The pair of shoes (was/were) left at the door.

Notes within a song that are played softly (creates/create) a soothing atmosphere.

Furthermore, intense workouts and strict diets for quick weight loss attempted without medical advice (does/do) not promote sustainable health.

The tendency of checking your phone frequently (indicates/indicate) that you may be avoiding something.

The news about the election (is/are) shocking.

Infer the meaning of the word Cynical based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: She narrowed her eyes, questioning whether the promise was genuine. Paragraph 2: Because she suspected hidden motives, she avoided joining the plan. Paragraph 3: While many accepted the story, Nora doubted every detail.

Infer the meaning of the word Impractical based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: She sighed, knowing the plan looked elegant on paper but ignored budget constraints. Paragraph 2: Because the materials required were unavailable, the design collapsed before beginning. Paragraph 3: While simpler alternatives worked smoothly, this idea failed under basic scrutiny.

Infer the meaning of the word Disingenuously based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Although she smiled politely, her carefully crafted compliment concealed irritation. Paragraph 2: Because he pretended agreement to avoid conflict, his praise felt hollow. Paragraph 3: While genuine gratitude carries warmth, his words rang false beneath the polished surface.

Infer the meaning of the word Medium based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: The artist blended the pigments using water as the connecting element. Paragraph 2: Because the radio waves passed through the metal plate, it acted as a carrier. Paragraph 3: While some materials blocked signals, this one transmitted them.

Infer the meaning of the word Indistinct based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Through the fog, she could barely make out the shape moving ahead. Paragraph 2: Because the recording was muffled, listeners struggled to identify the speaker. Paragraph 3: While some images were crisp, this one faded into a blur.

Infer the meaning of the word Spectacle based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: The fireworks burst across the sky, leaving everyone speechless. Paragraph 2: Because the parade was enormous, crowds gathered everywhere. Paragraph 3: While some scenes went unnoticed, this one demanded attention.

Infer the meaning of the word Eclipse based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Her speech was so powerful that the earlier presentation seemed forgettable by comparison. Paragraph 2: Because the new model performed flawlessly, it overshadowed the older design. Paragraph 3: While the first painting drew attention, the second drew even more, stealing the spotlight.

Infer the meaning of the word Corroborated based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Relief washed over her when a second witness supported her account, matching every detail she provided. Paragraph 2: Because laboratory tests echoed the initial findings, the researchers documented shared conclusions. Paragraph 3: While early rumors lacked confirmation, later evidence aligned perfectly with the original story.

Infer the meaning of the word Array based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: The drawer was filled with tools arranged by size. Paragraph 2: Because the museum gathered artifacts from many cultures, visitors saw diverse objects. Paragraph 3: While one exhibit showed one item, the next offered a wide set.

Infer the meaning of the word Dispersed based on the context clues provided in the paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Papers flew in all directions when the wind swept through the room. Paragraph 2: Because the crowd left quickly, people spread across the streets. Paragraph 3: While one group stayed clustered, the rest scattered widely.

Public-health researchers compared infection trends across districts during an outbreak. Only districts that received a new vaccine showed a sharp decline in cases, while neighboring districts without the vaccine saw continued increases. Other conditions remained stable. Proposed Conclusion: The sharp decline in infections was caused by the vaccine rather than unrelated environmental factors. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

A memoirist stated in interviews that her book captures emotional truth rather than a complete factual record of her childhood. Some students, assuming memoirs must include every important event, criticized her for excluding certain family conflicts. Proposed Conclusion: Such students may believe the author intentionally concealed key events to mislead readers. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

Biologists studied bird foraging techniques in two urban parks and compared them with rural populations. Despite different food availability, urban birds used nearly identical strategies to their rural counterparts. Proposed Conclusion: These foraging strategies are likely innate rather than shaped primarily by local food conditions. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

A team studied whether earthy odors are perceived differently by groups with varying exposure to soil-rich environments. Participants from rainforests, deserts, and urban regions all rated the same earthy odors as similarly pleasant or unpleasant. Proposed Conclusion: These results challenge the idea that cultural environment determines pleasantness judgments of earthy odors. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

A marketing firm surveyed visitors at an upscale international travel expo. Most respondents ranked personalized travel itineraries as their top priority. Many attendees reported traveling abroad several times per year and paying premium fees. Proposed Conclusion: Most consumers prefer personalized travel itineraries over affordable travel packages. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

Behavioral studies show captive primates exhibit less variability than wild primates, making small captive samples occasionally more predictive. Lockard’s captive gorilla study used small samples, but Goodall’s wild chimpanzee study used large samples and found high variability. Proposed Conclusion: Lockard’s sample is too small and variable to represent wild populations. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

A historical documentary uses dramatized reenactments to depict events for which no footage exists. Some viewers mistakenly believe reenactment scenes are literal recordings of real events. Proposed Conclusion: Such viewers may conclude the actors failed to express genuine emotion, since they believe the scenes depict real individuals’ experiences. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

A study tested whether feedback style affects essay improvement. Over eight weeks, all students improved equally regardless of whether feedback was handwritten, typed, or audio. Proposed Conclusion: The study does not support the idea that feedback style affects writing improvement. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

Foresters noted fungal disease spreading in several forest patches. Laboratory tests showed the fungus colonizes weakened trees more readily. Satellite moisture maps indicated affected patches had experienced prolonged drought. No unusual insect activity was recorded. Proposed Conclusion: Drought stress is the primary factor that enabled the fungal outbreak. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?

Studies of captive versus wild primates disagree about handedness prevalence. Captive samples are often evaluated individually and fall below minimum sample size requirements, whereas wild studies contain distinct social groups. Proposed Conclusion: The available studies cannot meaningfully determine whether captivity truly increases right-handedness. Question: Is the proposed conclusion logically correct?