VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT 1
Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for the underlined words

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!”
The word “extensive” means __________.
A) costing a lot of money
B) large amount
C) having no color
D) not enough

6. Friendship is a priceless thing. If Chris put a price, or conditions, on her friendship, it’s no longer priceless. In fact, it’s not real friendship at all!
If something is priceless, __________.
A) it has a missing tag
B) it has no value
C) it has great value
D) it is made out of rice

7. The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again?
A fabrication is __________.
A) made of cloth
B) full of long words
C) funny
D) fake

8. The reporter insisted that the letter he used was authentic. He said that he had shown it to many experts before he used it in his story.
When something is authentic, it’s __________.
A) genuine, or real
B) carefully written
C) full of tasty worms
D) very old

9. In 1975, Governor James promised to do something about the high taxes in our state. She didn’t present a tax cut bill to lawmakers until 1985. It took her a decade to keep her promise, but better late than never.
How long is a decade?
A) 75 years
B) 85 years
C) a century
D) 10 years

Ryan is a great inventor. However, I don’t think that his latest invention, edible socks, is likely to be too successful. Not many people want to eat socks. There are some things in life that should remain inedible.

10. Which word in the passage means “fit to be eaten”? edible
11. Which word in the passage means “not fit to be eaten”? inedible

Marsha is really an introvert. When I took her to Jason’s party, she sat in a corner without speaking to anyone. All she did was eat most of the snacks. The only reason she hangs out with me is because I never try to force her to be sociable. She would never forgive me if I introduced her to anyone.
12. An introvert is usually _____.
A) friendly
B) hungry
C) unclean
D) shy

Sunshine said, “Amber, why are you making such a big deal about Robert’s hair? Yes, he did dye it purple. It is rather unusual for a guy to have purple hair. On the other hand, it’s not exactly going to change the course of world history. It’s really quite a trivial matter.”
13. What does “trivial” mean?
A) strange
B) unimportant
C) disgusting
D) dangerous

14. Both sides in the election contest are throwing accusations at each other. The Gore supporters claim that Governor Bush is trying to thwart the will of the people. The Bush supporters say that Mr. Gore is trying to create votes or assign choices to people who did not really cast votes for president.
What does “thwart” mean?
A) help
B) figure out
C) block
D) tickle
15. There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out. Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.
What does “expedite” mean?
A) quicken
B) agree on
C) sue
D) discuss

16. The Florida legislature believes that it has the power to choose the winner of the election if the courts haven’t finished their work by December 12. Both houses are controlled by Republicans and they would surely resolve the matter in Bush’s favor.
What does “resolve” mean?
A) cancel
B) consider
C) debate
D) setle

17. The election could actually end up being decided in the U.S. Congress. Al Gore’s vice presidential running mate, Joe Lieberman, and perhaps Mr. Gore himself, would be able to vote on the matter. Some would argue that they should recuse themselves, but they would probably exercise their right to vote.
What does “recuse” mean?
A) step aside and not be involved
B) admit that you are wrong
C) leave the country
D) insist on being heard

18. If you count all the votes in an area that heavily supports candidate A, and only some of the votes in an area that heavily supports candidate B, you’ll skew the results in favor of candidate A.
What does “skew” mean?
A) roast
B) ignore
C) slant
D) ask

19. The home team made sure that the officials were on their side. They won a close game and the championship with many questionable decisions from the officials. However, no one from any other town would accept the winners as legitimate champions.
What does “legitimate” mean?
A) real
B) talented
C) sneaky
D) good looking

20. Some people believe that lawyers are always working to see that justice is done. On the other hand, some believe that lawyers only want to manipulate the legal system to get what they want. Could both sides be right?
What does “manipulate” mean?
A) control in a dishonest way
B) give help
C) teach about or explain
D) disagree with