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Toefl Vocabulary – Quiz 1
Toefl Vocabulary Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and usage of TOEFL vocabulary in context, including synonyms, verb tenses, and cell membrane function. It covers a range of skills such as recognizing synonyms, comprehending verb meanings, and applying vocabulary to specific scenarios.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
The primitive sculpture is dated to ancient Greece ..... 1, 300 BC.
A) Discount.
B) Apprentice.
C) Circa.
D) Austere.
E) Biography.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "circa" is used to indicate an approximate date, which fits the context of dating a sculpture to ancient Greece around 1,300 BC without specifying an exact year.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Discount - Irrelevant to indicating dates.
Option B:
Apprentice - Refers to a beginner in a trade or profession, not related to dating sculptures.
Option C:
Circa - Correct term for approximate dating.
Option D:
Austere - Describes something severe and unadorned, unrelated to dates.
Option E:
Biography - A written account of a person's life, not related to dating artifacts.
2.
Something ..... is definite and specific.
A) Mediate.
B) Definite.
C) Concrete.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Concrete means something that is real, solid, and tangible. It fits the description of being definite and specific as it refers to things that can be perceived through the senses.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mediate does not mean to be definite or specific; it means to act as a mediator between parties.
Option B:
Definite is correct but less fitting than concrete because it only implies certainty without the added sense of tangibility and reality that "concrete" brings.
Option C:
Concrete accurately describes something definite and specific, as it refers to real, tangible things.
Option D:
None of above is incorrect since option C is correct.
3.
His parents tried to ..... him not to quit his job.
A) Surround.
B) Address.
C) Buffer.
D) Authorize.
E) Coerce.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "coerce" means to force someone to do something by using pressure, threats, or other means. In the context of the sentence, it makes sense that parents would try to use some form of pressure (such as emotional or financial) to prevent their child from quitting a job.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Surround - This verb is not appropriate in this context. It means to encircle or be close to something.
Option B:
Address - While this can mean to speak to someone, it does not fit the context of trying to prevent an action.
Option C:
Buffer - This term typically refers to creating a barrier between two things and is not relevant here.
Option D:
Authorize - This means to give permission or approval, which does not fit the context of trying to prevent an action.
Option E:
Coerce - This verb fits perfectly as it implies using pressure or force to prevent someone from quitting their job.
4.
It is the role of the parents to ..... values and beliefs into their children.
A) Hierarchy.
B) Heritage.
C) Forage.
D) Inscription.
E) Instill.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Instill is the correct answer because it means to firmly establish a belief, principle, or habit in someone by repeated instruction or practice. This aligns with the role of parents who aim to deeply embed values and beliefs into their children through consistent teaching.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hierarchy - refers to an order of rank or seniority; not related to establishing beliefs.
Option B:
Heritage - means the traditions, customs, and values passed down from one's ancestors; while relevant, it does not capture the active process of teaching.
Option C:
Forage - means to search for food or resources; unrelated to establishing beliefs in children.
Option D:
Inscription - refers to writing or engraving on a surface; not applicable here.
Option E:
Instill - correctly conveys the idea of deeply embedding values and beliefs through repeated instruction.
5.
The word handful in the passage is closest in meaning to
A) Majority.
B) Two.
C) Surplus.
D) Minority.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "handful" in the context of the passage refers to a small number or a few items, which aligns with the meaning of "minority," representing a smaller part of a whole compared to "majority."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Majority - This is incorrect as "handful" implies a small amount rather than most.
Option B:
Two - This is too specific; "handful" can refer to more or fewer items than two.
Option C:
Surplus - This means an excess, which does not match the meaning of a small amount.
Option D:
Minority - Correct. It indicates a smaller part compared to the majority.
6.
Adj. commonplace, current, popular, usual
A) Veracious.
B) Aggravate.
C) Prevalent.
D) Eradicate.
E) Impervious.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Prevalent.
The word "prevalent" means widely spread or common, which aligns with the adjective "commonplace." It accurately describes a situation where something is usual and widespread.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Veracious refers to being truthful; it does not match the meaning of "commonplace," "current," "popular," or "usual."
Option B:
Aggravate means to make worse or more severe, which is unrelated to commonality.
Option C:
Prevalent accurately describes something that is widespread and common, matching the meaning of "commonplace."
Option D:
Eradicate means to destroy completely; it does not fit with the concept of something being usual or widespread.
Option E:
Impervious means resistant or immune to a particular action, which is unrelated to commonality.
7.
Citric acid gives citrus fruit their ..... taste.(A) temperate (B) toxic (C) tart
A) A.
B) B.
C) C.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer commonly found in citrus fruits, giving them their tart taste. Therefore, the correct answer is C) C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Temperate refers to climate conditions, not related to fruit flavors.
Option B:
Toxic means poisonous or harmful, which does not describe a taste in food.
Option C:
Tart describes the sharp, tangy flavor of citric acid found in citrus fruits.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since option C is correct.
8.
Inflation has started to ..... Prices have been going up dramatically.
A) Disappear.
B) Decrease.
C) Accelerate.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Accelerate.
Inflation refers to a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money over time. When inflation starts to accelerate, it means that the rate at which prices are rising is increasing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Disappear - This does not make sense as inflation involves an increase in prices.
Option B:
Decrease - This would imply deflation, a decrease in prices, which contradicts the given context of dramatic price increases.
Option C:
Accelerate - This correctly describes the situation where prices are going up dramatically at an increasing rate.
Option D:
None of above - Not applicable as one correct option exists.
9.
Peachtree Street is the main ..... in Atlanta. (A) triumph (B) thoroughfare (C) tilt
A) A.
B) B.
C) C.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) B.
"Thoroughfare" refers to a main street or road that serves as the primary route for traffic, which accurately describes Peachtree Street in Atlanta.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Triumph means a victory or success. It does not fit the context of describing a street.
Option B:
Thoroughfare is correct as it refers to a main road or street, fitting the description of Peachtree Street in Atlanta.
Option C:
Tilt means an inclination or slant. It does not relate to describing a street.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since option B is correct.
10.
Since man is able to tap such resources as oil and metals, why can't he develop and ..... other energy resources?
A) Harness.
B) Amend.
C) Scores.
D) Profound.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Harvest" in this context means to utilize or make use of resources, which fits well with the idea of developing and using other energy sources after tapping oil and metals. The verb "harness" is appropriate here as it conveys the action of controlling or utilizing a resource effectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Harness" means to use or control, fitting well with developing other energy resources.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Amend" means to change or improve by making alterations, not relevant here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Scores" is a noun meaning a large number, not an action verb related to resource development.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Profound" means deep or serious, not an action verb for developing resources.
11.
Despite a shared national identity, the states in the U.S. are not culturally .....
A) Engender.
B) Dissident.
C) Entity.
D) Homogeneous.
E) Contest.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Homogeneous.
The term "homogeneous" means uniform in structure, composition, or character throughout. Despite a shared national identity, the states in the U.S. exhibit significant cultural diversity and differences, making them not homogeneous.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Engender - To cause or produce (a feeling, attitude, etc.). Irrelevant to the context of cultural uniformity.
Option B:
Dissident - Disagreeing with an established opinion or authority. Not related to cultural composition.
Option C:
Entity - A distinct and independent being or thing. Does not describe cultural uniformity or diversity.
Option D:
Homogeneous - Uniform in structure, composition, or character throughout. Correct as it contrasts with the diverse nature of U.S. states' cultures.
Option E:
Contest - To challenge someone to a competition or to dispute something. Not relevant to cultural uniformity.
12.
Cells have thin ..... that act as barriers.
A) Membrane.
B) Kinship.
C) Juvenile.
D) Legitimate.
E) Instill.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Cells have thin
membrane
that act as barriers. Membranes are selectively permeable layers surrounding cells, controlling what enters and exits the cell.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Cell membranes serve as selective barriers.
Option B:
Incorrect. Kinship refers to family relationships, not cellular structures.
Option C:
Incorrect. Juvenile means young or immature, unrelated to cell structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. Legitimate pertains to being proper or authentic, not a cellular component.
Option E:
Incorrect. Instill means to put in by drops or to implant firmly, irrelevant to cell structures.
13.
Capable of replacing or changing places with something else; permitting mutual substitution without loss of function or suitability
A) Similar.
B) Significant.
C) Major.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "capable of replacing or changing places with something else; permitting mutual substitution without loss of function or suitability" describes a situation where one item can be interchanged for another without affecting the overall performance or quality. This definition aligns perfectly with the word "similar," as it implies that both items share enough common characteristics to be interchangeable.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Similar" means alike in essential respects, which fits the description of being able to replace or substitute each other without loss.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Significant" implies importance or relevance but does not necessarily mean that one can be substituted for another.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Major" refers to something of great importance, which is unrelated to the concept of substitution.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option suggests no correct answer among the given choices.
14.
Some hunters use ..... to hunt.
A) Droplets.
B) Speard.
C) Measles.
D) Scatter.
E) Cunning.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is B) Speard. In hunting contexts, "spears" are commonly used as a traditional and effective tool for catching prey. The term "Speard" is likely a misspelling or variation of "spear," which fits the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Droplets - Not related to hunting tools.
Option B:
Speard - Correct term for a hunting tool, likely meant to be "spear."
Option C:
Measles - A disease, not a hunting tool.
Option D:
Scatter - Not a specific hunting tool.
Option E:
Cunning - A strategy or quality, not a physical tool.
15.
The price ..... dinner, bed, and breakfast
A) Lies.
B) Includes.
C) Receives.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "includes" is correct because it accurately describes the relationship between the price and the services mentioned (dinner, bed, and breakfast). When something includes these items, it means they are part of the total cost.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Lies - Incorrect. "Lies" does not describe a relationship of inclusion.
Option B:
Includes - Correct. This accurately describes that the price covers all mentioned services.
Option C:
Receives - Incorrect. "Receives" implies an action by the recipient, which is not relevant here.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
16.
These dates are particularly ..... to heat.
A) Insulate.
B) Rug.
C) Prevail.
D) Susceptible.
E) Imperial.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "susceptible" means likely to be affected by something, especially in a weak way. In the context of the sentence, it makes sense to say that certain dates are particularly susceptible to heat, implying they are more likely to be influenced or affected by high temperatures.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Insulate means to protect from heat or cold by covering with a material. This does not fit the context of being affected by heat.
Option B:
Rug is an object, not a descriptor for how dates relate to heat.
Option C:
Prevail means to be successful in achieving something or to become stronger and more powerful. This does not fit the context of being affected by heat.
Option D:
Susceptible, as explained, fits perfectly with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option E:
Imperial refers to relating to an empire or its ruler. It is unrelated to the context of heat.
17.
A relation such that one thing is dependent on another
A) Function.
B) Issue.
C) Income.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A relation where one thing is dependent on another is correctly described by the term "Function" in this context, as it indicates a dependency relationship between variables or entities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Function describes a situation where one variable (dependent) changes based on another variable (independent).
Option B:
Incorrect. Issue refers to a problem or topic, not a dependency relationship.
Option C:
Incorrect. Income is a measure of money received and does not describe a dependency relation.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
18.
What's the meaning of Epitome?
A) To give something as an honor or present.
B) A perfect example of something.
C) To avoid or escape from someone or something.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "epitome" refers to a perfect example of something, which aligns with Option B. It is used to describe someone or something that represents the essence or complete form of a particular quality or type.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option suggests giving something as an honor or present, which does not match the definition of "epitome."
Option B:
Correct. An epitome is indeed a perfect example of something.
Option C:
This implies avoiding or escaping from someone or something, which is unrelated to the meaning of "epitome."
Option D:
Incorrect as Option B accurately describes the term.
19.
They ..... ( move) their furniture when they ..... (hear) a loud noise.
A) Was moving / heard.
B) Moved / heard.
C) Were moving / heard.
D) Are moving / hear.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Were moving / heard.
In this sentence, the past continuous tense "were moving" indicates an action that was in progress at a particular time in the past. The simple past tense "heard" describes a completed action that occurred at the same time as the ongoing movement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "was moving" is not used with plural subjects.
Option B:
Incorrect because both verbs are in simple past tense, which does not convey the idea of an action that was ongoing at a specific moment.
Option C:
Correct as explained above.
Option D:
Incorrect because "are moving" is used for present continuous and does not fit the context of past events.
20.
His parents were disappointed when he ..... from his plan to attend college.
A) Cognitive.
B) Confidential.
C) Aura.
D) Deviate.
E) Confiscate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Deviate.
The verb "deviate" means to turn away from a course, plan, or topic. In this context, it fits well because the sentence implies that his parents were disappointed when he changed his plans (to attend college).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Cognitive - This term relates to mental processes and is not applicable here.
Option B:
Confidential - This means secret or private, which does not fit the context of changing a plan.
Option C:
Aura - This refers to an invisible atmosphere surrounding someone or something, irrelevant in this sentence.
Option D:
Deviate - Fits perfectly as it means to turn away from a course or plan, which is what the sentence describes.
Option E:
Confiscate - This means to take possession of someone's property by authority, not relevant here.
21.
The ..... in the program were high school students.
A) Endeavors.
B) Donations.
C) Gardens.
D) Participants.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Participants" correctly fits the context of the sentence, indicating that high school students were involved in some program or activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Endeavors - This term refers to efforts or achievements and does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
Donations - This means contributions of money, goods, etc., which is unrelated to the sentence's context.
Option C:
Gardens - This noun describes a place for growing plants, which does not fit the context of people involved in a program.
Option D:
Participants - This term correctly refers to individuals who take part in an activity or program, making it the appropriate choice.
22.
While I ..... , it ..... to rain
A) Walked / started.
B) Was walk / started.
C) Was walking / started.
D) Was walking / was starting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Was walking / started.
This option uses the past continuous tense for "while I was walking" to indicate an ongoing action, and the simple past tense for "it started to rain" to denote a sudden change during that time. The other options are incorrect because:
- Option A uses the simple past tense for both clauses, which doesn't accurately represent the sequence of events.
- Option B incorrectly splits the verb form, using "was walk," which is not grammatically correct.
- Option D uses the past continuous tense for both actions, which would imply a more simultaneous or overlapping action rather than one event starting during another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Both verbs are in simple past tense, failing to capture the sequence of events.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Was walk" is not a proper verb form.
Option C:
Correct. Uses past continuous for ongoing action and simple past for sudden change.
Option D:
Incorrect. Both verbs are in past continuous, implying simultaneous actions rather than one starting during another.
23.
(of words) expressing closely related meanings
A) Individual.
B) Similar.
C) Significant.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "expressing closely related meanings" refers to words that have similar definitions or connotations, which is best described by the term "Similar."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Individual - This option does not fit as it means separate or distinct.
Option B:
Similar - This correctly describes words with closely related meanings.
Option C:
Significant - This term refers to importance or relevance, not similarity in meaning.
Option D:
None of above - Since "Similar" is the correct answer, this option is incorrect.
24.
A restaurant playing loud rock music can ..... older diners.
A) Advent.
B) Transaction.
C) Transient.
D) Abode.
E) Alienate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "alienate" means to make someone feel distant, unfriendly, or unconnected. Loud rock music can make older diners feel uncomfortable and disconnected from the environment, thus alienating them.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Advent - Introduction; does not fit context.
Option B:
Transaction - Exchange or business deal; irrelevant here.
Option C:
Transient - Temporary, short-lived; does not capture the feeling of disconnection.
Option D:
Abode - Dwelling place; unrelated to the context.
Option E:
Alienate - Make someone feel distant or unfriendly; correct choice as explained.
25.
Even the best planners often ..... unseen problems when traveling abroad.
A) Depict.
B) Encounter.
C) Dexterity.
D) Demeanor.
E) Custody.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Encounter.
The verb "encounter" means to meet or come across, which fits well in the context of travelers unexpectedly facing problems abroad. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Depict - means to describe or represent visually or verbally; does not fit the context.
Option B:
Encounter - fits the context of unexpectedly meeting problems while traveling abroad.
Option C:
Dexterity - refers to skill and deftness, which is unrelated to facing problems.
Option D:
Demeanor - means behavior or bearing; does not fit the context.
Option E:
Custody - refers to legal control over someone or something; irrelevant here.
26.
In the desert, dry creek beds may turn into raging ..... after heavy rainstorms. (A) trickles (B) torrents (C) toils
A) A.
B) B.
C) C.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) B.
The term "torrent" accurately describes a large, fast-moving stream of water that can form in dry creek beds after heavy rainstorms. A torrent is characterized by its force and volume, making it the most fitting choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Trickles refer to small streams or drops of liquid, which do not accurately describe the rapid flow seen in a post-rainstorm creek bed.
Option B:
Torrents are large, fast-moving streams of water, perfectly describing the situation after heavy rainstorms in dry creek beds.
Option C:
Toils refer to hard work or labor, which is not relevant to the context of a stream of water.
Option D:
None of the above would be incorrect since "torrent" is the correct term.
27.
Obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service
A) Available.
B) Assume.
C) Assess.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term "obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service" directly aligns with the definition of
Available
. This means that something is not only obtainable but also currently in a state where it can be used immediately.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Available. Correct. The term "available" precisely captures the idea of being both accessible and ready for use.
Option B:
Assume. Incorrect. This implies making an assumption, which is not related to the state of readiness or accessibility.
Option C:
Assess. Incorrect. This means to evaluate or judge something, which does not fit the context of being ready for use.
Option D:
None of above. Incorrect. Since "Available" is a correct option, this choice is incorrect.
28.
The players force the opponents to pay exorbitant rents and fees. Opponents mean?
A) Competitors.
B) Ally.
C) Friends.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the context of a game, particularly in board games like Monopoly where players aim to control properties and force opponents into paying high rents, "opponents" refers to competitors who are trying to win by outmaneuvering each other. Thus, Option A (Competitors) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Opponents in this context mean competitors.
Option B:
Incorrect. Allies do not compete against each other.
Option C:
Incorrect. Friends typically do not engage in competitive games where one wins at the expense of another.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option is correct, making "None of above" false.
29.
The intelligence director spent hours reading the ..... messages sent by his spies.
A) Bona fide.
B) Aeronautics.
C) Commission.
D) Cryptic.
E) Even.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Cryptic.
The term "cryptic" means obscure, mysterious, and difficult to understand. In the context of intelligence messages sent by spies, these messages would likely be coded or written in a way that only certain individuals can comprehend, making them cryptic.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Bona fide means genuine or authentic, which does not fit the context of mysterious or coded messages.
Option B:
Aeronautics is related to air travel and flight, irrelevant to the context of intelligence messages.
Option C:
Commission refers to an official charge or a group appointed for a specific task, not suitable in this context.
Option D:
Cryptic fits perfectly as it describes coded or obscure messages that require decoding.
Option E:
Even means equally or to the same degree, which is unrelated to the context of intelligence messages.
30.
Fees ..... according to duration, the longer the course, the higher the tuition.
A) Raise.
B) Vary.
C) Change.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) Raise. The sentence states that fees increase with the duration of the course, meaning they raise as the length increases.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fees increase according to duration, which means they raise.
Option B:
Vary suggests different levels but doesn't necessarily imply an increase with duration.
Option C:
Change is too vague and does not specifically indicate an increase in fees.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since option A correctly describes the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of learning Toefl Vocabulary?
The purpose of learning Toefl Vocabulary is to enhance your ability to understand and use English effectively in academic settings, particularly for those preparing to take the TOEFL exam. It helps improve reading comprehension, writing skills, and overall language proficiency.
How can I apply Toefl Vocabulary in real-life situations?
Toefl Vocabulary can be applied by incorporating new words into your daily conversations, reading materials, and writing tasks. For example, using terms like 'approximate dating' or 'thoroughfare' in context can help you communicate more precisely and effectively.
Why is it important to learn synonyms and related terms?
Learning synonyms and related terms enriches your vocabulary by providing alternative expressions for the same or similar meanings. This can make your writing more varied and nuanced, which is beneficial in both academic and professional contexts.
How does Toefl Vocabulary differ from general English vocabulary?
Toefl Vocabulary focuses on words that are commonly used in the TOEFL exam and academic texts. While it overlaps with general English vocabulary, it emphasizes terms relevant to test-taking strategies and higher-level language use.
What is the best way to study Toefl Vocabulary?
The best way to study Toefl Vocabulary involves regular practice through flashcards, reading academic texts, and writing exercises. Consistent exposure and application of new words in various contexts will help reinforce your understanding and retention.