Practice Three

Multiple Choice- Total - 32 Marks

SYNONYMS
Each of the sentences given below contains one that is in quotation marks. Beneath each
sentence there are four options marked A-D. Select the option which is nearest in meaning to
the word in quotation marks in the sentence.
1 I was “confident” that I had made a good impression at my interview.
(a) relaxed
(b)​ certain
(c) secure
(d) safe

2. The woman wore a “grave” look on her face during the baptismal ceremony.
(a) angry
(b) dignified
​(c)​ serious
(d) kind

3. His “ insolent” behaviour has always affected the smooth functioning of the class.
(a) arrogant
(b)crude
(c) conceited
(d)​ rude

4. The new Rent Restriction Act is designed to prevent landlords charging “exorbitant” rents.
(a) unreasonable
(b) large
(c)​ excessive
(d) extra

5. I had the “strange” feeling that I had seen him somewhere before.
(a) ​odd
(b) unusual
(c) eccentric
(d) foreign

6. Since the weather was fine it was an “opportune” time for me to go cycling in the countryside.
(a) healthy
(b) suitable
(c) interesting
(d)​ glamorous

________________________________________
ANTONYMS
Each of the sentences given below contains one word that is in quotation marks. Beneath each
sentence there are four options marked A-D. Select the option which is opposite in meaning to
the word that is in quotation marks in the sentence.
7. The soil in the western part of the island is “ideal” for planting cassava.
(a) unacceptable
(b)​ unsuitable
(c) unprepared
(d) unprofitable

8. The lawyer felt that his client had been given an “unduly” harsh sentence.
(a)​ unnecessarily
(b) appropriately
(c) particularly
(d) justifiably

9. At that restaurant most people claim that the meals are very “sumptuous”.
(a) appetizing
(b) sweet
​(c)​ tasteless
(d) delectable

10. Most of the fifth form said they found the talks given during ‘Careers Week’, “stimulating”.
(a) ​ uninspiring
(b) depressing
(c) monotonous
(d) dull

11. At this time, relations between East and West are “tense”.
(a) carefree
(b) casual
​(c)​ cordial
(d) cautious

12. The “initial” step was taken by men with courage and bravery.

(a) progressive
(b) urgent
(c)​ final
(d) momentous
________________________________________
Instruction: Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the one that is in quotation marks.
13.The police had to “disperse” the crowd.
a. summon
b.​ huddle
c. control
d. dominate

14. The number of spectators “increased” when the lights came on.
a. deteriorated
b.​ dwindled
c. disappeared
d. dissolved

15. The witness said he will not “deny” the story.

a.​ accept
b. repeat
c. confirm
d. report

16. The government should “prohibit” the sale of such drugs.

a. encourage
b. promote
c. tolerate
d.​ allow

17. The result of the game was quite “inevitable”.

a. dubious
b. ​unsettled
c. ambiguous
d. interesting.

18. It is your duty to “laud” actions like that.

a. support
b.​ condemn
c. praise
d. defend

19. We were given a “confined” cabin on the lower deck.

a.​ open
b. unreserved
c. free
d. spacious

20. My mother was “irate” when I came home late from school.
a. furious
b.​ ecstatic
c. annoyed
d. relieved

21. Percy’s “frugal” ways are very alarming.

a. economical
b.​ extravagant
c. understanding
d. controlling

22. His “illicit” actions resulted in his arrest.

a. illegal
b. undercover
c. violent
d.​ legal

Construction Shift
Items: 23-27
Directions: Revise each of the following sentences according to the directions that follow it. Do
not change the meaning of the original sentence. Look at the choices A to D for the word or
phrase that should be included in your revised sentence.
Example: The principal has introduced a new rule making it difficult for students to leave the
school
compound at lunch time.

Begin with: The principal in introducing a new rule

A. had made it difficult B. “has made it difficult”
C. have made it difficult D. make it difficult

The new sentence will read like this:

The principal in introducing a new rule “has made it difficult” for students to leave the school
compound at lunch time.

23. The lights were green so we drove straight through the intersection.
Delete: so
(a) When the lights were
(b) While the lights were
(c) As the lights were
(d) If the lights were

24. If I can save money, I will go on a holiday next year.

 Begin with: If I save
(a) I should go
(b) I will go
(c) I would like to go
(d) I would have gone
25. A man with hands on experience is likely to be more knowledgeable than one who is
academically qualified.
Begin with: A man who has
(a) knows more than
(b) should know more
(c) is likely to be more
(d) has more knowledge
26. We took a detour in order to avoid the heavy traffic.
Substitute: in order that for in order to
(a) we might avoid
(b) we avoided
(c) we will avoid
(d) we should avoid
27. If I leave now I will be early.
Substitute: I were to leave for I leave
(a) may be
(b) might be
(c) shall be
(d) will be
Equivalent Sentences
Items: 28-32
Directions:
Each sentence in this section is followed by four sentences. Choose the one nearest in meaning
to the original sentence. Be sure to read all four choices before you select your answer.
28. The teacher told the students in no uncertain terms they had to bring their parents.
(a)​ The teacher made it clear to the students that they would have to bring their parents.
(b) The teacher demanded that the students bring their parents.
(c) The teacher told the students it was uncertain if they would have to bring their parents.
(d) It was uncertain if the teacher asked the students to bring their parents.

29. There were two ladies who had apparently just arrived from the city by taxi.
(a) A taxi from the city had obviously just arrived with two ladies.
(b) ​Two ladies had probably just arrived by a taxi from the city.
(c) Two ladies in the taxi had definitely come from the city.
(d) A taxi had just arrived, bringing two ladies from the city.

30. Though an earthquake in the Caribbean is uncommon, it is not an impossibility.

(a) It is not surprising that earthquakes occur in the Caribbean.
(b) ​While an earthquake in the Caribbean is not impossible, it is quite uncommon.
(c) It is impossible to experience uncommon earthquakes in the Caribbean.
(d) It is not impossible for an earthquake to occur in the Caribbean, although it is rare

31. Women should be paid lower wages than men, as they are physically weaker.
(a) The physical strength of women is less than that of men, therefore women should be paid
higher wages than men.

(b) ​Because women are physically weaker than men they should be paid lower wages than
men.

(c) Women are physically weaker than men and are therefore paid lower wages than men.

(d) Because men are stronger than women they are paid higher wages than women.

32. A keen interest in co- curricular activities should be displayed by all students in school.

(a) Students should be made aware of the co- curricular activities in school.

(b) Co- curricular activities will develop in schools if students display a keen interest.

(c) Co- curricular activities in school all depend on the students’ interest.

(d)​ Students should be passionate about co- curricular activities in school.