The gymnast's agile movements helped her win the competition. What does "agile" mean?

   a) Slow and careful

   b) Quick and graceful

   c) Strong and powerful

   d) Clumsy and awkward

Sarah has a chronic cough that won't go away. In this sentence, "chronic" means:

   a) Temporary

   b) Severe

   c) Long-lasting

   d) Contagious

As summer ended, the number of tourists began to dwindle. "Dwindle" most likely means:

   a) Increase

   b) Decrease gradually

   c) Remain the same

   d) Arrive suddenly

 Mr. Johnson is known for his eccentric behavior and unusual outfits. What does "eccentric" suggest?

   a) Ordinary and normal

   b) Strange and unusual

   c) Angry and upset

   d) Shy and quiet

The new student seemed to flounder during the first week of school. "Flounder" in this context means:

   a) Swim gracefully

   b) Struggle or be confused

   c) Excel in studies

   d) Make new friends quickly

The teacher had to impose stricter rules in the classroom. "Impose" most likely means:

   a) Remove

   b) Suggest

   c) Force or establish

   d) Ignore

The security guard was fired for being too lax in his duties. What does "lax" mean?

   a) Strict and careful

   b) Energetic and enthusiastic

   c) Not strict enough; careless

   d) Honest and trustworthy

The chef was meticulous in preparing the fancy meal. "Meticulous" most closely means:

   a) Quick and careless

   b) Very careful and precise

   c) Messy and disorganized

   d) Loud and boisterous

When asked sternly to help clean up, although he didn't want to, Tom felt obliged to say yes. What does "obliged" mean in this context?

    a) Forced or required

    b) Happy and excited

    c) Angry and upset

    d) Free to choose

There was a brief lull in the conversation when no one spoke. "Lull" in this sentence means:

   a) A period of excitement

   b) A moment of confusion

   c) A time of silence or calm

   d) An increase in noise

The small island nation was facing rising sea levels due to climate change. Its leaders worked tirelessly to bring attention to their plight on the global stage. Their advocacy led to increased international support for climate change mitigation efforts.

What is the central message of this paragraph?

a) Small island nations are vulnerable to climate change.

b) Rising sea levels are a consequence of global warming.

c) Persistent advocacy can lead to increased awareness and support for important issues.

d) International cooperation is necessary to address climate change.

Lisa had always been shy and avoided team sports. Her teacher encouraged her to try out for the school's debate team. To her surprise, Lisa discovered she had a talent for public speaking and enjoyed the collaborative aspect of debate.

What is the central message of this paragraph?

a) Debate is a good activity for building confidence.

b) Teachers play an important role in guiding students.

c) Trying new experiences can lead to unexpected discoveries about oneself.

d) Team activities are beneficial for shy students.

The old neighborhood park had fallen into disrepair over the years. A group of local teenagers decided to organize a cleanup and renovation project. Their efforts inspired the whole community to get involved, transforming the park into a vibrant gathering place.

What is the central message of this paragraph?

a) Parks require regular maintenance to stay in good condition.

b) Teenagers can make positive contributions to their community.

c) Community involvement can transform neglected spaces.

d) Renovation projects are often expensive and time-consuming.

"Sarah nervously approached the podium, her hands shaking as she gripped her speech. She took a deep breath, remembering all the practice she had done. As she began to speak, her confidence grew with each word, and by the end, she felt proud of herself for overcoming her fear."

What is the main theme of this paragraph?

   a) The importance of public speaking

   b) Overcoming fear and building confidence

   c) The value of preparation

   d) The pressure of performing in front of others

The company may be liable for damages caused by their faulty product.

    What does "liable" mean in this sentence?

    a) Excited

    b) Responsible

    c) Unaware

    d) Pleased

Passengers jostle for space on the crowded subway during rush hour.

   What does "jostle" mean in this sentence?

   a) Wait patiently

   b) Push and shove

   c) Stand still

   d) Move slowly

The chef decided to incorporate local ingredients into his new recipe.

   What does "incorporate" mean in this sentence?

   a) Remove

   b) Avoid

   c) Include

   d) Cook separately

Despite the challenges, the team vowed never to forsake their goals.

   What does "forsake" mean in this sentence?

   a) Abandon

   b) Achieve

   c) Remember

   d) Celebrate

Sarah was elated when she learned she had won the science fair.

   What does "elated" mean in this sentence?

   a) Extremely happy

   b) Deeply saddened

   c) Mildly interested

   d) Completely confused

The class president will delegate tasks for the upcoming school dance.

   What does "delegate" mean in this sentence?

   a) Cancel

   b) Assign to others

   c) Perform personally

   d) Postpone

The hiking trails converge at the summit of the mountain.

   What does "converge" mean in this sentence?

   a) Separate

   b) End abruptly

   c) Come together

   d) Become steeper

The excited fans created a clamor as their favorite band took the stage.

   What does "clamor" mean in this sentence?

   a) A loud noise

   b) A peaceful atmosphere

   c) A round of applause

   d) A moment of silence

The cowboy sat astride his horse, ready to begin the cattle drive.

   What does "astride" mean in this sentence?

   a) Beside

   b) With one leg on each side

   c) In front of

   d) Behind

 "Despite the censorship, some information still reached the public." Here, "censorship" refers to:

    a) Spreading news quickly

    b) Restricting information

    c) Encouraging free speech

    d) Writing news articles

 "The archaeologist searched for artifacts in the rural desert." In this context, "rural" means:

    a) Populated

    b) Simple/Remote/Country

    c) Tropical

    d) Urban

"The mystery novel was full of intrigue." What does "intrigue" suggest in this context?

    a) Boredom

    b) Simplicity

    c) Excitement and secrecy

    d) Sadness

"She liked to embellish her stories with exciting details." What does "embellish" mean?

   a) Shorten

   b) Simplify

   c) Decorate or exaggerate

   d) Forget

"The benevolent king always helped the poor in his kingdom." What does "benevolent" suggest about the king?

   a) Cruel

   b) Kind

   c) Wealthy

   d) Powerful

In the sentence "The farmer lived in a rural area with few neighbors," what does "rural" mean?

   a) Crowded

   b) Urban

   c) Countryside

   d) Noisy

 "The lawyer carefully reviewed the contract before signing it." In this sentence, a "contract" is:

    a) A type of pen

    b) A legal document

    c) A court decision

    d) A business card