Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted word

Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match

When you describe an event as “transient,” you are saying that __________.

a. it sounds like a train
b. it is quite harmful
c. it helps you win
d. it doesn't last long

 Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music

A dispute is a __________.

a. musical instrument
b. choice of music
c. discovery
d. disagreement

 When they heard the good news about the court’s decision, the angry crowd cheered and then began to disperse. “It looks like everyone is going home,” one reporter stated.

Which would be the opposite of “disperse”?

a. come together
b. smile
c. fly like a bird
d. sing

 It’s a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions

What does “distinct” mean

a. needing a bath
b. dishonest
c. clearly different
d. about the same age

Over time, our memories degrade, as we forget portions of events. To

compensate, we may even creatively fill in the gap created by the

recession of long-term memory. Additionally, an individual’s memory can

be altered during the storage stage by intervening occurrences,which can

in memory distortion. In sum, our memories may not be the

indisputable source of information that we would like them

a. People purposefully present a slanted version of events

b. Memories can be altered at any point in memory creation

c. People naturally cannot recall everything they observe

d. Memories are an indisputable source of fact

e. Time and emotion contribute to memory degradation

f. Past occurrences often displace current memories

combustion of coal, petroleum, or natural gas heats water to make steam

The steam rotates a shaft that is connected to a generator that produces

conveyed from the turbine to its place of use. Many sources can provide

steam turbines is through nuclear power. In nuclear fission, atoms of

uranium fuel are hit by neutrons, triggering a continuous chain of fission

electricity in the United States. Solar power produces less than 1 percent

using fossil fuels. Dependence on electricity permeates daily

life in the United States. Still, few people are aware of the

many components of electricity production

What does the author say about solar power

a. It produces more electricity than any other source

b. It is a relatively small source of energy for heating water in steam

c. Electricity producers are trying to use it more regularly

d. Researchers are trying to make it cheaper to use

In the passage, the word transformer probably refers to a

a. truck

b. generator that produces electricity

c. type of turbine

d. device that changes electric currents

 Read the passage

support. From installation of software to detection of viruses, computers

require constant vigilance. Most larger companies find it most expeditious

them assign the task of computer maintenance to a current employee

have derived their skills through practice and self-training. These selfappointed

What’s more, they may see their office relations corrode when they are

freelance technical assistant who circulates among clients on an as-needed

innovative solutions to users’ unique needs, which could vary from

tracking inventory to simulating mechanized processes. They can

implement new programs, train personnel, and escape the workplace

Which sentence best expresses the essential information of this passage

a. Larger companies are better off using freelance technical consultants.

b. Computer maintenance and troubleshooting cuts into employee

c. Self-trained technical support personnel are often as effective as

d. Smaller companies may benefit from hiring occasional technical

 The article implies that the question How do I cut and paste a file? is

a. too basic to require professional attention

b. a good question to give to in-house tech support

c. appropriate for a freelancer to address

d. a good topic for a training program