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Cpe Vocabulary – Quiz 1
Cpe Vocabulary Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of idiomatic language, preposition usage to convey relationships between ideas, and vocabulary comprehension in context. It covers topics such as CPE Vocabulary: Illustration and Representation, English idioms and expressions, and legal vocabulary in context.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
"Altercation" is .....
A) A short and noisy argument.
B) An alternative.
C) An exchange.
D) An opinion.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Altercation" refers to a short and noisy argument, which aligns with Option A. This term specifically describes a heated exchange of words often marked by anger or hostility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Altercation" indeed means a short and noisy argument.
Option B:
Incorrect. An alternative refers to something that can be used instead, not an argument.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "altercation" does involve an exchange, it is specifically about the nature of this exchange being a noisy and heated argument.
Option D:
Incorrect. An opinion refers to a personal view or judgment, not a type of verbal conflict.
2.
Falling house prices are illustrative ..... the crisis facing the construction industry.
A) To.
B) About.
C) For.
D) Of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "falling house prices are illustrative of the crisis facing the construction industry" uses "of" to show that falling house prices provide an example or representation of a broader issue, which is the crisis in the construction industry. This usage indicates that one phenomenon (falling house prices) exemplifies another (the crisis).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To" typically introduces purpose or direction and does not fit grammatically here.
Option B:
"About" suggests a topic of discussion but doesn't connect the falling prices to being an example of the crisis directly.
Option C:
"For" is often used to indicate reason or purpose, which isn't appropriate in this context.
Option D:
"Of" correctly indicates that falling house prices are a manifestation or example of the broader issue (the crisis).
3.
She paid for both of us and I ..... her when we got home.
A) Weighed up.
B) Set against.
C) Settled up with.
D) Made up for.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Settled up with" is the correct answer because it means to pay someone for a shared expense, which fits the context of her paying for both of you and your subsequent action when getting home.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Weighed up - This phrase typically means to consider or evaluate something carefully. It does not fit the context of paying.
Option B:
Set against - This phrase is used to compare two things, often in a negative way. It does not fit the context of payment.
Option C:
Settled up with - Correct. This means to pay someone for an expense shared between you both.
Option D:
Made up for - This phrase implies compensating or rectifying a wrong, which does not fit the context of payment for expenses.
4.
"Placate" is a synonym to .....
A) Infuriate.
B) Place.
C) Please.
D) Appease.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Placate" means to calm someone by giving in to their demands or complaints, often used when dealing with an angry person. The correct answer is
D) Appease
, as "appease" also refers to calming anger or hostility through concessions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Infuriate - means to make someone extremely angry, opposite of placate.
Option B:
Place - has no relation to the meaning of placate.
Option C:
Please - means to make happy or satisfied, not necessarily in response to anger.
Option D:
Appease - means to calm by making concessions, similar to placate.
5.
It's a rather ..... novel and certainly not an easy read.
A) Plentiful.
B) Dense.
C) Filled.
D) Inundated.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "dense" is correct because it implies that the novel contains complex ideas, detailed descriptions, or a challenging writing style, making it not an easy read. This aligns with the description provided in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Plentiful - suggests abundance but does not imply difficulty in reading.
Option B:
Dense - indicates complexity or intricacy, fitting the context of a challenging read.
Option C:
Filled - too general and does not convey the sense of difficulty implied by "not an easy read."
Option D:
Inundated - suggests overwhelming quantity but not necessarily complexity or difficulty in reading.
6.
Contrary ..... what the public was told, weapons were still being exported.
A) Against.
B) To.
C) From.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correct because the phrase "contrary to" means in opposition to or against what was stated. This indicates that the actual situation contradicts the information given to the public.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Against - While similar, "against" typically implies a more direct opposition and is less commonly used with "contrary."
Option B:
To - Correct. "Contrary to" means in opposition or against what was stated.
Option C:
From - Incorrect. This preposition does not fit the context of opposing information.
Option D:
About - Incorrect. This preposition is used for topics or subjects, not to indicate opposition.
7.
To say you believe something will happen in the future
A) Conjecture.
B) Prophesy.
C) Incite.
D) Enliven.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Prophesy refers to predicting future events based on divine inspiration, often associated with religious contexts. In modern usage, it can also mean a prediction of the future, which aligns well with saying you believe something will happen in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Conjecture means forming an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence; not specifically about predicting the future.
Option B:
Prophesy correctly refers to a prediction of future events, making it the right choice for expressing belief in something happening in the future.
Option C:
Incite means to provoke or stimulate action; not related to predicting the future.
Option D:
Enliven means to make more lively or interesting; unrelated to predictions of the future.
8.
It took James some time to find ..... employment when he left college.
A) Advantageous.
B) Gainful.
C) Indulgent.
D) Privileged.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Gainful" is the correct answer because it means productive, useful, or profitable employment, which fits well in the context of James finding some form of work after leaving college, even if not ideal.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Advantageous" suggests something beneficial or favorable, but does not necessarily imply that it is a job.
Option B:
"Gainful" means productive or profitable work, which accurately describes employment in this context.
Option C:
"Indulgent" refers to being overly generous or lenient and does not fit the context of employment.
Option D:
"Privileged" suggests having special advantages or rights, which is not relevant here.
9.
When nuclear power is manufactured, it is ..... in metal cans.
A) Encased.
B) Housed.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "encased" accurately describes the process of placing nuclear materials in metal cans to ensure safety and containment during manufacturing and transportation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Encased" means enclosed or surrounded, which fits the description of nuclear power being placed inside metal cans.
Option B:
Incorrect. While "housed" can mean to contain, it is not as precise in this context compared to "encased."
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is the correct answer.
10.
It's important to be ..... in replying to letters and messages.
A) Impulsive.
B) Quick.
C) Prompt.
D) Abrupt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Prompt.
Being prompt means responding in a timely manner, which is crucial for maintaining good communication and showing respect to the sender of the letter or message.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Impulsive - This refers to acting without careful thought, not necessarily related to timing.
Option B:
Quick - While this can be close, it often implies speed rather than the timely nature of a prompt response.
Option C:
Prompt - This accurately describes responding in a timely manner as required for good communication practices.
Option D:
Abrupt - This means sudden or unexpected, which is not related to the context of timely responses.
11.
His personal life was ..... with dramatic contradictions.
A) Inundated.
B) Plentiful.
C) Filled.
D) Dense.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "filled" is the correct answer because it accurately conveys that his personal life was occupied with a variety of dramatic contradictions, emphasizing the abundance and presence of these contradictions within his life.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Inundated - While this could imply being overwhelmed by something, it does not specifically convey the sense of being filled or containing many elements.
Option B:
Plentiful - This suggests a large quantity but lacks the connotation of being filled with specific elements like contradictions.
Option C:
Filled - Correct. It directly indicates that his life was full of dramatic contradictions, making it the most appropriate choice.
Option D:
Dense - This could imply a high concentration but does not as effectively convey the idea of being filled with specific elements like contradictions.
12.
"Wrangle" is .....
A) An argument.
B) A meeting.
C) A party.
D) An opinion.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Wrangle" is a verb that means to handle, manage, or control something, often with difficulty. It can also refer to the process of preparing and organizing data in a database or spreadsheet, which aligns with its use as an argument for managing information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Wrangle" refers to handling or controlling something, often used in contexts like managing data or livestock.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Wrangle" does not mean a meeting.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Wrangle" is not synonymous with a party.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Wrangle" does not refer to an opinion.
13.
I think I would prefer a salad ..... a cooked meal today.
A) To.
B) And.
C) For.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I think I would prefer a salad
To
a cooked meal today" is grammatically correct and makes sense in context. The word "To" indicates preference, which fits the intended meaning of the statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates preference.
Option B:
Incorrect. "And" would imply a conjunction rather than a choice.
Option C:
Incorrect. "For" is typically used to introduce a reason or purpose, not preference.
Option D:
Incorrect. "With" suggests accompaniment, which does not fit the context of preference.
14.
To encourage someone to do smth unpleasant
A) Arouse.
B) Enliven.
C) Incite.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Incite.
The verb "incite" means to encourage or stimulate someone to do something, often something that may be unpleasant or controversial. For example, a politician might incite the public to protest against a new policy.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Arouse - This means to awaken interest or emotion but does not necessarily imply encouraging someone to do something unpleasant.
Option B:
Enliven - This means to make more lively, interesting, or attractive. It does not fit the context of encouraging someone to do an unpleasant task.
Option C:
Incite - Correct as explained above.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "incite" is the appropriate choice.
15.
When they advertised the job, they were ..... with applications.
A) Dense.
B) Plentiful.
C) Inundated.
D) Filled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Inundated.
This word means to be overwhelmed by a large amount of something, which fits the context of receiving many job applications.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dense - refers to being thick or compact, not relevant here.
Option B:
Plentiful - means there is an abundance but does not imply overwhelming amounts.
Option C:
Inundated - correctly conveys the idea of receiving a large number of applications, often more than can be easily managed.
Option D:
Filled - implies simply having enough or being full, but does not convey the sense of an overwhelming amount.
16.
He is ..... to blame other people.
A) Impulsive.
B) Quick.
C) Abrupt.
D) Prompt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "He is quick to blame other people" suggests that the person tends to attribute issues or mistakes to others without much consideration, indicating a prompt and immediate reaction to find fault in others rather than taking responsibility himself.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Impulsive - Not necessarily accurate as "impulsive" implies acting without thought, which is not the primary focus here.
Option B:
Quick - Correct. This option accurately describes someone who reacts swiftly to blame others, often without thorough consideration.
Option C:
Abrupt - While this could imply a sudden action, it does not specifically capture the idea of blaming others immediately.
Option D:
Prompt - Similar to "quick," but less precise in conveying the immediate nature of finding fault in others.
17.
"parsimonious" means .....
A) Mean.
B) Vulgar.
C) Gloomy.
D) Amoral.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"parsimonious" means stingy or frugal in the use of money, resources, or words. The correct answer is A) Mean because it aligns with the definition of being economical and not wasteful, which can also imply a stingy attitude towards spending.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Parsimonious individuals are often seen as mean due to their careful handling of resources.
Option B:
Incorrect. Vulgar refers to something coarse or offensive, not economical.
Option C:
Incorrect. Gloomy describes a state of being sad or dark in appearance, unrelated to economy.
Option D:
Incorrect. Amoral means lacking moral principles, which is not related to the concept of being frugal or economical.
18.
Treacherous = dangerous
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "treacherous" is synonymous with "dangerous." It describes something that is likely to cause harm, deceit, or injury, making it inherently dangerous.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Treacherous" and "dangerous" share the same meaning in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "False" would imply that these words do not have similar meanings, which is incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, but only A is accurate.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the given options.
19.
Look before you .....
A) Jump.
B) Leap.
C) Spring.
D) Vault.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Look before you leap" is a common English idiom that means one should carefully consider the consequences of an action before taking it. The verb "leap" fits perfectly here as it implies making a hasty decision or action, which contrasts with the careful consideration suggested by the idiom.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Jump - While similar to leap, jump is less formal and often used in a more literal sense. It does not fit as well into the context of the idiom.
Option B:
Leap - Correct. This verb aligns with the meaning of making a hasty decision that should be carefully considered first.
Option C:
Spring - While it can mean to jump, it is not as commonly used in this context and does not fit as well into the idiom's meaning.
Option D:
Vault - This verb typically refers to a specific type of jump or leap, often in sports. It is too specific for the general meaning of the idiom.
20.
Laura had a lot to ..... during her childhood.
A) Contend with.
B) Grow up with.
C) Live by.
D) Face with.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Contend with" is the correct choice because it implies dealing with challenges, difficulties, or problems that one must overcome. This phrase fits well in describing Laura's childhood experiences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Contend with: Implies dealing with challenges or difficulties.
Option B:
Grow up with: Indicates accompanying someone during their growth, not necessarily about facing issues.
Option C:
Live by: Refers to living according to a principle or rule, not suitable for this context.
Option D:
Face with: While similar in meaning, "contend with" better captures the struggle and effort involved.
21.
Oil companies have been accused of ..... in the pollution of the ocean.
A) Reconciling.
B) Bickering.
C) Acquiescing.
D) Antagonising.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Acquiescing means to agree or consent, especially in a reluctant or unwilling manner. In the context of oil companies being accused of pollution, "acquiescing" implies that they are agreeing or consenting to the pollution without taking necessary actions to prevent it, which fits the scenario well.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Reconciling means to make peace or come to an agreement. This does not fit the context of being accused of pollution.
Option B:
Bickering refers to petty quarreling, which is not relevant here as it implies a dispute rather than agreeing to harmful actions.
Option C:
Acquiescing means to agree or consent reluctantly. This fits the context of oil companies being accused of pollution by implying they are agreeing to the pollution without taking action against it.
Option D:
Antagonising means to provoke or irritate, which does not fit the context as it implies causing conflict rather than agreeing to harmful actions.
22.
This fake story is indicative ..... the strained times we are trying so hard to survive.
A) To.
B) Of.
C) For.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "of" is used to show that the fake story exemplifies or represents the strained times they are trying to survive through. This usage indicates a relationship of illustration or representation, which fits the context well.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To - Incorrect as it does not fit the grammatical structure needed for this sentence.
Option B:
Of - Correct. It indicates that the fake story represents or illustrates the strained times they are trying to survive through.
Option C:
For - Incorrect as it would imply a purpose, which is not what the sentence conveys.
Option D:
About - While this can sometimes be used, "of" better captures the illustrative relationship in this context.
23.
I don't think you were justified ..... fuss about the service.
A) To have made.
B) To make.
C) In making.
D) For making.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "I don't think you were justified in making a fuss about the service" uses the preposition "in," which indicates an action that was done. This aligns with Option C, "In making," as it correctly conveys the idea of the justification for the action taken.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To have made" is incorrect because it suggests a completed action with a sense of obligation or necessity that does not fit the context.
Option B:
"To make" implies an intention to perform an action, which is not appropriate in this sentence structure.
Option C:
"In making" correctly indicates the action taken and its justification, fitting the sentence's meaning.
Option D:
"For making" would imply a reason or purpose for the action, which is not the intended meaning here.
24.
He omens didn't look good when the ..... explorers had to jump-start their old bangers to reach the end of the street.
A) Trifling.
B) Intrepid.
C) Prudent.
D) Upredictable.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Intrepid means brave and adventurous, especially in dangerous situations. The sentence describes explorers who had to start old vehicles to reach their destination, implying a challenging situation. "Intrepid" fits well as it suggests the explorers were courageous despite the unfavorable omens.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Trifling means unimportant or trivial; does not fit the context of brave adventurers.
Option B:
Intrepid fits well as it describes brave and adventurous explorers facing a challenging situation.
Option C:
Prudent means careful and sensible, which doesn't match the adventurous spirit implied by "explorers."
Option D:
Unpredictable means not able to be foreseen or anticipated; does not describe the explorers' qualities.
25.
Lawyers would be exempt ..... reporting information learned through confidential communication with clients
A) To.
B) For.
C) From.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) From.
The phrase "be exempt from" means to be allowed not to do something, in this case, reporting information learned through confidential communication with clients. This is the standard construction used in legal contexts to indicate an exemption.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To - Incorrect as it does not fit grammatically or logically.
Option B:
For - Incorrect as it does not fit grammatically or logically.
Option C:
From - Correct, meaning lawyers are exempt from reporting such information.
Option D:
About - Incorrect as it does not fit grammatically or logically.
26.
The accidental ..... of four listed buildings near the city centre caused a huge outcry and the manager of the building company was jailed for three months.
A) Disruption.
B) Squashing.
C) Demolition.
D) Injuring.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "demolition" is the most appropriate choice because it refers to the act of tearing down or destroying buildings, which aligns with the context of four listed buildings being destroyed near the city centre. The other options do not fit: "disruption" implies a disturbance but does not involve physical destruction; "squashing" suggests flattening something small and flat, not typically used for large structures like buildings; and "injuring" refers to harm to people or animals, not to buildings.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Disruption - implies a disturbance but does not involve physical destruction of buildings.
Option B:
Squashing - suggests flattening something small and flat, not typically used for large structures like buildings.
Option C:
Demolition - refers to the act of tearing down or destroying buildings, fitting the context perfectly.
Option D:
Injuring - refers to harm to people or animals, not to buildings.
27.
Sometimes, we don't appreciate the ..... pleasures of life such as a beautiful sky, a cup of coffee with a friend or seeing a good film at the cinema.
A) Normal.
B) Simple.
C) Sheer.
D) Plain.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Simple.
The phrase "simple pleasures" is a common idiom used to describe basic, everyday joys that do not require much effort or expense. It fits well in the context of the sentence, which talks about appreciating ordinary but enjoyable aspects of life.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Normal" does not fit as well because it implies something routine and unremarkable, rather than joyful.
Option B:
"Simple" is correct for the idiom "simple pleasures," which means basic joys in life.
Option C:
"Sheer" suggests pure or complete, but does not fit the context of everyday enjoyment.
Option D:
"Plain" means simple and unadorned, but it is less commonly used to describe pleasures compared to "simple."
28.
A very strong wind
A) Gale.
B) Storm.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A very strong wind is correctly classified as a
gale
. A gale refers to winds with speeds between 39-54 miles per hour (63-87 kilometers per hour), which are significantly stronger than a breeze but not as severe as a storm.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Gale accurately describes a very strong wind.
Option B:
Incorrect. While storms involve strong winds, they also include heavy rain or snow and other severe weather conditions which are not implied by "a very strong wind."
Option C:
Incorrect. A storm involves more than just a strong wind; it includes heavy precipitation and often lightning, hail, or tornadoes.
Option D:
Incorrect. The description fits the term 'gale' accurately.
29.
Come to the .....
A) Deliverance.
B) Salvation.
C) Relief.
D) Rescue.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Rescue.
The phrase "Come to the rescue" is a common idiom in English, meaning to help someone who is in danger or difficulty. This expression fits naturally into contexts where assistance is needed urgently.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Deliverance refers to saving someone from harm but does not fit as well with the urgency implied by "rescue."
Option B:
Salvation implies a spiritual or moral rescue, which is too specific and less common in everyday usage.
Option C:
Relief can mean to ease someone's suffering but does not convey the immediate action of helping someone who needs urgent assistance as "rescue" does.
Option D:
Rescue fits perfectly, as it directly means coming to help someone in danger or difficulty.
30.
They talked non-stop for the entire flight about their ..... jobs in excruciating detail and in annoyingly loud voices.
A) Essential.
B) Trivial.
C) Lenient.
D) Mundane.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Mundane means ordinary, uninteresting, and repetitive. The context of the sentence suggests that the jobs being discussed were boring and not exciting, which aligns with the meaning of "mundane." Therefore, "D) Mundane" is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Essential - This implies the jobs are crucial or necessary, but the sentence describes them as uninteresting.
Option B:
Trivial - While this could mean insignificant, it doesn't fit well with "in excruciating detail" and "annoyingly loud voices."
Option C:
Lenient - This means lenient or forgiving, which is unrelated to the context of jobs being discussed.
Option D:
Mundane - Correct. It fits well with the description of uninteresting and repetitive jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of CPE vocabulary in English language learning?
CPE vocabulary helps learners prepare for the Cambridge Proficiency Exam by enhancing their ability to use advanced and specialized words, phrases, and expressions that are relevant to various contexts, including job applications and complex writing.
How does CPE vocabulary differ from general English vocabulary?
CPE vocabulary focuses on more sophisticated terms and expressions that are typically used in formal or academic settings, whereas general English vocabulary covers a broader range of everyday language use.
Why is the phrase "look before you leap" important for CPE vocabulary?
The phrase "look before you leap" encourages careful consideration and planning, which are valuable skills in writing essays or making arguments that require depth and precision. It highlights the importance of thorough analysis before taking action or forming opinions.
How can CPE vocabulary help with future prediction?
CPE vocabulary includes terms that are useful for discussing and predicting future trends, outcomes, or scenarios. This skill is particularly important in writing tasks where learners need to express foresight and make informed predictions based on current information.
What does "parsimonious vocabulary" mean in the context of CPE preparation?
Parsimonious vocabulary refers to using words and expressions precisely and economically, avoiding unnecessary or overly complex language. This approach is crucial for clear and effective communication in CPE exams.