01.R. Course Library, TOEFL Vocabulary Question Guide

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Vocabulary Question Guide

Wording
“The word ________ in paragraph ___________ is closest in meaning to…”
“The word example in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to…”
Frequency
Expect 3-5 vocabulary questions per passage. In the entire section, you will have between
10-15 vocabulary questions. This accounts for 20% of all reading questions. It’s crucial that you
get very good at answering vocabulary questions.
Time Management
Vocabulary questions should take you no more than one minute to answer. I am going to
teach you multiple strategies to help you answer these questions, even if you don’t know the
meaning of the word. At first, it will be a lot of information to digest at one time. However,
through practice, you will eventually be able to employ these strategies naturally, without
thinking. But again…
Vocabulary questions should take no longer than one minute to answer.
Step-by-Step Strategy

a. Read the word in context
b. Answer if you know. If not, scan the choices and eliminate at least one choice.
c. Read the sentence before and after. Look for context clues. (DEECS)
d. Dissect the word based on your knowledge of word parts and part of speech.
e. Insert word and say it in your head. Does it sound right?
***The step-by-step guides for each question have been developed after thousands of hours of
in-class experience with TOEFL students from all over the world. However, some will
disagree with my approach. Try it. See if it works for you, but I recognize that every student
has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
www.TOEFLSpeakingTeacher.com Josh MacPherson ©

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Test Questions
Reading Passage #1, Question 3

___________________________________________________________________________________
The most distinguishing features of ceratopsians can be found on their skulls. They typically have
parrot-like beaks, a frill of bone on their heads, and one or more horns on their faces. Indeed, the
name ceratopsian derives from the Greek words for ‘horn’ and ‘face.’
3. The phrase derives from in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

A. Comes from
B. Develops into
C. Leads towards
D. Spells out
___________________________________________________________________________________


A. Comes from
B. Develops into
C. Leads towards
D. Spells out
They typically have parrot-like beaks, a frill of bone on their heads, and one or more horns on their
faces. Indeed, the name ceratopsian derives from the Greek words for ‘horn’ and ‘face.’

A. Comes from
B. Develops into
C. Leads towards
D. Spells out

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Advanced Reading Strategy Bonus Unlocked
Notice how two choices have very similar meanings.

A. Comes from
B. Develops into
C. Leads towards
D. Spells out
Notice how these two phrases “develops into” and “leads toward” have very similar
meanings. They aren’t synonyms exactly, but they both imply that it leads to something in the
future. When you see two answers with a similar meaning, they are both wrong.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Like the parrot-lizard, a number of the classifications are still the subject of debate. Some scholars
have contended that fossil bones, which have been classified as coming from two different
species of ceratopsians, could in fact represent individuals of the same species but of different
ages -- a juvenile and a mature adult, for example -- or even different genders.
11. The word contended in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to

A. Claimed
B. Exploited
C. Organized
D. Validated
___________________________________________________________________________________


A. Claimed
B. Exploited
C. Organized
D. Validated

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Like the parrot-lizard, a number of the classifications are still the subject of debate. Some scholars
have contended that fossil bones, which have been classified as coming from two different
species of ceratopsians, could in fact represent individuals of the same species but of different
ages…

A. Claimed
B. Exploited
C. Organized
D. Validated
The DEECS System

The DEECS System is a unique approach to reading vocabulary in context. You have probably
heard teachers tell you to figure out the meaning of the word based on the context. However,
they don’t usually provide you with much direction as to how to read in context.
The DEECS System is a systemized approach to reading in context so you can figure out
what a word means without looking in a dictionary.
The DEECS system, and contextual reading in general, works well in academic texts like the
TOEFL because Americans value clarity. When we use words that are difficult or academic
there is an inner need to make it a bit more clearer, so we reveal meaning through the
categories mentioned in the DEECS system.
This approach to vocabulary also works because sentences connected to each other are highly
correlated. Every sentence must have a subject and the content of each sentence must
somehow connect to the idea subject of the previous sentence.
Let me stop talking about the DEECS system and just show it to you.

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DEECS Signal Words Extra Notes

Description that, which, is, means, in other The description comes later in the sentence or
(definition) words in the following sentence.
who, that, which, when, where, in Pay attention to commas. If the given word is
Explanation
other words, moreover, for followed by a comma, the information that
(example) follows will further explain the meaning.
example, for instance
If the vocabulary word is in an area of a

so, since, therefore, because of,
Effects sentence that explains the effect, look before it
due to, owing to
to the cause for some context clues.
Contrasting transition words like but or

but, however, while, on the other
Contrast however usually require a comma, so pay
hand, instead, attention to the information that comes after it.
Synonyms are simplest to identify and come

Synonym and, also, is up often because the author wants to make
their writing clear.
The DEECS systems its an acronym for the five ways we reveal meaning in writing through
contextual clues: Description/Definition, Explanation/Example, Effects, Contrast and Synonym.
One way you my be able to tell if the meaning of a word is revealed in a sentence is to pay
close afention to signal words. Each category in the DEECS system comes with its own signal
words. These are just a few examples the most popular single words.
Let’s take a look at the DEECS System in action.
D- Description/Definition
After introducing a new or possible unfamiliar term, expression or topic, the author might
actually just define the word for the reader. This isn’t very common in the TOEFL. The
meaning of a word is more often revealed through examples, explanations, synonyms, and
contrast, but this still does occur.
The words or phrases to look for when trying to decipher the meaning of a difficult word
are that, which, is, means, and in other words. Also, keep in mind that the definition is also
often revealed in the following sentence. There may not be any signal word to clue you in.
***You can practice using the DEECS system in the five practice exercises on page 22.

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Afghanistan Currency
The currency used in Afghanistan is called afghani and it was first introduced in 1925. Before
then this date, Afghan rupee, whose origin went back to the rule of Pashtun monarch She Shah
Suri in the 16th century was used. Before the year 2002, afghani was never standardized. What
that means is that its banknotes could be issued by virtually anybody. Thus, warlords and
political parties themselves would print the banknotes as they pleased.
The word standardized in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. realized
b. equalized
c. systematized
d. methodized
In the passage you see the phrase “what this means is that” which is going to define the
meaning of standardize in greater detail. Since “…it could be issued by virtually anyone…” it
sounds like there was never a system put in place.
____________________________________________________________________________
African Literature
In addition to writing novels, Adichie is recognized as a professor and highly-regarded orator.

Her talks on feminism and the global need for diversity in storytelling have gone viral online and
attracted the praise of other prominent public figures, such as the Obamas and Beyonce.
The word orator in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. author
b. professor
c. researcher
d. speaker
This passage doesn’t include a signal word. Instead, the passage further describes her role as
an orator by talking about “her talks” in the next sentence. In many cases, the meaning of a
word is further revealed by reading the following sentence. This example could also work as an
example or explanation.
____________________________________________________________________________

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Costa Rica
Costa Rica's rich biodiversity is just one of its many distinguishing characteristics. After a short,
but brutal civil war in 1949, the nation dissolved its military, making it one of the few sovereign
nations in the world without an army.
The word dissolved in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. evaporated
b. broke up
c. condensed
d. vanished
Here, you have a further description of the word dissolve, signaled by a comma. Pay close
attention to commas. They break up sentences in significant ways, adding details that will help
you better understand vocabulary. In this example, they go on to say “.…without an army”.
____________________________________________________________________________
E- Explanation/Example
One of the best ways to explain an unfamiliar term is to provide an example. This is especially
true in the speaking and listening sections when you hear unacademic lecture. In the reading
passages, you will find further explanations to difficult vocabulary after it is stated. However,
you may also have a vocabulary question that is part of an explanation that preceded it. Read
around the sentence for context clues.
Even though the most popular phrases to introduce an example are for example and for instance,
they’re not as common as other phrases like moreover and in other words in the TOEFL reading.
You want to pay special afention to words that introduce relative clauses like who, whose,
which, where, when, and that.

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About Smartphones
After all, with just a few finger taps on a message board you can instantly connect to friends,
family, colleagues, and strangers around the globe. Cultural barriers are lowered with online
language classes and exchanges; niche hobbies, which had at one time alienated individuals
from others, now thrive in communities scattered thousands of kilometers apart.
The word niche in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. unique
b. crazy
c. ideal
d. compassionate
Directly after the phrase niche hobbies comes a comma and the relative pronoun which. The
information that precedes further describes what a niche hobby is, as something that “one time
alienated individuals from others, now thrive…” . You can eliminate choice c and d, and narrow it
down to either a or b. In this case, the best answer is a.
____________________________________________________________________________
African Literature
Though she writes in the English language, Adichie's work is thoroughly African and -- when
presenting herself in international settings -- she confidently presents herself as Nigerian in
outlook and fashion. Her novels, Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, were acclaimed worldwide,
the former being listed by the New York Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2013.
The word acclaimed in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. feared
b. desired
c. rejected
d. praised
This example does not include any signal words, but it does include a comma. Directly following
the comma comes an example of how her work has been acclaimed worldwide, stating, “…one
of the 10 Best Books of 2013.” If your book is one of the 10 best of the year, it means it must be
pretty good. It’s easy to eliminate a and c and, in this case, d is the best answer.
____________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________
Afghanistan Currency
A Russian printing enterprise was employed to do the job, but when the Taliban government
took over, it began to control the money printing business by itself. This naturally led to
depreciation and consequent inflation of the currency. In 1996, one U.S. dollar could be traded
for 21,000 afghani. While the highest banknote was 10,000 afgani, people had to carry great
number of banknotes to pay for the goods.
The word depreciation in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. reduction
b. evaluation
c. assertion
d. depression
All of the information directly following deprecation explains and elaborates on the meaning of
the word. If the value of something is reduced, then the currency becomes inflated. The author
also gave a further example, “…one US dollar could be traded for 21,000 afghani.” Again, very
important to read the sentence after (and before) the given vocabulary.
____________________________________________________________________________
E - Effects
The other E in DEECS stands for effects. Effects are what happen because of something. This is
different from a definition or explanation. In academic writing, it’s important to develop a
topic and show how one idea leads to another. Therefore, in many instances, the meaning of
vocabulary will be revealed based on relationships of cause and effect. These types of
relationships usually take place in the middle of paragraphs. Vocabulary in the beginning of
paragraphs will most likely be revealed through definitions, since they introduce topics.
Some popular signal words and phrases include so, since, therefore, and because of. I find that
because of and since show up most often in reading passages. The word so is especially common
in listening passages.

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Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, considered the “last of the good emperors”, was a Roman emperor who ruled
the Roman empire from 161-180 C.E. His literary work, Meditations, is what he is typically
remembered for till this day. People revere this piece of literature since it is still one of the most
important sources of our modern understanding of Stoic philosophy.
The word revere in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. consider
b. decide
c. despise
d. respect
The key signal word here is since. It shows the relationship between the book and “our modern
understanding of Stoic philosophy.” None of the other answers make sense. If a book is an
“important source”, it must be something positive and respected.
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Market Economies
Unlike traditional economies rooted in small communities, these newer economies are filled with
companies that focus on particular types of production. Most of the products are to be sold to
people in faraway towns, cities and countries. Market economies fluctuate based on consumer
behavior. Companies must attune themselves to customer demands because their very
livelihood is dependent on the unpredictable needs of the market.
The word attune in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. adapt
b. evaluate
c. redefine
d. transform
In this choice the best answer is a. All of the information is packed into one sentence. The signal
word here is because, which shows a connection between “attune” and what comes after, “their
livelihood is dependent on the unpredictable needs…”. Since needs are unpredictable, you must
be able to adapt.
______________________________________________________________________

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The Dead Sea
Thanks to the high concentration of salts, the water of the Dead Sea has higher density than
water in other seas. This causes the objects, including human bodies, to float in it. The salts
present in the Dead Sea water are sodium chloride and potassium chloride, which are very
effective in easing the pain and symptoms of psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases. Next to
the healing water, the natural mud is formed on the shores of the Dead Sea. When applied to
the skin, the mud cleans its pores while enhancing the blood flow in the body and thus helps
reduce the amount of cellulite.
The word enhancing in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. gaining
b. diminishing
c. improving
d. evaporating
Most of the information you need to figure out the meaning of “enhancing” is in the last
sentence. The overall tone of the passage is positive in regards to the health benefits of the
Dead Sea, but in the last sentence the author adds the detail “…helps reduce the amount of
cellulite…”. You could narrow it down to A and C, but in this case C is the best answer because
“gain” implies and increased amount while “improve” simply implies better than before.
______________________________________________________________________
C - Contrast
This is probably the most common way that meaning is revealed in TOEFL reading
passages. Contrasting ideas in one or two sentences enhances sentence complexity and can
sometimes be confusing for readers to follow. Pay special afention to sentences that begin
with while, since they are usually longer and show contrast. Remember, since the
information is contrasting, the meaning of the vocabulary in one clause will imply the
opposite of the information in another.
Common signal words and phrases connected to contrast are but, however, while, on the other
hand and instead. The two most common I see on TOEFL reading passages are while and but.

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Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius succeeded the emperor Hadrian and only accepted the role on the condition
that his brother, Lucius, be granted equal power. While Marcus technically controlled more
jurisdiction than Lucius, this marked the first time that Rome had ever been ruled by two
emperors.
The word jurisdiction in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. license
b. ownership
c. authority
d. land
Here, you have the word while introducing the sentence, meaning that it will most likely have
two clauses that contrast each other. In the first with jurisdiction, it says that Marucs did have
more control, but the second part says they were equal. Since the first part has to contrast, you
can safely assume that more jurisdiction has something to do with the imbalance of power.
______________________________________________________________________
Marcus Aurelius
During his reign, a major power to the east, Parthia, attacked the empire. While this war ended
in victory for Rome, its soldiers brought back with them the plague, which effected Rome for
several years. This pandemic, thought to have been measles or smallpox, along with a German
invasion, diminished the morale of the Roman people. It was around this time that the Roman
Empire stopped expanding its territory and, instead, started to contract.
The word contract in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. document
b. remove
c. tighten
d. reduce
In this case, the signal word instead reveals that there will be a contrasting idea in this
sentence. In order to find out the opposite of contract, we can look back and read, “.…the
Roman Empire stopped expanding…” and the opposite of expand is reduce.
______________________________________________________________________

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Political Systems
If only one government controls the whole country, it is called the unitary system. In this system,
the central government has the most power. On the other hand, many countries have opted for
a system in which some power is reserved for local governments. This is called federation. An
example of such federation is the United States of America.
The word opted in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. preserved
b. chose
c. gave
d. fixed
Again, we will have a signal phrase that will help reveal meaning and, in this case, it’s “in other
words”. For this example, you have to look at the sentence before to see that the main idea of
this sentence must contrast “…the central government has the most power.” The word we are
trying to understand, however, has nothing to do with the main idea of the sentence, but with the
action of countries. And, most countries choose their system of government.
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S - Synonyms
Last but not least are synonyms. Basically, in the reading passage they will use the meaning
of a given vocabulary in a different way. The most common signal words are and, also and
is. You have to be careful employing this strategy. These signal words are so frequent that
you will find many instances where the information following these words is not a
synonym. Pay special afention when you see lists within a sentence, punctuated by
commas, the nouns within these commas are usually closely connected. Sometimes, none of
the signal words are used, but the meaning of the vocabulary is further described, with the
use of a synonym, in the next sentence.
Note that synonyms are very similar to definitions and descriptions. The only difference
between the two is that a synonym is a single word or phrase, while definitions and
descriptions tend to elaborate a lifle more.

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______________________________________________________________________
About Smartphones
The increasing complexity of smartphones, the surge in smartphone use, and the wild
popularity of social networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and dating
applications could cause one to think that technology has solved the problem of loneliness.
The word surge in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. rise
b. eruption
c. rush
d. development
In this case, you have a list of different reasons why some people feel that technology has
solved the problem of loneliness. You see the word “and” and a comma, so you know that the
information within both are somehow connected. “Wild popularity” and “surge” have similar
meanings, which is why a is the best answer.
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African Literature
One of the most recent novelists to attract the attention of the literary world is Chimamanda
Ngozi Adichie, a 40-year old writer and winner of various awards and fellowships for writing.
outlook and fashion.
The word fellowships in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. salaries
b. letters
c. companions
d. grants
Now, in this situation, you may not know what grants, or fellowships means and that’s okay, as
long as you know that meaning can be revealed through synonyms. You can narrow it down to
two options, a or d. Fellowships have to be connected to awards in some way. Letters and
companions don’t make a lot of sense, so it’s either a or d. You can also eliminate a because a
salary is something you get paid for based on time, while an award is something you get based
on the quality of your work, which is why d is the best answer.

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______________________________________________________________________
Birth Order
Repeatedly, 20th century studies show little to no correlation between personality and birth order,
yet the tenacity with which society holds to the concept could mean that it is imagined or
subconsciously imposed by families. However, other studies suggest that birth order personality
affectations are present, but only when in the childhood home, and that these behaviors lessen
or disappear during adulthood..
The word subconsciously in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. subliminally
b. essentially
c. apologetically
d. importantly
The signal word here is one I hadn’t mentioned before, or. While or isn’t as common, or as
useful, as other signal words, in this situation, it helps connect subconsciously to imagined.
Now, these words aren’t synonyms, but they imply the same kind of meaning, therefore, the
best answer is a.
______________________________________________________________________
You may not completely understand everything about the DEECS system right now and
that’s okay. The most important thing for you to see is that the meaning of words are
revealed through the context. The five most common ways for meaning to be revealed
through context is by definition, explanation, effect, contrast, and synonyms. There are certain
signal words and phrases you should pay extra special afention to when trying to decipher
the meaning of a word. Be sure to pay afention to comma usage and to read around the
sentence to make sure you completely understand the context.
As mentioned, you can practice using the DEECS system in the five practice exercises on
page __.
Now, back to TOEFL vocabulary questions.
Here’s just a quick reminder of the step-by-step strategy you should be using every time
you answer a TOEFL vocabulary question.

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c. Read the sentence before and after (especially after). Look for context clues. (DEECS)

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From approximately 1650 to 1550 BC, Egypt was conquered by a group of people from western
Asia known as the Hyksos. During this period, Egypt’s traditional trade networks were disrupted.
Hatshepshut successfully reestablished these networks and helped Egypt increase its wealth and
influence..
21. The word disrupted in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Disrepute
___________________________________________________________________________________


A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Disrepute
Hatshepshut successfully reestablished these networks and helped Egypt increase its wealth and
influence.
*The word reestablished implies that something was broken.

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A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Disrepute
Advanced Reading Strategy Bonus Unlocked
Notice how one choice is spelled similar to the given vocabulary.

A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Disrepute
When you see a word with a similar spelling or the same word part (like in interrupt), this is
almost always NOT the answer. this is an easy way to confuse students. Some TOEFL newbies
will pick d just because it looks similar, don’t do that. Whenever you answer a question, make
sure it’s because you believe it’s the best choice, not just because it looks similar.
Word Parts and Parts of Speech

The fourth step in your step-by-step vocabulary strategy states, “Dissect the word based
on your knowledge of word parts and part of speech.” This is one of the last strategics you should
use and only in case you can’t figure out the word based on previous knowledge or on the
context. First, keep in mind that the vocabulary answer must have the same part of speech. So,
for example, if the vocabulary is a noun, your answer must also be a noun. If the vocabulary is
pluralized, then your answer must also be pluralized. In our last example all of the words end
with -ed and are verbs.

A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Manufactured

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So, part of speech doesn’t help us much and, to be honest, it’s not very useful for the TOEFL.
The test is difficult. Providing possible options from a different part of speech would make the
question a bit too easy.
Word parts are very useful, but they don’t work all the time. Word parts are also known as
root words, prefixes, suffixes or morphemes. Lots of words, particularly academic words, stem
from Greek and Latin roots. If you look back at the last vocabulary word, disrupted, you can
actually figure out the meaning of the word based on its parts
DIS - away from, not (disguise, disable, disallow)
RUPT - break apart (interrupt, erupt, abrupt)
And you probably already know that in many instances words that end with -ed are the past
tense versions of a verb.
There are many instances where word parts can help you understand the meaning of a word
by simply analyzing its parts.
The word jurisdiction in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. license
b. ownership
c. authority
d. land
JURIS/JUS - law (justice, juror, jury)
DIC - to say, order (dictate, dictionary)
Knowledge of these word parts could help you get the answer without relying on the
context or your previous knowledge. However, there are many instances where morphemes
will not help you.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The word niche in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. unique
b. crazy
c. ideal
d. compassionate

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The word niche contains no helpful word part.
Even worse, there are a ton of instances where the meaning of the word has nothing to do
with the word parts.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The word contract in the passage is closest in meaning to
a. document
b. remove
c. tighten
d. reduce
CON - together (conjoin, conference)
TRACT - pull or draw (tractor, retract)
Even though you may know the meaning of the word parts in contract, in this situation, the
word is in a form of a verb, not a noun, and takes on a totally different meaning.
With all that said, I still think word parts are an excellent way to hack academic vocabulary
and build your English lexicon, which is why I have included a list of 219 of the most
important morphemes: 54 prefixes, 121 roots and 44 suffixes for you to use. Pay special
afention to the prefixes and suffixes; I believe they are most helpful.
Just look for the Vocabulary Ninja Word Parts Cheat Sheet included in your course.
Let’s do one more question…

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The world is in the middle of a food crisis. Opinions differ as to its severity, but most accept that
the crisis is real and potentially poses a major threat to the health and food supply of a large
proportion of the global population.
28. The word severity in paragraph 1 most likely means

A. Conversion
B. Deployment
C. Opportunity
D. Seriousness
___________________________________________________________________________________

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A. Conversion
B. Deployment
C. Opportunity
D. Seriousness
proportion of the global population.

A. Conversion
B. Deployment
C. Opportunity
D. Seriousness
In this situation, dissecting the word based on knowledge of word parts, wouldn’t be very
helpful. However, you might know that if a word ends with -ity it’s a popular suffix that
usually implies that the given word is a noun.
You might have noticed that I didn’t mention step e, which states “Insert word and say it in
your head. Does it sound right?” I actually don’t have a lot to say about it because I think it’s a
terrible idea. Any word can sound correct if you want it to sound correct. However, I included
it because it’s a popular piece of advice and even though I don’t think it will help you get the
correct answer, I still do it myself from time to time.

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Key Takeaways

1 - Follow this five-step system to answer vocabulary questions:
a. Context
b. Eliminate 1
c. DEECS
d. Word Parts
E. Sound
2 - Do NOT take more than one minute to answer
3 - Description/Definition, Explanation/Example, Effect, Contrast, Synonym
4 - 219 word parts in case of an emergency
The Color Key

Words and phrases highlighted in yellow = from the reading passage
Words and phrases highlighted in green = important information
Words and phrases highlighted in pink = be careful
Words and phrases highlighted in blue = correct answers

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Vocabulary Question Bank

All of the vocabulary questions from each passage of your TOEFL test are included below.

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The ceratopsians, also known as ceratopsia or ceratopia, are among the most well-known and
distinctive of all dinosaur species. The majority of ceratopsians were four-legged dinosaurs that
ranged in length from one meter (three feet) to nine meters and in weight from 23 kilograms (50
pounds) to 5,400 kilograms. The earliest ceratopsians lived around 161 million years ago, and the
last ones died out approximately 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction
event. The first fossil remains of ceratopsians were discovered in the mid to late nineteenth
century, and they were first classified as separate from other dinosaur species in 1890 by Othniel
Charles Marsh, one of the preeminent paleontologists of the period.
1. The word distinctive in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to

A. Charismatic
B. Formative
C. Impassive
D. Recognizable
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
The most distinguishing features of ceratopsians can be found on their skulls. They typically have
parrot-like beaks, a frill of bone on their heads, and one or more horns on their faces. Indeed, the
name ceratopsian derives from the Greek words for ‘horn’ and ‘face.’ In chasmosaurines like
Triceratops, the horns and frill were usually long, but the frill rarely had spines; in centrosaurines
like Styracosaurus, the horns and frill were relatively short but the frill often had spines. The
function of the horns and bony frills is uncertain. One theory is that they served a defensive
purpose to protect the dinosaurs from attacks by predators such as Tyrannosaurus Rex. However,
in some species of ceratopsians, the horns were small and the frills were either small or relatively
fragile because they had large openings in them, which would have severely limited their
defensive value. Other theories are that they helped the animals rid themselves of excess heat, or
recognize others of the same species.

A. Comes from
B. Develops into
C. Leads towards
D. Spells out
23
___________________________________________________________________________________
The majority view among scientists is that ceratopsians were herbivores. In addition to their beak,
which is designed for biting through heavy vegetation, they have rows of teeth in their cheeks that
would have allowed them to extract nutrition by chewing and grinding plants. In terms of how they
lived, evidence from bone beds – areas in which fossils of dozens or hundreds of individual
dinosaurs of different ages and genders have been found – suggest that many, if not all, species
of ceratopsians lived together in herds. These herds may have contained hundreds of animals that
moved slowly across the land grazing the low-lying vegetation. In general, males had larger frills
and horns than females, and may have been correspondingly larger overall, too.
7. The word extract in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

A. Allow
B. Express
C. Obtain
D. Recover
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
The earliest species of ceratopsians to be discovered were Agathaumas, Polyonax, and
Monoclonius, all in the 1870s. Among the most recently identified species is Wendiceratops, which
was unearthed in Alberta, Canada between 2011 and 2014. To date, scientists believe they have
discovered and classified almost eighty different species of ceratopsians. Among the most unusual
of these is the Psittacosaurus, whose name translates to ‘parrot-lizard,’ the only ceratopsian
believed to have walked on two legs rather than four. Like the parrot-lizard, a number of the
classifications are still the subject of debate. Some scholars have contended that fossil bones,
which have been classified as coming from two different species of ceratopsians, could in fact
represent individuals of the same species but of different ages -- a juvenile and a mature adult, for
example -- or even different genders. The issue of classification is not likely to be resolved until
many more additional fossils are discovered.

A. Claimed
B. Exploited
C. Organized
D. Validated
___________________________________________________________________________________

24
___________________________________________________________________________________
Hatshepshut, whose name can be translated as 'foremost of noble ladies,’ was the fifth pharaoh of
the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. She was born in 1507, and is thought to have been pharaoh
from 1478 until her death. This came in 1458 BC from bone cancer, if evidence from preserved
remains believed to be hers is accurate. Hatshepshut was not the only female ruler of Egypt.
There is evidence of a dozen or more female pharaohs, but Hatshepshut was arguably the most
successful, prosperous, and longest-reigning of them all. Indeed, many scholars believe that she
was among the most successful of all pharaohs, either male or female. Despite this, she is less
widely-known than other rulers among that dozen like Cleopatras I and VII, Nefertiti, or Nefertari.
15. The word preserved in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to

A. Prolonged
B. Secret
C. Pressured
D. Maintained
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
Hatshepshut was the chief wife of Thutmose II, the fourth pharaoh of the same dynasty. When he
died around the year 1479 BC, Thutmose III – his son by another wife – succeeded him as ruler of
Egypt. As Thutmose III was just two years old, however, he could not rule on his own. So
Hatshepshut initially acted as his regent. The belief among early Egyptologists was that her entire
reign was spent as regent. As evidence from Egyptian tombs and references to Hatshepshut in
later writings by Roman authors were found, it became clear that she ruled as pharaoh in her own
right. And additional archaeological evidence from tombs makes it clear that by at least the
seventh year of her reign, Hatshepshut was viewed as the king of Egypt, not the queen. There are
images of her with a fake beard, wearing male attire, and holding traditional objects associated
with male rulers.
17. The word succeeded in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

A. Triumph
B. Thrived
C. Replaced
D. Removed
___________________________________________________________________________________

25
___________________________________________________________________________________
There is some evidence that Hatshepshut embarked on successful military campaigns in the early
years of her rule. However, the main characteristics of her reign seem to have been peaceful
trading missions, and public building projects. From approximately 1650 to 1550 BC, Egypt was
conquered by a group of people from western Asia known as the Hyksos. During this period,
Egypt’s traditional trade networks were disrupted. Hatshepshut successfully reestablished these
networks and helped Egypt increase its wealth and influence. One trade mission in particular – an
expedition to a place called the Land of Punt – is well documented.

A. Concentrated
B. Unsettled
C. Interrupted
D. Disrepute
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
proportion of the global population. The roots of the crisis are diverse, but among them are two
primary factors. The first of these is changing weather patterns and extreme weather events.
Simply put, a number of previously productive agricultural regions are no longer as fertile as they
once were because of the weather. And second, many farmers have found that they can get a
better return growing biofuels than raising crops. As a result, large areas of valuable cropland are
no longer being used for this end. Conventional agriculture is ill-suited to solve the food crisis, but
hydroculture might be a potential solution.

A. Conversion
B. Deployment
C. Opportunity
D. Seriousness
___________________________________________________________________________________

26
___________________________________________________________________________________
As its name suggests, hydroculture typically involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather
than in soil. Hydroponics is the most widely-known method of hydroculture. Some believe it has
significant potential to reduce the impact of the food crisis by allowing farmers to produce large
quantities of food in a sustainable and cost-effective way. In a typical hydroponics system, crops
are grown indoors in controlled environments. The plants grow in containers filled with water and
the nutrients that they need to thrive. These nutrients vary depending on the crop being grown, but
typically include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper, among other
trace elements. A light source provides the energy the sun would usually deliver.
32. The word controlled in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

A. Regulated
B. Measured
C. Disciplined
D. Considered
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
Hydroponics offers a number of benefits over conventional agriculture. It happens indoors, and
so does not require large areas of land. In fact, hydroponics farms can be located in industrial
warehouses in or near large cities. This gives them another advantage over traditional farms
since they can be located much closer to the markets for their produce, reducing distribution
and transportation costs for hydroponics farmers. The indoor location allows farmers to create
controlled environments. This means not only does the weather not affect crops, but farmers
can grow crops that would not normally thrive in a particular region, such as tropical
vegetables in Canada. But hydroponics farms are not without their drawbacks. For one thing,
some important food crop do not grow well hydroponically. Most herbs and vegetables thrive,
but important sources of nutrition like carrots, potatoes, and corn are either not suitable or hard
to grow. And so much space would be required to raise staple crops like rice and wheat cost-
effectively that their hydroponic cultivation is not practical. Further, most foods
grow well hydroponically are relatively low in protein, a vital nutrient for human health.
37. The word drawbacks in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to

A. Doubts
B. Deceits
C. Debilities
D. Downsides
___________________________________________________________________________________

27
DEECS Practice

Directions: It’s time to apply what you’ve learned about the DEECS system. Look at the
highlighted words in the passage and try to guess the meaning based on the
context. After you guess, check the answers in the answer key to confirm. Not only
should you guess the meaning for each word, but you must also identify the
context clues and explain why you believe your guess of the word’s meaning.
African Literature
Despite prevailing misconceptions in the Western world regarding, African literature, the past
few decades have provided the West with numerous examples of rich texts emerging from the
novelists and writers of Nigeria. One of the most recent novelists to attract the attention of the
literary world is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a 40-year old writer and winner of various awards
and fellowships for writing.
outlook and fashion. Her novels, Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, were acclaimed worldwide,
the former being listed by the New York Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2013.
In addition to writing novels, Adichie is recognized as a professor and highly-regarded orator.

Her talks on feminism and the global need for diversity in storytelling have gone viral online,
attracting the praise of other prominent public figures, such as the Obamas and Beyonce. This
diversity, Adichie argued, must surpass nationality, and include race, gender, cultures, and
ethnicities different from our own. Without this, Adichie posits, we are in danger of possessing
only "a single story" for others, causing us to have a narrow view of the worlds around us.
Often, Western conceptions of African literature are limited to an excerpt of Chinua

Achebe's Things Fall Apart in a class, the perusal of African folklore in an anthology, or -- most
commonly -- novels and writing by white men that is colonialist and one-sided, which reduces
African characters to literary stereotypes. However, contemporary African novelists are
changing this by providing a wealth of literature that transcends Western cliches of African
cultures. Experiencing the world through another's eyes -- especially that of Nigerian women,
Adichie herself, and the compelling characters she crafts -- could benefit us all, adding depth
and breadth to our understanding of the world today.

28
1. misconceptions (your guess): ___________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
2. fellowships (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
3. outlook (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
4. acclaimed (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
5. orator (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
6. viral (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
7. surpass (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
8. perusal (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

29
9. transcends (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
10. crafts (your guess): __________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
The Blues
American music is a worldwide phenomenon, but – unlike MTV might lead one to believe – the
best of America’s musical history was not found dripping in diamonds or strutting on gigantic
stages lit by hundreds of lights. The most influential – and inspirational – music in the U.S. can
all be traced back to one genre: The Blues.
The Blues emerged largely from African spirituals, folk songs, and work songs that African and
African American slaves would sing while they were forced to work long hours in the fields. After
the abolition of slavery in the US in the late 19th century, the music began to develop a greater
following and bloomed in the 20th century in juke joints and smoky bars where Blues women and
men – such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Charlie Patton -- would sing about the heartaches
and harsh realities of life as a Black American. The thoughtfulness, improvisation, and power of
the Blues was irresistible, and by the mid-1900s this genre was enjoyed and adapted by black
and white audiences alike, though true Blues singers remained the black men and women
mostly shunned by polite society and forced to live off of their meager earnings in the slums of
busy cities.
From the lyrical, heart-pounding experiments of the Blues emerged Jazz, the soul-rocking,
inventive art form that remains popular and highly respected today, not only in the U.S., but
worldwide. It was jazz that gave birth to Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, R-n-B, Soul, and nearly every
other musical genre listened to today. One should never forget, however, that it is the early
soulful voices of resilient black communities, the ones that refused to stay silent, to which we
must give thanks for the variety and richness of contemporary music.
1. genre (your guess): ___________________________________________________

Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________
Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

30
2. abolition (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
3. following (your guess): ______________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
4. irresistible (your guess): ______________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
5. shunned (your guess): ________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
6. meager (your guess): _________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
7. emerged (your guess): _________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
8. resilient (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
9. richness (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

31
Birth Order
Firstborn children are assertive, conscientious, and self-motivated. Second children are
nurturing and concerned, excellent negotiators. Middle children are the often-overlooked
recluses of the family that feel invisible. And the youngest? Entitled, spoiled, and attention-
seeking.
Birth order. Does it matter? Scientists and psychologists alike disagree whether birth order has
a considerable – or any– impact on one’s personality, physicality, and social development. The
late 19th century Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler – a contemporary of Freud and Jung – was
the first to posit that a child’s birth order might influence their habits and personality. He outlined
the psychological and lifestyle outcomes of birth order, from which stem the popular beliefs
regarding firstborn children and terms such as, “the baby of the family,” and the infamous
“middle child syndrome”.
Contemporary psychologists are divided on this topic, arguing that not only do a wide array of
variables regarding the size and socioeconomic status of a family affect research outcomes, but
also the uncontrollable aspect of birth order interviewees providing valid reports of self.
Repeatedly, 20th century studies show little to no correlation between personality and birth order,
yet the tenacity with which society holds to the concept could mean that it is imagined or
subconsciously imposed by families. However, other studies suggest that birth order personality
affectations are present, but only when in the childhood home, and that these behaviors lessen
or disappear during adulthood.
1. assertive (your guess): ___________________________________________________

Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________
Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
2. nurturing (your guess): ____________________________________________________

Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________
Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
3. overlooked (your guess): ____________________________________________________

Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________
Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

32
4. considerable (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
5. contemporary (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
6. posit (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
7. variables (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
8. valid (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
9. correlation (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
10. tenacity (your guess): _________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

33
Vaudeville
In the West, visiting a cinema to see the latest production – whether it be a thriller, colorful
Bollywood number, wartime drama, or comedy – is a highly popular pastime. From teenagers
with their extra spending money to whole families who have saved carefully to afford a night out
together, one can often see cinemas packed with those either seeking to escape, or simply
enliven, their daily routine. However, the need for this kind of entertainment existed long before
cinemas, a need leading to the development of innovative and kaleidoscopic shows known as
Vaudeville.
Before the development and popularization of movies in the U.S. and Canada – back in the late
19th and early 20th century – evening entertainment might consist of the theater plays and
operas, circuses, and famously, the French-derived Vaudeville. These performances were
divided into small sketches meant not only to inspire wonder in children, but titillate adults.
Comedians, trained animals, magicians, strongmen, singers, musicians, jugglers, and one-act
plays all had their place in Vaudeville. Perhaps surprisingly, Burlesque – a sparkly, sensual
tease and dance (most often performed by women) woven together with a small story or
comedy – was also an essential part of Vaudeville, though today it would be considered
inappropriate to have a striptease-style performance in a family show.
Labeled “the heart of American show business”, Vaudeville remained popular for decades as the
best compilation of the past’s dime museums, saloon entertainment, infamous freak shows, and
of course burlesque. Sadly, Vaudeville performances declined in popularity with increasingly
low-cost cinema in the 20th century, though the West’s burgeoning obsession with vintage
entertainment has brought new life and revenue to some, including circus and burlesque.
1. production (your guess): ___________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
2. enliven (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

34
3. innovative (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
4. popularization (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
5. consist of (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
6. titillate (your guess): _________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
7. sensual (your guess): ________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
8. inappropriate (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
9. compilation (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
10. burgeoning (your guess): _____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

35
Queen Victoria and Karim
Queen Victoria is famed for a variety of reasons, both good and bad. Known for her large family
and devotion to her husband Albert, she was also responsible for the perpetuation of colonialism
in India and expanding British territories. However, a lesser-known fact about Queen Victoria is
the unlikely friendship she developed late in life with her “Munshi” – Hafiz Mohammed Abdul
Karim.
Karim – born in 1892 near Jhansi in British-controlled India – was one of two Indians chosen to
serve in the Queen’s household. Though initially chosen to serve at dinner, he was quickly
promoted from server to attendant. Karim spent 15 years beside Queen Victoria, teaching her
Hindustani and acting as one of her travel companions, a fact which caused heated
disagreements with her other attendants; they found him arrogant and controlling, though the
Queen disagreed. Karim faced racism and prejudice from the Royal Household who resented
the close relationship the Queen had with a Muslim from the empire.
Originally expected to occupy the role of domestic servant, the rise of Karim from server to
Munshi – largely thanks to his ability to teach Victoria the languages Urdu and Hindustani –
resulted from a few things. These included his quiet respectfulness and – perhaps – the fairer
skin and taller figure Karim had than the Indian companion with whom he originally served. The
Queen ensured he was tutored in the English language, promoted him, and widened the range
of his responsibilities. This included his role as overseer of her other Indian servants. She gave
him this responsibility hoping to retain his services and conversation. She did so successfully,
and Karim remained with her for many years, despite widespread condemnation of their
relationship and the royal family’s anger that an Indian clerk should be treated as an equal to
any member of the Royal Household.
1. perpetuation (your guess): ___________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
2. initially (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
3. promoted (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
36
4. companions (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
5. heated (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
6. resented (your guess): _________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
7. fairer (your guess): ________________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
8. ensured (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
9. overseer (your guess): ____________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________
10. condemnation (your guess): ___________________________________________________
Context Clues: _________________________________________________________________

Actual Meaning: _______________________________________________________________

37
DEECS Answer Key
***Please note that the section “your guess” is not the actual meaning of the word, it is only
what I think the word means based on the context. Look at the “actual meaning” category to
discover the real meaning of the word.
African Literature
1. misconceptions (your guess): beliefs that are not true
Context: The word despite signals contrast, and it contrasts to “…rich texts…”, which means
people used to think one way, nut now they feel another. You can also use your
knowledge of word parts, mis, means not and you might know the base word,
concept, which is an idea.
Meaning: (n.) a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking
2. fellowships (your guess): some kind of award or prize

Context: This word is preceded by awards and, so I imagine it’s a positive type of prize.
Meaning: (n.) an amount of money that is given to postgraduates to allow them to study a
subject at an advanced level
3. outlook (your guess): appearance, the way a person looks
Context: It is directly followed by the phrase “…and fashion…”, so I assume it has something to
do with appearance. Also, using my knowledge of word parts, out means outside, and
look means appearance.

Meaning: (n.) a person's point of view or general a>itude to life
4. acclaimed (your guess): known for being of high-quality, famous
Context: Right after this word, the reading states, “…it was listed as one of the ten best books of
2013…”, so I assume it’s famous.
Meaning: (adj.) publicly praised; celebrated

38
5. orator (your guess): someone who speaks in front of audiences
Context: The following sentence talks about her speeches going viral. I know a talk is a kind of
speech, so I imagine she is also a speaker or presenter.
Meaning: (n.) a public speaker
6. viral (your guess): famous, popular

Context: The word viral is soon followed by a comma, and after the comma is a new detail that
adds information to viral, it afracted the praise of famous people.

Meaning: (adj.) circulated rapidly and widely from one Internet user to another
7. surpass (your guess): to go beyond something
Context: This one is difficult because surpass is used in a slightly figurative way. However,
because she provides the examples of race, gender, culture and ethnicity, you can still
make an educated guess.

Meaning: (v.) exceed; be greater than
8. perusal (your guess): to look at something for a limited amount of time
Context: This is an example of the main idea of the sentence, stated previously, “western
connections of African literature are limited to…”, so, I imagine that perusal has
something to do with limited exposure.

Meaning: (n.) the action of reading or examining something
9. transcends (your guess): changes
Context: It’s hard to find context clues for this example, but the sentence begins with however,
which is contrasting the main idea from the previous sentence, which is that former
African novels were one-sided. Therefore, this sentence will have something to do
with changing the tradition.
Meaning: (v.) be or go beyond the range or limits of

39
10. crafts (your guess): writes about
Context: After reading the entire text, I know that Adichie is a writer, so, since this sentence is
about her, I imagine craft has something to do with what she writes about.
Meaning: (v.) exercise skill in making
The Blues
1. genre (your guess): type of something
Context: Directly following this word is a colon. Colons are used for different reasons, but one
way is to introduce an example, in this case, a type of music, The Blues.
Meaning: (n.) a style or category of art, music, or literature
2. abolition (your guess): to stop or to make a law against

Context: The sentences before and after the phrase, abolition of slavery, imply that it was
practiced before and later stopped, which is how blues music spread.
Meaning: (n.) the action of abolishing a system, practice, or institution
3. following (your guess): to keep track of something, to be a fan of
Context: Following this vocabulary word is “…and bloomed…”, which implies that something
was growing bigger. Also, you probably know what the verb follow means, so you
can use your previous knowledge to help you as well.

Meaning: (n.) a body of supporters or admirers
4. irresistible (your guess): very afractive or appealing
Context: The writer explains this word in greater detail after its stated, mentioning that it was
“…enjoyed by black and white audiences alike…”, so I assume it was something people
wanted more of.

Meaning: (adj.) too afractive and tempting to be resisted

40
5. shunned (your guess): turned away from, neglected or ignored
Context: The author described the word and main idea of the clause in more detail by using
the conjunction and, and providing more details about the lifestyle of Blues singers.
Meaning: (v.) to persistently avoid, ignore, or reject
6. meager (your guess): poor, very few, lifle

Context: Your earnings is the amount of money you make. If you live in slums, as the author
mentions just after the word, then you are living in a very poor area.
Meaning: (adj.) lacking in quantity or quality
7. emerged (your guess): to appear or come from
Context: The sentence with emerged begins with the word from, so I assume that jazz comes
from the blues, and that emerge is somehow similar in meaning.
Meaning: (v.) move out of or away from something and become visible
8. resilient (your guess): to remain strong, to speak up and fight

Context: The phrase resilient black communities is followed by a comma. The writer will say the
same exact thing, in a different way, “…the ones who refused to stay silent”.
Meaning: (adj.) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
9. richness (your guess): something to do with variety
Context: This particular word is preceded by variety and, so I assume it has something to do
with variety.
Meaning: (n.) the quality of being pleasingly deep or strong

41
Birth Order
1. assertive (your guess): responsible and driven
Context: This is part of a list, connected to the other adjectives conscientious and self-motivated.
Meaning: (adj.) having or showing a confident and forceful personality
2. nurturing (your guess): to think about other people
Context: Concerned and excellent negotiators are two phrases connected to this adjective, again,
describing and using synonyms.
Meaning: (adj.) care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing
3. overlooked (your guess): to not be seen, invisible

Context: The author actually defines this word, in a way, when they go on to say, “…recluses
of the family that feel invisible.”

Meaning: (v.) fail to notice
4. considerable (your guess): much, a strong amount
Context: In this example, the vocabulary is contrasted with the phrase, or any, so I guess it’s
the opposite of zero.
Meaning: (adj.) notably large in size, amount, or extent:
5. contemporary (your guess): at the same time

Context: In this example, they use the time, 19th century, and compare Adler to other
psychiatrists, so I can figure that contemporary means before, after or during. If you
know word parts, then you know that con means together and temp means time.
Meaning: (adj.) living or occurring at the same time
6. posit (your guess): claim, propose

Context: This word is preceded by the phrase “…he was the first…”. I also know that he is a
psychiatrist, which is a type of academic. Academics make claims and proposals,

which is how I came up with the answer.
Meaning: (v.) put forward as fact or as a basis for argument

42
7. variables (your guess): situations, circumstances

Context: The phrase wide array of is followed by a few different examples like family size and
socioeconomic status, which suggests to me that this has something to do with a

situation.
Meaning: (n.) an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change
8. valid (your guess): accurate or truthful

Context: Before this word, I see the signal phrase but also, so the main idea of this clause will
add information to what came before, and in this case, they are arguing against the
idea that birth order mafers. If they are arguing against it, then they will claim that
it’s impossible to know how truthful these reports actually are.

Meaning: (adj.) having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable
9. correlation (your guess): connection
Context: In this context, the author is arguing against a connection between both birth order
and personality, and if you need more context clues, the word yet signals contrast.
Meaning: (n.) a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things
10. tenacity (your guess): strength, endurance

Context: The contrasting word yet, signals to me that I should read before, and when I do, it
says “…there is liQle to no correlation between personality and birth order…”, so what
comes after must contradict it. If people still believe, then it must be strong.
Meaning: (n.) the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence

43
Vaudeville
1. production (your guess): type of film

Context: This vocabulary word is immediately followed by a hyphen, and different types of
movies, which I assume are examples.

Meaning: (n.) the process of or management involved in making a film, play, or record
2. enliven (your guess): to make something more interesting or exciting
Context: This word is preceded by an or, so I look before the or for a synonym, and the phrase
seeking to escape provides me with enough information to make an educated guess.
Meaning: (v.) make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing
3. innovative (your guess): interesting, unique

Context: The phrase is followed by and kaleidoscopic, which is an advanced vocabulary word
and I would be surprised if you knew its meaning, but if you did, you could guess
that innovative is somehow interesting and unique.
Meaning: (adj.) introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
4. popularization (your guess): to make something more famous

Context: The signal word and doesn’t always imply a synonym. In this example, it’s the next
step in a process. After something is developed, it expands, hence the guess. Also,
using my knowledge of word parts, I can see the base word, popular, and take a guess
on its meaning.
Meaning: (v.) cause (something) to become generally liked
5. consist of (your guess): include
Context: From the context, I know it’s a verb that is between the subject, evening entertainment,
and a bunch of examples: plays, operas, circuses, and Vaudeville. So, it’s safe to guess
that consists of has something to do with include or to do.

Meaning: (v.) be composed or made up of

44
6. titillate (your guess): enjoy, to make laugh
Context: This adjective is preceded by a but and not only statement, which means it will add to
the main idea that preceded it. So, I know that Vaudeville inspired wonder in children
while also being enjoyable for adults.

Meaning: (v.) arouse (someone) to interest or mild excitement
7. sensual (your guess): sexual
Context: This adjective is part of the definition of Burlesque. The author continues to expand on
Burlesque later in the sentence when they state “…striptease style performance…”.
Meaning: (adj.) relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical, especially
sexual, pleasure
8. inappropriate (your guess): does not follow the usual rules of polite society
Context: This sentence is about Burlesque and how its a sensual performance. The phrase family
show later in the sentence signals to me that this word has something to do with not
being acceptable behavior. Also, if you know appropriate, you can guess that
inappropriate means the opposite.
Meaning: (adj.) not suitable or proper in the circumstances
9. compilation (your guess): collection, mix

Context: The author follows this word with examples, signaling that it is somehow a collection
of all of these examples.

Meaning: (n.) the action or process of producing something, especially a list or book, by
assembling information collected from other sources
10. burgeoning (your guess): growing

Context: The contrasting word though signals this main idea will be the opposite of what was
stated before, “…declined in popularity…”. If something isn’t declining, it’s growing.

Meaning: begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish

45
Queen Victoria and Karim
1. perpetuation (your guess): growth, expansion

Context: Following this vocabulary word is the phrase, “…and expanding British territories…”,
so I believe perpetuation is somehow connected to it.

Meaning: (n.) the continuation or preservation of a situation, idea, etc.
2. initially (your guess): at the start, beginning
Context: This is a contrasting statement, beginning with the signal word though, and then later
states that he was promoted, which implies that he moved up from where he started.
Meaning: (adv.) at first
3. promoted (your guess): to get a befer job or position

Context: It is directly followed with a description of the word, “…from server to aQendant.”
Meaning: (v.) raise (someone) to a higher position or rank
4. companions (your guess): friends, colleagues

Context: Preceding this vocabulary word it mentions that he taught the queen Hindustani and,
so, I imagine that the two were close. However, teachers don’t usually travel with
students, which is why I put a friend or colleague.
Meaning: (n.) a person with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels
5. heated (your guess): intense, angry

Context: After the phrase heated disagreements, the author expands on this idea by saying that
Karim’s co-workers found him arrogant and controlling.

Meaning: (adj.) inflamed with passion or conviction
6. resented (your guess): dislike, hate
Context: I know that the main idea of this sentence is negative because it says that he faced
“…racism and prejudice…”, and then the author explains why. From the context, it
seems like resented is negative, and possibly has to do with not liking someone.
Meaning: (v.) feel bi>erness or indignation at

46
7. ensured (your guess): to make sure, helped
Context: This word is within a list of ways the queen helped Karim. As I continue to read, I see
verbs like promoted and widened, so I imagine that this verb is somehow connected to
helping him.
Meaning: (v.) make certain that (something) will occur or be the case
8. overseer (your guess): manager
Context: Before the sentence, it mentions that the queen promoted him. Since overseer is
somehow connected to her “…other Indian servants…”, I assume that Karim is in a
higher position.
Meaning: (n.) a person who supervises others, especially workers
9. condemnation (your guess): disapproval, hatred
Context: The contrasting signal word despite implies that Karim remained with her many years
is in contrast with the information that will follow.
Meaning: (n.) the expression of very strong disapproval

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Vocabulary Question Guide

“The word ________ in paragraph ___________ is closest in meaning to…”

“The word example in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to…”

Vocabulary questions should take no longer than one minute to answer.

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Reading Passage #1, Question 3

3. The phrase derives from in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

3. The phrase derives from in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

3. The phrase derives from in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

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Advanced Reading Strategy Bonus Unlocked

Notice how two choices have very similar meanings.

3. The phrase derives from in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

Reading Passage #1, Question 11

11. The word contended in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to

11. The word contended in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to

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11. The word contended in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to

The DEECS System

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DEECS Signal Words Extra Notes

If the vocabulary word is in an area of a

Contrasting transition words like but or

Synonyms are simplest to identify and come

Let’s take a look at the DEECS System in action.

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The word standardized in the passage is closest in meaning to

In addition to writing novels, Adichie is recognized as a professor and highly-regarded orator.

The word orator in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word dissolved in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word niche in the passage is closest in meaning to

The word acclaimed in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word depreciation in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word revere in the passage is closest in meaning to

The word attune in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The Dead Sea

The word enhancing in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word jurisdiction in the passage is closest in meaning to

The word contract in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word opted in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word surge in the passage is closest in meaning to

The word fellowships in the passage is closest in meaning to

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The word subconsciously in the passage is closest in meaning to

Now, back to TOEFL vocabulary questions.

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Reading Passage #2, Question 21

21. The word disrupted in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

21. The word disrupted in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

*The word reestablished implies that something was broken.

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Advanced Reading Strategy Bonus Unlocked

Notice how one choice is spelled similar to the given vocabulary.

21. The word disrupted in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

“The word in paragraph ___ is closest in meaning to…”