When Theo asked the shopkeeper whether the old radio on the shelf still worked, the man's reply was [abrupt]: "No." He turned back to his ledger without another word or even a glance, and Theo stood at the counter wondering what he had said to offend him.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "abrupt" most nearly means curt and unfriendly / steep and jagged / sudden and surprising / loud and furious	curt and unfriendly — The one-word reply, the man turning away "without another word or even a glance," and Theo feeling he had offended him show the reply was curt and unfriendly. Theo had just asked a question, so a reply was expected, and nothing suggests shouting.
Unlike the lifelike portraits in the next gallery, the paintings in Room 4 are [abstract]: swirls of orange, jagged black lines, and floating squares that do not depict any person, place, or object. Visitors are invited to decide for themselves what moods the shapes suggest.  What does the word "abstract" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? difficult to understand / secretly removed / not showing real objects / short and summarized	not showing real objects — The paintings are contrasted with "lifelike portraits" and "do not depict any person, place, or object," so they show no recognizable things. Nothing says they are hard to understand; visitors simply interpret them freely.
The old ferry terminal was built in 1907, when only a few hundred passengers crossed the harbor each morning. Today its narrow waiting room cannot [accommodate] the thousands of commuters who arrive at rush hour, so many of them wait outside on the pier in the wind.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "accommodate" as it is used in the excerpt? provide room for / welcome warmly / do a favor for / grow used to	provide room for — The room is "narrow," was built for a few hundred people, and many commuters must "wait outside," so it cannot provide room for them. The excerpt is about space, not favors or friendliness.
Much of what historians know about the Blizzard of 1888 comes from the diary of a young telegraph operator. Her [account] describes snowdrifts taller than the elevated train platforms and neighbors digging tunnels between buildings so they could share bread and coal. Her pages are now kept in a climate-controlled vault at the city archive.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "account" most nearly means regular business customer / record of money in a bank / description of events / reason or explanation	description of events — The diary entry "describes snowdrifts" and neighbors tunneling, so it is a written description of what happened. Nothing in the excerpt involves money or customers.
The botanist was fascinated by the tiny alpine flowers that bloomed on the windswept ridge. Despite thin soil, freezing nights, and eight months buried under snow, the plants thrived each summer, as if [adversity] only made them hardier. Some of the oldest have survived on that ridge for more than a century.  What does the word "adversity" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? competition with rivals / sudden change / harsh conditions / careful protection	harsh conditions — The excerpt lists "thin soil, freezing nights, and eight months buried under snow," all harsh conditions. No rivals or protection are mentioned.
In the 1890s, [affluent] families built mansions along Fifth Avenue, each trying to outdo its neighbors with marble staircases and imported chandeliers. A few blocks east, immigrant families crowded into tenements where an entire apartment might share a single window. Many of those mansions were later torn down to make room for department stores.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "affluent" as it is used in the excerpt? generous / famous / wealthy / flowing	wealthy — Families who build mansions with marble and imported chandeliers, contrasted with crowded tenements, are wealthy. Nothing says they were famous or giving money away.
To develop film by hand, the photographer poured the chemicals into a small steel tank. Every thirty seconds she would [agitate] the tank, turning it upside down a few times so the liquid washed evenly over every inch of the film inside. Skipping this step could leave the finished pictures streaked and blotchy.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "agitate" most nearly means upset or annoy / heat gently / shake or stir / argue for change	shake or stir — She is "turning it upside down a few times so the liquid washed evenly," which means shaking it. A tank cannot be annoyed, and no heat is involved.
The city opened two new bus lines last spring, hoping to [alleviate] crowding on the subway's busiest route. So far, riders report that morning trains feel noticeably roomier, though evening rush hour remains as packed as ever. Transit officials plan to add a third line next year if funding allows.  What does the word "alleviate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? ease / explain / worsen / measure	ease — The new buses lead to trains that "feel noticeably roomier," so the goal was to ease the crowding, not measure or worsen it.
Grandpa never talked directly about the year he spent working on the fishing boats. Still, he would sometimes [allude] to it, mentioning "the cold season" or "the time I learned real knots," and then change the subject before anyone could ask a question. Only years later did the family learn the whole story from his old shipmates.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "allude" as it is used in the excerpt? describe in detail / lie about / hint at / escape from	hint at — Grandpa "never talked directly" about it and only gave vague phrases before changing the subject, so he hinted at it. That rules out describing it in detail, and nothing suggests he lied.
The donation arrived in a plain envelope: five hundred dollars for the library's new computer lab and a note that read only, "For the kids." The [anonymous] gift puzzled the librarians, who studied the postmark and the handwriting but never discovered who had sent it.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "anonymous" most nearly means enormous / unidentified / official / unwanted	unidentified — The librarians "never discovered who had sent it," so the giver was unidentified. The gift was welcome, not unwanted, and a plain envelope is not official.
The new rule seemed [arbitrary] to the players. No one could explain why helmets suddenly had to be blue instead of any other color, and the league offered no safety reason, budget concern, or tradition to justify the change. Several parents wrote to the league asking for an explanation, but none ever came.  What does the word "arbitrary" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? harmful to one team / lacking a reason / strictly enforced / carefully planned	lacking a reason — No one "could explain why," and the league offered "no safety reason, budget concern, or tradition," so the rule lacked a clear reason. Nothing says it harmed one team or was strictly enforced.
Maya knew exactly how the song made her feel, but when her music teacher asked her to [articulate] it, she stumbled. After a long pause, she finally explained that the slow cello line sounded like someone walking home alone in the rain. Her teacher smiled and wrote the phrase on the board.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "articulate" as it is used in the excerpt? put into words / join together / sing aloud / hide carefully	put into words — Maya struggles, then "finally explained" her feeling with a comparison, so the teacher wanted her to put it into words. She is not asked to sing or to join anything.
As a girl in rural Ohio, she watched airplanes cross the sky and began to [aspire] to a career no one in her town had ever pursued. By sixteen she was saving every dollar from her grocery-store job to pay for flying lessons. At twenty-three, she earned her pilot's license.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "aspire" most nearly means refuse to accept / hope to achieve / pretend to have / breathe deeply	hope to achieve — She saves "every dollar" for flying lessons, which shows she hopes to achieve a flying career. She is working toward it, not refusing it or pretending.
The lighthouse keeper's quarters were [austere]: a narrow cot, a wooden stool, and a single shelf holding one candle. There were no rugs, pictures, or curtains, and visitors were often surprised by how little the keeper seemed to need. He liked to say that the sea outside his window was decoration enough.  What does the word "austere" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? cold and damp / strict and harsh / old and crumbling / plain and bare	plain and bare — The room has only a cot, a stool, and a shelf, with "no rugs, pictures, or curtains," so it is plain and bare. The excerpt describes objects, not a strict person, and says nothing about dampness or decay.
When the magician pushed the long blades through the box, Leo could not bear to watch. He [averted] his eyes, staring at his sneakers until the audience's applause told him his little sister had stepped out of the box unharmed. Afterward, he admitted he had worried through the entire trick.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "averted" as it is used in the excerpt? squeezed shut / turned away / prevented / rubbed hard	turned away — Leo is "staring at his sneakers," so his eyes are open but turned away from the stage. He could not prevent anything with his eyes, and staring rules out squeezing them shut.
In the old tale, the king grew so angry at the jester's joke that he [banished] him from the kingdom. The jester packed his bells and his patched cloak and walked for forty days before reaching a land where no one knew his name. He never saw the castle's towers again.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "banished" most nearly means forced to leave / laughed at / hid away / fined heavily	forced to leave — The jester packs up and walks for forty days to a new land, so he was forced to leave. The king was angry, so he was not laughing, and no fine is mentioned.
Residents remember Mr. Okafor, the corner grocer, as a [benevolent] figure. During the winter of the long blackout, he handed out candles and canned soup to anyone who asked, refusing payment even from customers who insisted. When he finally retired, the block threw him a party that filled the entire street.  What does the word "benevolent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? strict but fair / kind and generous / quiet and shy / rich and powerful	kind and generous — Handing out candles and soup and "refusing payment" shows he was kind and generous. Nothing suggests strictness, power, or shyness.
Jada told everyone she felt calm about the audition. But her shaking hands, which rattled the sheet music as she waited backstage, [betrayed] her nervousness to anyone who looked closely. Her best friend, sitting in the front row, noticed right away and flashed her an encouraging thumbs-up.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "betrayed" as it is used in the excerpt? revealed / turned against / calmed / concealed	revealed — Her shaking hands showed "her nervousness to anyone who looked closely," so they revealed what she was hiding. Hands cannot be disloyal, and shaking hands neither conceal nor calm her nerves.
The new subway map [bewildered] the tourists. Three lines had been renamed overnight, two stations had been combined, and the colors no longer matched the signs in the tunnels, so the visitors stood frozen on the platform, turning the map in circles. Finally, a station agent walked over to help them.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "bewildered" most nearly means thoroughly confused / greatly amused / deeply angered / mildly bored	thoroughly confused — Renamed lines and mismatched colors leave the visitors "frozen" and "turning the map in circles," so they were thoroughly confused.
The kitchen knife had grown so [blunt] after years of daily use that it squashed the tomatoes instead of slicing them. Before dinner, Uncle Ray drew it across a sharpening stone again and again until the edge gleamed. His first cut through the next tomato was clean and effortless.  What does the word "blunt" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? outspoken / heavy / dull / crooked	dull — The knife "squashed the tomatoes instead of slicing them" and needed sharpening, so its edge was dull. A knife cannot be outspoken, and nothing says it was heavy or bent.
In a [candid] interview, the retired astronaut admitted that she had been terrified during her first launch and had nearly asked to be removed from the mission. "I've never told anyone that," she said with a laugh. The clip was shared widely that evening, and many viewers said her story made them feel braver.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "candid" as it is used in the excerpt? honest and open / formal and stiff / secretly recorded / brief and hurried	honest and open — She admits a fear she has "never told anyone," which shows the interview was honest and open. Laughing and sharing a private story rule out "formal and stiff."
Ms. Reyes has worked at the museum for twenty years, first as a tour guide and later as head of education. In her current [capacity] as director, she approves every new exhibit and meets with donors each month. Before any of that, she spent a summer sorting fossils in the basement.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "capacity" most nearly means role or position / natural talent / physical strength / greatest amount held	role or position — The excerpt traces her jobs, from tour guide to head of education to director, so "capacity" refers to her role or position. A person's job is not an amount something can hold.
Scientists believe that sixty-six million years ago, an enormous asteroid struck Earth near present-day Mexico. The [catastrophe] filled the sky with dust, cooled the planet for years, and wiped out roughly three-quarters of all plant and animal species. Life on Earth took millions of years to recover.  What does the word "catastrophe" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? terrible disaster / scientific discovery / gradual change / rare sighting	terrible disaster — An event that "wiped out roughly three-quarters" of all species is a terrible disaster. It happened suddenly when the asteroid struck, so it was not gradual.
For ninety years, the factory's whistle sounded at six every morning, waking the whole valley. It [ceased] in 1974, when the plant closed for good, yet older residents say they still wake at six, half expecting to hear it blowing. The old factory building now houses apartments and a bakery.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "ceased" as it is used in the excerpt? stopped / moved away / grew louder / changed pitch	stopped — The whistle ended "when the plant closed for good," and residents only half expect to hear it now, so it stopped.
Long before recycling bins appeared on every corner, Ms. Alvarez [championed] the idea at community meetings. She wrote letters to the newspaper, collected signatures door to door, and spoke at City Hall until the program was finally approved. Today the city collects more than a million tons of recyclables each year.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "championed" most nearly means argued in favor of / invented on her own / doubted openly / won a contest with	argued in favor of — Writing letters, collecting signatures, and speaking at City Hall "until the program was finally approved" show she argued in favor of the idea. No contest is described, and nothing says she invented it.
The neighborhood's [chronic] flooding is no surprise to longtime residents. Every spring for the past thirty years, the creek has spilled over its banks, and many families now keep sandbags stacked in their garages year-round. The city has promised a new drainage system, but construction keeps getting delayed.  What does the word "chronic" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? lasting and recurring / discovered only recently / mild and harmless / sudden and violent	lasting and recurring — The creek has flooded "every spring for the past thirty years," so the problem is long-lasting and repeated, not sudden or new.
After the town's only public pool closed for repairs, the summer brought a growing [clamor] from parents for a new one. Petitions circulated at every playground, letters flooded the mayor's office, and at last the council agreed to fund construction. The new pool is scheduled to open next June.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "clamor" as it is used in the excerpt? angry physical fight / secret plan / noisy crowd scene / strong public demand	strong public demand — Petitions and letters that "flooded the mayor's office" until the council acted show a strong public demand. The excerpt describes written requests, not a noisy scene or a fight.
The kitten had hidden under the porch for two days. Each evening Noor sat nearby with a dish of tuna, speaking softly and inching the bowl closer, until she finally [coaxed] the frightened animal into the open. Within a week, the kitten was sleeping at the foot of Noor's bed.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "coaxed" most nearly means sternly scolded / forcefully pulled / quickly chased / gently persuaded	gently persuaded — Noor speaks "softly" and patiently inches the food closer over several evenings, so she gently persuaded the kitten. Nothing about her approach is forceful or stern.
After finishing the marathon in record heat, the exhausted runner was barely [coherent]. When reporters asked how she felt, she mumbled half-sentences about her shoes and the color of the sky before medics led her into a shaded tent. After an hour of rest and cold water, she was laughing and joking with her coach.  What does the word "coherent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? feeling cheerful / breathing normally / standing upright / speaking clearly	speaking clearly — She "mumbled half-sentences" that did not answer the question, so she was barely able to speak clearly and sensibly. The clue is about her words, not her posture or mood.
This year the marathon will [coincide] with opening day of the street fair, and police are warning drivers to expect closures on dozens of avenues as runners and food stalls share the city that Sunday. Officials suggest that visitors take the subway instead of driving into the city.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "coincide" as it is used in the excerpt? occur together / be called off / compete for attention / be merged into one	occur together — Runners and food stalls "share the city that Sunday," so the two events happen at the same time. They remain separate events, and nothing is canceled.
The ceremony will [commence] at precisely ten o'clock, when the brass band strikes up the first march. Guests who arrive after that will have to wait outside the gym doors until the procession of graduates has passed. Printed programs will be handed out at the entrance.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "commence" most nearly means begin / pause / be rehearsed / end	begin — The ceremony starts "when the brass band strikes up the first march," and latecomers must wait, so "commence" means begin.
The nurse's [compassion] was clear to every patient on the ward. She learned the names of their grandchildren, stayed late to hold the hand of a frightened boy before surgery, and never once made anyone feel like a burden. Years later, many of those patients still send her cards.  What does the word "compassion" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? strict discipline / caring sympathy / boundless energy / medical skill	caring sympathy — Holding a frightened boy's hand and never making anyone "feel like a burden" show caring sympathy. None of her actions are about medical skill or strictness.
Before buying the game, check the box carefully. Older consoles are not [compatible] with the new discs, and players who try to use them will see only an error message on a blank screen. The company plans to release an adapter for older machines sometime next year.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "compatible" as it is used in the excerpt? friendly with others / able to work together / cheaper than expected / similar in color	able to work together — Using the new discs in old consoles produces "only an error message," so the two cannot work together. The excerpt is about machines functioning, not color, friendship, or price.
Because the young pitcher could not throw as hard as his teammates, he learned to [compensate] with clever placement, sending curveballs to the corners of the strike zone where batters could barely reach them. By his senior year, he proudly led the league in strikeouts.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "compensate" most nearly means make up for a weakness / complain about it / practice repeatedly / pay someone money	make up for a weakness — He cannot throw hard, so he uses clever placement instead, making up for a weakness. No money is involved, and he does not complain.
After winning eleven games in a row, the team grew [complacent]. Players skipped extra practices, arrived late to film sessions, and seemed shocked when an underdog opponent beat them by twenty points. After the loss, the coach canceled the team's day off and ordered extra drills.  What does the word "complacent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? openly angry / secretly nervous / overly self-satisfied / deeply exhausted	overly self-satisfied — After a winning streak, the players stopped working hard and were shocked to lose, which shows they were overly self-satisfied. Skipping practice shows a lack of effort, not exhaustion.
The building inspector gave the restaurant owner thirty days to [comply] with the new fire codes. By the deadline, sprinklers had been installed, the exit signs were lit, and the kitchen vents had been cleaned, so the restaurant was allowed to stay open. The inspector signed the final report with a smile.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "comply" as it is used in the excerpt? argue against / follow the rules / study carefully / pay a fine for	follow the rules — The owner installed sprinklers and fixed everything by the deadline, so he followed the codes and could stay open. He did not argue or pay a fine.
The new guidebook is the most [comprehensive] ever written about the city's parks. It covers all 1,700 of them, from tiny triangle plazas to vast green spaces in the outer boroughs, with maps, histories, and lists of every species of tree. It took the authors nine years to finish.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "comprehensive" most nearly means thorough / highly praised / easy to understand / short and simple	thorough — It covers "all 1,700" parks with maps, histories, and every tree species, so it is complete and thorough. Its size rules out "short and simple."
In 1903, few people could [conceive] of a machine carrying passengers across oceans through the air. Yet within fifty years, ordinary families were boarding airplanes for vacations on other continents. The Wright brothers' first flight that December lasted only twelve seconds and covered about 120 feet.  What does the word "conceive" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? imagine / pay for / build / approve of	imagine — The contrast with "Yet within fifty years" shows that in 1903 people could hardly imagine such travel; the point is about what seemed possible, not about building or approving it.
After inspectors found that its wooden beams had rotted through, the city [condemned] the old theater. Workers boarded up the doors, and a sign warned that the building was unsafe to enter until it could be rebuilt or torn down. Neighbors hope a developer will someday restore it.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "condemned" as it is used in the excerpt? repaired cheaply / sold at auction / declared unfit for use / criticized harshly	declared unfit for use — The doors are boarded up and a sign says the building is "unsafe to enter," so the city officially declared it unfit for use. It was not sold or repaired.
Late one night at summer camp, Ellie [confided] to her bunkmate that she was afraid of the lake and had been faking a stomachache every swim period. "Please don't tell the counselors," she whispered. Her bunkmate promised, and by the end of the week she had helped Ellie wade in up to her knees.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "confided" most nearly means told a lie / shared a secret / boasted proudly / complained loudly	shared a secret — She "whispered" and begged her bunkmate not to tell, so she was sharing a secret in trust. Whispering rules out complaining loudly.
At the strict boarding school, students were expected to [conform]: identical gray uniforms, the same short haircut, and no talking in the halls. Rosa, who painted her notebook covers neon green, quickly gained a reputation as a rebel. Teachers sent her to the office twice in her first month.  What does the word "conform" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? speak up / work alone / act like everyone else / compete for grades	act like everyone else — Identical uniforms and haircuts, and Rosa being called a rebel for standing out, show students had to act like everyone else.
The science club debated for an hour about whether to build a robot or a weather station. By the end, they reached a [consensus]: nearly every member supported the weather station, and even the two robot fans agreed to help build it. They finished it just in time for the spring fair.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "consensus" as it is used in the excerpt? heated argument / general agreement / final deadline / detailed plan	general agreement — Nearly every member supported one idea and "even the two robot fans agreed," so the group reached general agreement. The debate ended, so this is not an argument.
Running three small libraries was costing the town too much, so officials decided to [consolidate] them. All three collections will move into one larger building downtown, which will have longer hours and more staff. The old buildings will be turned into a community center and a day-care center.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "consolidate" most nearly means split apart / make more modern / combine into one / close permanently	combine into one — "All three collections will move into one larger building," so the libraries are being combined into one. The books are not lost, so the libraries are not simply closed.
Eight teams will [contend] for the championship trophy this weekend at the regional robotics tournament. Only the top two will advance to the national finals in Houston, where they will face teams from across the country. Each team has built a robot that must stack crates and climb a ramp.  What does the word "contend" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? cheer / compete / cope / argue	compete — Teams at a tournament where "only the top two will advance" are competing for the trophy. The excerpt is about a contest, not an argument.
The toddler was in a [contrary] mood all afternoon. If his mother suggested the swings, he wanted the slide; if she offered apple juice, he demanded milk, then pushed the milk away. By dinnertime, his exhausted mother had stopped offering choices altogether and simply set a plate in front of him.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "contrary" as it is used in the excerpt? cheerful and playful / sleepy and slow / facing backward / stubbornly difficult	stubbornly difficult — He rejects every choice his mother offers, even the milk he demanded, so he is stubbornly difficult. A mood cannot face backward, and nothing suggests he is sleepy or cheerful.
Instead of a [conventional] classroom with rows of desks facing a chalkboard, the new school has movable tables, beanbag chairs, and walls covered in whiteboards that students are allowed to write on. Classes sometimes meet outdoors in the courtyard garden, and the bell schedule changes every day.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "conventional" most nearly means costly and fancy / formal and polite / small and crowded / traditional	traditional — The "rows of desks facing a chalkboard" describe the usual classroom, and "Instead of" contrasts it with something new, so "conventional" means traditional and ordinary.
She spoke with such [conviction] about the need for a crosswalk near the school that even the doubtful council members began to nod. Her voice never wavered, and she answered every question without checking her notes. By the end of the meeting, the council had voted to paint the crosswalk that summer.  What does the word "conviction" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? nervous energy / strong certainty / gentle humor / guilty verdict	strong certainty — Her voice "never wavered" and she persuaded doubtful listeners, so she spoke with strong certainty. No trial or verdict is involved.
Although the two chess rivals had battled for the title for years, their relationship away from the board was [cordial]. They shook hands warmly before each match and often shared lunch afterward, trading stories about their families. When one finally retired, the other gave a speech at her farewell dinner.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "cordial" as it is used in the excerpt? friendly and polite / fierce and competitive / cold and distant / tense and uneasy	friendly and polite — Warm handshakes and shared lunches show the relationship was friendly and polite. "Although" signals that, off the board, it was the opposite of their fierce rivalry.
The editors decided the student's report on pollution in the pond was [credible]. She had collected water samples every week for six months, recorded every measurement, and had her results checked by a university lab. Her findings were later printed on the front page of the local newspaper.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "credible" most nearly means imaginative / long and detailed / widely popular / believable	believable — Careful sampling, complete records, and a lab check are reasons to believe the report, so it was trustworthy. Nothing says it was creative or popular.
Many food historians [credit] a nineteenth-century cook in Saratoga Springs, New York, with inventing the potato chip. Others argue that the crispy snack appeared even earlier in English cookbooks, so its true origin remains a matter of friendly debate. Either way, the chip has become one of the most popular snacks in the world.  What does the word "credit" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? take notes on / add money to / find fault with / give recognition to	give recognition to — The historians name the cook as the inventor, while others disagree about who came first, so "credit" means give recognition for the invention. Nothing in the excerpt involves money or blame.
Applying for a permit to hold a block party used to be a [cumbersome] process. Residents had to fill out six separate forms, visit three different offices, and wait up to two months for an answer. Last year, the city finally moved the whole application onto a single web page.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "cumbersome" most nearly means unfair to renters / heavy to lift / slow and complicated / expensive for families	slow and complicated — Six forms, three offices, and a two-month wait make the process slow and complicated. A process has no weight, and the excerpt never mentions cost or renters.
The octopus is a master of disguise. By changing both the color and the texture of its skin in less than a second, it can [deceive] hungry fish into thinking it is a rock or a clump of seaweed. Some species can even imitate the shapes of other sea creatures.  What does the word "deceive" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? attack / warn / escape / fool	fool — The octopus makes fish think "it is a rock or a clump of seaweed," so it fools them. Its disguise does not attack or warn them.
The [decisive] moment of the championship game came with two seconds left on the clock, when the point guard's long shot dropped through the net. That basket broke the tie and sent the team to its first state final in twenty years. Fans rushed onto the court and lifted the shooter onto their shoulders.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "decisive" as it is used in the excerpt? loud and dramatic / settling the outcome / quick to make choices / completely unplanned	settling the outcome — The basket "broke the tie and sent the team" to the final, so the moment settled the outcome. A moment cannot make choices, and nothing says it was loud or unplanned.
Although Kenji had strong opinions about the mural's colors, he [deferred] to the lead artist, who had painted dozens of public walls across the city. "She knows what works at this size," he explained, and he began mixing the deep blue she had chosen. Later, he admitted that her choice made the whole wall glow.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "deferred" most nearly means competed / delayed / objected / gave way	gave way — Kenji had his own opinions but mixed "the deep blue she had chosen," so he gave way to her judgment. Nothing is postponed, and he does not object.
Plants grown in soil that is [deficient] in nitrogen often have pale yellow leaves and short, weak stems. Farmers can usually correct the problem within a season by working compost or a fertilizer rich in the missing nutrient into their fields. Some gardeners test their soil every spring to catch the problem early.  What does the word "deficient" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? poisoned / tested / lacking / overflowing	lacking — The fertilizer adds "the missing nutrient," so the soil was lacking nitrogen. Too much nitrogen or poison would not be fixed by adding more.
A plastic bag tossed into a landfill can take hundreds of years to [degrade]. Exposed to sunlight, it slowly cracks into smaller and smaller fragments, but scientists have found that those tiny pieces never fully disappear and often wash into rivers and oceans. Researchers are now testing new materials that break apart safely within a few months.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "degrade" as it is used in the excerpt? grow larger / be recycled / be insulted / break down	break down — The bag "slowly cracks into smaller and smaller fragments," so "degrade" means break down. A bag cannot be insulted, and nothing says it is recycled.
By late August, the long drought had [depleted] the reservoir so badly that the stone walls of an old mill, flooded when the valley was dammed in the 1950s, rose above the waterline for the first time in decades. Visitors drove for hours just to walk among the ruins.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "depleted" most nearly means filled / polluted / cooled / drained	drained — Old walls "rose above the waterline" during a drought, so the water had been drained away. The water level dropped, which rules out "filled."
Researchers studying sleep found that volunteers [deprived] of rest for just one night made twice as many errors on simple memory tests the next day. Some even forgot the names of people they had been introduced to that very morning. Their reaction times also slowed, especially during the late afternoon.  What does the word "deprived" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? kept from having / given extra amounts / warned about / bored by	kept from having — The volunteers made more errors after a night without rest, so they were kept from having sleep. Being given extra rest would not cause the errors.
When the young painter first exhibited her bright, blurry landscapes, critics [derided] them, joking that they looked like "the work of someone who needs glasses." Decades later, those same canvases hang in major museums and sell for millions of dollars. Today, art students travel from around the world to study her technique.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "derided" as it is used in the excerpt? praised / bought / mocked / copied	mocked — The critics were "joking" that the paintings looked like the work of someone with poor eyesight, so they mocked them. Their praise came only decades later, from others.
Long before pharmacies existed, people in many cultures chewed willow bark to ease headaches and fevers. In the 1800s, chemists finally identified the substance responsible, and the main ingredient in aspirin was later [derived] from it in a laboratory. Willow trees, it turns out, had been quietly helping people for thousands of years.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "derived" most nearly means sold / obtained / kept hidden / tested for safety	obtained — The chemists identified a substance in willow bark, and aspirin's ingredient came from it, so it was obtained from that source.
After the earthquake drill, the principal [designated] the north parking lot as the official meeting spot for every class. A large orange sign now marks the area, and each teacher has a numbered square painted on the pavement where students line up. Parents received a map of the lot in a letter sent home that week.  What does the word "designated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? repainted and repaved / emptied out / officially chose / fenced off	officially chose — The lot became "the official meeting spot," marked with a sign, so the principal officially chose it for that purpose.
Mr. Hollins [despised] the leaf blowers that roared up and down his street every fall. He wrote complaint after complaint to the city, and whenever one started up, he slammed his windows shut and muttered under his breath for the rest of the afternoon. His neighbors learned to rake their leaves by hand.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "despised" as it is used in the excerpt? collected as a hobby / feared / strongly disliked / repaired	strongly disliked — Complaints, slammed windows, and muttering show strong dislike. Nothing suggests he was afraid of the machines or collected them.
Gardeners have tried nearly everything to [deter] deer from eating their tulips: motion-activated sprinklers, strong-smelling soap, even recordings of barking dogs. Some of these tricks work for a few weeks, but hungry deer usually figure them out and return. One frustrated gardener finally built a tall fence around her entire yard.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "deter" most nearly means photograph / discourage / attract / feed	discourage — Sprinklers, smelly soap, and barking sounds are meant to keep deer away, so "deter" means discourage. Gardeners protecting their tulips would not attract or feed deer.
Losing the spelling bee in the final round [devastated] Lucas. He barely said a word on the ride home, skipped dinner, and spent the evening staring at the word he had misspelled, written in his notebook again and again. The next morning, his older sister helped him make a new set of flash cards.  What does the word "devastated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? secretly relieved / ruined physically / mildly annoyed / crushed emotionally	crushed emotionally — Lucas goes silent, skips dinner, and stares at his mistake, so he was crushed emotionally. Nothing physical was destroyed, and his reaction is far stronger than mild annoyance.
Stranded on a desert island with only a tarp and some rope, the castaway in the novel [devises] a way to collect rainwater. She stretches the tarp between two palm trees, tilting it so every drop funnels into an empty coconut shell waiting below. Readers cheer when the first storm finally fills it to the brim.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "devises" as it is used in the excerpt? abandons / steals / repairs / invents	invents — She comes up with a new method using only a tarp and rope, so she invents a way to collect water. Nothing is stolen or repaired.
Even after losing the final match, the tennis player kept her [dignity]. She congratulated her opponent warmly, thanked the crowd, and answered reporters' questions calmly rather than smashing her racket or blaming the line judges for the defeat. Afterward, even fans of the winner gave her a long standing ovation.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "dignity" most nearly means calm self-respect / physical strength / high ranking / competitive spirit	calm self-respect — She stays calm, gracious, and respectful instead of smashing her racket or blaming anyone, which shows calm self-respect. Her strength and ranking are not discussed.
As a [diligent] researcher, Dr. Patel checked every measurement three times and kept detailed notes on even the smallest changes in her bacteria samples. Colleagues joked that her lab notebooks were better organized than the university library's catalog. When her experiment finally worked, no one doubted the results.  What does the word "diligent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? famous all over the world / quick-tempered / naturally brilliant / careful and hardworking	careful and hardworking — Triple-checking measurements and keeping detailed notes show she is careful and hardworking. The excerpt says nothing about her fame, her temper, or natural brilliance.
Every week, grocery stores across the country [discard] tons of fruit and vegetables that are perfectly safe to eat but slightly bruised or oddly shaped. Several food banks have begun collecting these rejected apples and carrots before they reach the dumpster. Volunteers then turn the produce into soups and stews for local shelters.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "discard" as it is used in the excerpt? throw away / inspect / sell cheaply / grow	throw away — The produce is "rejected" and headed to "the dumpster," so the stores throw it away rather than selling it.
At first, the old photograph looked like nothing more than gray fog. Only after staring at it for several minutes under a magnifying glass could Mira [discern] the faint outline of a lighthouse and, beside it, a tiny figure waving from the rocks. Mira later learned that the figure was her great-grandfather.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "discern" most nearly means recall / sketch / erase / make out	make out — The image is faint and foggy, and only after long staring does she see the lighthouse, so "discern" means make out. She is looking at the photo, not drawing or remembering.
In its first rehearsal, the newly formed string quartet produced nothing but [discord]. The cellist was playing in the wrong key, the two violins kept clashing with each other, and every chord sounded sour and jarring to the few people listening in the hall. Their teacher assured them it would improve with practice.  What does the word "discord" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? rapid tempo / harsh, clashing sounds / heated arguments among players / complete silence	harsh, clashing sounds — The wrong key and "sour and jarring" chords describe harsh, clashing sounds. The excerpt describes music, not an argument between the players.
The team's record that season was [dismal]: two wins and nineteen losses, the worst in the school's seventy-year history. Attendance fell so low that the marching band sometimes outnumbered the fans in the bleachers. The coach resigned at the end of the year, and a new staff arrived with big plans for the following season.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "dismal" as it is used in the excerpt? improving / rainy / secret / very poor	very poor — Two wins and nineteen losses, "the worst" in school history, is a very poor record. The word describes the results here, not the weather.
To the [dismay] of the young bakers, the cake they had spent three hours decorating slid off the cooling rack and landed face-down on the kitchen floor. For a long moment, nobody moved or said a word. Then, still without a word, they knelt and began scraping ruined frosting off the tiles.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "dismay" most nearly means quiet relief / sudden hunger / shocked disappointment / great amusement and laughter	shocked disappointment — After hours of work ruined in a second, "nobody moved or said a word," which shows shocked disappointment, not amusement or relief.
As soon as the first call about smoke on Linden Street came in, the station [dispatched] three engines and an ambulance. Within six minutes, the trucks were pulling up to the apartment building, and firefighters were already unrolling their hoses. Everyone inside was safely outside within minutes.  What does the word "dispatched" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? repaired / sent out / parked / canceled	sent out — After the call came in, the trucks were "pulling up to the apartment building" within minutes, so the station sent them out.
When the first heavy drops of rain began to fall, the crowd at the outdoor concert started to [disperse]. Within minutes, people were hurrying in every direction toward subway entrances, cafés, and the shelter of nearby awnings. Only a few determined fans stayed behind, holding plastic chairs over their heads as the band played on.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "disperse" as it is used in the excerpt? gather / cheer / scatter / complain	scatter — People were "hurrying in every direction," so the crowd scattered rather than gathered.
A [dispute] over who owned a strip of land along the river lasted almost forty years. Each family produced old maps and letters to support its claim, and the matter was finally settled when a judge ruled that the land would become a public park.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "dispute" most nearly means inheritance / disagreement / land survey / agreement	disagreement — Each family made a competing claim until a judge settled it, so it was a disagreement. Old maps were evidence, not the dispute itself.
A family of raccoons living in the school's attic began to [disrupt] classes on the third floor. Their scratching and thumping overhead made it nearly impossible for students to concentrate during tests, and one teacher moved her lessons to the library. The school finally called a wildlife expert, who relocated the raccoons to a nearby forest.  What does the word "disrupt" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? observe / inspire / interrupt / cancel entirely	interrupt — The noise made it hard to concentrate, but classes kept going, so the raccoons interrupted them. They were not canceled.
After twenty years of performing together, the members of the folk band decided to [dissolve] the group. They played one final concert in the park where they had started, then each went on to a solo career in a different city. Fans lined up for hours to get tickets to the farewell show.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "dissolve" as it is used in the excerpt? make larger / officially end / melt in liquid / rename	officially end — The members play "one final concert" and go on to solo careers, so they officially ended the band. A band cannot melt in liquid.
The article [distorted] the coach's remarks. By quoting only the phrase "bench the starters" and leaving out the words "for the last two minutes," it made her sound as though she planned to punish her best players for the entire season. The next day, the newspaper printed her full quote along with an apology.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "distorted" most nearly means praised / misrepresented / printed fully / bent physically	misrepresented — By leaving out key words, the article made the coach sound like she meant something else, so it misrepresented her remarks. Words cannot be bent physically, and the quote was not printed fully.
While her brother hid the birthday presents in the hall closet, Jen [diverted] their mother's attention by asking for help finding a lost earring in the backyard. By the time they came back inside, every box was out of sight. Their mother never suspected a thing until the party began.  What does the word "diverted" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? amused / held onto / drew away / rerouted traffic	drew away — Jen keeps her mother busy in the backyard so she will not see the presents, so she drew her attention away. Searching for an earring is not described as amusing.
Unlike the wild horses that roamed the canyon, the ranch's old mare was so [docile] that even the youngest campers could brush her mane, lift her hooves, and lead her around the corral without any help from the counselors. She seemed to enjoy the attention, often closing her eyes as the children brushed her.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "docile" as it is used in the excerpt? old and slow / strong and fast / shy and nervous / gentle and obedient	gentle and obedient — Even young campers can handle her "without any help," which shows she is gentle and obedient. She is old, but that is not what "docile" means here.
Mount Rainier has not erupted in more than a thousand years, but geologists insist that it is [dormant], not extinct. Deep beneath its glaciers, magma still moves, and scientists monitor the mountain constantly for signs that it is waking up. A major eruption could send mudflows racing toward nearby towns.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "dormant" most nearly means temporarily inactive / currently erupting / permanently dead and cold / slowly melting	temporarily inactive — The volcano has not erupted for a long time but magma "still moves" and it could wake up, so it is temporarily inactive. "Not extinct" rules out permanently dead.
Grandma was [dubious] about the new robot vacuum. She followed it from room to room with her arms crossed, waiting for it to get stuck under the couch, which it did twice before lunch. "I'll keep my broom," she said. Each time, she shook her head as if to say she had expected nothing better.  What does the word "dubious" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? excited / doubtful / unaware / frightened	doubtful — Her crossed arms, her waiting for it to fail, and "I'll keep my broom" show she was doubtful it would work. She follows it calmly, so she is not frightened.
Early sailors prized canvas woven from hemp because it was so [durable]. Sails made from it could survive months of salt spray, scorching sun, and violent storms without tearing, and a single set might last through several long voyages. Some of those sails are still displayed in maritime museums today.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "durable" as it is used in the excerpt? colorful / long-lasting / lightweight / expensive	long-lasting — Sails that survive months of harsh weather "without tearing" and last "through several long voyages" are long-lasting. Weight, color, and price are not mentioned.
The [eccentric] inventor wore a different colored sock on each foot, kept a pet tortoise named Gravity in his workshop, and insisted on eating breakfast at midnight. His neighbors shook their heads at his habits but always waved when he passed. Children on the block loved visiting his cluttered workshop.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "eccentric" most nearly means unfriendly / brilliant at inventing / unusual in behavior / wealthy	unusual in behavior — Mismatched socks, a pet tortoise named Gravity, and midnight breakfasts are unusual habits. Nothing suggests he is unfriendly or rich, and the excerpt describes his habits, not his skill at inventing.
The valedictorian's speech at graduation was so [eloquent] that several teachers wiped away tears. She described her family's journey from a small village to Queens in vivid, carefully chosen words that held the entire auditorium silent. When she finished, the audience rose to its feet and applauded for nearly a full minute.  What does the word "eloquent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? very long / loud and forceful / funny / expressive and moving	expressive and moving — "Vivid, carefully chosen words" that brought teachers to tears show the speech was expressive and moving. Nothing describes its length or humor.
For decades, the snow leopard has been one of the most [elusive] animals on Earth. Researchers spend months in the high mountains of Central Asia and often see nothing but paw prints, relying on hidden cameras to capture even a single photograph. Fewer than seven thousand are believed to survive in the wild.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "elusive" as it is used in the excerpt? beautiful / endangered / dangerous / hard to find	hard to find — Researchers "often see nothing but paw prints" and need hidden cameras, so the animal is hard to find. The excerpt is about spotting it, not its danger or numbers.
After retiring from teaching, Mr. Diaz [embarked] on an ambitious project: walking every street in all five boroughs of New York City. Four years and roughly six thousand miles later, he has filled eleven notebooks with sketches and notes. He hopes to publish the notebooks as a book next year.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "embarked" most nearly means finished / gave up / boarded a ship / began	began — He starts a walking "project" that continues for years, so he began it. No ship is involved, and he has not finished or quit.
Having moved to a new country herself at age eleven, Ms. Chen felt deep [empathy] for the newcomers in her class. She remembered exactly how frightening it was to sit in a room where everyone spoke a language you could barely follow. She often stayed after school to help them practice English and to listen to stories about the homes they had left behind.  What does the word "empathy" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? curiosity / mild pity / admiration / shared understanding	shared understanding — Because she "remembered exactly how frightening" the same experience was, she shares and understands their feelings. "Deep" rules out mild pity.
Each spring, fifth graders visiting the history museum [enact] scenes from the life of a 1700s farm family, churning butter, carding wool, and arguing in old-fashioned language about the price of seed. Visitors are often surprised by how seriously the young actors take their roles, staying in character even during lunch.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "enact" as it is used in the excerpt? make into law / watch / act out / write down	act out — The students are churning butter and speaking in old-fashioned language, so they are acting out scenes. Fifth graders at a museum do not pass laws.
Building a full-size replica of an ancient trading ship using only ancient tools was a risky [endeavor]. The volunteers spent five years carving planks by hand, and many experts doubted that the finished vessel would ever float. When it was finally launched, crowds on the shore cheered as it bobbed upright in the harbor.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "endeavor" most nearly means mistake / journey / contest / attempt	attempt — Five years of hard work on a project experts doubted would succeed is a difficult attempt. The building is not a trip, and calling it "risky" does not make it a mistake.
The new exhibit at the science center is designed to [engage] visitors of all ages. Instead of just reading signs, children launch model rockets, adults solve hands-on puzzles, and nearly everyone leaves talking about something they tried. Museum staff say families now stay twice as long as they did before the exhibit opened.  What does the word "engage" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? battle against / lock into place / involve and interest / hire for a job	involve and interest — Visitors launch rockets, solve puzzles, and leave talking about them, so the exhibit is meant to involve and interest them. No one is hired or fought.
The new girl was an [enigma] to everyone in the eighth grade. She never mentioned where she had lived before, answered questions with a smile instead of words, and disappeared every Friday afternoon without any explanation. Rumors spread through the hallways, but none of them turned out to be true.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "enigma" as it is used in the excerpt? show-off / troublemaker / puzzling mystery / close friend	puzzling mystery — She never explains her past, answers with only a smile, and disappears without explanation, so no one can figure her out. She causes no trouble and does not show off.
To [entice] shoppers into her struggling bookstore, the owner placed a bowl of warm cookies by the door and set up a reading nook with soft chairs in the front window. Within a month, the number of people coming through the door had doubled. Several customers now stay for hours.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "entice" most nearly means count / tempt / force / warn	tempt — Warm cookies and soft chairs are pleasant offers meant to draw people in, so "entice" means tempt. Nothing forces or warns shoppers.
Standing in the empty lot full of broken bottles and weeds, Ms. Grant could already [envision] a garden there: raised beds of tomatoes, a mural on the brick wall, and neighbors chatting on benches beneath a shady tree that had not yet been planted. Two years later, all of it was real.  What does the word "envision" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? remember from childhood / buy from the city / picture in her mind / plant by herself	picture in her mind — The garden does not exist yet, since the tree "had not yet been planted," so she pictures it in her mind. She cannot remember something that has never existed.
Each broken promise [eroded] the players' trust in their new coach a little more. By midseason, they had stopped believing his speeches about teamwork and second chances, and several began asking to transfer to other teams. The team finished the season with its worst record in a decade.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "eroded" as it is used in the excerpt? rebuilt / washed away soil / instantly destroyed / slowly weakened	slowly weakened — Trust shrank "a little more" with each broken promise until the players stopped believing him, so it slowly weakened. The loss was gradual, not instant.
The old furnace's behavior was [erratic]. Some mornings it blasted heat until the windows fogged; other mornings it clanked silently while the family shivered in sweaters, and the repair technician could find no pattern at all. The family finally replaced it after a particularly cold week in January.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "erratic" most nearly means dangerous / outdated / noisy / unpredictable	unpredictable — The furnace switched between blasting heat and doing nothing with "no pattern at all," so it was unpredictable. Nothing shows it was dangerous.
The retiring librarian was held in such high [esteem] that hundreds of former students returned for her farewell party. Many brought books she had recommended to them decades earlier, the pages still marked with her handwritten notes. The school later named its new reading room in her honor.  What does the word "esteem" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? suspicion / pity / fear / respect and admiration	respect and admiration — Hundreds of former students returning to honor her and keeping her recommendations for decades show respect and admiration.
When the reporter asked about the delayed subway extension, the official [evaded] the question. He talked instead about new paint colors for the stations and the weekend weather forecast, never once mentioning the project's missing two years. Viewers flooded the station with calls demanding a straight answer.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "evaded" as it is used in the excerpt? repeated aloud / avoided answering / escaped from a chase / answered honestly	avoided answering — He talked about paint and weather and "never once" mentioned the delay, so he avoided answering. No chase is involved, and he did not answer honestly.
The smell of cinnamon always [evokes] memories of my grandmother's kitchen: the steamy windows, the flour dusting her apron, and the radio on the windowsill playing old songs in Spanish while she rolled out dough for the holidays. I sometimes bake her recipe just to feel close to her again.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "evokes" most nearly means spoils / erases / brings to mind / invents	brings to mind — The smell leads straight to specific memories of the kitchen, so it brings them to mind. The memories are real, not invented or erased.
The printer jammed for the fifth time that hour, and Dev, already late with his history project, was thoroughly [exasperated]. He slapped the side of the machine, groaned loudly, and finally copied the last three pages out by hand. His teacher later accepted the handwritten pages with a sympathetic smile.  What does the word "exasperated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? confused / embarrassed / frustrated / exhausted	frustrated — Slapping the printer and groaning after the fifth jam show he was frustrated. He keeps working by hand, so he is not too exhausted to go on.
Engineers designed the old wooden pier to hold about two hundred people at once. On the night of the fireworks show, the crowd that squeezed onto its planks [exceeded] that number so badly that the lifeguards finally closed the gate and sent hundreds of latecomers back to the beach.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "exceeded" most nearly means matched exactly / went far beyond / carefully counted / fell short of	went far beyond — The crowd was so large that the gate had to be closed and latecomers sent away, so it went far beyond the two-hundred-person limit.
Every member of the orchestra had to arrive an hour early for the dress rehearsal. Only the guest pianist was [exempt]; her contract said she would fly in from Chicago that afternoon, so the conductor agreed she could walk in just before the curtain rose.  What does the word "exempt" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? excused from the requirement / chosen to lead the group / nervous about the evening concert / punished for being late	excused from the requirement — Everyone else "had to arrive an hour early," but the pianist was allowed to come just before the show, so she was excused from that rule.
In the deep ocean, the water above a diving submarine presses down from every side. At the bottom of the trench, that water [exerts] more than a thousand times the pressure we feel at the surface, which is why the vessel's walls are made of thick titanium.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "exerts" most nearly means releases / escapes / measures / applies	applies — The water "presses down from every side," so it applies pressure to the submarine, which explains the need for thick walls.
Early settlers in the valley noticed that the river dropped sharply over a series of rocky ledges. Rather than see that energy go to waste, they built a mill beside the falls and [exploited] the rushing water to turn heavy stones that ground the town's wheat into flour.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "exploited" most nearly means unfairly mistreated / slowly polluted / made good use of / carefully avoided	made good use of — The settlers did not want the energy to "go to waste," so they made good use of the water to power the mill; nothing suggests unfair treatment.
Detective Ruiz knew the shy witness had seen more than she admitted. Over three cups of tea, he asked gentle questions about the weather, her garden, and her cat, until he finally [extracted] the one detail he needed: the color of the car parked outside the bakery that night.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "extracted" as it is used in the excerpt? pulled out with patient effort / removed a tooth or splinter / copied from a written record / invented on the spot to solve the case	pulled out with patient effort — The detective spent three cups of tea asking gentle questions before he got the detail, so he drew the information out with patient effort; nothing physical was removed.
The small shop in Queens has no assembly line, just two welders and a laser cutter. Yet in a single week the team [fabricated] forty steel bike racks, each one bent, welded, and painted by hand before being bolted onto sidewalks across the borough.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "fabricated" most nearly means sold / made false claims about / manufactured / repaired	manufactured — The racks were "bent, welded, and painted by hand," so the team built them; here the word means manufactured, not lied about.
When the library added a ramp and automatic doors to its front entrance, the change was small but meaningful. The new features [facilitated] visits by patrons in wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers, many of whom had once struggled up the steep stone steps.  What does the word "facilitated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? recorded / made easier / limited / made necessary	made easier — People who "had once struggled" with the steps could now enter with a ramp and automatic doors, so the features made their visits easier.
For twenty-four miles, the marathoner held a steady pace near the front of the pack. Then, as the course turned uphill into a cold headwind, her stride began to [falter]; her steps shortened, her shoulders tightened, and two runners slipped past her before the final bridge.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "falter" most nearly means speed up / change direction / weaken / stay steady	weaken — Her steps "shortened," her shoulders tightened, and others passed her, all signs that her stride weakened.
Stranded on the island after the storm, the young sailor searched the beach for anything useful. From a length of driftwood, a strip of torn sail, and some fishing line, he [fashioned] a crude spear and spent the afternoon wading in the shallows for his supper.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "fashioned" most nearly means traded for / made by hand / dressed in style / threw away	made by hand — He combined driftwood, sail, and fishing line to produce a spear, so he made it by hand; the word has nothing to do with clothing style here.
The student council dreamed of a rooftop garden, but first they needed to know whether the plan was [feasible]. After an engineer confirmed the roof could hold the soil and the principal found money for planters, the council voted to break ground in the spring.  What does the word "feasible" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? already finished / beautiful to look at / able to be done / popular with students	able to be done — The council checked whether the roof could hold the soil and whether there was money before voting, so they were asking if the plan could actually be done.
Mr. Okafor had asked the class why the homework was missing. Jamal mumbled that his printer had run out of ink, then that his dog had chewed the page, then that he had left it on the bus. It was a [feeble] excuse, and nobody, including Jamal, seemed to believe it.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "feeble" most nearly means physically frail / unconvincing / carefully planned / honest	unconvincing — Jamal keeps changing his story and "nobody... seemed to believe it," so the excuse is weak in the sense of unconvincing, not physically frail.
Every Saturday since she was seven, Rosa has painted in the community studio on Arthur Avenue. She arrives before the doors open, stays until the lights go off, and talks about color theory so eagerly that the instructor calls her the most [fervent] artist in the building.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "fervent" as it is used in the excerpt? quietly modest / deeply passionate / technically skilled and precise / newly trained	deeply passionate — Rosa arrives early, stays late, and talks "so eagerly" about color, which shows strong passion; the excerpt says nothing about her skill level.
Sailors who cross the bay in early spring learn to respect its [fickle] winds. A breeze that pushes a boat smoothly east at noon may die completely by one o'clock, then return from the north as a gust strong enough to tip a small sailboat.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "fickle" most nearly means steady / gentle / constantly shifting / dangerously cold and damp	constantly shifting — The wind blows east, dies, then returns from the north, so it keeps shifting unpredictably.
At first, the science fair judges were impressed by Mei's bridge design. Then one judge noticed that the main support beam was attached with glue alone, a [flaw] that caused the whole structure to sag when they placed a single textbook in the middle.  What does the word "flaw" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? weak point / colorful decoration / clever feature / measurement	weak point — The glued beam made the bridge sag under a single book, so it was a weak point in the design.
Desert temperatures can [fluctuate] wildly in a single day. A hiker who starts out sweating under a blazing afternoon sun may be shivering in a heavy jacket by midnight, because the dry air and cloudless sky let the ground's heat escape quickly after sunset.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "fluctuate" most nearly means be measured / rise steadily all day long / swing up and down / stay the same	swing up and down — The hiker sweats in the afternoon and shivers at midnight, so the temperature swings from hot to cold.
The Brooklyn debate team had won three straight city titles, and its captain had never lost a round. When Tasha's small school drew them in the first match, her teammates went quiet. They knew they were facing a [formidable] opponent and spent every lunch period that week rehearsing their arguments.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "formidable" as it is used in the excerpt? new and inexperienced / friendly and welcoming to newcomers / powerful and hard to beat / loud and rude	powerful and hard to beat — The team had "won three straight city titles" and its captain had never lost, which is why Tasha's teammates went quiet and practiced hard.
When the new principal arrived, students rarely talked to anyone outside their own grade. She started a weekly lunch where sixth graders and eighth graders shared tables and planned events together. Within a year, the program had [fostered] friendships that crossed every grade level in the building.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "fostered" most nearly means encouraged the growth of / prevented / temporarily cared for at home / replaced	encouraged the growth of — Students who once kept to their own grade became friends after the lunches, so the program encouraged those friendships to grow; no one is being cared for temporarily.
Ten minutes before the show, the lead actor realized his costume was missing. Stagehands tore open trunks, emptied racks, and shouted down the hallway, while the director paced and checked her watch every few seconds. The [frantic] search ended only when someone spotted the jacket hanging in the boiler room.  What does the word "frantic" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? slow and careful / calm and well organized / wild and desperate / secret and quiet	wild and desperate — Stagehands "tore open trunks" and shouted while the director paced, all signs of a wild, desperate search under time pressure.
During the long winter of 1863, the soldiers' families back home learned to make every scrap count. They patched worn coats instead of buying new ones, saved bacon grease for cooking, and boiled the same tea leaves twice. These [frugal] habits helped many households survive until spring.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "frugal" most nearly means careless / wealthy / greedy / thrifty	thrifty — Patching coats, saving grease, and reusing tea leaves are all ways of avoiding waste, which is what thrifty means.
The firefighters sprayed water on the burning barn for nearly an hour, but the old wood was too dry and the wind too strong. Realizing their efforts were [futile], the captain ordered the crew to turn their hoses on the farmhouse next door instead.  What does the word "futile" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? not working at all / successful / very tiring / dangerous to the crew members	not working at all — The barn kept burning despite an hour of spraying, so the captain gave up on it; the efforts were not working.
Before announcing the new lunch menu, the cafeteria staff wanted to [gauge] how students felt. They set out free samples of three dishes, watched which trays came back empty, and handed out short surveys asking students to rate each one from one to five.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "gauge" most nearly means ignore / change / control / judge	judge — The staff watched empty trays and handed out surveys to find out students' opinions, so they were trying to judge how students felt.
The trail to the summit climbs four thousand feet in just six miles, with no shade and only one spring for water. Most hikers need ten hours to finish the [grueling] route, and park rangers warn visitors to start before dawn.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "grueling" as it is used in the excerpt? crowded and noisy / exhausting and difficult / short and simple / scenic and peaceful for families	exhausting and difficult — A steep climb with no shade that takes ten hours is extremely tiring, which is why rangers warn hikers to start early.
On the first of April, Marcus told his little cousin that the city had decided to paint the Brooklyn Bridge bright pink. She believed him instantly and spent the afternoon telling everyone on the block. Marcus felt a little guilty for taking advantage of someone so [gullible].  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "gullible" most nearly means suspicious / talkative / easily fooled / forgetful	easily fooled — The cousin "believed him instantly" about an obvious prank, so she was easily fooled.
The old general store had no labels on its shelves. Fishing hooks sat beside jars of honey, rubber boots were tucked behind boxes of cereal, and the flashlights might turn up anywhere. Customers joked that finding anything in such a [haphazard] arrangement required a treasure map.  What does the word "haphazard" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? old-fashioned / without order / carefully sorted / dangerous	without order — Hooks next to honey and flashlights that "might turn up anywhere" show the store had no order to its shelves.
Few plants survive on the windswept slopes above the tree line, where snow can fall in July. Yet tiny purple saxifrage flowers bloom there every summer, clinging to bare rock. Botanists say these [hardy] plants can endure freezing nights that would kill almost any garden flower.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "hardy" most nearly means brightly colored / rare / tough / fragile	tough — The flowers survive snow, wind, and freezing nights, so they are tough enough to endure harsh conditions.
Rescue crews hoped to reach the stranded hikers by nightfall, but thick fog rolled into the canyon just after noon. The low clouds [hindered] the helicopter pilots, who could not see the cliffs clearly, so the team had to continue the search on foot.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "hindered" as it is used in the excerpt? got in the way of / cheered on / warned in advance / guided safely	got in the way of — The pilots "could not see the cliffs clearly," forcing the team to search on foot, so the fog got in the way of the rescue.
Lena noticed that the bean plants near the classroom window grew taller than those by the door. Her [hypothesis] was that sunlight made the difference, so she placed six new plants in each spot, gave them equal water, and measured their height every morning for three weeks.  What does the word "hypothesis" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? guess to be tested / proven fact / list of materials / final result	guess to be tested — Lena sets up an experiment to check whether sunlight matters, so her idea is a guess she plans to test, not a proven fact.
When Coach Barnes said she might cancel practice if the team kept arriving late, nobody took her seriously. She had made the same warning all season and never followed through. To the players, it was just another [idle] threat, and they strolled in fifteen minutes late the very next day.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "idle" most nearly means not meant seriously / lazy / frightening / unemployed	not meant seriously — The coach "never followed through" on her warning, so the players saw it as a threat with no real force behind it, not as anything about laziness or work.
For years, historians puzzled over why the small fishing village was suddenly abandoned in the 1700s. Then a box of old letters turned up in an attic in Maine. Written by a former resident, they [illuminated] the mystery, describing a fever that swept through the village in a single winter.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "illuminated" most nearly means hid / deepened / explained / lit with lamps	explained — The letters described the fever that ended the village, so they explained a mystery that had puzzled historians; nothing is literally lit up.
When Omar started learning Spanish, he decided textbooks were not enough. He switched his phone's language settings, watched cartoons from Mexico City every evening, and spent the summer with his grandmother in Puerto Rico. By [immersing] himself so fully, he became fluent faster than anyone in his class.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "immersing" as it is used in the excerpt? dunking in water / quickly testing / fully involving / politely excusing	fully involving — Omar surrounds himself with Spanish through his phone, cartoons, and a summer abroad, so he is fully involving himself in the language, not going underwater.
Doctors studying teenagers found that staying up past two in the morning had real effects in class. Students who slept fewer than six hours scored lower on memory tests the next day, suggesting that a lack of sleep can [impair] the brain's ability to store new information.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "impair" most nearly means protect / measure / improve / weaken	weaken — Tired students "scored lower on memory tests," so lack of sleep weakens the brain's ability to store information.
The science fair committee had a problem: one judge's daughter had entered the competition. To keep the scoring [impartial], the committee assigned that judge to a different grade level and had three teachers from another school rate every project without seeing the students' names.  What does the word "impartial" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? very strict / kept secret / fair to everyone / unfinished	fair to everyone — The committee moved the parent-judge and hid students' names so no one would be favored, which makes the scoring fair to everyone.
The city council approved the bike-lane plan in March, but nothing changed for months. Finally, in August, crews painted green lanes along Fifth Avenue, installed plastic barriers, and added new traffic signals. Residents were relieved that the plan had at last been [implemented].  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "implemented" most nearly means canceled / put into action / voted on / argued about	put into action — The plan was approved in March, but only when crews actually painted lanes and installed barriers was it put into action.
As the rowboat drifted toward the waterfall, Elsie stood on the bank and waved both arms at her brother. "Please, Tom, grab the rope!" she cried again and again, her voice cracking. She [implored] him until, at last, his hand closed around the line.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "implored" as it is used in the excerpt? calmly reminded / desperately begged / angrily scolded / quietly warned	desperately begged — Elsie cries "Please" again and again with a cracking voice as her brother drifts toward danger, so she is desperately begging him.
When Priya showed her grandfather the first draft of her essay, he did not criticize it. He only smiled, handed it back, and said, "You might enjoy reading it aloud tomorrow morning." His words seemed to [imply] that the essay needed more work, though he never said so outright.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "imply" most nearly means suggest indirectly / state clearly / deny firmly / praise highly	suggest indirectly — The grandfather "never said so outright," yet his words hinted that the essay needed work, so he suggested it indirectly.
Halfway through the camping trip, the scout troop discovered that nobody had packed the tent poles. Instead of giving up, the leader showed them how to [improvise]: they tied the tent's corners to low tree branches with rope and propped up the center with a sturdy walking stick.  What does the word "improvise" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? give up / buy new supplies / make do with what is available / follow directions	make do with what is available — Without poles, the scouts used rope, branches, and a walking stick, so they made do with what they had on hand.
Recycling rates in the apartment building stayed low for years. Then the management announced that each floor that sorted its trash correctly for a month would earn a party in the courtyard. The [incentive] worked: by spring, nearly every floor had qualified at least once.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "incentive" most nearly means rule / warning / motivating reward / punishment	motivating reward — The promise of a courtyard party got floors to recycle correctly, so it was a reward that motivated them.
For three nights straight, the neighbor's car alarm went off every hour. By the fourth morning, the residents of Elm Street had dark circles under their eyes and a stack of complaints ready for the building manager. Nobody, they agreed, could live with such [incessant] noise.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "incessant" as it is used in the excerpt? never letting up / barely audible / pleasantly musical / occurring once	never letting up — The alarm went off "every hour" for three nights straight, so the noise never let up.
Ancient builders had no cranes, so how did they lift giant stone blocks? One theory holds that workers dragged each block on a wooden sled up a long, [inclined] ramp of packed earth, raising the stones a few inches at a time until they reached the top of the wall.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "inclined" most nearly means sloping / willing / hidden / narrow	sloping — Workers raised blocks "a few inches at a time" by dragging them up the ramp, so the ramp sloped upward; "willing" describes people, not ramps.
When the band recorded its second album, the lead singer wanted to honor her grandmother's roots in Ghana. She [incorporated] traditional talking drums into four of the songs, blending their rhythms with electric guitar and creating a sound that critics called both old and entirely new.  What does the word "incorporated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? described / included / replaced / removed	included — The drums were blended "with electric guitar" in four songs, so they were included as part of the music.
Everyone else in the gym leaped to their feet as the buzzer-beater swished through the net. Lucas, however, barely looked up from his phone. When his sister asked whether he had seen the shot, he just shrugged, as [indifferent] to the championship as he would have been to a weather report.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "indifferent" most nearly means confused / jealous / uninterested / different	uninterested — Lucas "barely looked up" and only shrugged while everyone else cheered, which shows he did not care about the game.
Ms. Patel announced that the whole class would lose recess because someone had drawn on the desks. Keisha had spent the morning in the nurse's office and had not even been in the room. She crossed her arms, her cheeks burning, [indignant] at being punished for something she could not possibly have done.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "indignant" as it is used in the excerpt? sad about losing a close friend / angry at unfair treatment / proud of an achievement / embarrassed by a mistake	angry at unfair treatment — Keisha was punished though she "had not even been in the room," and her crossed arms and burning cheeks show anger at that unfairness.
Nothing the zookeepers tried could get the shy panda to leave her den. Fresh bamboo, toys, and soft music all failed. Finally, a keeper placed a slice of apple, the panda's favorite treat, at the entrance, and that alone [induced] her to step out into the sunlit yard.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "induced" most nearly means forced / frightened / prevented / persuaded	persuaded — A favorite treat tempted the panda out after other attempts failed, so it persuaded her; nothing suggests she was forced.
Nobody saw the fox enter the henhouse, but the farmer found muddy paw prints by the door, a few red hairs caught on the fence, and feathers scattered across the yard. From these clues, she [inferred] exactly what had happened during the night.  What does the word "inferred" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? worked out / witnessed / reported / imagined	worked out — "Nobody saw" the fox, but the farmer used paw prints, hairs, and feathers to work out what happened.
Scientists once believed the deep-sea vents were too hot and dark for life. Instead, they discovered tube worms taller than a person, blind white crabs, and clouds of tiny shrimp. Thousands of creatures [inhabit] these vents, feeding on bacteria that turn chemicals into energy.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "inhabit" most nearly means visit briefly / destroy / live in / avoid	live in — The creatures feed at the vents and were discovered living there, so they live in that place.
Usually, Ben was the first to raise his hand in class. But on the day the principal sat in the back row with a clipboard, he barely spoke. Her watchful presence seemed to [inhibit] him, and he kept his answers to himself until she left.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "inhibit" as it is used in the excerpt? make him laugh / teach him / make him more confident / hold him back	hold him back — Normally eager, Ben "barely spoke" while the principal watched, so her presence held him back.
For months, the two neighbors had glared at each other over the fence because of a dispute about fallen leaves. Then one morning, Mrs. Chen carried over a plate of warm dumplings and said good morning. Her small gesture [initiated] a friendship that lasted for the next thirty years.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "initiated" most nearly means repaired / began / ended / tested	began — The neighbors had only glared at each other until the dumplings, which started a friendship "that lasted for the next thirty years."
Sea turtles hatch on the beach at night, and no parent stays to guide them. Yet the tiny turtles immediately crawl toward the brightest horizon, which is usually the moonlit ocean. Scientists believe this behavior is [innate], since the hatchlings perform it within seconds of leaving the egg.  What does the word "innate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? present from birth / learned from parents / dangerous / rare	present from birth — No parent teaches them, and they act "within seconds of leaving the egg," so the behavior is present from birth.
Before 1904, riders on New York's elevated trains endured smoke, noise, and soot. The opening of the underground subway that year changed city life. This [innovation] let millions of people travel quickly beneath the crowded streets and helped neighborhoods in the Bronx and Brooklyn grow rapidly.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "innovation" most nearly means city law / old tradition / expensive mistake / new development	new development — The subway was new in 1904 and "changed city life," so it was a new development in transportation.
For years, the coach could not understand why her best sprinter always slowed in the final stretch. Then she watched slow-motion video and noticed his arms swinging across his body. That single [insight] led to a new training plan, and he shaved half a second off his time.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "insight" as it is used in the excerpt? a clear understanding / a lucky guess about the race / a strict rule / a sudden injury	a clear understanding — After years of confusion, the video helped the coach finally understand the problem, which is a clear understanding.
After the earthquake, inspectors went floor by floor through the old apartment tower on Riverside Drive. They checked every beam and column for cracks, because if the building's [integrity] had been damaged, the residents could not safely return home.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "integrity" most nearly means outward beauty and style / honesty / structural soundness / value	structural soundness — Inspectors checked beams and columns for cracks to see whether the building was safe, so the word refers to its structural soundness, not to anyone's honesty.
Two hawks circled the field, diving again and again at a young rabbit frozen in the open grass. Just as the larger bird swooped low, the farm's old sheepdog [intervened], charging across the pasture and barking until both hawks flapped away toward the woods.  What does the word "intervened" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? stepped in / watched quietly / joined the hunt / ran away	stepped in — The sheepdog charged across the pasture and chased off the hawks, so it stepped in to stop the attack.
On her first day at the new school, Hana stood at the edge of the cafeteria, clutching her tray. The room was huge and loud, and every table seemed already full of friends laughing together. The crowd [intimidated] her so much that she ate lunch alone in the library.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "intimidated" most nearly means pleasantly surprised / frightened / welcomed / bored	frightened — The huge, loud room made Hana hold her tray tightly and escape to the library, which shows she felt frightened.
The postcard arrived with no return address, only a drawing of a lighthouse and the words "Look under the third step." Nadia read it again and again. The message [intrigued] her so much that she grabbed a flashlight and headed straight for the old porch.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "intrigued" as it is used in the excerpt? confused her completely / made her angry / secretly plotted against her / made her very curious	made her very curious — Nadia reads the mysterious message "again and again" and rushes off to investigate, so it made her very curious.
The map showed the trail continuing straight ahead, and nothing about the path looked unsafe. Still, the guide stopped and turned the group around, saying only that something felt wrong. Her [intuition] proved right: an hour later, rangers closed that section after part of the cliff collapsed.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "intuition" most nearly means written plan / careful research / fear of heights / gut feeling	gut feeling — Nothing "looked unsafe" and the map seemed fine, yet the guide acted because "something felt wrong," which is a gut feeling.
When the hurricane knocked out power across the island, phones went dead and roads flooded. The volunteers who ran an old battery-powered radio station became [invaluable], broadcasting the locations of shelters, clean water, and medical help to thousands of families for nine days.  What does the word "invaluable" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? extremely useful / very expensive to operate / out of date / worthless	extremely useful — With phones dead, the radio told thousands of families where to find shelter and help, so it was extremely useful; the "in-" does not mean "not valuable" here.
After three nights of the baby crying, Dad was not himself. He snapped when the toast burned, grumbled about the dog's barking, and sighed loudly when Mia asked for help with her homework. Mom told the kids to be patient, explaining that lack of sleep had made him [irritable].  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "irritable" most nearly means extremely busy / very sleepy / easily annoyed / quietly sad	easily annoyed — Dad snaps, grumbles, and sighs at small things, which shows he is easily annoyed; being sleepy is the cause, not the meaning.
Marisol had been elected class treasurer and was planning the spring trip. But when her math grade dropped below a C, the school's rules meant her position was suddenly in [jeopardy]. She stayed after school every day for tutoring until her grade climbed back up.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "jeopardy" as it is used in the excerpt? in great demand / under construction / officially secure for the year / in danger of being lost	in danger of being lost — School rules meant a low grade could cost her the position, which is why she worked hard to raise it; her role was in danger of being lost.
When the robotics team heard their school's name announced as the state champion, the room erupted. Students hugged, jumped, and waved their homemade banner, and even their quiet coach let out a whoop. The [jubilant] team danced all the way back to the bus.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "jubilant" most nearly means relieved / exhausted / nervous / overjoyed	overjoyed — The students hugged, jumped, whooped, and danced after winning, which shows they were overjoyed, not merely relieved.
The town wanted to spend two million dollars to repair the old stone bridge instead of building a new one. To [justify] the cost, the mayor presented engineering reports showing that the repaired bridge would last another century and pointed out that it was a beloved local landmark.  What does the word "justify" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? pay for with taxes / hide / give reasons for / reduce	give reasons for — The mayor offered reports and pointed out the bridge's value to show the spending was reasonable, so he was giving reasons for the cost.
The corner bookstore on Bleecker Street closed last month after sixty years. Longtime customers stood outside its darkened windows, sharing memories of story hours and rainy afternoons spent in its aisles. Many [lamented] that the neighborhood would never feel quite the same without it.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "lamented" most nearly means complained angrily / predicted happily / expressed sorrow / celebrated	expressed sorrow — Customers stood by the dark windows sharing fond memories of a store that had closed, so they were expressing sorrow at the loss.
Ms. Alvarez rarely gave compliments, so the class was stunned when she read Theo's short story aloud. She called it "brilliant," "daring," and "the best work I've seen in ten years," and she pinned it to the classroom wall. Theo had never received such [lavish] praise.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "lavish" most nearly means brief / abundant / polite but distant / costly	abundant — The teacher piled on compliments like "brilliant" and "the best work I've seen," so the praise was abundant; no money is involved, so "costly" does not fit.
When students complained that the new bus schedule left them waiting outside for forty minutes in the cold, some adults dismissed the problem. But the principal agreed it was a [legitimate] concern, noting that several students had already caught colds, and asked the district to adjust the routes.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "legitimate" as it is used in the excerpt? reasonable and justified / minor and unimportant / secret and hidden / officially approved by law	reasonable and justified — The principal took the complaint seriously because students were actually getting sick, so the concern was reasonable and justified; no law is being discussed.
Most teachers at the school took ten points off for every day an assignment was late. Mr. Russo was different: he accepted late work all week without penalty and often gave extra time to anyone who asked. Students loved him, though some parents worried that he was too [lenient].  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "lenient" most nearly means not strict / absent-minded / strict / unfair	not strict — Unlike other teachers, Mr. Russo accepted late work "without penalty," which shows he was not strict.
For years, Tomás believed he had to become a doctor like his parents. In college, an art class changed everything. Sketching for hours in the studio [liberated] him from the pressure he had always felt, and he finally told his family that he wanted to study architecture.  What does the word "liberated" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? trapped / punished / confused / freed	freed — After the class, Tomás no longer felt the pressure and chose his own path, so the art freed him.
In the 1800s, New York oystermen pulled millions of shellfish from the harbor every year. Oysters were sold on street carts, shipped to Europe, and served in fancy restaurants, making the trade one of the city's most [lucrative] businesses until pollution destroyed the beds.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "lucrative" most nearly means dangerous for workers / profitable / ancient / illegal	profitable — Millions of oysters were sold locally and shipped abroad, so the trade earned a great deal of money.
At first the school blamed a computer glitch when every student's grade disappeared from the online portal. But investigators soon found that someone had broken into the system on purpose and deleted the files one by one. The [malicious] attack took the technology staff weeks to repair.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "malicious" as it is used in the excerpt? clever and helpful / slow and careless / accidental and harmless / meant to cause harm	meant to cause harm — Someone broke in "on purpose" and deleted files one by one, so the attack was deliberately harmful, not a glitch.
Before anyone could work in the chemistry lab, Dr. Liu handed out goggles and a list of rules. "Safety training is [mandatory]," she said. "Anyone who skips Friday's session will not be allowed to touch a single beaker for the rest of the semester."  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "mandatory" most nearly means optional / boring / required / difficult	required — Students who skip the session will not be allowed to work in the lab, so the training is required.
The two bands both wanted the Saturday night slot at the community festival, and their argument grew louder each week. Finally, the festival director agreed to [mediate]. She met with both groups, listened to each side, and helped them agree to split the evening into two shorter sets.  What does the word "mediate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? cancel the whole festival / perform music / help both sides agree / pick a winner	help both sides agree — The director "listened to each side" and helped the bands agree to share the evening, so she helped both sides reach an agreement.
Many people believe that goldfish can remember things for only three seconds. Researchers have shown otherwise: in experiments, goldfish learned to push a lever for food and still remembered the trick months later. The three-second memory is a popular [misconception] with no basis in fact.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "misconception" most nearly means proven discovery / mistaken belief / funny joke / scientific test	mistaken belief — Experiments showed goldfish remember for months, so the common belief is mistaken, with "no basis in fact."
When a water main burst and flooded the basement of the neighborhood food pantry, its director sent a single message to the volunteer list. Within two hours, she had [mobilized] sixty people, who arrived with mops, buckets, and trucks to move thousands of cans to a church hall across the street.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "mobilized" as it is used in the excerpt? moved from place to place / warned to stay away / paid for their work / organized for action	organized for action — One message brought sixty volunteers ready with mops and trucks, so the director organized them for action.
After losing six games in a row, the soccer players dragged themselves to practice with slumped shoulders. Then their coach surprised them with new jerseys and a video of fans cheering their earlier goals. The team's [morale] soared, and they won their next three games.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "morale" most nearly means level of skill and talent / team spirit / lesson / budget	team spirit — Players with "slumped shoulders" were lifted by jerseys and cheering fans, so their spirit and confidence rose; "lesson" is a trap based on the similar word "moral."
Astronauts on the space station spend some of their time on thrilling spacewalks and experiments. But much of each day is filled with [mundane] tasks: wiping down walls, tracking supplies, exercising on a treadmill, and fixing a clogged toilet that floats water everywhere if it breaks.  What does the word "mundane" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? exciting / everyday / scientific / dangerous	everyday — The tasks are contrasted with "thrilling spacewalks" and include wiping walls and tracking supplies, so they are everyday chores.
In the spring of 1776, the town's church bell rang without stopping. Farmers dropped their plows, shopkeepers locked their doors, and within an hour the captain had [mustered] more than eighty men on the village green, each carrying a musket and a day's supply of bread.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "mustered" most nearly means trained carefully for battle / dismissed / gathered together / found the courage	gathered together — The bell brought farmers and shopkeepers to the village green within an hour, so the captain gathered the men together; courage is not the focus here.
Clownfish and sea anemones help each other survive. The anemone's stinging tentacles protect the clownfish from predators, while the clownfish chases away fish that eat anemones and leaves behind scraps of food. Scientists describe this as a [mutual] partnership.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "mutual" most nearly means dangerous / temporary and short-lived / one-sided / benefiting both	benefiting both — Each animal helps the other—the anemone protects, the clownfish defends and feeds—so the partnership benefits both.
Walk through a single block of Jackson Heights in Queens, and you may hear Spanish, Bengali, Tibetan, Tagalog, and Nepali before reaching the corner. The neighborhood's [myriad] languages, spoken by immigrants from dozens of countries, make it one of the most diverse places on Earth.  What does the word "myriad" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? ancient and traditional / very many / forgotten / loud	very many — The excerpt lists five languages on one block and immigrants "from dozens of countries," so there are very many languages.
On his first day in the city, the young musician from a small farm town handed his only suitcase to a smiling stranger who offered to "watch it" while he bought a ticket. When he returned, both the man and the suitcase were gone. Looking back, he could hardly believe he had been so [naive].  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "naive" as it is used in the excerpt? rude to strangers / careful and wise / talented at music / too trusting	too trusting — New to the city, he handed his suitcase to a stranger and lost it, which shows he was too trusting because he lacked experience.
Engineers worried that the new skyscraper would cast a long shadow over the park. After testing a model, they found the effect was [negligible]: the shadow would touch only one corner of the lawn for about ten minutes on a few winter afternoons.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "negligible" most nearly means surprisingly large / harmful / permanent / very small	very small — The shadow would touch only one corner for ten minutes on a few days, so the effect was very small.
During the class debate, Jordan seemed to have an answer for everything. When his opponent raised a surprising new argument, he paused for only a second before turning it around to support his own side. Even the teacher praised his [nimble] mind.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "nimble" most nearly means physically graceful / stubborn / quick-thinking / forgetful	quick-thinking — Jordan responds to a surprise argument after pausing "only a second," which describes a quick-thinking mind, not physical movement.
When Grandpa heard the jingle of the ice cream truck outside, he smiled and closed his eyes. He told us about summer evenings in the Bronx when he was nine, chasing that same tune down the block with a dime in his fist. His voice was full of [nostalgia].  What does the word "nostalgia" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? anger / excitement about the future / longing for the past / confusion	longing for the past — Grandpa smiles and remembers childhood summers when he hears the tune, which shows a fond longing for the past.
Every driver in town knew to avoid the bend on Route 9 after dark. In the past five years, more than thirty cars had skidded off the curve into the ditch. The stretch was so [notorious] that locals had nicknamed it "Dead Man's Turn."  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "notorious" most nearly means recently built and paved / known for being bad / rarely used / beautiful	known for being bad — Everyone knew to avoid the bend because of many accidents, so it was famous for something bad.
Headphones on and eyes glued to his sketchbook, Andre drew for an hour on the park bench. He never noticed the pigeons pecking at crumbs by his shoes, the soccer ball that rolled past, or the friend who waved at him three times from across the path. He was completely [oblivious].  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "oblivious" as it is used in the excerpt? easily frightened / deliberately rude to his friend / unaware of his surroundings / deeply bored	unaware of his surroundings — Andre "never noticed" the pigeons, the ball, or his waving friend, so he was unaware of his surroundings; nothing suggests he ignored his friend on purpose.
Most people have heard of the Wright brothers, but few know the name of Gustave Whitehead, a Connecticut mechanic who some claim flew a plane two years earlier. He died poor and [obscure], and only a handful of historians studied his work until a magazine article revived interest in 2013.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "obscure" most nearly means little-known / confusing / unhappy / dishonest	little-known — "Few know the name" of Whitehead and only "a handful of historians" studied him, so he was little-known; nothing about him is described as confusing.
For decades, telephone operators sat at huge switchboards, plugging cords into holes to connect each call by hand. As automatic switching machines spread through the twentieth century, the job slowly became [obsolete], and the last manual switchboards in many towns were quietly unplugged.  What does the word "obsolete" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? well paid / dangerous / more popular / no longer needed	no longer needed — Automatic machines replaced the operators and the switchboards were unplugged, so the job was no longer needed.
The campers were roasting marshmallows when the wind suddenly stopped and the birds went silent. To the west, the sky turned a strange greenish gray, and a low rumble rolled across the lake. The counselors exchanged glances at the [ominous] signs and began moving everyone toward the lodge.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "ominous" most nearly means harmless / cheerful / beautiful / threatening	threatening — The silent birds, green sky, and rumble make the counselors move everyone inside, so the signs warn of a coming storm.
The professor's lecture on quantum physics was full of long equations and unfamiliar terms. Even the strongest students in the hall exchanged puzzled looks. Afterward, several admitted that his explanation had been so [opaque] that they understood less than when he began.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "opaque" as it is used in the excerpt? blocking light / hard to understand / very short / highly entertaining	hard to understand — Students were puzzled and "understood less than when he began," so the explanation was hard to understand; it has nothing to do with blocking light here.
A late frost ruined the community garden, and most neighbors gave up on it for the year. Mr. Delgado simply pulled on his gloves, bought new seedlings, and replanted every bed. "Tomatoes don't care about one bad week," he said, and his [optimism] soon had a dozen volunteers digging beside him.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "optimism" most nearly means hopefulness / sadness / wealth / frustration and anger	hopefulness — Mr. Delgado expects the garden to recover after one "bad week" and replants, which shows hopefulness that things will turn out well.
Unlike the plain brick buildings around it, the old theater on 42nd Street seemed to belong to another century. Gold vines curled across its ceiling, carved angels perched above each balcony, and a crystal chandelier the size of a car hung over the seats. Visitors often stopped just to stare at its [ornate] interior.  What does the word "ornate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? richly decorated / modern / simple / crumbling	richly decorated — Gold vines, carved angels, and a giant chandelier are elaborate decorations, in contrast to the "plain brick buildings" nearby.
The tiny village team had never faced a club from the capital. From the opening whistle, the visitors attacked in waves, passing so quickly that the defenders could barely follow the ball. By halftime the visitors had [overwhelmed] the home side, leading by six goals.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "overwhelmed" most nearly means politely greeted / narrowly beaten / emotionally upset / completely overpowered	completely overpowered — Attacking "in waves" and leading by six goals means the visitors completely overpowered their opponents; it was not a narrow win or an emotional reaction.
The crowd outside the stadium grew angrier by the minute after the concert was delayed for two hours. Finally, the band's drummer stepped outside, apologized, and handed out free posters. His gesture helped [pacify] the restless fans, and the shouting faded into cheers.  What does the word "pacify" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? pay / calm / scatter / excite	calm — The fans were angry, but after the drummer's apology "the shouting faded into cheers," so his gesture calmed them.
Rebuilding the shattered dinosaur skull took the museum team nearly two years. Using tiny brushes and dental tools, they cleaned each of the four hundred fragments, matched them under a microscope, and glued them back together one sliver at a time. The [painstaking] work finally went on display last spring.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "painstaking" as it is used in the excerpt? careless and rushed / physically painful / extremely careful and detailed / completed quickly	extremely careful and detailed — Tiny brushes, a microscope, and gluing "one sliver at a time" over two years describe extremely careful work; nothing suggests the work caused pain.
Doctors have noticed something strange about exercise and energy. People who feel too tired to work out often discover that a brisk walk leaves them feeling less tired, not more. This [paradox], that using energy can create energy, has been confirmed in several studies.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "paradox" most nearly means medical mistake / seeming contradiction / daily routine / dangerous habit for athletes	seeming contradiction — Using energy to gain energy sounds impossible, yet studies confirm it, so it is a seeming contradiction.
Some students learn best by doing. In Ms. Grant's class, nobody just sits and copies notes; students build models, run experiments, and debate each other. She believes that [passive] listening to a lecture teaches far less than getting your hands busy with a real problem.  What does the word "passive" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? careful / noisy / inactive / angry	inactive — The excerpt contrasts sitting and listening with building and debating, so "passive" listening means inactive, without taking part.
The tiny island of Socotra is home to the dragon's blood tree, which grows in the shape of an upside-down umbrella and oozes red sap. The tree grows nowhere else on Earth. Botanists describe it as [peculiar] to the island, and travelers come from around the world to see it.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "peculiar" most nearly means found only in / unpleasant / harmful / popular with	found only in — The tree "grows nowhere else on Earth," so here "peculiar to the island" means found only there, not just strange.
Deep in the rain forest, the trees grow so tall and close together that their leaves form a thick roof overhead. Only about two percent of the sunlight [penetrates] to the forest floor, so the plants that live there have broad, dark leaves to catch every scrap of light.  What does the word "penetrates" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? burns / passes through / warms up / reflects off	passes through — The leaves form a "thick roof," and only a little sunlight gets down to the floor, so it is passing through the leaves.
At first, the other students saw Ana's quietness as unfriendliness and rarely invited her to sit with them. After she organized the school's first chess club and welcomed every newcomer, they began to [perceive] her differently, as thoughtful rather than cold.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "perceive" most nearly means see physically / regard / ignore / copy	regard — The students changed their opinion from "cold" to "thoughtful," so the word means how they regarded her, not how they physically saw her.
In 1925, a deadly sickness broke out in the remote town of Nome, Alaska, and the medicine needed to stop it was nearly 700 miles away. Teams of sled dogs carried it through blizzards and temperatures of sixty below zero. Despite the [peril], the drivers delivered the medicine in under six days.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "peril" as it is used in the excerpt? great expense to the town / official order / serious danger / long delay	serious danger — Blizzards and sixty-below temperatures put the drivers at serious risk, so the word refers to danger.
Before refrigerators, families had to work hard to keep food from spoiling. Milk and meat were kept in cool cellars or packed in ice cut from frozen lakes. Without these steps, fresh foods would [perish] within a day or two of summer heat.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "perish" most nearly means become cheaper / be eaten / spoil / freeze	spoil — The excerpt is about "keeping food from spoiling," so for food the word means to spoil, not to die in the usual sense.
Before the first rehearsal, Carlos told everyone the school play would be a disaster. The sets would fall apart, he predicted, half the cast would forget their lines, and nobody would buy tickets. His friends laughed and called him the most [pessimistic] stagehand in history.  What does the word "pessimistic" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? hardworking / forgetful / expecting the worst / hopeful	expecting the worst — Carlos predicts falling sets, forgotten lines, and empty seats, so he expects the worst.
Twice a year, the setting sun lines up perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan, glowing between the skyscrapers at the end of every block. Crowds gather on sidewalks to photograph this [phenomenon], which locals nicknamed "Manhattanhenge."  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "phenomenon" most nearly means weather forecast / famous person / old building / rare sight	rare sight — Crowds gather to photograph the sun lining up with the streets twice a year, so the word refers to a rare thing that can be seen.
Inspector Ruiz listened as the gardener explained that he had been repotting orchids when the vase shattered. The fresh soil under his fingernails and the half-filled pots on the bench made his story [plausible], though Ruiz was not yet ready to cross him off her list of suspects.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "plausible" as it is used in the excerpt? overly dramatic / believable / highly unusual / completely proven	believable — The soil and the half-filled pots support his story, so it seems believable; but Ruiz still suspects him, so it is not "proven."
When the coach asked who had left the equipment shed unlocked, nobody answered at first. Finally, Marco decided to [plead] ignorance, insisting that he had never been given a key and had no idea the shed was supposed to be locked at all. Coach Rivera did not look convinced.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "plead" most nearly means admit guilt / claim as an excuse / beg desperately / argue in court	claim as an excuse — Marco offers "ignorance" as his excuse by "insisting" he never had a key; he is not begging anyone or admitting he did it.
Every spring, volunteers in the small town are moved by the [plight] of the spotted salamanders. The forest ponds where the animals lay their eggs are being drained for new houses, and the few that remain sit across a busy highway that many salamanders never survive crossing.  What does the word "plight" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? rare beauty / yearly migration / troubled situation / quiet habits	troubled situation — The ponds are disappearing and many salamanders die on the highway, so their situation is a troubled one; the volunteers are moved by the danger, not by the trip itself.
Near the end of the concert, the retired violinist returned to the stage to play the lullaby his mother had sung to him as a boy. His hands trembled slightly, and the melody, thin and unsteady, was all the more [poignant] for it; several people in the front row quietly wiped their eyes.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "poignant" as it is used in the excerpt? oddly cheerful / deeply moving / poorly played / sharply pointed	deeply moving — The audience wipes their eyes, and the shaky playing makes the song "all the more" emotional, so it is deeply moving; the unsteadiness adds to the feeling rather than ruining the music.
Faced with a move on which the whole chess tournament depended, the twelve-year-old did not touch a single piece. She sat with her chin in her hands for nearly ten minutes, [pondering] the board while her opponent drummed his fingers on the table. In the end, she moved her knight.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "pondering" most nearly means glaring angrily at / pushing aside / carefully setting up / thinking over	thinking over — She sits still for ten minutes without touching a piece, so she is thinking over the board, not arranging or rejecting it.
The rain forest vine looked harmless, but healers in the region had long known that a tea brewed from just a few of its leaves could put a grown man to sleep for hours. Scientists studying the plant were astonished at how [potent] its chemicals were, even in tiny amounts.  What does the word "potent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? powerful / very ancient / unpleasantly bitter / rare	powerful — A few leaves can put a man to sleep, and the effect is strong "even in tiny amounts," so the chemicals are powerful; nothing in the excerpt describes their taste or age.
Grandpa Leo admired the shiny sports car in the showroom window, but he drove home in a used minivan instead. With six grandchildren to take to soccer games and a garage full of camping gear, he needed something [practical], not something that would turn heads on the highway.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "practical" as it is used in the excerpt? useful and sensible / fast and very exciting / expensive and brand-new / small and quiet	useful and sensible — He needs room for six grandchildren and gear and rejects the flashy car, so he wants something useful and sensible; the minivan is used, so not "expensive and new."
Before the hikers set out for the summit, the guide checked the forecast twice and packed an extra jacket for each of them. The sky was perfectly clear, but she explained that mountain weather can change within minutes, and that the jackets were simply a [precaution].  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "precaution" most nearly means a weather report / a reward for climbers / a nervous habit / a safety measure	a safety measure — The jackets are packed in case the weather "can change within minutes," so they are a safety measure taken in advance.
Historians now believe that a long drought [preceded] the collapse of the ancient city. Layers of soil from the period show that rainfall dropped sharply for decades, and only afterward do the records of abandoned farms and empty markets appear. Some scholars still argue that war played a part as well.  What does the word "preceded" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? followed / came before / prevented / was caused by	came before — The drought lasted decades and the abandoned farms appear "only afterward," so the drought came before the collapse; "followed" reverses the order.
When the first women joined the city's orchestra, some critics claimed they could hear a difference in the music. Yet when auditions were later held behind a screen, judges chose women just as often as men, showing that the critics' complaints had come from [prejudice] rather than from anything they actually heard.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "prejudice" as it is used in the excerpt? honest regret / musical expertise / careful listening / an unfair bias	an unfair bias — Once the judges could not see who was playing, the difference vanished, so the complaints came from an unfair bias, not from "anything they actually heard."
For decades, winning the regional science fair brought little more than a ribbon and a photo in the local paper. After several past winners went on to become famous researchers, however, the award gained enormous [prestige], and top students from three states began competing for it.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "prestige" most nearly means prize money / strict rules / high status / larger size	high status — The award became something top students wanted because past winners became famous, so it gained respect and high status; nothing mentions new money or rules.
Since the lights were off and the driveway was empty, Nadia [presumed] that her neighbors had left for vacation. She was startled, then, when Mr. Okafor opened the front door in his bathrobe to collect the newspaper. He waved cheerfully and explained that their car was simply in the repair shop.  What does the word "presumed" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? proved beyond doubt / assumed / forgot / hoped	assumed — Nadia guessed from clues like the dark windows, and she was wrong, so she assumed it; she could not have "proved" something that turned out false.
In the hours after the storm passed, an eerie calm [prevailed] across the island. Shops stayed closed, the streets were empty, and the only sound anywhere was the distant hum of generators. Even the seagulls, usually so noisy along the harbor, sat silently on the docks, and neighbors who met on the sidewalk spoke only in whispers.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "prevailed" as it is used in the excerpt? won a hard victory / was widespread / came to an end / was predicted	was widespread — The calm is felt everywhere, in closed shops and empty streets, so it was widespread; nothing is competing for a victory here.
The witness insisted that she had never seen the man before, but the detective pointed to a [prior] meeting between them. A photograph from a security camera showed the two of them talking at the same bus stop exactly one week before she gave her statement, laughing like old friends.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "prior" most nearly means more important / later / earlier / official	earlier — The photo was taken "one week earlier," before the witness's claim, so the meeting was an earlier one.
Theo had three weeks to build his model of the solar system. Instead of starting, he chose to [procrastinate], reorganizing his bookshelf, learning card tricks, and promising himself he would begin "tomorrow" until only one night was left. On that final night, he glued planets together until three in the morning.  What does the word "procrastinate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? put off the work / ask for help / give up entirely / work very quickly	put off the work — He keeps doing other things and saying he will begin "tomorrow," so he is putting off the work; he still plans to begin, so he has not given up.
After two summers working in her uncle's bakery, Rosa had become [proficient] at shaping bread. She could braid a loaf in under a minute, and customers often asked whether she or her uncle had made the rolls in the display case. Her uncle simply smiled and said nothing.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "proficient" as it is used in the excerpt? interested / finished / nervous / skilled	skilled — She braids loaves quickly and her rolls match her uncle's, so she is skilled; being merely "interested" would not explain that result.
Hoping to [prolong] the life of their aging bridge, city engineers replaced its rusted cables and repainted every beam. They estimate that the repairs will keep it safely open to traffic for another thirty years. Without the work, inspectors had warned, the bridge might have had to close within five years.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "prolong" most nearly means shorten / celebrate / extend / document	extend — The repairs keep the bridge open "for another thirty years," so they extend its life.
The sculptor's early statues looked strange to visitors: the heads were too small, the arms too long, and the hands enormous. Only later did she learn to give her figures realistic [proportion], so that each part of the body matched the size of the others.  What does the word "proportion" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? balance between sizes / heavy weight / facial expression / share of a total	balance between sizes — The early statues had parts that were the wrong sizes, and she learned to make "each part" match the others, so this means a balance between sizes, not a share of a total.
The new contract between the city and the bus company includes a [provision] requiring that every bus be equipped with a wheelchair ramp by 2028. If the company fails to meet that requirement, the city may cancel the agreement. Disability advocates had pushed for that rule for nearly a decade.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "provision" as it is used in the excerpt? signature / payment / supply of food and water / condition or rule	condition or rule — The provision is part of the contract and is called a "requirement," so it is a condition or rule in the agreement, not a supply of anything.
Although the team had won its first five games, the coach thought it [prudent] to keep practicing the basics every day. "A winning streak can make players careless," she said, "and careless teams lose in the playoffs." Her players groaned, but they kept running the same drills every afternoon.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "prudent" most nearly means fair and kind to all / bold and risky / boring and slow / wise and careful	wise and careful — The coach is guarding against carelessness before the playoffs, so practicing is a wise and careful choice; she is avoiding risk, not taking it.
When her name was called as the winner of the poetry contest, Lucia walked to the stage with a [radiant] expression. She had practiced a calm, serious face all morning, but she could not stop smiling as she accepted the trophy. Her grandmother, watching from the third row, waved both arms in the air.  What does the word "radiant" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? glowing with joy / giving off light / serious and calm / pale with fright	glowing with joy — She "could not stop smiling," so her face glows with joy; a face does not literally give off light, and her practiced serious look did not last.
Furious after losing the first set, the young tennis player made a [rash] decision: she smashed her racket against the court and had to play the rest of the match with a borrowed one that was far too heavy. Later, she admitted she wished she had taken a deep breath first.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "rash" as it is used in the excerpt? brave and noble / itchy and red / carefully planned / hasty and unwise	hasty and unwise — She acted in fury and later wished she had paused, so the decision was hasty and unwise; it was clearly not planned.
As the years passed, the frightening memory of the house fire slowly [receded]. Eventually Omar could hear a smoke alarm without his heart pounding, and he even laughed when his little sister burned the toast. His parents noticed that he slept through the night again and no longer asked to keep the hall light on.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "receded" most nearly means faded / grew stronger / moved backward / came back	faded — Omar is no longer scared by smoke alarms, so the memory faded; a memory does not physically move backward.
The ferry captain had a reputation for being [reckless]. He sped through the crowded harbor in thick fog, ignored warnings from the coast guard, and once tried to squeeze between two cargo ships with only a few feet of open water on either side. Passengers often gripped the railings.  What does the word "reckless" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? skilled at steering / friendly with passengers / bad-tempered / careless about danger	careless about danger — Speeding in fog and ignoring warnings show he does not care about danger; nothing says he is skilled or grumpy.
The two eyewitness accounts of the meteor did not match: one farmer said it streaked east, while another insisted it flew west. Astronomers were able to [reconcile] the reports when they realized the two men had been standing on opposite sides of the valley, facing different directions.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "reconcile" as it is used in the excerpt? reject both / publish / make friends again / make them agree	make them agree — The astronomers explain why the reports differed, which makes the two accounts fit together; the farmers were never enemies who needed to make up.
In the novel, a red kite [recurs] throughout the story. It appears on the first page, flutters over the town during the summer festival, and turns up again in the final chapter, tangled in the branches of the old oak tree near the river. Readers have argued for years about what it stands for.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "recurs" most nearly means gets lost / is described once / flies away / appears again and again	appears again and again — The kite shows up on the first page, at the festival, and in the last chapter, so it appears again and again.
At the factory, raw sugar arrives as a sticky brown mass full of plant fibers and dirt. Workers [refine] it by dissolving it in water, filtering out the impurities, and boiling the liquid until clean white crystals form. The leftover brown syrup, called molasses, is sold separately for baking.  What does the word "refine" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? make more polite / purify / sweeten / package	purify — Workers filter out dirt and fibers until "clean white crystals form," so they purify the sugar; it is already sweet, and nothing is packaged.
Visitors to the nesting beach are asked to [refrain] from using flashlights after dark. Bright lights confuse newly hatched sea turtles, which may crawl toward the parking lot instead of the ocean and never reach the water. Rangers suggest using a red light instead, which the hatchlings cannot easily see.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "refrain" as it is used in the excerpt? practice / benefit / repeat a chorus / hold back	hold back — Lights harm the baby turtles, so visitors must hold back from using them; the passage is not about singing a chorus.
For centuries, many people believed that flies appeared out of rotting meat on their own. In 1668, an Italian doctor set out to [refute] that idea: he covered some jars of meat with cloth and left others open, and only the open jars ever developed maggots.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "refute" most nearly means prove wrong / strongly support / publish / explain in detail	prove wrong — His experiment showed maggots came only where flies could reach the meat, so he proved the old belief wrong.
Mr. Delgado read the letter twice before its meaning seemed to [register]. Then he set it down slowly, sat on the edge of the bed, and said to no one in particular, "So we really are moving to Alaska." His daughter sat down beside him and waited.  What does the word "register" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? be understood / be recorded on a scale / be mailed / sign up officially	be understood — He reads the letter twice and then finally says what it means aloud, so its meaning is now understood; he is not signing up for anything.
For eleven days the wind was [relentless]. It rattled the shutters every hour of the day and night, flattened the wheat in the fields, and never once died down long enough for the fishermen to launch their boats. When it finally stopped on the twelfth morning, the silence felt strange.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "relentless" as it is used in the excerpt? constant / sudden and brief / warm / gentle	constant — The wind blows "every hour" and "never once died down," so it is constant; flattening wheat rules out "gentle."
After forty years as keeper of the lighthouse, Agnes finally agreed to [relinquish] the keys to her young assistant. She handed them over with a small smile, though she still climbed the tower every evening just to watch the sunset. The assistant promised to light the lamp each night exactly as Agnes always had.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "relinquish" most nearly means polish / hide away / give up / make a copy of	give up — She "handed them over" to her assistant, so she gave up the keys.
When Kenji learned that his careless joke had made his friend cry, he was overcome with [remorse]. He lay awake that night replaying the moment, then knocked on her door early the next morning to apologize. Fortunately, his friend accepted, and the two of them walked to school together as usual.  What does the word "remorse" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? regret / anger / confusion / pride	regret — He lies awake replaying what he did and then apologizes, so he feels regret for hurting his friend.
The small Italian city of Cremona might seem an unlikely place for a world capital, yet it is [renowned] for its violins. For more than three hundred years, musicians have traveled from every continent to buy instruments made in its workshops. Some of its oldest instruments now sell for millions of dollars.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "renowned" as it is used in the excerpt? famous / small / forgotten / criticized	famous — Musicians come "from every continent" to buy its violins, so the city is famous for them.
Halfway through the marathon, runners pass a table piled with orange slices and paper cups of water. These stations help them [replenish] the fluids and energy they have lost during the first thirteen miles of the race. Coaches warn that skipping these stops can leave runners dizzy and cramping before the finish line.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "replenish" most nearly means measure / waste / ignore / refill	refill — Runners drink and eat to make up for what they "have lost," so they refill their fluids and energy.
The museum guard did not shout when the boy climbed onto the statue's base. Instead, she walked over and [reprimanded] him in a low, firm voice, reminding him that the sculpture was older than the city itself and could crack under his weight. The boy climbed down at once, red-faced.  What does the word "reprimanded" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? scolded / praised / photographed / ignored	scolded — She speaks "firmly" and explains why he was wrong to climb, so she scolded him; she clearly did not ignore him.
Although she had just won the national championship, the gymnast spoke to reporters with her usual [reserve]. She answered each question briefly and politely, thanked her coach, and quietly declined to talk about her own feelings. Teammates say she is far more talkative at practice, often cracking jokes between routines.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "reserve" as it is used in the excerpt? advance booking / stored supply / protected land / quiet self-control	quiet self-control — She answers "briefly" and will not share her feelings, so she shows quiet self-control; nothing is being stored or booked.
The coral reef had been battered by a hurricane and bleached by a heat wave, and scientists feared it was gone for good. Yet within five years, new coral had covered the damaged areas, proving the reef more [resilient] than anyone had expected. Fish soon returned as well.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "resilient" most nearly means fragile / extremely ancient / colorful / able to recover	able to recover — The reef grew back after the damage, so it was able to recover; "fragile" is what scientists feared, and they turned out to be wrong.
Everyone told Grace that a girl from her small town would never be accepted into the astronaut program. She remained [resolute], studying physics every night after her shift at the diner and applying again each year until, on her fourth try, she was accepted. Her first flight is scheduled for next spring.  What does the word "resolute" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? determined / uncertain / lucky / bitter and resentful	determined — She studies every night and keeps applying for four years, so she is determined; nothing shows she doubted herself.
Gardeners in dry climates often mix a layer of compost into sandy soil. Sand alone lets rainwater drain away almost at once, but compost helps the soil [retain] moisture for days, giving plant roots time to drink. Many gardeners also spread straw on top to shade the ground from the hot afternoon sun.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "retain" as it is used in the excerpt? release / remember / hire / hold on to	hold on to — The compost stops water from draining away, so the soil holds on to it; soil cannot hire or remember anything.
When the larger crows began stealing eggs from their nests, the small mockingbirds did not simply fly away. They chose to [retaliate], diving at the crows in groups and pecking at their heads until the thieves retreated to another tree. Birdwatchers say the small birds rarely lose such fights.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "retaliate" most nearly means give up / sing loudly / strike back / hide	strike back — The mockingbirds attack the crows that stole from them, so they strike back; the excerpt says they did not "fly away."
In the village, the old storyteller was [revered]. Children sat silently at his feet, adults stood when he entered a room, and no festival could begin until he had told the tale of the first harvest. When he finally grew too frail to walk to the square, the villagers carried him there in a chair decorated with flowers.  What does the word "revered" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? envied by everyone / deeply respected / pitied / ignored	deeply respected — People stand when he enters, and festivals wait for him, which are signs of deep respect.
After the first spacecraft images arrived, astronomers had to [revise] their maps of the moon's surface. Several "mountains" turned out to be craters, and a long valley proved to be nothing more than a shadow. The corrected maps were later used to choose safe landing sites for the first astronauts.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "revise" as it is used in the excerpt? sell / correct and update / admire / memorize	correct and update — The new images showed mistakes in the old maps, so astronomers had to correct and update them.
Before a new medicine can be sold, it must pass [rigorous] testing. Researchers try it on thousands of volunteers over several years, record every side effect, and repeat any experiment whose results seem unclear. The process often takes more than ten years and costs a great deal of money.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "rigorous" most nearly means inexpensive and easy / quick and simple / thorough and strict / kept secret	thorough and strict — Testing lasts years, involves thousands of people, and repeats unclear experiments, so it is thorough and strict, not quick.
The cafe's owner roasts her coffee beans longer than most. The result is a [robust] brew, dark, rich, and full of flavor, that her regular customers say makes every other cup of coffee in the neighborhood taste watery. She serves it in heavy clay mugs that keep it hot for an hour.  What does the word "robust" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? physically strong / sugary / weak / full-flavored	full-flavored — The brew is "dark, rich, and full of flavor," so robust here means full-flavored; a drink cannot have physical strength like a person.
The tour guide's opening facts about the old fort failed to [rouse] the bored students at first. But when she mentioned the secret tunnel hidden beneath their feet, hands shot up all over the group, and everyone began firing questions at her. By the end of the tour, nobody wanted to leave.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "rouse" as it is used in the excerpt? wake from sleep / confuse / stir up / calm down	stir up — The students are bored but awake; the guide is trying to stir up their interest, and it works when hands shoot up and questions fly.
The first airplanes were [rudimentary] machines. Their wings were made of cloth stretched over wooden frames, the pilot lay on his stomach to steer, and there was no cockpit, no seat belt, and no instrument panel at all. Even so, the brothers who built them proved that people could fly.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "rudimentary" most nearly means beautiful / basic and simple / advanced / noisy	basic and simple — Cloth wings and no cockpit or instruments show the planes were basic and simple.
In the board game, Harper was [ruthless]. She bought every property her little cousins landed on, charged them the highest rent allowed, and refused every request for a loan, even when the youngest was close to tears. By the end of the afternoon, she owned nearly every street on the board.  What does the word "ruthless" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? generous / forgetful / lucky / showing no mercy	showing no mercy — She refuses loans even when her cousin is near tears, so she shows no mercy; she is the opposite of generous.
Someone was trying to [sabotage] the school's robotics team. Twice in one week, wires were cut inside the robot overnight, and on the morning of the competition, its batteries were missing from the locked cabinet. The team captain finally asked the principal to install a camera in the workshop.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "sabotage" as it is used in the excerpt? enter / deliberately damage / rebuild / support	deliberately damage — Cut wires and stolen batteries are deliberate damage meant to stop the team.
When the basement flooded, the family's photo albums sat in two inches of water. Working through the night, Mrs. Chen managed to [salvage] about half of the pictures by drying them one at a time on clotheslines strung across the kitchen. The rest were too badly damaged to keep.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "salvage" most nearly means save from ruin / throw away / sort by date / sell	save from ruin — She dries the wet pictures so they will not be ruined, which means she saves them from ruin.
After the noisy cafeteria and crowded hallways, the school library felt like a [sanctuary] to Malik. Every day at lunch he would slip into the corner beneath the tall window, where the only sounds were turning pages and the soft tick of the wall clock, and let his shoulders finally relax.  What does the word "sanctuary" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? busy meeting place / holy temple / peaceful refuge / storage room	peaceful refuge — Malik escapes the noise to a quiet corner where he can relax, so the library is a peaceful refuge for him; it is not a religious building.
Having trained for this race for four years, Ayo did not hurry off the track after crossing the finish line first. She walked slowly around the stadium, waving to the crowd and stopping to read the homemade signs, determined to [savor] every second of the moment before the ceremony began.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "savor" as it is used in the excerpt? taste carefully / record on video / forget quickly / enjoy fully	enjoy fully — She takes her time and soaks in the crowd, so she wants to enjoy the moment fully; there is no food to taste.
The lake at dawn was [serene]. Not a ripple disturbed its surface, a thin mist hung over the reeds along the shore, and the only movement anywhere was a gray heron standing motionless in the shallows, waiting patiently for a fish to swim past its feet.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "serene" most nearly means deep and dark / crowded with boats / calm and peaceful / cold and icy	calm and peaceful — No ripples, still mist, and a motionless heron all show the lake is calm and peaceful.
The young merchant was [shrewd]. Noticing that every traveler arriving in the dusty town asked where to find fresh water, he bought the land around the only spring before anyone else thought to, then charged a small fee for each bucket that was filled. Within a year he was the wealthiest man in the valley.  What does the word "shrewd" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? generous to strangers / openly dishonest / foolish / cleverly practical	cleverly practical — He notices a need and buys the spring before anyone else does, which shows clever judgment; charging a small, open fee is not dishonest.
The ceremony on the anniversary of the mine collapse was [solemn]. No music played and no one spoke above a whisper; the miners' families stood with bowed heads as the names of the lost workers were read aloud, one by one, in front of the old mine entrance.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "solemn" as it is used in the excerpt? disorganized / joyful and celebratory / serious and respectful / brief	serious and respectful — No music, whispers, and bowed heads show that the ceremony is serious and respectful.
The poet's style is famously [spare]. Her poems rarely run longer than ten lines, she uses almost no adjectives, and a single small image, such as a cracked cup or a bare branch, often carries the meaning of an entire poem. Critics say she can do more with five words than most poets can with fifty.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "spare" most nearly means unused / generous and overflowing / plain and simple / extra	plain and simple — Short poems, few adjectives, and a single image show a plain and simple style; nothing is "extra" or left over.
With only a few fossil bones to study, scientists can only [speculate] about what color the dinosaur's feathers were. Some think they were dull brown, helping the animal hide among the trees, while others imagine bright stripes that it used to show off to rivals.  What does the word "speculate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? prove / invest money / measure precisely / guess	guess — Scientists have only a few bones and disagree about the colors, so they can only guess; they cannot prove anything.
Jonah won five hundred dollars in the art contest and promised himself he would save it for a new laptop. Within a month, though, he had [squandered] nearly all of it on arcade games and snacks, and the laptop seemed further away than ever. He stared sadly at his nearly empty wallet.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "squandered" as it is used in the excerpt? wasted / donated / saved / earned	wasted — He spent the money on games and snacks instead of the laptop, so he wasted it; he clearly did not save it.
For nearly a decade the town's economy was [stagnant]. No new shops opened on Main Street, the old factory hired no new workers, and many young people moved away to larger cities because nothing in their hometown ever seemed to change. Even the town's only movie theater closed its doors.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "stagnant" most nearly means not growing / very noisy / foul-smelling / rapidly rising	not growing — No new shops or jobs and "nothing ... seemed to change" show the economy was not growing; an economy cannot smell.
The sled dogs were not the fastest in the race, but they had remarkable [stamina]. While other teams collapsed in exhaustion after the third day, these dogs kept a steady pace through blizzards for more than a week and crossed the finish line still wagging their tails.  What does the word "stamina" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? loyalty / speed / intelligence / endurance	endurance — The dogs were "not the fastest" but kept going for a week while others collapsed, so they had endurance.
Mrs. Patel loved the antique clock, but the dealer's price was [steep]: four hundred dollars, nearly double what similar clocks sold for at the flea market across town. She thanked him politely and decided to keep looking. "For that price," she told her husband, "it ought to wind itself."  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "steep" as it is used in the excerpt? unfairly high / fixed / sharply sloping / hidden	unfairly high — The price is "nearly double" what similar clocks cost, so it is far too high; a price does not literally slope.
Volunteers piled sandbags along the riverbank all night, hoping to [stem] the rising water before it reached the houses on Elm Street. By dawn their wall stood five feet high, and only a thin trickle seeped through the gaps between the bags. The houses stayed dry.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "stem" most nearly means grow from / stop the flow of / measure / come from	stop the flow of — The sandbag wall is built to hold back the water before it reaches the houses, so they want to stop its flow.
Ms. Okoye was not a cruel teacher, but she was [stern]. She rarely smiled during lessons, expected homework on time without exception, and needed only one raised eyebrow to quiet a whispering student in the back row. Yet students who had graduated years earlier often came back just to thank her.  What does the word "stern" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? forgetful / unkind / the back end of a boat / strict and serious	strict and serious — She rarely smiles and enforces rules firmly, so she is strict and serious; the excerpt says she was "not a cruel teacher," which rules out "unkind."
When the principal tripped over a stack of books during the assembly, Noor had to [stifle] a laugh. She pressed her hand over her mouth and stared hard at her shoes until the urge passed, terrified that someone might hear her giggle. Luckily, the principal laughed first.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "stifle" as it is used in the excerpt? repeat / hold back / let out loudly / explain	hold back — She covers her mouth so no one hears her, so she is holding back the laugh.
Gardeners sometimes pinch off the tips of young basil plants. Removing the top leaves [stimulates] the plant to grow new branches from its sides, so that one skinny stalk soon becomes a bushy plant full of fragrant leaves. Experienced cooks repeat the trick every few weeks all summer long.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "stimulates" most nearly means provides water for / encourages / weakens / prevents	encourages — Pinching the tips leads to "new branches," so it encourages growth.
The old photograph [stirred] memories Grandpa had not thought about in years. Holding it close to the lamp, he began to describe the white farmhouse, the creaky porch swing, and the shaggy dog that used to follow him all the way to school. He talked until long after dark.  What does the word "stirred" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? mixed with a spoon / confused / erased / awakened	awakened — After seeing the photo, Grandpa begins describing long-forgotten details, so the picture awakened his memories.
The space agency's rules for packing are [stringent]. Every item an astronaut brings aboard must be weighed, tested for fire safety, and approved months in advance; even a single extra pencil can be rejected if it has not been cleared. Every gram matters when it costs thousands of dollars to launch it into orbit.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "stringent" as it is used in the excerpt? confusing / strict / outdated / loose	strict — Weighing, testing, and approving every item, and rejecting even a pencil, show the rules are strict.
No matter how hard Dad scrubbed, the [stubborn] grass stain on the knee of Eli's baseball pants would not come out. After three trips through the washing machine and a long soak in vinegar, it was still faintly green. Dad finally gave up and turned the pants into rags for washing the car.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "stubborn" most nearly means hard to remove / fresh / refusing to obey people / bright	hard to remove — The stain survives scrubbing, washing, and soaking, so it is hard to remove; a stain cannot disobey people.
For an hour after the earthquake, small aftershocks rattled the windows of the apartment building. Gradually, though, the tremors [subsided], and by evening families were cautiously returning to their homes to sweep up broken glass and check on their neighbors. Within a week, the city had reopened every school.  What does the word "subsided" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? began / grew much stronger / were carefully measured / became less intense	became less intense — By evening people felt safe enough to return, so the tremors became less intense.
Mateo had promised himself he would not touch the pie cooling on the counter before dinner. After twenty long minutes of smelling cinnamon and baked apples, however, he [succumbed] and cut himself a thin slice, hoping no one would notice. His sister, of course, noticed immediately.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "succumbed" as it is used in the excerpt? gave in / baked / refused / complained	gave in — He had promised not to eat the pie but finally cut a slice, so he gave in to temptation.
Lena stood at the edge of the high dive for a full minute, looking down at the water far below while the line behind her grew longer. Finally she [summoned] her courage, took one deep breath, and stepped off into the air. Her friends cheered from the pool deck.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "summoned" most nearly means officially ordered / gathered up / hid / lost	gathered up — Lena hesitates and then jumps, so she gathered up her courage; she did not lose it.
The first reviewer's comments were [superficial]: he mentioned that the novel's cover was attractive and that some chapters seemed long, but he said nothing at all about its characters, its plot, or the ideas that made other readers love it. The second reviewer, by contrast, wrote three pages on the book's ending alone.  What does the word "superficial" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? dishonest / harsh / thorough / shallow	shallow — He comments only on the cover and length, never the deeper parts of the book, so his comments are shallow.
Many early settlers on the prairie grew corn and wheat, but they [supplemented] their meals with whatever they could gather nearby: wild plums in summer, walnuts in the fall, and honey from hollow trees whenever they were lucky enough to find it. These extras kept families healthy through long winters.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "supplemented" as it is used in the excerpt? replaced / added to / shortened / ruined	added to — The settlers still grew corn and wheat but also gathered extra food, so they added to their meals rather than replacing them.
Young tomato plants are especially [susceptible] to frost. A single cold night in early spring can blacken their leaves and kill the stems, which is why experienced gardeners wait until the middle of May before planting them outdoors. Once the plants are older and sturdier, a light frost does them little harm.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "susceptible" most nearly means easily harmed by / curiously attracted to / resistant to / grown in	easily harmed by — One cold night can kill the plants, so they are easily harmed by frost; "resistant" means the opposite.
When his friend asked what he thought of her very loud orange sweater, Ben tried to be [tactful]. "It's definitely bold," he said with a smile, "and nobody will ever lose you in a crowd." She laughed and wore it to school the next day.  What does the word "tactful" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? careful of feelings / silent / fashionable / brutally honest	careful of feelings — Ben avoids saying anything hurtful and turns his opinion into a compliment, so he is careful of her feelings.
Counting the seeds by hand was [tedious] work. For six hours the students sorted thousands of identical brown specks into piles of ten, and by lunchtime several of them were struggling to keep their eyes open. Their teacher promised that the results would help scientists track a rare wildflower.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "tedious" as it is used in the excerpt? rewarding / dull and tiresome / dangerous / messy and disgusting	dull and tiresome — Hours of sorting identical seeds and students fighting sleep show the work was dull and tiresome.
Grandma's advice was always honest, but she knew how to [temper] her criticism with kindness. "Your stitches are uneven," she told me as she held up my first quilt, "but look how much straighter they are than last week's." I laughed, rethreaded my needle, and kept sewing until supper.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "temper" most nearly means hide / soften / harden / lose control of	soften — Grandma points out a problem but adds praise, so she softens her criticism with kindness.
Although the two puppies came from the same litter, their [temperaments] could not have been more different. Biscuit greeted every stranger with a wagging tail and a happy bark, while Pepper hid under the couch whenever the doorbell rang. Their owner joked that one puppy had gotten all the courage and the other all the caution.  What does the word "temperaments" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? fur colors / diets / natural personalities / sizes	natural personalities — One puppy is friendly and the other is shy, so they differ in their natural personalities.
Ivy is a [tenacious] plant. Once its tiny roots grip a brick wall, they hold on so firmly that pulling the vine away can tear off chips of brick and mortar, and any piece left behind will soon start climbing again. Gardeners who plant it often regret it within a few years.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "tenacious" as it is used in the excerpt? fast-growing and wild / delicate / clinging firmly / poisonous to touch	clinging firmly — The roots hold so tightly that pulling them tears the brick, so the plant clings firmly.
The class trip to the aquarium is [tentative] for now. The principal still needs to confirm that enough parents can come along as chaperones, and the date may change if the buses are not available that week. A final decision will be announced in the school newsletter next Monday.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "tentative" most nearly means exciting / not yet certain / canceled / very expensive to attend	not yet certain — The trip still depends on chaperones and buses, so it is not yet certain; nothing says it was canceled.
The bus line used to run all the way to the beach, but this year the city decided to [terminate] it at the train station. Passengers heading to the shore must now walk the last mile or take a taxi from the station parking lot.  What does the word "terminate" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? rename / end / expand / speed up	end — Passengers must now walk the last mile, so the route ends at the station; it was shortened, not expanded.
Cactuses can [tolerate] months without rain. Their thick stems store water like barrels, and their spines, which are actually a kind of leaf, lose very little moisture to the hot desert air, even on the most scorching afternoons of summer. Some kinds can survive a full year without a single drop.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "tolerate" as it is used in the excerpt? prevent / cause / endure / enjoy	endure — The cactus stores water to get through dry months, so it can endure the drought; a plant cannot cause or prevent rain.
The [transition] from elementary school to middle school can be hard. Students who once stayed in one classroom all day must suddenly find their way between six different rooms, keep track of several teachers, and open a locker in under a minute. Most students, however, feel at home by the end of October.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "transition" most nearly means distance / test / celebration / shift	shift — The excerpt describes the changes students face when they move to middle school, so a transition is a shift from one stage to another.
Leo's excuse was [transparent]. He claimed he had spent the whole afternoon studying at the library, yet he had a sunburned nose and sand in his shoes, and his beach towel was still damp when he dropped his backpack by the door. His mother simply raised an eyebrow.  What does the word "transparent" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? complicated / obviously false / sincere / clear like glass	obviously false — The sunburn, sand, and damp towel show at once that he was at the beach, so the excuse is obviously false; an excuse cannot be see-through like glass.
The mountain pass is [treacherous] in winter. Ice hides beneath the fresh snow, sudden winds can knock hikers off their feet, and in places the trail narrows to a ledge barely wide enough for one person to stand. Rangers close the pass completely after heavy storms, and only experienced climbers attempt it.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "treacherous" as it is used in the excerpt? beautiful / crowded / extremely dangerous / disloyal	extremely dangerous — Hidden ice, strong winds, and a narrow ledge show the pass is extremely dangerous; a mountain cannot be disloyal.
Most of the arguments between the roommates were [trivial], such as who had left a sock on the couch or whose turn it was to buy milk, and they were usually forgotten by dinnertime. Only once did a disagreement last longer than an afternoon. Neither of them ever stayed angry for long.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "trivial" most nearly means bitter and hurtful / loud / frequent / unimportant	unimportant — Socks and milk are small matters, and the arguments were "forgotten by dinnertime," so they were unimportant.
The night before the school play, the backstage area was in [turmoil]. Costumes were missing, two actors had lost their voices, and the stage manager was running between the dressing rooms shouting directions that no one could hear over the noise. Somehow, the curtain still rose on time the next evening.  What does the word "turmoil" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? darkness / silence / chaos / rehearsal	chaos — Missing costumes, sick actors, and shouting that no one can hear show the backstage area was in chaos.
The vote was [unanimous]: all twelve members of the student council raised their hands in favor of a longer lunch period, and not one voted against it. Even Darnell, who rarely agreed with anyone about anything, cheered when the result was read aloud. The principal approved the change the next morning.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "unanimous" as it is used in the excerpt? very close / agreed on by all / delayed / kept secret	agreed on by all — All twelve voted yes and no one voted no, so the decision was agreed on by all; it was not close.
The parrot had an [uncanny] ability to imitate voices. It could copy the mail carrier's whistle, the ring of the kitchen phone, and even Grandpa's cough so exactly that visitors would turn around to see who had just walked into the room. It never learned a single real word, though.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "uncanny" most nearly means ordinary / annoying / strangely remarkable / recently learned	strangely remarkable — Visitors are fooled into turning around, so the parrot's skill is so exact it seems strange and remarkable.
For years, no one could explain why the town's clock tower chimed thirteen times on the first night of every month. It was a curious ten-year-old who finally [unraveled] the mystery: a loose gear slipped each time the custodian wound the clock on the first of the month.  What does the word "unraveled" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? created / ignored / solved / separated into threads	solved — The child explains why the clock chimed thirteen times, so the mystery was solved; there is no yarn or cloth involved.
The losing team appealed the referee's ruling to the league office. After reviewing the video for an hour, the league's officials [upheld] the original decision, so the goal still counted, and the final score remained two to one. Fans of the losing team groaned, but their coach shook hands with the officials and accepted the result.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "upheld" as it is used in the excerpt? confirmed / delayed / lifted up / overturned	confirmed — The goal "still counted," so the officials confirmed the referee's decision rather than overturning it.
Sailors on long voyages learned to [utilize] every part of their supplies. Old sails were cut into patches and bags, empty barrels became storage chests, and even worn-out rope was pulled apart and used to stuff the crew's lumpy mattresses. Almost nothing went into the sea as trash.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "utilize" most nearly means count / make use of / sell / throw out	make use of — Old sails, barrels, and rope all get new uses, so sailors make use of everything instead of throwing it out.
Despite a sprained ankle, the goalkeeper made a [valiant] effort to stop the final penalty kick, diving fully to her left and brushing the ball with her fingertips. It slipped past her into the net, but the crowd rose to applaud her anyway. Her teammates carried her off the field on their shoulders.  What does the word "valiant" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? careless / courageous / lazy / successful	courageous — She dives despite an injury, which takes courage; the ball still went in, so the effort was not successful.
Chef Amara calls the egg the most [versatile] ingredient in her kitchen. She scrambles it for breakfast, bakes it into cakes, whips it into foamy meringue, and uses it to hold her famous meatballs together. "If I could keep only one ingredient," she says, "I would keep the egg."  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "versatile" as it is used in the excerpt? cheap / having many uses / healthy and nutritious / fragile	having many uses — The chef lists four very different ways she uses eggs, so they have many uses.
Meerkats take turns standing guard. While the rest of the group digs for insects, one [vigilant] meerkat stands upright on a mound of dirt, scanning the sky for hawks and giving a sharp bark at the first sign of danger. Only when another member takes over does the guard go back to eating.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "vigilant" most nearly means hungry / watchful / aggressive / sleepy	watchful — The guard scans the sky and warns the group of danger, so it is watchful.
After a [vigorous] game of tag that lasted the entire recess, the second graders came back into the classroom red-faced, sweaty, and so out of breath that they could barely answer when the teacher called their names for attendance. Two of them asked for an extra drink of water.  What does the word "vigorous" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? quiet / energetic / short / unfair	energetic — The game lasted the whole recess and left the children sweaty and breathless, so it was energetic; it was not short.
Once a hermit crab outgrows its shell, it must find a new one, and during the search it is extremely [vulnerable]. Without its hard covering, the crab's soft body can easily be snatched by gulls or crushed by waves against the rocks. For this reason, many crabs search only at night.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "vulnerable" as it is used in the excerpt? slow-moving / open to harm / angry / well protected	open to harm — Without its shell, the crab can "easily be snatched" or crushed, so it is open to harm.
After his best friend moved away, Sam began to [withdraw]. He stopped joining the jokes at the lunch table, skipped soccer practice, and spent most afternoons alone in his room with the door closed and the curtains pulled shut. His parents grew worried and called his old friend.  As it is used in the excerpt, the word "withdraw" most nearly means argue / pull away from others / take money out / move to a new city	pull away from others — Sam stops joining his friends and stays alone in his room, so he is pulling away from others; it is his friend, not Sam, who moved.
When Ellis bragged that he could finish the puzzle in five minutes, his older sister gave him a look that seemed to make him [wither]. His grin vanished, his shoulders sank, and he quietly pushed the puzzle box back across the table. His sister smiled and opened the box herself.  What does the word "wither" most likely mean as it is used in the excerpt? grow bolder / fall asleep / dry up from heat / shrink in confidence	shrink in confidence — His grin vanishes and his shoulders sink, so he shrinks in confidence; there is no heat drying anything.
Mrs. Yamada threw herself into her new hobby with [zeal]. Within a month of buying her first telescope, she had joined two astronomy clubs, memorized dozens of constellations, and stayed up past midnight on every clear night of the season. Her family joked that she now knew the night sky better than her own neighborhood.  Which phrase best describes the meaning of "zeal" as it is used in the excerpt? reluctance / eager enthusiasm / caution / confusion	eager enthusiasm — Joining clubs and staying up late to stargaze show eager enthusiasm, the opposite of reluctance.
