Context clues

Question 1

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The hiker had to RATION her water, drinking only a few sips every hour to make it last.

• A. waste
• B. heat up
• C. share out in limited amounts
• D. throw away

Question 2

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The city's population has BURGEONED, doubling in just ten years.

• A. moved away
• B. grown rapidly
• C. stayed the same
• D. fallen sharply

Question 3

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? Leila was so ENGROSSED in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell ring three times.

• A. confused
• B. annoyed
• C. bored
• D. completely absorbed

Question 4

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The scientist's claim was met with SCEPTICISM; several colleagues asked to see her data before they would accept it.

• A. doubt
• B. applause
• C. anger
• D. confusion

Question 5

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The town was DESOLATE after the factory closed: shops were boarded up and the streets were empty.

• A. busy and lively
• B. empty and gloomy
• C. noisy
• D. modern

Question 6

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The negotiations reached an IMPASSE: neither side would compromise, and the talks were suspended.

• A. an agreement
• B. a celebration
• C. a short break
• D. a situation where no progress is possible

Question 7

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The hiker had to RATION her water, drinking only a few sips every hour to make it last.

• A. throw away
• B. waste
• C. heat up
• D. share out in limited amounts

Question 8

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? Tom's apology seemed PERFUNCTORY; he mumbled it without looking up from his phone.

• A. very long
• B. written down
• C. done without real care or interest
• D. heartfelt

Question 9

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? He gave an EVASIVE answer, changing the subject whenever anyone asked where he had been.

• A. honest and direct
• B. avoiding the question
• C. loud
• D. detailed

Question 10

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The city's population has BURGEONED, doubling in just ten years.

• A. fallen sharply
• B. stayed the same
• C. moved away
• D. grown rapidly

Question 11

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? After three days without rain, the plants in the greenhouse began to WILT, their leaves drooping towards the soil.

• A. change colour
• B. flower
• C. become limp and droop
• D. grow taller

Question 12

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The city's population has BURGEONED, doubling in just ten years.

• A. stayed the same
• B. grown rapidly
• C. moved away
• D. fallen sharply

Question 13

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The detective found the witness's story IMPLAUSIBLE; nobody could run five kilometres in four minutes.

• A. well told
• B. true
• C. very detailed
• D. hard to believe

Question 14

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? Tom's apology seemed PERFUNCTORY; he mumbled it without looking up from his phone.

• A. heartfelt
• B. written down
• C. very long
• D. done without real care or interest

Question 15

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The hiker had to RATION her water, drinking only a few sips every hour to make it last.

• A. share out in limited amounts
• B. waste
• C. heat up
• D. throw away

Question 16

Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? Tom's apology seemed PERFUNCTORY; he mumbled it without looking up from his phone.

• A. written down
• B. heartfelt
• C. very long
• D. done without real care or interest