Here are the solutions to the vocabulary questions, choosing the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word:
11. It was callous of you to have turned down the poor man's request.
Callous means showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
- A. heartless: lacking compassion or sensitivity.
- B. stupid: lacking intelligence.
- C. rude: impolite.
- D. skilful: having or showing skill.
The closest meaning is heartless.
The final answer is A
12. After a long walk the travelers suddenly saw lights blazing ahead.
Blazing means burning fiercely or shining brightly.
- A. burning: on fire.
- B. shining: emitting or reflecting light.
- C. glowing: emitting a steady light without flame.
- D. beaming: radiating light or warmth.
The most direct synonym for lights blazing is burning.
The final answer is A
13. John said nothing during the meeting; he just sat there fuming.
Fuming means expressing or feeling great anger, especially in a silent or suppressed way.
- A. thinking: the process of considering or reasoning about something.
- B. lonely: sad because one has no friends or company.
- C. mumbling: saying something indistinctly and quietly.
- D. angry: feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
The closest meaning is angry.
The final answer is D
14. The employees hated him because he often abused his authority.
Abused means used (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misused.
- A. insulted: spoke to or treated with disrespect or scornful abuse.
- B. misdirected: guided wrongly.
- C. misapplied: applied wrongly.
- D. exaggerated: represented (something) as being larger, better, or worse than it really is.
Misapplied is the closest synonym for using authority improperly.
The final answer is C
15. The minister abridged his speech since he had to leave early.
Abridged means shortened, especially a text or speech.
- A. shortened: made or became shorter.
- B. hurried: moved or acted with great speed.
- C. abandoned: ceased to support or look after (someone); deserted.
- D. stopped: ceased to move or operate.
The closest meaning is shortened.
The final answer is A
16. For rescuing the boy, the policewoman was promoted for her gallantry.
Gallantry means courageous behavior, especially in battle.
- A. generosity: the quality of being kind and understanding.
- B. bravery: courageous behavior.
- C. risk: a situation involving exposure to danger.
- D. duty: a moral or legal obligation.
The closest meaning is bravery.
The final answer is B
17. Nora's goal was to become a doctor.
Goal means the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
- A. intention: a thing intended; an aim or plan.
- B. vision: the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.
- C. ambition: a strong desire to do or achieve something.
- D. mission: an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes, typically abroad.
Intention is the closest synonym for a specific aim or desired result.
The final answer is A
18. Our staff was very proud when the school clinched all the prizes.
Clinched, in a competitive context, means to win or secure (something) definitively.
- A. took: laid hold of (something) with one's hands; grasped.
- B. won: be victorious in (a contest or game).
- C. possessed: had as property; owned.
- D. cornered: forced (an opponent or quarry) into a position from which there is no escape.
The closest meaning is won.
The final answer is B
19. Mamie complains that her husband often relegates her to the position of a housemaid.
Relegates means assigns to a lower position or rank.
- A. compares: estimates, measures, or notes the similarity or dissimilarity between.
- B. relates: makes a connection between.
- C. forces: makes (someone) do something against their will.
- D. reduces: makes smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Reduces is the closest in meaning, as relegating someone to a lower position implies a reduction in status.
The final answer is D
20. There is no vacancy so the company no longer recruits staff.
Vacancy means an unoccupied position or job.
- A. position: a place where someone or something is located or has been put.
- B. opening: a job or position that is available.
- C. room: space that can be occupied or where something can be done.
- D. place: a particular position or point in space.
The closest meaning for a job context is opening.
The final answer is B