of the 4 category. Frequent punctuation problems interfere somewhat with meaning and hence further contribute to a score that is lower than it otherwise might be.

set of analogies

2008-06-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

GARBLED:COMPREHEND::obscured:recognize
HEAT:CALORIMETER::distance:odometer
ALLY:WAR::teammate:game
EAVESDROP:CONVERSATION::trespass:propert

y
PALPABLE:TOUCH::pliable:mold
SUBMERGE:WATER::inter:earth
RUTHLESS:MERCY::insipid:flavor
MINION:DEPENDENT::groveler:petitioner
PANEGYRIC:PRAISE::valediction:farewell
SNAKE:LEG::horse:wings
BOX:FIGHT::debate:argue
ITINERARY:TRIP::syllabus:course
FREQUENCY:PITCH::wavelength:color
RATIOCINATION:THINKING::articulation:talking
NARCISSISM:LOVE::guilt:blame
PLACEBO:PAINKILLER::backdrop:vista
CAMOUFLAGE:DECEPTION::flattery:ingratiating
ADULTERATE:PURITY::enervate:vigor
NO(2)-2
SKETCH:PAINTING::outline:essay
GEAR:TOOTH::screw:thread
EXECUTOR:WILL::soldier:order
PRODIGALITY:SPENDING::gluttony:eating
BASTE:DRYNESS::caulk:moistness
DROSS:METAL::chaff:grain
GUST:WIND::flare:light
DUCTILITY:MALLEABLE::toxicity:poisonous
RAIL:VEHEMENCE::entreat:urgency
SCYTHE:REAPER::axe:woodcutter
DISCOMBOBULATED:ORDER::erratic:consistency
FERVOR:ZEALOT::doubt:skeptic
COLTISH:DISCIPLINE::loutish:grace
AWL:PIERCE::pestle:mash
COMPLIMENT:FLATTERY::deference:subservience
TAXONOMIST:CLASSIFY::carpenter:build
UPBRAID:DISAPPROVAL::lament:grief
ANATHEMA:CURSE::theocracy:state
NO(2)-3
GLUE:SEAL::manure:fertilize
FICKLE:CONSTANCY::naive:sophistication
BOW:VIOLIN::stick:drum
INEXPERIENCE:NEOPHYTE::irresponsibility:wastrel
WOOD:SAWDUST::metal:filings
SOPHISM:REASONING::counterfeit:money
APOSTACY:FAITH::recantation:heresy
MOLECULE:ATOMS::tissue:cells
ARRHYTHMIC:REGULARITY::apathetic:concern
OBJECTIVITY:PARTISAN::temperance:reprobate
LIMP:WALK::stutter:talk
CONUNDRUM:SOLVE::tangle:unravel
AGENDA:MINUTES::itinerary:log
RAVISHING:ATTRACTIVE::perspicacious:discerning
NIL:QUANTITY::vacuum:matter
FULMINATE:CRITICIZE::adulate:flatter

download material......

2008-06-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

KAPLAN:
http://rapidshare.com/files/53894450/kaplan.rar

GRE Big Book.rar

prince vocab.rar

Norman Lewis's Word Power Made Easy (.zip)

GRE Preparation

GRE VERBAL_SOFTWARES.zip

GRE Bible1.1.rar

if not try this

http://www.esnips.com/doc/49d3aa05-14c9-498a-a8d6-9bd314553b96/GRE-Bible

800-tests::

http://www.esnips.com/doc/ff41f513-92e2-4be8-9998-7a3437fd1097/800test.coms_5_Verbal_tests

GRE VERBAL::

http://www.esnips.com/doc/3e6420fb-c433-4e85-9bc2-f1ed43d6f9be/GRE_Verbal

BARRON'S CD::

http://www.esnips.com/doc/7135a982-48a4-40ab-95a0-4a40ecdf8196/BarronsGRECD

NOVA CD::

http://rapidshare.com/files/39321408/GRE_NOVA_CD.rar

PowerprepCd

Download

analytical_writing_fundaes

Download

visas

Download

estimation and sequences

2008-06-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

1. Describe the following sequence in mathematical terms. 144, 72, 36, 18, 9

A. Descending arithmetic sequence
B. Ascending arithmetic sequence
C. Descending geometric sequence
D. Ascending geometric sequence
E. Miscellaneous sequence

2. Which of the following is not a whole number followed by its square?

A. 1, 1
B. 6, 36
C. 8, 64
D. 10, 100
E. 11, 144

3. A nurse has to record her temperatures in Celsius but her thermometer reads Fahrenheit. A patient's temperature is 100.7° F. What is the temperature in °C?

A. 32° C
B. 36.5° C
C. 38.2° C
D. 213.3° C
E. 223.7° C

4. Art realized that he had 2 more quarters than he had originally thought in his pocket. If all of the change in his pocket is quarters and it totals to $8.75, how many quarters did he originally think were in his pocket?

A. 27
B. 29
C. 31
D. 33
E. 35

5. There are 12 more apples than oranges in a basket of 36 apples and oranges. How many apples are in the basket?

A. 12
B. 15
C. 24
D. 28
E. 36

6. Which of the following correctly identifies 4 consecutive odd integers where the sum of the middle two integers is equal to 24?

A. 5, 7, 9, 11
B. 7, 9, 11, 13
C. 9, 11, 13, 15
D. 11, 13, 15, 17
E. 13, 15, 17, 19

7. What is the next number in the sequence? 6, 12, 24, 48, ___

A. 72
B. 96
C. 108
D. 112
E. 124

8. Which of the following numbers could be described in the following way: an integer that is a natural, rational and whole number?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2.33
D. -3
E. none of the above

9. What is the next number in the following pattern? 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, ___

A. 1/10
B. 1/12
C. 1/14
D. 1/15
E. 1/16

10. Of the following units, which would be most likely to measure the amount of sugar needed in a recipe for 2 dozen cookies

A. degrees Celsius
B. milliliters
C. quarts
D. kilograms
E. cups

Answer Key
1. C
2. E
3. C
4. D
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. B
9. E

quant..... percentages and ratios

2008-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

1. If a discount of 20% off the retail price of a desk saves Mark $45, how much did he pay for the desk?

A. $145
B. $160
C. $180
D. $210
E. $215

2. A customer pays $1,100 in state taxes on a newly purchased car. What is the value of the car if state taxes are 8.9% of the value?

A. $9.765.45
B. $10,876.90
C. $12,359.55
D. $14,345.48
E. $15,745.45

3. How many years does Steven need to invest his $3,000 at 7% to earn $210 in simple interest?

A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
E. 5 years

4. Sabrina's boss state that she will increase Sabrina's salary from $12,000 to $14,000 per year if she enrolls in business courses at a local community college. What percent increase in salary will result from Sabrina taking the business courses?

A. 15%
B. 16.7%
C. 17.2%
D. 85%
E. 117%

5. 35% of what number is 70?

A. 100
B. 110
C. 150
D. 175
E. 200

6. What number is 5% of 2000?

A. 50
B. 100
C. 150
D. 200
E. 250

7. What percent of 90 is 27?

A. 15%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 33%
E. 41%

8. Jim works for $15.50 per hour for a health care facility. He is supposed to get a 75 cent per hour raise at one year of service. What will his percent increase in hourly pay be?

A. 2.7%
B. 3.3%
C. 133%
D. 4.8%
E. 105%

9. If 45 is 120% of a number, what is 80% of the same number?

A. 30
B. 32
C. 36
D. 38
E. 41

10. How long will Lucy have to wait before for her $2,500 invested at 6% earns $600 in simple interest?

A. 2 years
B. 3 years
C. 4 years
D. 5 years
E. 6 years

11. What is 35% of a number if 12 is 15% of a number?

A. 5
B. 12
C. 28
D. 33
E. 62

12. A computer is on sale for $1600, which is a 20% discount off the regular price. What is the regular price?

A. $1800
B. $1900
C. $2000
D. $2100
E. $2200

13. A car dealer sells a SUV for $39,000, which represents a 25% profit over the cost. What was the cost of the SUV to the dealer?

A. $29,250
B. $31,200
C. $32,500
D. $33,800
E. $33,999

14. After having to pay increased income taxes this year, Edmond has to sell his BMW. Edmond bought the car for $49,000, but he sold it for a 20% loss. What did Edmond sell the car for

A. $24,200
B. $28,900
C. $35,600
D. $37,300
E. $39,200

15. At a company fish fry, ½ in attendance are employees. Employees' spouses are 1/3 of the attendance. What is the percentage of the people in attendance who are not employees or employee spouses?

A. 10.5%
B. 16.7%
C. 25%
D. 32.3%
E. 38%

16. If 6 is 24% of a number, what is 40% of the same number

A. 8
B. 10
C. 15
D. 20
E. 25

17. 25% of 400 =

A. 100
B. 200
C. 800
D. 10,000
E. 12,000

18. 22% of $900 =

A. 90
B. 198
C. 250
D. 325
E. 375

19. Which of the following percentages is equal to 0.45?

A. 0.045%
B. 0.45%
C. 4.5%
D. 45%
E. 0.0045%

20. Which of these percentages equals 1.25?

A. 0.125%
B. 12.5%
C. 125%
D. 1250%
E. 1250.5%

Answer Key
1. C
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. E
6. B
7. C
8. D
9. A
10. C
11. C
12. C
13. B
14. E
15. B
16. B
17. A
18. B
19. D
20. C

analogies and antonyms

2008-06-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

PRECARIOUS:
A. Vulnerable
B. Perilous
C. Dependable
D. Ecclesiastic
E. Preplanned

The best answer is C

Precarious means uncertain, unsafe, while
Dependable is the antonym.
Vulnerable means not protected.
Perilous means dangerous and is more of a
synonym.
Ecclesiastic means a priest.
Preplanned in not an antonym of unsafe.

PREDILECTION:
A. Disinclination
B. Predisposition
C. Plight
D. Impetuousness
E. Augmentation

The best answer is A.

Predilection means special liking, mental
preference, Disinclination is the antonym.
Predisposition is a synonym.
Plight means misfortune.
Impetuousness means hastiness.
Augmentation means growth.

ABJURE:
A. Uphold
B. Brook
C. Steadfast
D. Recantation
E. Abrogation

ans:A

Abjure means deny, while Uphold is the antonym.
Brook means to endure, which is second best here.
Steadfast means steady.
Recantation means denial and could be used as a
far synonym.
Abrogation means termination and is no antonym.

METICULUOS:
A. Painstaking
B. Negligent
C. Acarpous
D. Castigation
E. Fracas

The best answer is B.

Meticulous is precise or Painstaking.
Negligent is an antonym.
Acarpous means worn out.
Castigation means severe punishment.
Fracas is a noisy quarrel.

GUILE:
A. Fraudulence
B. Impertinent
C. Miscreant
D. Veracity
E. Palatial

The best answer is D.

Guile means deceit, Veracity is the antonym.
Fraudulence is a synonym.
Impertinent is given to insolent rudeness
Miscreant means a villain.
Palatial is magnificent.

VITIATE:
A. Temperance
B. Surfeit
C. Posit
D. Itinerate
E. Reinforce

The best answer is E.

Vitiate means to weaken or to dilute. To
reinforce is the antonym.
Temperance means self-control.
Surfeit means to satiate.
Posit means to suggest.
Itinerate means to travel from place to place.

LAMENTABLE:
A. Inculcated
B. Libertine
C. Felicitous
D. Deplorable
E. Heinous

The best answer is C.

Lamentable means grievous and unfortunate.
Felicitous means happy or fortunate and is
therefore the antonym.
Inculcated means something fixed by repetitions.
Libertine means an immoral person.
Deplorable means lamentable and is a synonym.
Heinous means hated.

GLUT:
A. Gormandize
B. Frugal
C. Mollify
D. Undersupply
E. Pious

The best answer is D.

To glut is to over supply, to overfeed.
Undersupply is the antonym
Gormandize is a synonym.
Frugal means careful, economical.
Mollify means to calm or make quiet.
Pious means devoted to his parents.

QUERULOUS:
Peevish
Complacent
Precarious
Irrevocable
Altercate

The best answer is B.

Querulous is someone that complains a lot.
Complacent means agreeable and is the antonym.
Peevish is a synonym.
Precarious means risky, dangerous.
Irrevocable means final.
Altercate means to dispute angrily.

DIFFIDENCE:
Audaciousness
Cornucopia
Extempore
Hubris
Lustrous

The best answer is A.

Diffidence means shyness. Audaciousness
means boldness and is the antonym.
Cornucopia means an abundant supply.
Extempore means without previous thought or
preparation.
Hubris means arrogant pride.
Lustrous means polished.

LICENTIOUS:
A. Scrupulous
B. Lionized
C. Iconoclast
D. Fanciful
E. Dubious

The best answer is A.

Licentious means amoral lawless, while its
antonym, scrupulous, means moral and law
abiding.
Lionized means treated as a famous person.
Iconoclast means a person who attacks popular
beliefs.
Fanciful means imaginary.
Dubious is a person feeling doubt.

EQUIVOCAL:
A. Equipoise
B. Foolproof
C. Morose
D. Petrous
E. Explicit

The best answer is E.

Equivocal means having a double or unclear
meaning. While Explicit, the antonym means
being clear and unambiguous.
Foolproof means unable to fail or err.
Morose means unsocial.
Petrous means hard, stony.
Equipoise means an equal distribution of
weight.

PHILISTINE:
A. Mercurial
B. Highbrow
C. Bourgeois
D. Luminary
E. Halcyon

The best answer is E.

Philistine means a barbarian, a savage. Highbrow
is the antonym – a cultural person.
Mercurial means quick, fleeting.
Bourgeois is a synonym.
Luminary is a light-giving object.
Halcyon means calm and peaceful, second best
here but not precise enough.

FINICKY:
A. Niggling
B. Eschew
C. Ingress
D. Minatory
E. Slovenly

The best answer is E.

Finicky means over particular, over precise.
Slovenly is the antonym and means negligent.
Niggling is a synonym.
Eschew means to avoid.
Ingress is the art of entrance.
Minatory means threatening.

OCCLUDED:
A. Congested
B. Nugatory
C. Unclogged
D. Perfidious
E. Servile

The best answer is C.

Occluded means blocked up. Unclogged in the
antonym and means open.
Congested is a synonym.
Nugatory means worthless.
Perfidious means done as a duty, without care.
Servile means lacking independence, slave like.

VERDANT:
A. Seminal
B. Luxuriant
C. Nexus
D. Autumnal
E. Insipid

The best answer is D.

Verdant means fresh and green. Autumnal is the
antonym and means dying.
Seminal is originative.
Luxuriant is a synonym.
Nexus means a link, a connection.
Insipid is tasteless.

PRECLUD:
A. Facilitate
B. Miscreant
C. Inimical
D. Fledged
E. Evince

The best answer is A.

Preclude means to prevent, stop. Facilitate
means make easy, enable, and is the antonym.
Miscreant means a villain.
Inimical is harmful or toxic.
Fledged means able to fly has all of his feathers
(a chick).
Evince means to show clearly.

DIVULGE:
A. Interdict
B. Obloquy
C. Conceal-right
D. Relapse
E. Subjugate

The best answer is C.

Divulge means disclose, reveal a secret.
Conceal means to hide that secret and is the
antonym.
Interdict means to forbid or prohibit.
Obloquy means sharp criticism.
Relapse means to fall back again.
Subjugate means to concur.

TEETOTALER:
A. Sordid
B. Dipsomaniac
C. Abstainer
D. Stymie
E. Multifarious

The best answer is B.

Teetotaler means an opposer of alcohol. A Dip
somatic is an alcoholic and is the antonym.
Abstainer is a synonym.
Stymie means to obstruct, to block.
Sordid means comfortless.
Multifarious means varied.

INELUCTABLE:
A. Ineludible
B. Dubious
C. Unfeigned
D. Disinter
E. Ameliorate

The best answer is B.

Ineluctable is inevitable.
Dubious is the antonym.
Ineludible is a synonym.
Unfeigned is sincere.
Disinter means dig up.
Ameliorate means to improve.

ABEYANCE:
A. Continuance
B. Hiatus
C. Churl
D. Epitome
E. Fringe

The best answer is A.

Abeyance means suspended action. The antonym
is Continuance.
Hiatus is a synonym.
Churl means a bad tempered person.
Epitome means a brief summary.
Fringe means an edge.

IMPERIOUS:
A. Despotic
B. Grovel
C. Ennui
D. Servile
E. Mischievous

The best answer is D.

Imperious means arrogant, commanding. The
antonym is servile.
Despotic is a synonym.
Grovel means to crawl, to humble yourself.
Ennui means boredom.
Mischievous is harmful.

MORDANT:
A. Imbroglio
B. Lucubrate
C. Hallow
D. Epicurean
E. Charitable

The best answer is E.

Mordant means sarcastic, biting. Charitable is
the antonym.
Imbroglio means a complicated and
embarrassing situation ץ
Lucubrate means to write in a scholarly fashion
Hallow means to make holy.
Epicurean means devoted to pleasure.

SOPORIFIC:
A. Profuse
B. Animated
C. Intransigent
D. Elaborated
E. Somniferous

The best answer is B.

Soporific means sleep inducing and heavy.
The antonym animated, means live and full of
motion.
Profuse is abundant.
Intransigent means uncompromising.
Elaborated is in great detail.
Somniferous is a synonym.

LIMPID:
A. Quail
B. Minatory
C. Opaque
D. Moribund
E. Fractious

The best answer is C.

Limpid means clear, pure.
Opaque is the antonym.
Quail means shrink with fear.
Minatory means threatening.
Moribund is near death.
Fractious is irritable.

GARRULOUS:
A. Extricable
B. Drone
C. Indomitable
D. Loquacious
E. Reticent

The best answer is E.

Garrulous is too talkative. Reticent is the
antonym.
Extricable is someone able to be freed.
A Drone is a male bee or a person not self
employed
Indomitable is a person not easily subdued.
Loquacious is a synonym.

INDENTATION:
A. Animosity
B. Perspicacity
C. Rectitude
D. Protuberance
E. Unscathed

The best answer is D.

Indentation means a cut or a cavity. The antonym
is Protuberance that means a bump.
Animosity means hate or a strong dislike.
Perspicacity means quick judging and
understanding.
Rectitude means righteousness.
Unscathed means unhurt.

TORMENT:
A. Assuage
B. Tommyrot
C. Volubility
D. Writ
E. Shrewd

The best answer is A.

Torment means severe pain or suffering. The
antonym is Assuage.
Tommyrot means nonsense.
Volubility means fluency with language.
Writ means written order.
Shrewd is astute.

SPURN:
A. Pyre
B. Maul
C. Embrace
D. Goad
E. Repudiate

The best answer is C.

To spurn means to reject. The antonym is to
embrace.
Pyre is a large pile of wood for burning.
Maul means hurt by rough handling.
A Goad is something urging a person to action
Repudiate is a synonym.

EDDY:
A. Flamboyant
B. Epigram
C. Divestiture
D. Flow
E. Maelstrom

The best answer is D.

Eddy means a circular movement. The antonym
Flow means a straight movement.
Flamboyant means brightly colored.
Epigram is a witty saying.
Divestiture means giving up, getting rid of
something.
Maelstrom is a synonym.

FLOUT:
A. Dote
B. Esteem
C. Lavish
D. Chaff
E. Odium

The best answer is B.

Flout means to scorn. Esteem is the antonym.
Dote means to show much fondness.
To Lavish is to give freely or generously.
Chaff is a synonym.
Odium is contempt.

PENURY:
A. Quirk
B. Machination
C. Percipient
D. Cabal
E. Opulence

The best answer is E.

Penury means extreme poverty. Opulence is the
antonym.
Quirk means a peculiar habit of someone.
A Machination is a plan.
Percipient is capable of perception.
Cabal means a scheme or plot.

AUDACIOUS:
A. Stalwart
B. Brittle
C. Cordial
D. Timid
E. Gregarious

The best answer is D.

Audacious means bold, daring. The antonym is
Timid.
Stalwart is a synonym.
Brittle is easily broken.
Cordial means warm and sincere.
Gregarious means a person that likes society.

INTRANSIGENCE:
A. Acquiescence
B. Hoax
C. Finesse
D. Forbearance
E. Placate

The best answer is A.

Intransigence means stubbornness. Acquiescence
is the antonym.
A Hoax is a trick.
Finesse is delicateness.
Forbearance means patience.
To Placate means to sooth, to calm

PERTINACITY:
A. Nostrum
B. Meticulousness
C. Tractability
D. Interdict
E. Heed

The best answer is C.

Pertinacity means persistence. Tractability is
the antonym.
A Nostrum is a remedy.
Meticulousness is giving great attention to
details.
Interdict is to forbid.
Heed means attention.

VAIN:
A. Wrangle
B. Beneficent
C. Supine
D. Piquant
E. Levee

The best answer is B.

Vain is without use. Beneficent is the antonym.
Wrangle means to dispute angrily.
Supine means passive.
Piquant is stimulating.
Levee is a formal reception

INCORRIGIBLE:
A. Amenable
B. Garrulity
C. Extralegal
D. Delinquent
E. Contumacious

ans:A

Incorrigible means uncontrollable. Amenable is
the antonym.
Garrulity means talkativeness.
Extralegal is outside the law.
Delinquent is a synonym.
Contumacious means rebellious.

CHOLERIC:
A. Hoodwink
B. Serene
C. Impute
D. Pungent
E. Misanthrope

The best answer is B.

Choleric means irritable, bad-tempered. Serene is
the antonym.
To hoodwink is to trick.
To impute is to ascribe.
Pungent means clever, witty, sharp.
Misanthrope is a person who hates mankind.

OBTUSE:
A. Flounder
B. Infuse
C. Acute
D. Dense
E. Onerous

The best answer is C.

An Obtuse person is a stupid or a blunt person.
The antonym is Acute.
To Flounder is to move clumsily.
To Infuse is to fill.
Dense is a synonym.
Onerous is a burdening thing.

PALPABLE:
A. Tactile
B. Maudlin
C. Lachrymose
D. Indiscernible
E. Saturnine

The best answer is D.

Palpable means clear, obvious. The antonym is
Indiscernible.
Tactile is a synonym.
Maudlin is sentimental in a silly or tearful way.
Lachrymose is tearful.
Saturnine is gloomy.

SPLICE:
A. Torpid
B. Sever
C. Protract
D. Dovetail
E. Limn

The best answer is B.

To Splice is to knit together. To Sever is to do the
opposite and therefore it is the antonym.
To Dovetail is a synonym.
Torpid is dormant.
To Protract is to prolong.
To Limn is to portray, to paint.

HAUGHTY:
A. Disdainful
B. Epicurean
C. Poignant
D. Ragamuffin
E. Subservient

The best answer is E.

Haughty means arrogant overly proud.
Subservient is the antonym.
Disdainful is a synonym.
Epicurean means devoted to pleasure.
Poignant means deeply moving.
Ragamuffin is an often-disreputable person.

PROFLIGATE:
A. Reproach
B. Slake
C. Chaste
D. Obfuscate
E. Gush

The best answer is C.

Profligate means wicked. The antonym is
Chaste that means modest and unaffected.
To Reproach is to blame.
To Slake is to satisfy a desire.
To Obfuscate is to confuse.
To Gush means to burst out suddenly.

FERVENT:
A. Phlegmatic
B. Grandiloquent
C. Ineffable
D. Mince
E. Pellucid

The best answer is A.

Fervent means earnest passionate. The antonym
is Phlegmatic – cold hearted.
Grandiloquent is someone using pompous
words.
Ineffable is too great to be described in words.
To Mince is to pronounce or speak affectedly.
Pellucid means transparent, easy to understand

PRETERNATURAL
A. Occult
B. Mundane
C. Maverick
D. Inimical
E. Frantic

The best answer is B.

Preternatural means supernatural. The antonym is
Mundane – worldly.
Occult is a synonym.
A Maverick is a nonconformist.
Inimical is harmful.
Frantic is wildly excited with joy.

FOIBLE:
A. Forte
B. Fulmination
C. Edacious
D. Covetous
E. Vigorous

The best answer is A.

Foible means fault. Forte is the antonym.
Fulmination means bitter protest.
Edacious means devouring.
Covetous means eagerly desiring.
Vigorous means strong, energetic.

TRIFLING:
A. Appreciable
B. Nugatory
C. Veer
D. Salutary
E. Sedulous

The best answer is A.

Trifling means unimportant. Appreciable is the
antonym.
Nugatory is a synonym.
To Veer is to change direction.
Salutary means causing improvement.
Sedulous is persistent.

SECULAR:
A. Reactionary
B. Polemic
C. Mellifluous
D. Invidious
E. Ecclesiastical

The best answer is E.

Secular means nonreligious. The antonym is
Ecclesiastical.
Reactionary means opposing progress.
Polemic means disputant.
Mellifluous is sweet and tasty.
Invidious is of an unpleasant or objectionable
nature.

INDIGENIOUS:
A. Fusty
B. Egregious
C. Extraneous
D. Prevalent
E. Illicit

The best answer is C.

Indigenous means native, aboriginal. The
antonym is Extraneous.
Fusty means rigidly old-fashioned or
reactionary.
Egregious means openly and obviously wicked.
Prevalent is common.
Illicit means forbidden.

INCHOATE:
A. Gist
B. Incipient
C. Lope
D. Completed
E. Mulish

The best answer is D.

Inchoate means not yet fully formed. Completed
is the antonym.
Gist means the main idea, point.
Incipient is a synonym.
To Lope is to move along with long strides
Mulish means unreasonably and inflexibly
obstinate.

HUBBUB:
A. Gaucherie
B. Lumber
C. Equanimity
D. Epistle
E. Dolt

The best answer is C.

Hubbub is noise, confusion. Equanimity is the
antonym.
Gaucherie is a socially awkward, tactless
behavior.
To Lumber means to move in a clumsy, noisy
way.
An Epistle is a letter.
A Dolt is a stupid person.

ARRANT:
A. Cozen
B. Inconsistent
C. Plunge
D. Palatial
E. Misogynist

The best answer is B.

Arrant is thorough. The antonym is Inconsistent.
To Cozen is to cheat.
To Plunge is to move quickly, suddenly and with
force.
Palatial is magnificent.
A Misogynist is a person who hates females.

GARNISH:
A. Involute
B. Florid
C. Hone
D. Divest
E. Verve

The best answer is D.

To Garnish is to decorate. To Divest is to strip,
make bare and is the antonym.
Involute means complex.
Florid means reddish.
A Hone is a stone used for sharpening tools.
Verve means spirit, vigor.

STYGIAN:
A. Cheerful
B. Turpitude
C. Prudish
D. Nonplused
E. Ineffable

The best answer is A.

Stygian means dark, gloomy. Cheerful is the
antonym.
Turpitude means wickedness.
Prudish means easily shocked.
Nonplused means greatly surprised.
Ineffable is too great to be described in words.

IMPUGN:
A. Renovate
B. Vitiate
C. Trite
D. Streak
E. Uphold

The best answer is E.

To Impugn means to assail to attack. To Uphold
means to defend and is the antonym.
To Renovate means to restore something to
better condition.
To Vitiate is to weaken the strength.
Trite is not new.
To Streak means to move very fast.

RESCIND:
A. Subsume
B. Validate
C. Pertain
D. Obtain
E. Inveigh

The best answer is B.

To Rescind means to retract, to cancel. To
Validate is the antonym.
To Subsume is to include under a rule.
To pertain is to belong as a part.
To Obtain is to get hold of something.
To inveigh means to attack verbally.

IMPERATIVE:
A. Nonobligatory
B. Compulsory
C. Frugal
D. Evasive
E. Dubious

The best answer is A.

Imperative means essential. The antonym is
Nonobligatory.
Compulsory is a synonym.
Frugal is careful, economical.
Evasive means tending to evade.
Dubious means feeling doubt.

FRAGILE : HARDY ::
A. awkward : clumsy
B. orthodox : traditional
C. amateur : professional
D. cautious : flippant
E. compact : portable

The correct answer choice is C. Fragile is the
opposite of hardy. Amateur is the opposite of
professional.

POTABLE: DRINK::
A. taxable : pay
B. attainable : commute
C. reparable : fix
D. inedible : eat
E. laughable : joke

The correct choice is answer C. Something that is
potable is something one can drink, just as
something that is reparable is something one can
fix.

PREPONDERANCE : SCARCE ::
A. rarity : shortage
B. agility : stiff
C. puissance : strong
D. prevalence : abundance
E. vigilance : fierce

The correct choice is answer B
Something characterized by preponderance is not
scarce. Something characterized by agility is not
stiff.

VAGUE : NEBULOUS ::
A. spectacular : legitimate
B. mundane : commonplace
C. magical : impressive
D. steep : shallow
E. lively : inactive

The correct answer choice is B. Something
vague is nebulous. Something mundane is
commonplace.

BOOR : UNEDUCATED ::
A. debutant : vague
B. monk : irreverent
C. activist : involved
D. adept : eager
E. musician : extended

The correct choice is answer C. A boor is
someone who is uneducated. An activist is
someone who is involved.

DIAPHANOUS : OPAQUE ::
A. disheveled : messy
B. distraught : calm
C. disconsolate : happy
D. disrespectful : injurious
E. disallow : reject

The correct answer choice is B. Diaphanous is
the opposite of opaque. Distraught is the
opposite of calm.

COBBLER : AWL ::
A. carpenter : chisel
B. piano : key
C. baker : penny
D. shoe : shoelace
E. wrench : plumber

The correct choice is answer A. A cobbler uses
an awl as a tool. The carpenter uses a chisel as
a tool.

CHAPTER : BOOK ::
A. alcove : nook
B. paragraph : sentence
C. page : rip
D. epistle : letter
E. room : house

The correct choice is answer E.
Chapters make up
a book. Rooms make up a house.

PHILANTHROPIST: GENEROUS::
A. curator : optimistic
B. exhibitionist : excessive
C. chef : hungry
D. pacifist : unwarlike
E. socialist :magnanimous

The correct choice is answer D. To be a
philanthropist, one must be generous. To be a
pacifist one must be peace-loving.

CONCEAL : HIDDEN ::
A. reveal : implicit
B. disperse : gathered
C. protect : cautious
D. decorate : cumbersome
E. appreciate : valued

The correct answer choice is E. When you conceal
something, it is hidden. When you appreciate
something, it is valued.

CURSORY : BRIEF ::
A. disconsolate : cheerful
B. desultory : haphazard
C. insulting : didactic
D. linear : parallel
E. apparent : short-lived

The correct answer choice is B. Cursory and brief
are synonyms, as are desultory and haphazard.

INTREPID : FEARFUL ::
A. lively : lethargic
B. depressed : down
C. subtle : gregarious
D. mischievous : naughty
E. meddlesome : intrusive

The correct answer choice is A. intrepid is the
opposite of fearful. Lively is the opposite of
lethargic.

MANACLE : WRIST ::
A. necklace : earring
B. belt : buckle
C. anklet : ankle
D. watch : belt
E. neck : necklace

The correct answer choice is C. A manacle is
something that goes around a wrist. An anklet
is something that goes around an ankle

SHEARS : SEAMSTRESS ::
A. bridle : horse
B. stethoscope : physician
C. collar : hound
D. warp : material
E. dinner : waitress

The correct answer choice is B. Shears are used
by a seamstress. A stethoscope is used by a
physician.

CANTANKEROUS : EASY-GOING ::
A. erudite : evocative
B. enticing : tempting
C. pliable : broken
D. polite : political
E. erratic : stable

The correct answer choice is E. A person who is
cantankerous is not easy-going. A person who
is erratic is not stable.

KEYBOARD : MOUSE ::
A. television : speaker
B. receiver : cord
C. knife : teaspoon
D. rope : knot
E. monitor : button

The correct answer choice is B. A keyboard and a
mouse are both parts of a computer. A receiver
and a cord are both parts of a telephone.

FEATHERS : PILLOW ::
A. wing : bird
B. linen : cotton
C. paper : workbook
D. shoe : shoelaces
E. helium : balloon

The correct answer choice is E . A pillow can be
filled with feathers. A balloon can be filled with
helium.

BOLSTER : SUPPORT ::
A. goad : urge
B. deny : approve
C. grovel : hack
D. disagree : approve
E. uplift : set aside

The correct answer choice is A. To bolster means
to support. To goad means to urge.

STENCH : ODOR ::
A. catalyst : exhilarator
B. cacophony : sound
C. skunk : spray
D. sweet : salty
E. swelling : redness

The correct answer choice is B. A stench is an
extreme odor. A cacophony is an extreme sound.

RHETORIC : LAWYER ::
A. ineptitude : accountant
B. oratory : engineer
C. maverick : scientist
D. deduction : detective
E. solidarity : warrior

The correct answer choice is D. Rhetoric is a skill
used by a lawyer. Deduction is a skill used by a
detective.

PULMONARY : LUNGS ::
A. profitable : payments
B. invisible : magician
C. diseased : kidneys
D. cardiac : health
E. aquatic : water

The correct answer choice is E. Something
pulmonary has to do with the lungs. Something
aquatic has to do with the water.

RUDE : MANNERS ::
A. mysterious : cabal
B. cursory : speed
C. uncouth : time
D. unbalanced : equilibrium
E. polite : tact

The correct answer choice is D. A person who is
rude lacks manners. A person who is
unbalanced lacks equilibrium.

VIXEN : FOX ::
A. gander : goose
B. mare : foal
C. lioness : lion
D. drake : duck
E. mongoose : snake

The correct answer choice is C. A vixen is a
female fox. A lioness is a female lion.

DECADE : TIME ::
A. thermometer : temperature
B. compass : degrees
C. decimeter : ten
D. millimeter : length
E. liter : wet

The correct answer choice is D. Decade is a
measure of time. Millimeter is a measure of
length.

OBSTINATE : MULISH ::
A. mundane : morose
B. obtuse : obvious
C. raffish : rancorous
D. obnoxious : disgusting
E. snobbish : sufficient

The correct answer choice is D. Someone who is
obstinate is mulish. Someone who is obnoxious is
disgusting.

WITHDRAW : ACCOUNT ::
A. borrow : library
B. loan : bond
C. divide : ledger
D. reserve : lodging
E. merge : holdings

The correct answer choice is A. One withdraws
money from an account. One borrows books from
a library.

CATATONIC : EMOTIONS ::
A. valorous : regret
B. turgid : water
C. viscous : sickness
D. rigid : flexibility
E. shiny : flare

The correct answer choice is D. Someone who is
catatonic shows no emotions. Someone who is
rigid lacks flexibility.

ARID :MOISTURE ::
A. deserted : dune
B. sandy : water
C. verdant : sunshine
D. tap : drops
E. silent : sound

The correct answer choice is E. Something arid
lacks moisture. Something silent lacks sound.

BROACH : JEWELRY ::
A. earring : necklace
B. cardigan : garment
C. accessory : belt
D. hat : bowler
E. cup : saucer

The correct answer choice is B. A broach is a
type of jewelry. A cardigan is a type of
garment.

MISSIVE : LETTER ::
A. testament : gospel
B. postage : envelope
C. brochure : abstract
D. augury : sign
E. exemption : pardon

The correct answer choice is D. A missive is a
letter. An augury is a sign.

TUITION : STIPEND ::
A. fee : post
B. bill : check
C. bail : bond
D. subscription : membership
E. fine : interest

The correct answer choice is C. A stidend is
tuition that one person pays for another. A bond
is bail that one person pays for another.

SOCCER BALL : GOALPOST ::
A. baseball : bat
B. basketball : hoop
C. cleats : laces
D. inning : referee
E. lacrosse : ball

The correct answer choice is B. One scores in
soccer by putting the soccer ball through the
goalpost. One scores in basketball by putting
the ball through the hoop.

CATHEDRAL : CHURCH ::
A. steeple : bell
B. temple : home
C. mansion : house
D. castle : fortress
E. hut : abode

The correct answer choice is C. A cathedral is an
very large church. A mansion is a very large
house.

SPLENETIC : IRRITABLE ::
A. frenetic : lethargic
B. sober : inebriated
C. squalid : immaculate
D. morose : unsociable
E. stingy : generous

The correct answer choice is D. Splenetic means
irritable. Morose means unsociable.

HUNGER : SATIATED ::
A. fatigue : rested
B. pain : hospitalized
C. fatigue : sleeping
D. activity : dormant
E. cold : sweater

The correct answer choice is A. When one does
not feel hunger, one is satiated. When one does
not feel fatigue, one is rested.

TRANSITORY : PERMANENCE ::
A. whimsical : imagination
B. abrupt : totality
C. swift : forethought
D. volatile : constancy
E. tremulous : power

The correct answer choice is D. Something
transitory lacks permanence. Something volatile
lacks constancy.

TURKEY : POULTRY ::
A. fowl : fauna
B. cutlet : veal
C. halibut : fish
D. cereal : grain
E. fish : vegetable

The correct answer choice is C. Turkey is a type
of poultry. Halibut is a type of fish.

WAITRESS : WAITER ::
A. chef : cook
B. customer : client
C. busboy : dishes
D. steward : stewardess
E. seamstress : tailor

The correct answer choice is E. A waitress is a
woman who serves food for a living. A waiter
is a man who does the same. A seamstress is a
woman who sews for a living. A tailor is a man
who does the same.

PREVARICATE : LIE ::
A. harm : repair
B. divulge : expose
C. proliferate : contract
D. provoke : appease
E. prune : garden

The correct answer choice is B. To prevaricate
means to lie. To divulge means to expose.

POETRY : PROSE ::
A. novel : chapbook
B. paperback : romance
C. fiction : non-fiction
D. epic : mystery
E. dictionary : thesaurus

The correct answer choice is C. What is not
poetry, is prose. What is not fiction, is nonfiction.

SPINE : VERTEBRAE ::
A. hair : strands
B. finger : fingernails
C. liver : kidneys
D. skeleton : bones
E. table : metal

The correct answer choice is D. The spine is
made of vertebrae. The skeleton is made of
bones.

SCREW : BOLT ::
A. twist : cable
B. pound : nail
C. break : ice
D. tear : vest
E. clamps : drill

The correct answer choice is B. A bolt is
something that one screws. A nail is something
that one pounds.

FUSCHIA : PINK ::
A. turquoise : yellow
B. crimson : red
C. blue : navy
D. gray : tan
E. white : black

The correct answer choice is B. Fuschia is a
shade of pink. Crimson is a shade of red.

WEAVING : LOOM ::
A. crochet : loop
B. bobbin : thread
C. pottery : kiln
D. embroidery : pattern
E. string : knot

The correct answer choice is . A loom is a piece
of equipment used in weaving. A kiln is a piece
of equipment used in pottery.

FISHING :ROD ::
A. trapping : fur
B. reel : worm
C. portaging : forest
D. skinning : blade
E. hunting : rifle

The correct answer choice is E. A rod is a piece
of equipment used in fishing. A rifle is a piece of
equipment used in hunting.

DEFENDANT : TRIED ::
A. jurist : judged
B. accountant : enumerated
C. actuary : tabulated
D. judge : examined
E. prisoner : incarcerated

The correct answer choice is E. A defendant is
a person who is tried. A prisoner is a person
who is incarcerated.

EGG :SHELL ::
A. orange : section
B. tomato : skin
C. rind : watermelon
D. lemon : pit
E. ginger : bread

The correct answer choice is B. An egg is
surrounded by a shell. A tomato is surrounded
by a skin.

WINDOW : LEDGE ::
A. garage : car
B. truck : stop
C. counter : kitchen
D. door : lintel
E. cupboard : drawer

The correct answer choice is D. A window has a
ledge. A door has a lintel.

ACCELERATE : PEDAL ::
A. store : hood
B. cover : hubcap
C. steer : wheel
D. decelerate : gear
E. switch : transmission

The correct answer choice is C. To accelerate
in a car one uses a pedal. To steer in a car one
uses a wheel

ATOM : MICROSCOPE ::
A. tape : microphone
B. planet : telescope
C. person : microcosm
D. receiver : telephone
E. submarine : periscope

The correct answer choice is B. One needs a
microscope to see an atom. One needs a telescope
to see a planet

CHOIR : VOCALIST ::
A. lyricist : melody
B. car : mechanic
C. bassoon : oboe
D. orchestra : instrumentalists
E. percussion : woodwind

The correct answer choice is D. A choir is made
up of vocalists. An orchestra is made up of
instrumentalists.

PACT : COVENANT ::
A. summons : deadline
B. subpoena : brief
C. warrant : letter
D. tract : treatise
E. temperance : beverage

The correct answer choice is D. Pact is a
synonym of covenant. Tract is a synonym of
treatise.

YARD : MILE ::
A. ounce :ton
B. frequency : time
C. cent : dollar
D. quart : pint
E. minute : acre

The correct answer choice is A. Yard is a
relatively short measure of length, while mile is a
relatively long measure of length. Ounce is a
relatively small measure of weight, while ton is a
relatively large measure of weight.

MOOSE : ANTLERS ::
A. caribou : hooves
B. grizzly : bears
C. ram : horns
D. sheep : ewes
E. kid : goat

The correct answer choice is C. Moose have
antlers on their heads. Rams have horns on
their heads.

CHRONIC : ACUTE ::
A. symphony : ditty
B. constant : sudden
C. ailing : mortal
D. timely : belated
E. difficult : facile

The correct answer choice is B. Something
chronic continues over a long period of time.
Something acute is short-lived. Something
constant continues over a long period of time.
Something sudden is short-lived.

GOTHIC : RENAISSANCE ::
A. medieval : papist
B. summer : winter
C. baroque : architecture
D. ornate : royal
E. modern : contemporary

The correct answer choice is B. Gothic and
renaissance are both eras. Summer and winter
are both seasons

BASEBALL : RUN ::
A. tennis : lobby
B. net : basketball
C. bat : glove
D. football : volleyball
E. hockey : goal

The correct answer choice is E. One scores in
baseball by getting a run. One scores in hockey
by getting a goal.

EBULLIENCE : EXUBERANCE ::
A. indigence : wealth
B. insolence : impudence
C. forbearance : patience
D. impermanence : indolence
E. liveliness : fatuousness

The correct answer choice is C. Someone who
exhibits ebullience is showing exuberance.
Someone who exhibits forbearance is showing
patience.

FECUND : BARREN ::
A. dogmatic : arbitrary
B. disheveled : untidy
C. forthcoming : definite
D. dolorous : felicitous
E. lonely : isolated

The correct answer choice is D. Someone who is
fecund is not barren. Someone who is dolorous is
not felicitous.

SUBTERRANEAN : SUBWAY ::
A. rickshaw : pedal
B. train : track
C. highway : vehicle
D. airplane : runway
E. aerial : helicopter

The correct answer choice is E. The subway is a
subterranean form of transportation. The
helicopter is an aerial form of transportation.

GRAIN : RICE ::
A. cube : ice
B. flurry : precipitation
C. flake : snow
D. potato : loaf
E. milk :liter

The correct answer choice is E. A single unit of
rice is a grain. A single unit of snow is a flake.

PISTOL : BULLET ::
A. rifle : trigger
B. target : range
C. gunpowder : explosion
D. crossbow : arrow
E. dagger : point

The correct answer choice is D. A pistol fires a
bullet. A crossbow fires an arrow

TERMINATE : EMPLOYMENT ::
A. prescribe medicine :
B. renew : baby
C. specialize : doctor
D. demolish : truck
E. finalize : lawyer

The correct answer choice is A. One
terminates employment. One prescribes
medicine.

MOSAIC : TILES ::
A. painting : canvas
B. fresco : paintbrush
C. blend : beans
D. narrative : prologue
E. puzzle : pieces

The correct answer choice is E. A mosaic is
made up of many tiles. A puzzle is made up of
many pieces.

RESCIND : REPEAL ::
A. repast : forewarn
B. reticent : talkative
C. restore : reinstate
D. recreant : compensate
E. relive : renaissance

The correct answer choice is C. To rescind
means to repeal. To restore means to reinstate.

SUBPOENA : COURT ::
A. innocence : plea
B. trial : witness
C. invitation : party
D. reservoir : water
E. memorandum : office

The correct answer choice is C. A subpoena is a
summons to a court. An invitation is a summons
to a party.

FISH : SCHOOL ::
A. octopus : tentacle
B. carp : car
C. lion : pride
D. student : university
E. pack : wolf

The correct answer choice is C. A group of fish
is called a school of fish. A group of lions is
called a group of lions.

JAZZ : MUSIC ::
A. opera : virtuoso
B. impressionism : painting
C. saxophone : flute
D. rhythm : tone
E. marble : sculpture

The correct answer choice is B. Jazz is a style of
music. Impressionism is a style of painting.

ADORN : BEAUTIFUL ::
A. invigorate : lively
B. forgive : correct
C. attract : favorable
D. exert : dynamic
E. paint : color

The correct answer choice is A. To adorn is to
make beautiful. To invigorate is to make
something lively.

DEARTH : GLUT ::
A. flood : deluge
B. lack : surplus
C. parcel : postage
D. width: girth
E. rise : acceleration

The correct answer choice is B. The word dearth
is an antonym of the word glut. The word lack is
the

MEMBRANE : CELL ::
A. brick : mortar
B. bark : tree
C. frame : painting
D. jail : bars
E. seam : cloth

The correct answer choice is C. A cell can be
surrounded by a membrane. A painting can be
surrounded by a frame.

BIOLOGY : LIFE ::
A. science : physics
B. pathology : death
C. botany : fauna
D. chemistry : microbes
E. history : past

The correct answer choice is E. Biology is the
study of life. History is the study of the past.

SILENTLY : NOISE ::
A. allegedly : accusation
B. readily : hesitation
C. legally : permit
D. technically : computer
E. commonly : official

The correct answer choice is B. When
something is done silently, it is done without
noise. When something is done readily, it is
done without hesitation.

GASOLINE : CAR ::
A. petroleum : rig
B. track : locomotive
C. wind : windmill
D. bicycle : wheel
E. trampoline : power

The correct answer choice is C. A car is
powered by gasoline. A windmill is powered
by wind.

ELBOW : JOINT ::
A. knee : cartilage
B. liver : organ
C. tendon : ankle
D. vein : artery
E. toe : foot

The correct answer choice is B. An elbow is a
type of joint. A liver is a type of organ.

GRINDS : COFFEE ::
A. dregs : tea
B. bin : trash
C. bottle : wine
D. spill : juice
E. teabag : infusion

The correct answer choice is A . Grinds are a
waste product of coffee. Dregs are a waste
product of tea.

ESOTERIC : ABSTRUSE ::
A. genetic : subtle
B. catholic : inclusive
C. caustic : harsh
D. tragic : fortuitous
E. barbaric : obtuse

The correct answer choice is C. Something that
is esoteric is abstruse. Something that is caustic is
harsh.

SUPERFLUOUS : NEEDED ::
A. supercilious : respectful
B. superimposed : heightened
C. subzero : frozen
D. superseded : remembered
E. supine : bovine

The correct answer choice is A. Something
superfluous is not needed. Someone supercilious
is not respectful.

CLERGYMAN : LAYMAN ::
A. priest : minister
B. salesman : janitor
C. teacher : classroom
D. celebrity : journalist
E. soldier : civilian

The correct answer choice is E. One who is not
a clergyman is a layman. One who is not a
soldier is a civilian.

PROXIMITY : NEAR ::
A. simplicity : smart
B. specificity : distance
C. humanity : ape
D. volume : loud
E. morality : vice

The correct answer choice is D. proximity
measures how near one is. Volume measures
how loud something is.

FALLACIOUS : WRONG ::
A. autonomous : independent
B. delicious : edible
C. conscious : asleep
D. cautious : reckless
E. furious : alert

The correct answer choice is A. Something
that is fallacious is wrong. Something that is
autonomous is independent.

KNITTER : YARN ::
A. sculptor : chisel
B. singer : microphone
C. dancer : shoes
D. drummer : bass
E. seamstress : cloth

The correct answer choice is E. Yarn is a
knitter's raw material. Cloth is a seamstress's
raw material.

VASCULAR : BLOOD ::
A. artery : lung
B. cardiac : heart
C. plasma : brain
D. sugar : insulin
E. kidney : bone

The correct answer choice is B. The word
vascular refers to something to do with the blood.
The word cardiac means something to do with the
heart.

TINES : FORK ::
A. handle : spoon
B. cup : lid
C. bristle : brush
D. cutlery : tablespoon
E. knife : steak

The correct answer choice is C. A fork has tines.
A brush has bristles.

NEPHROLOGIST : KIDNEY ::
A. liver : lung
B. journalist : newspaper
C. internist : organ
D. cardiologist : coronary
E. neurologist : nervous system

The correct answer choice is E. A nephrologist
is a physician who has been trained in kidney
diseases. A neurologist is a physician who has
been trained in problems of the nervous system.

CHICKEN : COOP ::
A. rabbit : warren
B. fish : river
C. frog : swamp
D. horse : coral
E. pig : pen

The correct answer choice is E. On a farm,
chickens live in a coop and pigs live in a pen.

TRIGGER : PISTOL ::
A. camera : shutter
B. button : elevator
C. spoke : bicycle
D. key: chain
E. blade : knife

The correct answer choice is B. A trigger sets a
pistol into motion. A button sets an elevator
into motion.

HUB : WHEEL ::
A. pedal : bicycle
B. spoke : frame
C. core : apple
D. peel : orange
E. circumference : sphere

The correct answer choice is . Hub is the
center of a wheel. The core is the center of the
apple.

LOCUST : SWARM ::
A. goose : gaggle
B. zebra : stripe
C. herd : sheep
D. lion : cub
E. army : ant

The correct answer choice is A. A group of
locusts together is called a swarm. A group of
geese together is called a gaggle.

OBOE : WOODWIND ::
A. viola : string
B. saxophone : bass
C. sticks : drum
D. percussion : strings
E. clarinet : reed

The correct answer choice is A. An oboe is a
woodwind instrument. A viola is a string
instrument.

AUDACIOUS : MEEK ::
A. feigned : fictitious
B. blatant : obtrusive
C. candid : disingenuous
D. brazen : impudent
E. auspicious : favorable

The correct answer choice is C. Audacious is the
opposite of meek. Candid is the opposite of
disingenuous.

REGISTRAR : UNIVERSITY ::
A. clerk : basement
B. alderman : domicile
C. physiotherapist : factory
D. attorney : courtroom
E. classroom : quadrangle

The correct answer choice is B. A registrar
works in a university. An attorney works in a
courtroom.

QUEEN : MONARCHY ::
A. countess : count
B. minister : theocracy
C. voter : democracy
D. baroness : aristocracy
E. prince : deficiency

The correct answer choice is D. A queen is a
member of the monarchy. A baroness is a
member of the aristocracy.

RHETORIC : ELOQUENTLY ::
A. oration : economically
B. fulmination : sweetly
C. etiquette : graciously
D. implication : suspiciously
E. insurrection : bitterly

The correct answer choice is C. rhetoric is the art
of speaking eloquently. Etiquette is the art of
behaving graciously.

INSIPID : TASTELESS ::
A. insouciant : concerned
B. intractable : controlled
C. indolent : restless
D. inimitable : mimetic
E. ingenious : artless

The correct answer choice is E. Something that
is insipid is tasteless. Someone who is
ingenious is artless.

FOOT : SUMMIT ::
A. floor : beam
B. shingle : tile
C. foundation : roof
D. root : stem
E. paw : tail

The correct answer choice is C. The foot is at
the base of bottom of a mountain. The summit
is the top of the mountain. The foundation is at
the base of a house. The roof is at the top of
the house.

BEVERAGE : COCKTAIL ::
A. donkey : mule
B. libation : refreshment
C. water : canteen
D. metal : alloy
E. aperitif : snack

The correct answer choice is D. A beverage
mixed with another beverage is called a
cocktail. A metal mixed with another metal is
called an alloy.

AMBLE : DASH ::
A. trot : gallop
B. race : competition
C. stroll : crawl
D. rendezvous : tryst
E. ample : abundant

The correct answer choice is A. An amble is a
slow walk. A dash is a quick run. A trot is a
slow walk on horseback. A gallop is a quick
run on horseback.

COGNIZANT : OBLIVIOUS ::
A. cryptic : covert
B. obeisant : disrespectful
C. overt : obvious
D. cogent : convincing
E. incongruous : concrete

The correct answer choice is B. Cognizant is the
opposite of oblivious. Obeisant is the opposite of
disrespectful.

CONTIGUOUS : NEIGHBORING ::
A. bungalow : cottage
B. disassociated : related
C. abrupt : friendly
D. attached : duplex
E. ambiguous : appalling

The correct answer choice is D. Two things that
are beside each other are contiguous. Two houses
beside each other are neighboring. Houses that
are attached are call duplexes.

SCALES : FISH ::
A. gills : lungs
B. tail : claws
C. hare : fur
D. treble : bass
E. feathers : bird

The correct answer choice is E. A fish is covered
in scales. A bird is covered in feathers.

HELMET : MOTORCYCLIST ::
A. kickstand : bicycle
B. gloves : hands
C. armor : knight
D. belt : karate
E. hat : priest

The correct answer choice is C. A helmet is
protective attire worn by a motorcyclist. Armor is
protective attire worn by a knight

TINSMITH : TIN ::
A. forester : forest
B. blacksmith : iron
C. mechanic : engines
D. dietician : food
E. bacteriologist : microbes

The correct answer choice is B. A tinsmith
makes objects out of tin. A blacksmith makes
objects out of iron.

EAR : CORN ::
A. bushel : apples
B. crop : cotton
C. bail : hay
D. green beans
E. stalk : celery

The correct answer choice is E. One piece of
corn is called an ear. One piece of celery is
called a stalk.

PEBBLE : BOULDER ::
A. rock : sediment
B. quartz : amethyst
C. twig : log
D. valley : tarn
E. coin : bill

The correct answer choice is C. A pebble is a
small rock. A boulder is a large rock. A twig is
a small piece of tree. A log is a large piece of a
tree.

PLUTOCRACY : WEALTHY ::
A. autonomy : masses
B. oligopoly : president
C. plutonium : rich
D. theocracy : clergy
E. democracy : crowd

The correct answer choice is D. Plutocracy
describes a state that is the ruled by the wealthy.
Theocracy describes a state that is the ruled by
the clergy.

FRATRICIDE : BROTHER ::
A. fraternity : sorority
B. flatulence : odor
C. patricide : mother
D. regicide : king
E. sibling : sister

The correct answer choice is D. Fratricide is the
killing of a brother. Regicide is the killing of a
king.

TORNADO : STORM ::
A. rain : precipitation
B. sleet : hail
C. hurricane : weather
D. flood : drought
E. snow : flake

The correct answer choice is A. A tornado is a
type of storm. Rain is a type of precipitation.

CONFECTIONER : CANDY ::
A. etymologist : words
B. geographer : magazines
C. percussionist : notes
D. ventriloquist : vents
E. signalman : light

The correct answer choice is A. A confectioner
works with candy. An etymologist works with
words.

XENOPHOBE : FOREIGNER ::
A. xylophone : jazz
B. bibliophile : book
C. valedictorian : speech
D. warmonger : battle
E. misogynist : woman

The correct answer choice is E. A xenophobe is
someone who hates foreigners. A misogynist is
someone who hates women.

PEREGRINATION : WAYFARER ::
A. investigation : felon
B. contumacy : dissident
C. incrimination : suspect
D. insubordination : insider
E. relaxation : masseur

The correct answer choice is B. A peregrination
is something done by a wayfarer. A contumacy is
something done by a dissident.

INCALCULABLE : ESTIMATE ::
A. illegible : write
B. illogical : calculate
C. unbreakable : break
D. illegitimate : beget
E. untenable : give

The correct answer choice is C. Something that
is incalculable is something one cannot
estimate. Something that is unbreakable is
something one cannot break.

SONNET : POETRY ::
A. story : poem
B. verse : passage
C. novella : prose
D. novelist : poet
E. play : act

The correct answer choice is C. A sonnet is a
form of poetry. A novella is a form of prose.

EPIDERMIS : SKIN ::
A. diaphragm : abdomen
B. hair : scalp
C. sole : shoe
D. bark : tree trunk
E. fingernail : toenail

The correct answer choice is D. Epidermis is
the outer layer of skin. Bark is the outer layer
of a tree trunk.

WINE : GRAPES ::
A. butter : milk
B. beans : coffee
C. tea : bag
D. sugar : salt
E. salad : vegetables

The correct answer choice is A. Wine is made
out of grapes. Butter is made out of milk.

SATELLITES : EARTH ::
A. planets: sun
B. rings : Jupiter
C. milky way : galaxy
D. missile : aircraft
E. star : Venus

The correct answer choice is A. Satellites orbit
the earth. Planets orbit sun.
ACT : PLAY ::
A. book : chapter
B. paragraph : word
C. library : fiction
D. bookcase : paperback
E. verse : poem
The correct answer choice is E. A play is divided
into acts. A poem is divided into verses.
ELEVATOR : SHAFT ::
A. rope : knot
B. tube : subway
C. car : train
D. motor : piston
E. water : pipe
The correct answer choice is E. An elevator
travels through a shaft. Water travels through a
pipe
HYDROELECTRIC : WATER ::
A. windmill : gust
B. petroleum : deposit
C. solar : sun
D. muscle : run
E. diesel : octane
The correct answer choice is C. Hydroelectric
energy is powered by water. Solar energy is
powered by the sun.
WHALE : SEA ::
A. deer : forest
B. chicken : rooster
C. iguana : tree
D. elephant : savanna
E. otter : seal
The correct answer choice is A. The sea is the
whale’s natural habitat. The forest is the deer’s
natural habitat.
PLIANT : RIGID
A. petulant : spoiled
B. crude : refined
C. placid : serene
D. excessive : overgrown
E. aggressive : temperamental
The correct answer choice is B. Something that
is not pliant is rigid. Something that is not
crude is refined.
TARIFF : IMPORT ::
A. bridge : payment
B. stipend : student
C. tip : waiter
D. toll : vehicle
E. tuition : university
The correct answer choice is D. A tariff is a
tax on imports. A toll is a tax on vehicles.
EARDRUM : HEARING ::
A. semicircular canals : stirrup
B. cornea : brain
C. retina : vision
D. tongue : olfactory
E. sandpaper : tactile
The correct answer choice is C. The eardrum is
part of the system that help you hear. The retina
is part of the system that helps you see.
APPRAISAL : JEWELER ::
A. calculation : accountant
B. estimate : builder
C. bookkeeper : figure
D. gross : earner
E. earning : employee
The correct answer choice is An appraisal is a
valuation given by a jeweler. An estimate is a
valuation given by a builder.
FLOWER : BOUQUET ::
A. singer : choir
B. finger : wrist
C. rivets : wall
D. repast : breakfast
E. orange : juice
The correct answer choice is A. A group of
flowers is a bouquet. A group of singer is a choir.
SATURNINE : STYGIAN ::
A. pallid : wan
B. stentorian : quiet
C. smolder : rage
D. ashen : peaked
E. vex : placated
The correct answer choice is A. Saturnine and
stygian are synonyms. Pallid and wan are
synonyms.
ZODIAC : CAPRICORN ::
A. January : March
B. star : sign
C. calendar : Scorpio
D. year : November
E. time : ages
The correct answer choice is D. Capricorn in one
of the signs in the zodiac. November is one of the
months in the year.
MILLENNIUM : YEAR ::
A. centipede : millipede
B. inch : centimeter
C. millimeter : decameter
D. kilometer : meter
E. week : day
The correct answer choice is D. A millennium is
one thousand years. A kilometer is one thousand
meters.
DESICCATED : HYDRATED ::
A. dune : sand
B. coconut : milk
C. steam : ice
D. arid : moist
E. tap : faucet
The correct answer choice is D. Desiccated
describes something dried, hydrated describes
something infused with water. Something arid is
dry. Something moist is wet.
STRAY : PEDIGREE ::
A. mutt : Labrador
B. Persian : kitten
C. mustang : thoroughbred
D. litter : mongrel
E. squirrel : raccoon
The correct answer choice is C. A wild dog is
a stray. A purebred dog is a pedigree. A wild
horse is a mustang. A purebred horse is a horse.
TOME : BOOK ::
A. drone : bee
B. metropolis : city
C. hardcover : pulp
D. roof : window
E. shelf : encyclopedia
The correct answer choice is B . A tome is a
very large book. A metropolis is a very large
city.
OAK : DECIDUOUS ::
A. willow : weeping
B. poplar : height
C. pine : evergreen
D. bush : rose
E. perennial : annual
The correct answer choice is C. An oak is an
example of a deciduous tree. Pine is an
example of an evergreen tree.
CARNIVOROUS : MEAT ::
A. vegetarian : lettuce
B. blanched : almond
C. grain : rye
D. omnivorous : everything
E. cornucopia : fruit
The correct answer choice is D. A creature that
is carnivorous eats meat. A creature that is
omnivorous eats everything.
LANDLORD : APARTMENT BUILDING ::
A. bailiff : court
B. police officer : precinct
C. confectioner : bakery
D. custodian : school
E. gymnast : gymnasium
The correct answer choice is B . A landlord
maintains an apartment building. A custodian
maintains a school.
GARAGE : AUTOMOBILE ::
A. lawn : bicycle
B. hangar : airplane
C. scooter : skateboard
D. basket : hot-air balloon
E. pad : helicopter
The correct answer choice is B . A garage is a
place for storing a car. A hangar is a place for
storing an airplane.
DIAMOND : BASEBALL ::
A. referee : basketball
B. volleyball : court
C. arena : competition
D. basement : table tennis
E. rink : hockey
The correct answer choice is E. Baseball is
played on a diamond. Hockey is played in a rink.
PHILOLOGIST : LANGUAGE ::
A. botanist : cells
B. chemist : sulfur
C. philanthropist : money
D. paleontologist : dinosaurs
E. matador : bull
The correct answer choice is D. A philologist
studies language. A paleontologist studies
dinosaurs.
DORMANCY : INACTIVITY
A. sleepiness : arousal
B. activity : movement
C. perseverance : temerity
D. hesitance : cowardliness
E. equilibrium : balance
The correct answer choice is E. Dormancy is
a state of inactivity. Equilibrium is a state of
balance.
PRUNE : PLUM ::
A. pear : apricot
B. tomato : asparagus
C. spice : tarragon
D. ginger : root
E. raisin : grape
The correct answer choice is E. A prune is a
dried plum. A raisin is a dried grape.
QUANDARY : DOUBT ::
A. propaganda : posting
B. viewpoint : perspective
C. ragamuffin : ombudsman
D. ballot : poll
E. quince : kumquat
The correct answer choice is B. A quandary is
a doubt. A viewpoint is a perspective.
PRECINCT : CITY ::
A. prude : petticoat
B. bishopric : see
C. jurisdiction : holdings
D. county : state
E. range : scope
The correct answer choice is D. A precinct is a
section of a city. A county is a section of a state.
CORPSE : HUMAN ::
A. carrion : animal
B. cadaver : undertaker
C. mortician : eulogy
D. casket : body
E. tombstone : burial
The correct answer choice is A. A corpse is a
dead human. Carrion is a dead animal.
CONVEX : CONCAVE ::
A. angle : side
B. physics : geometry
C. circle : triangle
D. obtuse : acute
E. line : point
The correct answer choice is D. Convex is the
opposite of concave. Obtuse is the opposite of
acute.
YARN : SWEATER ::
A. knitter : crochet hook
B. cobbler : shoe
C. leather : boot
D. cotton : linen
E. bodice : interfacing
The correct answer choice is C. Yarn is used to
make sweaters. Leather is used to make boots.
DECIBELS : LOUDNESS ::
A. cup : teaspoon
B. ounce : weight
C. sound : volume
D. centimeter : height
E. kilogram : gram
The correct answer choice is B. A decibel is a
measure of loudness. An ounce is a measure of
weight.
GUITAR : PICK ::
A. bass : baton
B. trombone : slide
C. trumpet : mouthpiece
D. cello : bow
E. shoe : lace
The correct answer choice is D. One can play a
guitar using a pick. One can play a cello using a
bow.
JOCKEY : HORSE ::
A. trainer : dog
B. mare : stallion
C. foal : squire
D. shorts : trousers
E. cyclist : bicycle
The correct answer choice is E. A jockey rides
a horse. A cyclist rides a bicycle.
ICE : SOLID ::
A. ice cream : milk
B. steam : gas
C. powder : granules
D. liquid : juice
E. cubes : tray
The correct answer choice is B. Ice is water in
a solid state. Steam is water is a gaseous state.
URBAN : CITY ::
A. southern : country
B. rural : farmland
C. urbane : elegant
D. downtown : suburb
E. high-scale : slum
The correct answer choice is B. City areas are
urban. Farmland areas are rural.
WORD PROCESSOR : SOFTWARE ::
A. cable : mouse
B. motherboard : hardware
C. key : keyboard
D. mainframe : computer
E. monitor : screen
The correct answer choice is B. A word
processor is a kind of software. A motherboard is
a kind of hardware.
INDUCTION : ORDINATION ::
A. introduced : rejected
B. conduction : orchestra
C. salesman : philanthropist
D. teacher : learner
E. soldier : priest
The correct answer choice is E. A soldier is
inducted into the army. A priest is ordained into
the priesthood.
Note: this one is just like the previous one
DEFROCK : DISCHARGE ::
A. religion : philosophy
B. priest : soldier
C. garment : sickness
D. asylum : retreat
E. memorandum : notice
The correct answer choice is B. A priest who is
defrocked leaves the priesthood. A soldier who is
discharged leaves the army.
SLITHER : SNAKE ::
A. squirm : jellyfish
B. waddle : penguin
C. swim : whale
D. walk : rest
E. slide : frog
The correct answer choice is B. A snake slithers
when it moves. A penguin waddles when it
moves.
SUCCULENT : INFERTILE ::
A. desert : rainforest
B. leafy : rooted
C. inhabited : isolated
D. lush : desolate
E. separated : together
The correct answer choice is D. An area that
is succulent is not infertile. An area that is lush
is not desolate.
EXHUME : GRAVE ::
A. excel : grade
B. expel : classroom
C. exude : spray
D. extricate : car
E. exit : door
The correct answer choice is B. To exhume is
to take a body out of the grave. To expel is to
take someone out of the classroom.
TELESCOPE : EYE ::
A. eyeglasses : vision
B. telephone : hearing
C. necklace : neck
D. binoculars : pupils
E. stethoscope : ear
The correct answer choice is E. A telescope
enables one’s eye to see better. A stethoscope
enables one’s ear to hear better.
LIMBS : SNAKE ::
A. tail : horse
B. talons : eagle
C. teeth : whale
D. wings : chipmunk
E. elephant : horns
The correct answer choice is D. A snake has
no limbs. A chipmunk has no wings.
SWIM : HOVER ::
A. slash : sand
B. wave : breeze
C. cloud : beach
D. sail : walk
E. snail : frog
The correct answer choice is B. One swims in
the water and hovers in the sky. A wave is in the
water a breeze in the sky.
POSTERIOR : TAIL ::
A. lateral : fin
B. anterior : decade
C. dorsal : leg
D. arm : hand
E. top : face
The correct answer choice is A. A tail is located
at the posterior part of a body. A fin is located at
the lateral part of the body.
SOLO : MUSICIAN ::
A. overture : conductor
B. soliloquy : actor
C. flautist : melodeon
D. alone : loneliness
E. single : divorcee
The correct answer choice is B. When a
musician performs alone, it is called a solo. When
an actor performs alone, he gives a soliloquy.
IMBIBE : BEVERAGE ::
A. swallow : bite
B. gulp : snack
C. toast : challis
D. food : consume
E. inhale : air
The correct answer choice is E. One inboxes a
beverage. One inhales air.
STALACTITE : STALAGMITE ::
A. cave : mountain
B. grotto : dugout
C. ceiling : floor
D. canopy : tile
E. bat : bear
The correct answer choice is C. A stalactite hangs
from the ceiling of a cave. A stalagmite rises
from the floor of a cave.
YOKE : OXEN ::
A. reins : strap
B. white : egg
C. harness : horse
D. dog : collar
E. leash : pet
The correct answer choice is C. A yoke is a
fitting worn by oxen. A harness is a fitting
worn by a horse.
PAW : KITTEN ::
A. nail : hoof
B. whisker : puppy
C. tail : cat
D. claw : crawfish
E. talon : tapir
The correct answer choice is D. A kitten’s
limb ends in a paw. A crawfish’s limb ends in a
claw.
ALDERMAN : MUNICIPAL ::
A. page : judiciary
B. judge : clerical
C. ballot : state
D. minister : federal
E. mayor : manager
The correct answer choice is D. An alderman
is a government position on the municipal level.
A minister is a government position on the
federal level.
COPIOUS : AMOUNT ::
A. rigorous : training
B. extensive : size
C. sensitive : performance
D. obstreperous : sight
E. invasive : procedure
The correct answer choice is B. Copious is an
adjective used to describe a large amount.
Extensive is an adjective used to describe a
large size.
SCALES : FISH ::
A. kitten : fur
B. skin : hide
C. shell : layer
D. feathers : fowl
E. orange : peel
The correct answer choice is D. A fish is covered
in scales. A fowl is covered in feathers.
NEON : GAS ::
A. iron : metal
B. hydrogen : oxygen
C. table : elements
D. water : state
E. carbon : diamond
The correct answer choice is A. Neon is a kind of
gas. Iron is a kind of metal.
NIGHTTIME : DAYTIME ::
A. evening : noon
B. late : early
C. black : white
D. nocturnal : diurnal
E. moonshine : sunshine
The correct answer choice is D. Nighttime refers
to the night and daytime to the day. Nocturnal
refers to the night and diurnal to the day.
INTONATION : TALK ::
A. interrupt : conversation
B. intercede : problem
C. harmony : scale
D. aria : solo
E. melody : song
The correct answer choice is E. Intonation is the
‘tune’ of the talking voice. Melody is the tune of
a song.
PRENATAL : POSTPARTUM ::
A. fetus : corpse
B. conception : deception
C. embody : reincarnation
D. infantile : mature
E. preternatural : postoperative
The correct answer choice is A. prenatal and
postpartum describe the states of the mother
before and after birth. Fetus and corpse
describe the states of the body before and after
death.
BANDAGE : WOUND ::
A. infect : disinfectant
B. treat : braces
C. scratch : itch
D. wrap : leg
E. bridge : river
The correct answer choice is C. One bandages a
wound. One scratches an itch.
HUMANS : OXYGEN ::
A. crustaceans : water
B. fauna : hydrogen
C. animals : element
D. plants : carbon dioxide
E. lichen : nitrogen
The correct answer choice is D. Humans
breathe oxygen. Plants breathe carbon dioxide.
TART : PIE ::
A. pastry : bakery
B. crust : icing
C. layer : slice
D. cupcake : cake
E. cookie : dough
The correct answer choice is D. A tart is a pie
big enough for one person. A cupcake is a cake
big enough for one person.
SALACIOUS : OBSCENE ::
A. obliged : hostile
B. profound : proactive
C. compulsory : progressive
D. salubrious : redundant
E. sagacious : insightful
The correct answer choice is E. Salacious is
synonymous with obscene. Sagacious is
synonymous with insightful.
HEW : AXE ::
A. saw : plank
B. paint : wall
C. plane : chisel
D. hoe : shovel
E. stab : weapon
The correct answer choice is C. One hews with
an axe. One planes with a chisel.
ILLUSTRATION : PORTRAIT ::
A. penmanship : page
B. caricature : cartoon
C. text : biography
D. document : autobiography
E. dedication : index
The correct answer choice is C. A portrait is an
illustration of a particular person. A biography is
a text about a particular person.
ARMISTICE : WAR ::
A. truce : declaration
B. white : flag
C. meeting : board
D. strike : work
E. history : geography
The correct answer choice is D. An armistice is a
cessation of war. A strike is a cessation of work.
ALTRUISM : SELFLESS::
A. humanism : secure
B. fatalism : deadly
C. semantics : wordy
D. variety : various
E. hedonism: selfish
The correct answer choice is E. Altruism
describes an act that is selfless. Hedonism
describes an act that is selfish.
DONATION : TOLL ::
A. birthday : present
B. gift : friend
C. charity : taxation
D. tariff : dues
E. prize : penalty
The correct answer choice is C. A donation is
money you give voluntarily. A toll is money
taken by the government. Charity is the giving
voluntarily of money. Taxation is the taking of
money by the government.
PERIOD : SENTENCE ::
A. command : exclamation
B. comma : clause
C. tail : wallaby
D. colon : preposition
E. semi-colon : proposition
The correct answer choice is B. A period
marks the end of a sentence. A comma marks
the end of a clause.
MAIL CARRIER : LETTERS ::
A. post office : mailboxes
B. envelope : stamps
C. dogcatcher : veterinary clinic
D. writer : postcard
E. obstetrician : infants
The correct answer choice is E. A mail carrier
delivers letters. An obstetrician delivers infants.
WINDOW-DRESSER : MANNEQUIN ::
A. valet : gentleman
B. agent : account
C. abate : felon
D. design : pattern
E. decorate : cake
The correct answer choice is A. A windowdresser
arranges clothes for a mannequin. A valet
arranges clothes for a gentleman.
HIBERNATION : BEAR ::
A. migration : flock
B. maturation : deer
C. metamorphosis : frog
D. dormancy : disease
E. illiteracy : book
The correct answer choice is D. When a bear is
inactive, it is in hibernation. When a disease is
inactive, it is in a state of dormancy.
ACCOLADE : TRIBUTE ::
A. censure : rebuke
B. calumny : praise
C. codicil : profile
D. disparagement : appreciation
E. eulogy : ceremony
The correct answer choice is A. Accolade is a
synonym for tribute. Censure is a synonym for
rebuke.
CREDULOUS : GULLIBLE ::
A. ingenious : frank
B. ingenuous : naive
C. monstrous : fictional
D. licentious : honorable
E. lithe : aloof
The correct answer choice is B. Credulous is a
synonym of gullible. Ingenuous is a synonym of
naive.
PULMONARY : LUNG ::
A. venerable : soul
B. venal : urethra
C. cephalic : encephalitis
D. appendix : abdomen
E. renal : kidney
The correct answer choice is E. Something
pulmonary involves the lungs. Something renal
involves the kidneys.
COWARD : TIMOROUS ::
A. champion : expeditious
B. partisan : pathetic
C. broker : level
D. hero : courageous
E. scout : alert
The correct answer choice is D. A coward is
timorous. A hero is courageous.
DRESS : WOUND ::
A. cauterize : cat
B. lance : boil
C. model : apparel
D. plaster : wall
E. anesthetize : patient
The correct answer choice is B. One dresses a
wound. One lances a boil.
TREBLE : BASS ::
A. scale : note
B. ledger : lines
C. soprano : tenor
D. aria : solo
E. singer : drummer
The correct answer choice is C. The treble clef
is used for high notes. The bass clef for low
notes. A soprano sings high notes. A tenor
sings low notes.
SURGEON : SCALPEL ::
A. obstetrician : baby
B. diner : knife
C. dogcatcher : collar
D. seamstress : needle
E. janitor : school
The correct answer choice is D. A scalpel is a
tool that a surgeon uses. A needle is a tool a
seamstress uses.
DINGO : DOG::
A. bird : free
B. rhinoceros : heavy
C. feral: domesticated
D. puppy : trained
E. athlete : seasoned
The correct answer choice is C. A dingo is a wild
dog. Feral means wild, domesticated means
tamed.
BRIDE : WIFE ::
A. bridegroom : maid of honor
B. best man : usher
C. marriage : divorce
D. cake : icing
E. groom : husband
The correct answer choice is E. The bride
becomes the wife after the wedding ceremony.
The groom becomes the husband after the
wedding ceremony.
GAUNTLET : GLOVE ::
A. hauberk : shirt
B. squire : vest
C. helmet : headdress
D. tassel : button
E. muff : muffin
The correct answer choice is A. A gauntlet is a
special glove worn by a knight. A hauberk is a
special shirt worn by a knight.
SUPERSEDE : SUPPLANT
A. revoke : revamp
B. redundant : mixed
C. superannuate : mitigate
D. supersaturate : dissolve
E. invalidate : nullify
The correct answer choice is E. To supersede
means to supplant something. To invalidate
something means to nullify something
CIDER : APPLE
A. beer: grain
B. wine : grape
C. drink : eat
D. water : sandwich
E. lake : mountain
The correct answer choice is B. Cider is a
beverage made from apples. Wine is a beverage
made from grapes.
INVERTEBRATE : SPINE ::
A. ringed : finger
B. thin : wrist
C. bald : hair
D. pale : skin
E. corpulent : blood
The correct answer choice is C. An
invertebrate animal has no spine. A bald person
has no hair.
BLANCH : WATER ::
A. fry : oil
B. bake : heat
C. burn : pot
D. mix : boil
E. sauté : stove
The correct answer choice is A. One blanches
something in water. One fries something in oil.
GLOVE : MITTEN ::
A. shawl : kerchief
B. bustle : petticoat
C. tiara : necklace
D. belt : sash
E. fan : stocking
The correct answer choice is D. A glove and a
mitten are both things worn on the hands. A
belt and a sash are both worn around the waist.
CORRESPONDENT : JOURNALIST ::
A. writer : freelancer
B. reporter : cameraman
C. novelist : poet
D. scientist : biologist
E. thespian : actor
The correct answer choice is E. Correspondent is
a synonym for journalist. Thespian is a synonym
for actor.
SUBWAY : SUBTERRANEAN::
A. steamer : wet
B. pedestrian : mobile
C. railroad : aboveground
D. bicycle : sidewalk
E. bird : air
The correct answer choice is C. A subway is
subterranean. A railroad is aboveground.
LIGHTHOUSE : SHIP ::
A. radar : airplane
B. traffic light : pedestrian
C. map : driver
D. dictionary : word
E. traffic control tower : aircraft
The correct answer choice is E. A lighthouse
guides a ship. A traffic control tower guides
aircraft.
MOUNTAIN : GLEN ::
A. crest : foot
B. canyon : crag
C. crevice : boulder
D. volcano : lava
E. basalt : quartz
The correct answer choice is A. A mountain is an
elevation, a glen is a valley. The crest is the most
elevated point of something, the foot is the lowest
point of something.
TREATABLE : CURE ::
A. portable : shift
B. potable : spill
C. sufferable : endure
D. inflammable : burn
E. inflatable : breathe
The correct answer choice is C. Treatable is
something one can cure. Sufferable is
something one can endure.
11 questions
PEER : LOOK ::
A post : lean
B. ship : seek
C. speak : converse
D. hearken : listen
E. taste : chew
The correct answer choice is D. To peer means
to look at something. To hearken means to
listen to something.
SONAR : WATER ::
A. solar : fuel
B. motor : land
C. vehicular : road
D. central : circle
E. radar : air
The correct answer choice is E. Sonar is
method of detecting objects underwater. Radar
is a method of detecting objects in the air.
EXACERBATE : WORSE ::
A. ascertain : more
B. exceed : much
C. alleviate : best
D. ameliorate : better
E. exonerate : least
The correct answer choice is D. To exacerbate
is to make things worse. To ameliorate is to
make things better.
BLOOD : COAGULATE ::
A. bile : sting
B. plasma : flow
C. soup : spill
D. milk : curdle
E. tear : dry
The correct answer choice is D. When blood clots
it is said to coagulate. When milk clots it is said
to curdle.
RABBIT : WARREN ::
A. bat : cave
B. bunny : cage
C. hornet : nest
D. lion : pride
E. giraffe : bush
The correct answer choice is C. A rabbit lives in
a warren. A hornet lives in a nest.
TRIANGLE : PYRAMID ::
A. surface : angle
B. flat : full
C. quadrilateral : hexagonal
D. square : cube
E. obtuse : acute
The correct answer choice is C. A three
dimensional triangle is a pyramid. A three
dimensional square is a cube.
APOTHECARY : PHARMACIST ::
A. executive : entrepreneur
B. clerk : fisherman
C. locksmith : blacksmith
D. editor : author
E. soothsayer : fortuneteller
The correct answer choice is . Apothecary is an
old fashioned word for pharmacist. A soothsayer
is an old fashioned word for fortuneteller.
ARMORED : IMPENETRABLE ::
A. unshielded : vulnerable
B. unearthed : vacant
C. unscathed : lacerated
D. concealed : displayed
E. prostrated : dissipated
The correct answer choice is A. Something
armored is impenetrable. Something unshielded
is vulnerable.
TUTOR : TEACHER ::
A. instructor : mentor
B. guide : dog
C. tutelage : education
D. class : college
E. singular : collective
The correct answer choice is E. A tutor
generally works with one student. A teacher
generally works with a group. Singular is an
adjective used to describe one of something,
collective describes a group.
ASPHYXIATION : AIR ::
A. asphalt : pavement
B. resuscitation : paramedic
C. albinism : pigment
D. consternation : complaint
E. vacillation : uncertainty
The correct answer choice is C. Asphyxiation
is caused by a lack of air. Albinism is caused
by a lack of pigment.
RACE : COMPETITOR ::
A. election : candidate
B. game : judge
C. marathon : courier
D. secession : rift
E. consternation : rival
The correct answer choice is A. A person who
competes in a race is called a competitor. A
person who competes in an election race is
called a candidate.
DIESEL : FUEL ::
A. mud : earth
B. olive : oil
C. slipper : shoe
D. club : bat
E. fork : teaspoon
The correct answer choice is B . Diesel is a kind
of fuel. Olive is a kind of oil.
PENTATHLON : DECATHLON ::
A. centimeter : kilometer
B. penny : dollar
C. nickel : dime
D. entree : desert
E. adolescence : childhood
The correct answer choice is C. A pentathlon has
five events. A decathlon has ten events. A nickel
is worth five cents. A dime is worth ten cents.
ALLEY : BOWLING ::
A. path : walkway
B. lane : freeway
C. diamond : baseball
D. horse : polo
E. ball : rolling
The correct answer choice is C. One bowls in an
alley. One plays baseball on a diamond.
TEETH: DENTURES ::
A. token : coin
B. wing : arm
C. saccharine : sugar
D. heart : pacemaker
E. limb : prosthesis
The correct answer choice is E. Artificial teeth
are called dentures. An artificial limb is called a
prosthesis.
TACITURN : RETICENT ::
A. redolent : elevated
B. obstreperous : boisterous
C. tinged : joyous
D. invincible : irresolute
E. belated : sound
The correct answer choice is B. A taciturn
person is a reticent one. An obstreperous person is
a boisterous one.
LEVITY : SERIOUSNESS ::
A. calamity : dross
B. projection : film
C. analogy : synchronicity
D. courtesy : manners
E. impiety : reverence
The correct answer choice is E. Levity denotes
a lack of seriousness. Impiety denotes a lack of
reverence.
DISSIDENT : INSURRECTION ::
A. immigrant : transit
B. rabble-rouser : ceremony
C. emigrant : suitcase
D. combatant : war
E. advisor : territory
The correct answer choice is D. A dissident is
someone involved in and insurrection. A
combatant is someone involved in a war.
HIATUS : PARLIAMENT ::
A. labyrinth : maze
B. recess : break
C. stop : halt
D. remission : disease
E. lacuna : gap
The correct answer choice is D. When
parliament is inactive it is said to be on hiatus.
When a disease is inactive it is said to be in
remission.
FAD : MODERN::
A. classic: timeless
B. hit : nostalgic
C. fashion : magazine
D. popular : salable
E. instant : old-fashioned
The correct answer choice is A. A fad is
modern. A classic is timeless.
ADULTERATE : TAINT ::
A. separate : ameliorate
B. investigate : cross
C. refrigerate : close
D. refine : purify
E. rectify : undo
The correct answer choice is D. To adulterate
something means to taint it. To refine something
means to purify it.
TURGID : SWOLLEN ::
A. peeled : ripped
B. shriveled : withered
C. dried : moisturized
D. scattered : gathered
E. disseminated : enclosed
The correct answer choice is B. Turgid means
swollen. Shriveled means withered.
DROUGHT : DELUGE ::
A. arid : desiccated
B. flood : water
C. cursory : deep
D. deleterious : harmful
E. paucity : surfeit
The correct answer choice is A. A drought is a
lack of water. A deluge is an overabundance of
water. Paucity denotes a lack. Surfeit denotes an
overabundance.
CIRCUMAMBULATE : AROUND ::
A. circumnavigate : sail
B. circumvent : out
C. translate : with
D. traverse : through
E. transport : on
The correct answer choice is D. To
circumambulate mean to travel around. To
traverse means to travel through.
RETROGRADE : PAST ::
A. sanctimony : present
B. revolving : now
C. rotating : time
D. anticipatory : future
E. ubiquitous : timeless
The correct answer choice is D. Something
that is retrograde is tending towards the past.
Something that is anticipatory is looking
towards the future.
CLAUSTROPHOBIA : CLOSED ::
A. arachnophobia : snakes
B. agoraphobia : open
C. xenophobia : unknown
D. closeted : dark
E. credulous : disbelief
The correct answer choice is A.
Claustrophobia is a fear of closed spaces.
Agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces.
GALE : WIND ::
A. meadow : hill
B. puddle : mud
C. torrent : rain
D. shower : rainbow
E. precipitation : forecast
The correct answer choice is C. A gale is a
strong wind. A torrent is a strong rain.
POTENCY : STRENGTH ::
A. energy : endurance
B. might : feebleness
C. dependence : despondence
D. frailty : weakness
E. faintness : ineptitude
The correct answer choice is B. Potency is
strength. Frailty is weakness.
COOPER : BARREL ::
A. toaster : toast
B. radio : music
C. tailor : sewing
D. milliner : hat
E. jeweler : ring
The correct answer choice is D. A cooper makes
barrels. A milliner makes hats.
ESOTERIC : OBSCURE ::
A. belligerent : undermined
B. philosophical : intelligent
C. cordial : obscene
D. common : usual
E. tranquil : fortuitous
The correct answer choice is D. Something that is
esoteric is obscure. Something that is common is
usual.
PEN : INK ::
A. vein : blood
B. pencil : eraser
C. feather : nib
D. ruler : pointer
E. notebook : leaf
The correct answer choice is A. Ink runs through
a pen. Blood runs through a vein.
GRAIN : SALT ::
A. pinch : sugar
B. teaspoon : honey
C. snowflake : flurry
D. blade : grass
E. glass : water
The correct answer choice is D. A grain is a
single unit of salt. A blade is a single unit of
grass.
CONSPIRATOR : CABAL ::
A. manager : committee
B. stars : constellation
C. juror : trial
D. conductor : orchestra
E. assassin : syndicate
The correct answer choice is B. A cabal is
made up of conspirators. A constellation is
made up of stars.
CELERITY : HASTE ::
A. sloth : avarice
B. sluggishness : alacrity
C. celery : parsnip
D. lethargy : torpor
E. dolt : dolor
The correct answer choice is D. Celerity is a
synonym of haste. Lethargy is a synonym of
torpor.
ECUMENICAL : LAIC ::
A. priestly : secular
B. robe : sash
C. spire : door
D. heathen : heterodox
E. minister : monsignor
The correct answer choice is A. Something that
is ecumenical is related to the church.
Something that is laic does not relate to the
church. One who is priestly is related to the
church. One who is secular is not.
CURATOR : MUSEUM ::
A. physician : operating room
B. fireman : fire engine
C. artisan : loft
D. weaver : den
E. blacksmith : forge
he correct answer choice is E. A curator works
in a museum. A blacksmith works in a forge.
BEAR : HIBERNATE ::
A. bird : migrate
B. caterpillar : transform
C. fish : spawns
D. tiger : attack
E. salamander : resuscitate
The correct answer choice is A. A bear hibernates
in the winter. A bird migrates in the winter.
OPULENT : SPARSE ::
A. gem : bare
B. variable : fluctuating
C. vast : minute
D. lithe : flaccid
E. sonorous : tonal
The correct answer choice is C. Something that is
opulent is not sparse. Something that is vast is not
minute.
TISSUE : CELLS ::
A. heart : blood
B. lungs : oxygen
C. brain : synapses
D. molecule : protons
E. skeleton : bones
The correct answer choice is E. Tissue is
composed of cells. A skeleton is composed of
bones.
COMPASS : DIRECTION ::
A. thermometer : fever
B. barometer : air pressure
C. speedometer : acceleration
D. odometer : length
E. ohmmeter : electricity
The correct answer choice is B. A compass
shows direction. A barometer shows air pressure.
ABROGATE : RESCIND ::
A. instate : inaugurate
B. repeal : appeal
C. impeach : ordain
D. reclaim : acclaim
E. imbroglio : acclimatize
The correct answer choice is A. To abrogate
means to rescind. To instate means to inaugurate.
ANVIL : HAMMER ::
A. coffee : grinder
B. drill : bit
C. mortar: pestle
D. clock : hand
E. key : ring
The correct answer choice is C. An anvil is
used with a hammer. A mortar is used with a
pestle.
ANALYTICAL : THOUGHT ::
A. beneficial : toxic
B. philosophical : redundant
C. diverse : varied
D. semantic : wordy
E. emotive : feelings
The correct answer choice is E. Something
analytical has to do with thought. Something
emotive has to do with feelings.
AGGRANDIZE : LARGE ::
A. broaden : side
B. aggregate : big
C. aggravate : irate
D. miniaturize : small
E. demote : rank
The correct answer choice is D. To
aggrandize is to make something large. To
miniaturize is to make something small.
BILINGUAL : LANGUAGES ::
A. bigamist : spouse
B. ambidextrous : left
C. two-faced : hypocritical
D. amphibian : lake
E. recreational : leisure
The correct answer choice is A. Someone who
is bilingual speaks more than one language.
Someone who is a bigamist is married to more
than one spouse.
MERCURY : QUICKSILVER ::
A. glass : thermometer
B. hydrogen: air
C. atmosphere : oxygen
D. graphite : granite
E. pyrite : fool’s gold
The correct answer choice is E. Mercury is
commonly referred to as quicksilver. Pyrite is
commonly referred to as fool’s gold.
AFFLUENT: RICH ::
A. laudatory : discriminatory
B. impecunious: poor
C. affiliated : irresolute
D. gregarious : obstinate
E. chromatic : colorful
The correct answer choice is B. Affluent means
rich. Impecunious means poor.
CONTEMPORARY : ANTIQUATED ::
A. contemplative : adventitious
B. disingenuous : evasive
C. grandiloquent : halcyon
D. neoteric : fulsome
E. modern : antediluvian
The correct answer choice is E. Contemporary
means new and antiquated means old. Something
modern is new, something antediluvian is old.
GLACIER : ICE ::
A. tide : water
B. building : brick
C. dune : sand
D. symphony : instruments
E. salt : granules
The correct answer choice is C. A glacier is
made of ice. A dune is made of sand.
PYRAMID : TRIANGLE ::
A. hexagon : six
B. polyhedron : polygamy
C. cube : rectangle
D. angle : circumference
E. sphere : circle
The correct answer choice is E. A threedimensional
triangle is a pyramid. A threedimensional
circle is a sphere.
TACTILE : SKIN ::
A. gustatory : eating
B. obligatory : occupational
C. sensory : piqued
D. auditory : ear
E. textile : wool
The correct answer choice is D. One senses
something tactile through the skin. One senses
something auditory through the ear.
EMBEZZLEMENT : CRIME ::
A. vice : squad
B. tuba : instrument
C. burglary : police
D. repast : kitchen
E. ballad : music
The correct answer choice is B. Embezzlement
is a type of crime. A tuba is a type of
instrument.
NAVY : BLUE ::
A. orange : grapefruit
B. marine : captain
C. salmon : green
D. morose : blithe
E. crimson : red
The correct answer choice is E. Navy is a
shade of blue. Crimson is a shade of red.
FRACTIOUS : ARGUE ::
A. fulsome : sing
B. egregious : pray
C. appropriate : choose
D. furious : placate
E. garrulous : talk
The correct answer choice is B. A person who is
fractious is someone who likes to argue. A person
who is garrulous is someone who likes to talk.
SCALD : SINGE ::
A. water : fire
B. drown : ocean
C. boil : fry
D. kindle : light
E. sink : match
The correct answer choice is A. To scald is to
burn with water. To singe is to burn with fire.
OVER : ULTRAVIOLET ::
A. into: ultramarine
B. onto : ultraist
C. beyond : purple
D. through : inferior
E. under: infrared
The correct answer choice is E. Light of a
frequency over what the human eye can see is
ultraviolet. Light of a frequency under what the
human eye can see is infrared.
EXTINGUISH : INFLAME ::
A. excite : incite
B. extend : intend
C. douse : kindle
D. divulge : diversify
E. intense : extant
The correct answer choice is C. To extinguish is
to put out a fire. To inflame is to light a fire. To
douse is to put out a fire. To kindle is to light a
fire.
REINCARNATE : BORN ::
A. reiterate : say
B. reinstate : employ
C. disengage : gauge
D. unify : separate
E. impugn : exhale
The correct answer choice is A. The
reincarnate is to be born again. To reiterate is to
say again.
WEALTHY : PLUTOCRACY ::
A. democracy : individual
B. autocracy : mediocrity
C. impoverished : theoretical
D. clergy : theocracy
E. oligopoly : fortune
The correct answer choice is D. A plutocracy
is government of the wealthy. Theocracy is
government of the clergy
BULLET : MAGAZINE ::
A. rifle : dagger
B. duel : pistol
C. gun : holster
D. knight : damsel
E. arrow : quiver
The correct answer choice is E. A magazine
holds bullets. A quiver holds arrows.
COAL : STEAM ENGINE ::
A. engine : car
B. gasoline : truck
C. chassis : carburetor
D. pedal : unicycle
E. piston : motor
The correct answer choice is B. A steam engine
runs on coal. A truck runs on gasoline.

2008-06-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

SENTENCE COMPLETIONS:-

Hey..Work out the Sentence Completions and look out for the answers in Comments sections. The key to success in this section is lot of practice.. Wait for the next dose1. Her concern for the earthquake victims _________ her reputation as a callous person.

A. restored
B. rescinded
C. created
D. proved
E. belied

2. The author presumably believes that all businessmen are _________, for her main characters, whatever qualities they may lack, are virtual paragons of _________.

A. clever . . . ingenuity
B. covetous . . . greed
C. virtuous . . . deceit
D. successful . . . ambition
E. cautious . . . achievement

3. Lacking sacred scriptures or __________, Shinto is more properly regarded as a legacy of traditional practices and basic values than as a formal system of belief.

A. followers
B. customs
C. dogma
D. relics
E. faith

4. Male sperm whales are normally _________ creatures; however, when they are jealously guarding their territory, they have been known to _______ ships.

A. docile . . . attack
B. aggressive . . . strike
C. large . . . assault
D. peaceful . . . ignore
E. powerful . . . assail

5. Her charisma was a double-edged sword; in her friends, it aroused both admiration and __________.

A. envy
B. laudation
C. equanimity
D. obstinacy
E. affection

Sentence Completion Answers & Explanations

1. E
Callous means unfeeling, uncaring, but if this person has concern for the earthquake victims, her reputation must be an unfounded one, so the correct choice will mean contradicted or proved false. This is one of the meanings of belied, correct choice E. B, rescinded is the second best answer. It means revoked or withdrawn, but you don't say that a reputation is rescinded. A, C, and D are the opposite of what we're looking for — they don't make sense in this context.

2. A
The author mentioned in this sentence believes that businessmen are models of some quality; whatever qualities they may lack implies that whatever bad points they possess, there's this one particular good thing about them. All of this should lead you to A — if an author's main characters are businessmen, and if they're all paragons of "ingenuity" (meaning inventively talented), one could easily be led to the presumption that the author thinks all businessmen are "clever."

Several of the wrong answers play off your possible biases about people in the business world, B being the most blatant in that regard. That choice is tempting only because an author's use of many "greedy" businessman characters might suggest that the author thinks all businessmen are "covetous." But labeling businessmen as greedy contradicts the sense of "whatever qualities they may lack" — as we noted, we need a positive quality (also, paragons of greed is awkward). One who is morally upright or "virtuous" C would hardly be a paragon of "deceit" (lying, falseness). Characters possesing great "ambition", D, wouldn't necessarily make one presume that the author believes all such people are "successful," since ambition and success in a field don't always go hand in hand; and there's even less connection between businessman characters who demonstrate great "achievement", E, and a conclusion that, in the author's opinion, all businessmen are "cautious."

3. C
We're looking for something that goes with sacred scriptures and implies a formal system of belief, but something whose absence doesn't rule out a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. We can eliminate choices A, B, and E because if Shinto lacked followers, customs, or faith it wouldn't be a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. Relics, D, are sacred objects but relics don't make something a formal system of beliefs. The best choice is C — a dogma is a formal religious belief.

4. A
The first blank here will be filled with a word that describes what type of creatures male sperm whales normally are. The word "however" between these clauses indicates that a contrasting point will be made — these whales are normally something, but sometimes can be different. A clue in the second clause helps us figure this one out. In the second clause, we learn that something happens when the whales are jealously guarding their territory. They probably act agressively or violently when guarding their territory, so the first blank will be a contrast to this. It must suggest that whales are not normally violent. The second blank will be filled with a word that tells us what the whales do to ships when are are guarding their territory.

A good prephrase for this answer would be "these whales are normally peaceful creatures; however when guarding their territory, they have been known to sink ships.

Starting with the first blank, two choices look good right away, A and D. A also looks good for the second blank, while the second word in D is the opposite of what we need. Quickly checking the other choices, we see that B the words aren't contradictory, and we need words that are opposite in meaning. C and E can be eliminated because each is a descriptive word that relates to the whale's physical characteristics rather than its temperament. So the answer is A.

5. A
A major sign here is the semicolon between the two clauses, signaling a continuation or consistency between the two parts. If her charisma is a double-edged sword, then it has contrasting points — good aspects and bad. The clause after the semicolon will elaborate on or give an example of these conflicting sides. In the second clause, we find that even in those who like her, her charisma arouses admiration, which would be the good side of the sword, and something else, which must be the bad side. This blank must be filled with a negative word.

A prephrase here might be: "Her charisma provoked both admiration and dislike in her friends."

Only two choices here have negative meanings, A and D. A makes the most sense since charisma could easily invoke envy in others. D, obstinacy, is negative as well but means stubbornness; this answer does not make sense in the sentence. The remaining choices can be ruled out because they are positive in meaning, so the answer is A.

gre- verbal

2008-06-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

1. Legerdemain - A show of skill or deceitful cleverness; the use of skillful tricks and deceptions to produce entertainingly baffling effects.
2. Martinet - A strict disciplinarian, especially in the armed forces; one who demands absolute adherence to forms and rules.
3. Pelf - Wealth or riches, especially when dishonestly acquired
4. Impecunious - Lacking money; penniless
5. Eulogy - A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died; high praise or commendation
6. Saga - Epic tale, long story; a long detailed report
7. Repugnant - Arousing disgust or aversion; offensive or repulsive; bad, obnoxious; hostile; offensive to the mind
8. Proffer - To offer for acceptance; tender; suggest, offer; to put before another for acceptance
9. Countenance - Appearance, especially the expression of the face; face or facial features; look or expression indicative of encouragement or of moral support; give sanction or support to; tolerate or approve; disposition of the facial features that conveys meaning, feeling, or mood
10. Placebo - A substance containing no medication and prescribed or given to reinforce a patient’s expectation to get well; inactive substance or preparation used as a control in an experiment or test to determine the effectiveness of a medicinal drug; something of no intrinsic remedial value that is used to appease or reassure another; service or office of vespers for the dead
11. Excoriate - To tear or wear off the skin of; abrade; censure strongly; denounce; make (the skin) raw by or as if by friction; criticize harshly and devastatingly; criticize very severely
12. Burgeoning - To put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; sprout; grow or develop rapidly; flourish
13. Inexplicable - Difficult or impossible to explain or account for; beyond comprehension, explanation; which cannot be explained or understood
14. Pedestrian - A person traveling on foot; a walker; lacking liveliness, charm, or surprise
15. Aggrievance - Oppression; hardship; injury; grievance; feeling distress or affliction; treated wrongly; offended; treated unjustly, as by denial of or infringement upon one’s legal rights; very distressed; feeling burdened
16. Invigorating - Producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigor; stimulating; imparting strength and vitality
17. Panorama - An unbroken view of an entire surrounding area; comprehensive presentation; a survey; picture or series of pictures representing a continuous scene, often exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled and passed before the spectator; mental vision of a series of events; building containing an exhibit of an extended pictorial representation of landscape or some event of note; usually depicted of a large, wide area; clear and open view in all directions
18. Insalubrious - Not promoting health; unwholesome; not sustaining or promoting health; detrimental to health
19. Prate - To talk idly and at length; chatter; utter idly or to little purpose; empty, foolish, or trivial talk; talk long and foolishly; babble, blather; talk volubly, persistently, and usually inconsequentially
20. Dissolute - Lacking moral restraint; indulging in sensual pleasures or vices; immoral; Indulgent in vice