CHUYÊN ĐỀ 3: BÀI TẬP TỪ TRÁI NGHĨA

Mục tiêu:
- Ghi nhớ được những từ trái nghĩa cơ bản, hay xuất hiện trong các đề thi cũng như chương trình học
phổ thông.
- Nhanh chóng chọn được những từ có nghĩa tương tự hoặc trái ngược nhau mà không cần dựa vào ngữ
cảnh.
- Có thể hiểu được từ vựng trong ngữ cảnh đơn giản.

Exercise 1: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in
meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.
Question 1. School uniform is compulsory in most of Vietnamese school.
A. depended B. optional C. obligatory D. required
Question 2. Names of people in the book were changed to preserve anonymity.
A. cover B. conserve C. presume D. reveal
Question 3. A large city such as Chicago would be called an urban area.
A. metropolitan B. rustic C. suburban D. sophisticated
Question 4. We arrived home safe and sound.
A. healthy B. unsound C. insound D. dissound.
Question 5. He revealed his intentions of leaving the company to the manager during the office
dinner party.
A. disclosed B. concealed C. misled D. influenced
Question 6. Slang can be defined as a set of lexical, grammatical, and phonological regularities used
in informal speech.
A. informative B. official C. situational D. casual
Question 7. Adverse weather conditions made it difficult to play the game.
A. favorable B. bad C. comfortable D. severe
Question 8. The Red Cross is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to reducing the sufferings
of wounded soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war.
A. happiness B. loss C. sadness D. pain and sorrow
Question 9. They are launching a campaign to promote awareness of environmental issues.
A. encourage B. publicize C. hinder D. strengthen
Question 10. We have to employ extra staff to deal with the increased workload.
A. approach B. dismiss C. interview D. meet
Question 11. The only means of access to the station is through a dark subway.
A. arrival B. admission C. outlet D. output
Question 12. Heavy rain makes driving on the road very difficult.
A. light B. torrential C. storm D. shower
Question 13. The government is being widely criticized in the media for falling to limit air pollution.
A. attracted B. praised C. blamed D. approved
Question 14. Never punish your children by hitting them. This might teach them to become hitters.
A. bring B. accept C. give D. reward
Question 15. The problem is due to discipline, or, more precisely, the lack of discipline, in school.
A. informally B. flexible C. casually D. wrongly
Question 16. The council has spent an enormous amount of money on this project.
A. tiny B. thin C. loose D. gigantic
Question 17. The loss of his journals had caused him even more sorrow than his retirement form the
military six years earlier.
A. grief B. joy C. comfort D. sympathy
Question 18. If we use robots instead of humans, many people may be out of work.
A. employed B. jobless C. unemployed D. unemployed
Question 19. This speedy and secure service of transferring money can be useful.
A. slow B. rapid C. careful D. hurried
Question 20. Our well- trained staff are always courteous to customers.
A. helpful B. friendly C. rude D. polite
Question 21. I think it’s impossible to abolish school examinations. They are necessary to evaluate
students’ progress.
A. stop B. extinguish C. continue D. organize
Question 22. We managed to get to school in time despite the heavy rain.
A. earlier than a particular moment B. later than expected
C. early enough to do something D. as long as expected
Question 23. The palace was badly damaged by fire, but was eventually restored to its original splendor.
A. refurbished B. devastated C. strengthened D. renovated
Question 24. After the marriage, Ruth decided to settle permanently in New York.
A. sustainably B. constantly C. temporarily D. regularly
Question 25. The first year at university was probably the best and most challenging year of my life.
It caused me plenty of troubles.
A. tricky B. tough C. easy D. difficult
Question 26. Ships crossing the oceans can receive signals from satellites that enable them to
calculate their position accurately.
A. carelessly B. imprecisely C. uneasily D. untruthfully
Question 27. He is very absent – minded. He is likely to forget things or to think about something
different from what he should be thinking about.
A. retentive B. unforgettable C. old – fashioned D. easy – going
Question 28. We ought to keep these proposals secret from the chairman for the time being.
A. revealed B. frequented C. accessible D. lively
Question 29. When being interviewed, You should focus on what the interviewer is saying or
asking you.
A. to pay no attention to B. be interested in
C. be related D. express interested in
Question 30. They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.
A. unpardoned B. misconstrue C. discouraged D. impaired
Question 31. Punctuality is imperative in your new job.
A. Being efficient B. Being courteous C. Being cheerful D. Being late
Question 32. Travel insurance is sometimes mistaken for temporary health insurance, but the two are
actually different.
A. mutable B. permanent C. passing D. transitory
Question 33. All children can attend without paying fees at state schools.
A. primary schools B. secondary schools C. high schools D. independent schools
Question 34. That is a well-behaved boy whose behavior has nothing to complain about.
1
 A. behaving improperly B. behaving nice C. good behavior D. behaving cleverly
Question 35. “Mary, I think these clothes are inappropriate for this important celebration.”
A. suitable B. improper C. attractive D. available
Question 36. Despite having a bigger and cheaper choice of healthy foods, many Americans have
lost a lot of weight.
A. acquire B. win C. gained D. obtain
Question 37. No one knew precisely what would happen to human being in space.
A. informallyB. Flexibly C. wrongly D. casually
Question 38. A lot of people think that Angelina Jolie is really hot.
A. cool B. unattractive C. memorable D. beautiful
Question 39. Nonfat milk has slightly less fat than low fat.
A. a little B. a few C. much D. small
Question 40. I must have a watch since punctuality is imperative in my new job.
A. being on time B. being cheerful C. being sufficient D. being late
Question 41. It’s discourteous to ask Americans questions about their age, marriage or income.
A. impolite B. polite C. unacceptable D. rude
Question 42. Remember not to show your nervousness during a job interview.
A. confidence B. anxiety C. challenge D. creativeness
Question 43. She was unhappy that she lost contact with a lot of her old friends when she went
abroad to study.
A. lost control of B. put in charge of C. made room for D. got in touch with
Question 44. The United States is a major influence in the United Nations.
A. main B. real C. minor D. true
Question 45. More people are now employed in service industries than in manufacturing.
A. jobless B. having jobs C. trained D. vulnerable
Question 46. She is a very generous woman. She has given most of her wealth to a charity organization.
A. mean B. amicable C. kind D. hospitable
Question 47. He found the course difficult so he had to spend most of his time on study.
A. memorable B. easy C. interesting D. hard
Question 48. His rude comments made other Facebookers very angry.
A. pleasant B. honest C. polite D. kind
Question 49. She denied having stolen his mother's money.
A. refused B. admitted C. insisted on D. reminded
Question 50. He had never experienced such discourtesy towards the president as it occurred at the
annual meeting in May.
A. rudeness B. measurement C. encouragement D. politeness

Exercise 2: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in
meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.
Question 1. In this writing test, candidates will not be penalized for minor mechanical mistakes.
A. punished B. rewarded C. motivated D. discouraged
Question 2. After their long-standing conflict had been resolved, the two families decided to bury the
hatchet.
A. become enemies B. become friends C. give up weapons D. reach an agreement
2
Question 3. The aircraft carrier is indispensable in naval operations against sea or shore based enemies.
A. novel B. unnecessary C. exotic D. vital
Question 4. People are now far more materialistic than their predecessors years ago.
A. monetary B. greedy C. object-oriented D. spiritual
Question 5. There has been insufficient rainfall over the past two years, and fanners are having trouble.
A. abundant B. adequate C. unsatisfactory D. dominant
Question 6. We strongly believe that he's innocent of the crime. We do not think that he did it.
A. crimeless B. skillful C. clean D. guilty
Question 7. This new magazine is known for its comprehensive coverage of news.
A. casual B. inadequate C. indifferent D. superficial
Question 8. He was not afraid to pet the gentle dog even though it was very big.
A. dirty B. cold C. calm D. fierce
Question 9. The US troops are using much more sophisticated weapons in the Far East.
A. expensive B. complicated C. simple and easy to use D. difficult to operate
Question 10. His replies were inconsistent with his previous testimony.
A. contradicted B. compatible C. enhanced D. incorporated
Question 11. If one fails to achieve a goal, his or her efforts are fruitless.
A. profitable B. futile C. purposeful D. useless
Question 12. Hazardous waste is waste that has substantial or potential threats to public health or the
environment.
A. vivid B. risky C. dangerous D. secure
Question 13. The doctor asked John to exhale slowly.
A. inhale B. move in C. enter D. breathe in
Question 14. The soldier was demoted for improper behavior.
A. promoted B. lowered C. resigned D. let off
Question 15. The emergence of supersonic travel opened new horizons for the military, tourism, and
commerce.
A. simplicity B. disappearance C. urgency D. profitability
Question 16. Nutritionists believe that vitamins circumvent diseases.
A. defeat B. nourish C. help D. treat
Question 17. Golf wear has become a very lucrative business for both the manufacturers and golf stars.
A. unprofitable B. impoverished C. inexpensive D. unfavorable
Question 18. Unless you get your information from a credible website, you should doubt the veracity of
the facts until you have confirmed them elsewhere.
A. inexactness B. falsehoods C. inaccuracy D. unfairness
Question 19. Marco Polo’s account of his travels has been invaluable to historians.
A. valuable B. important C. worthless D. priceless
Question 20. Satish’s point of view was correct but his behavior with his father was quite impertinent.
A. healthy B. smooth C. inadequate D. respectful
Question 21. The nominating committee always meets behind closed doors, lest its deliberations
become known prematurely.
A. privately B. safely C. publicly D. dangerously
Question 22. She was unhappy that she lost contact with a lot of her old friends when she went abroad to
study.
3
 A. made room for B. put in charge of C. got in touch with D. lost control of
Question 23. The minister came under fire for his rash decision to close the factory.
A. was dismissed B. was acclaimed C. was criticized D. was penalized
Question 24. Those who advocate for doctor-assisted suicide say the terminally ill should not have to
suffer.
A. support B. oppose C. annul D. convict
Question 25. James may get into hot water when driving at full speed after drinking.
A. get into trouble B. fall into disuse C. remain calm D. stay safe
Question 26. The situation seems to be changing minute by minute.
A. from time to time B. time after time C. again and again D. very slowly
Question 27. Jose had a hard time comparing the iPhone to the Samsung phone because to him they were
apples and oranges.
A. containing too many technical details B. very similar
C. completely different D. very complicated
Question 28. My neighbors are really tight with money. They hate throwing away food, don’t eat at
restaurant, and always try to find the best price.
A. to spend money too easily B. to not like spending money
C. to not know the value of money D. to save as much money as possible
Question 29. We were all in a good mood because the weather was good and we were going on holiday
the next day.
A. relaxed and comfortable B. at ease and refreshed
C. upset and disappointed D. sad and depressed
Question 30. The mountainous region of the country is thinly populated. It has only 300 inhabitants.
A. sparsely B. greatly C. densely D. largely
Question 31. Faced with the economic crisis, many businesses were tightening their belts and cutting
jobs.
A. be generous with money B. be careful with money
C. put on tighter belts D. dress in baggy clothes
Question 32. He is over the moon about his examination result.
A. stressed B. very sad C. very happy D. satisfied
Question 33. ‘What I’ve got to say to you now is strictly off the record and most certainly not for
publication,’ said the government official to the reporter.
A. already official B. beside the point C. not popular D. not recorded
Question 34. These were the people who advocated using force to stop school violence.
A. publicly said B. openly criticized C. publicly supported D. strongly condemned
Question 35. During the height of the season, tourists arrive in droves to see Shakespeare’s birthdayplace.
A. in small numbers B. suddenly C. in large numbers D. out of the blue
Question 36. On the whole, the rescue mission was well executed.
A. In fact B. In particular C. At once D. In general
Question 37. It’s difficult to tell him to give in because he is so big-headed.
A. wise B. generous C. modest D. arrogant
Question 38. The presentation by Dr. Dineen was self-explanatory.
A. bright B. discouraging C. confusing D. enlightening
Question 39. She gave an impeccable reading of the sonata and had the audience on their feet.
4
 A. unqualified B. imperfect C. suspicious D. negative
Question 40. I didn't take a deliberate decision to lose weight. It just happened.
A. calculated B. planned C. accidental D. intentional
Question 41. If you are at a loose end this weekend, I will show you around the city.
A. free B. confident C. occupied D. reluctant
Question 42. The newspaper launched a vicious attack on him, forcing him to resign.
A. aggressive B. dangerous C. cruel D. gentle
Question 43. As a newspaper reporter, she always wanted to get information at first hand.
A. indirectly B. directly C. easily D. slowly
Question 44. He was utterly devastated by the news.
A. surprise B. happy C. upset D. shocked
Question 45. The Browns are both unemployed. With their six children they must be in a tight corner
these day.
A. in disappointment B. in a bad condition C. wealthy D. exhausted
Question 46. The Ministry of Education and training of Vietnam has declared a decree on the new
educational program paving the way for foreign educational co-operation and investment.
A. initiating B. creating C. ending D. forming
Question 47. The device is very sophisticated and should only be operated by someone who is familiar
with it.
A. crude B. advanced C. makeshift D. archaic
Question 48. Relations between the two countries have improved considerably in the last few years.
A. abolish B. demolish C. diminish D. deteriorated
Question 49. Sorry, I can’t come to your party. I am snowed under with work at the moment .
A. relaxed about B. busy with C. interested in D. free from
Question 50. The power failure at dinnertime caused consternation among the city’s housewives.
A. anxiety B. calm C. dismay D. deliberation

Exercise 3: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in
meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.

Question 1. In some societies, language is associated with social class and education. People judge
one’s level in society by the kind of language used.
A. connected with B. not allowed by C. separated from D. dissimilar to
Question 2. There was a long period without rain in the countryside last year so the harvest was poor.
A. epidemic B. drought C. famine D. flood
Question 3. At first, no one believed she was a pilot, but her documents lent color to her statements.
A. provided evidence for B. got information from
C. borrowed color from D. gave no proof of
Question 4. In remote communities, it’s important to replenish stocks before the winter sets in.
A. remake B. refill C. repeat D. empty
Question 5. Friendship changed to antipathy when the settlers took the Indian’s land.
A. hostility B. amity C. hatred D. fright
Question 6. Driver are advised to get enough petrol because filling stations are few and far between on
the highway.
A. easy to find B. difficult to access C. unlikely to happen D. impossible to reach
5
Question 7. A good auditorium will ensure that the sound is able to be heard.
A. illegitimate B. inedible C. inaudible D. illegible
Question 8. In spite of his being tortured, the captured soldier did not reveal the location of the camp.
A. divert B. conceal C. digress D. divulge
Question 9. We have to husband our resources to make sure we make it through these hard times.
A. spend B. manage C. use up D. marry
Question 10. This new magazine is known for its comprehensive coverage of news.
A. superficial B. indifferent C. casual D. inadequate
Question 11. James could not tell his parents about his many animal friends in the forest and the exciting
things that he saw, but he found another way to express himself.
A. speak with voice B. keep silent C. write his thoughts D. communicate
Question 12. The police have concluded tentatively that the explosion was caused by a bomb.
A. differently B. hesitantly C. certainly D. temporally
Question 13. If any employee knowingly breaks the terms of this contract, he will be dismissed
immediately.
A. coincidentally B. deliberately C. instinctively D. accidentally
Question 14. Wendy is on the horns of a dilemma: she just wonders whether to go for a picnic with her
friends or to stay at home with her family.
A. unwilling to make a decision B. able to make a choice
C. eager to make a plan D. unready to make up her mind
Question 15. Fruit is customarily treated with sulfur prior to drying to reduce any colour change.
A. subsequent to B. previous to C. at the time of D. proceeding
Question 16. With her sophiscated tastes, the singer has become an omnipresent icon of style and
beauty.
A. oblivious B. controversial C. ubiquitous D. unknown
Question 17. Strongly advocating healthy foods, Jane doesn’t eat any chocolate.
A. denying B. supporting C. advising D. impugning
Question 18. The nominating committee always meet behind closed doors, lest its deliberations become
known prematurely.
A. privately B. safely C. publicly D. dangerously
Question 19. We are ready to be answerable to the manager for anything that goes wrong.
A. dutiful B. responsible C. accountable D. irresponsible
Question 20. The caffeine in coffee invigorates a coffee drinker.
A. galvanizes B. extrudes C. fatigues D. activates
Question 21. Organized research may discourage novel approaches and inhibit creativity, so seminal
discoveries are still likely to be made by inventors in the classic individualistic tradition.
A. common B. coherent C. varied D. unbiased
Question 22. In the Egyptian calendar, the first practical calendar created, the advent of Sirius in the
morning sky before sunrise marked the beginning of the annual flooding of the Nile.
A. functional B. inefficient C. accurate D. standard
Question 23. The year-end party was out of this world. We had never tasted such delicious food.
A. enormous B. terrific C. strange D. awful
Question 24. A pessimistic person always sees things on the dark sides.

6
 A. difficult B. intelligent C. comfortable D. sanguine
Question 25. I'd like to pay some money into my bank account.
A. put some money into B. give some money out
C. leave some money aside D. withdraw some money from
Question 26. His physical condition was not an impediment to his career as a violinist. He has won a lot
of prizes.
A. difficulty B. barrier C. advantage D. disadvantage
Question 27. Both universities speak highly of the programme of student exchange and hope to
cooperate more in the future.
A. express disapproval of B. voice opinions on
C. find favor with D. resolve a conflict over
Question 28. They protested about the inhumane treatment of the prisoners.
A. vicious B. warmhearted C. callous D. cold blooded
Question 29. We are now a 24/7 society where shops and services must be available all hours.
A. a physical society B. an inactive society
C. a working society D. an active society
Question 30. After five days on trial, the court found him innocent of the crime and he was released.
A. benevolent B. innovative C. guilty D. naive
Question 31. Fruit and vegetables grew in abundance on the island. The islanders even exported the
surplus.
A. large quantity B. excess C. small quantity D. sufficiency
Question 32. During the five-decade history the Asian Games have been advancing in all aspects.
A. holding back B. holding at C. holding by D. holding to
Question 33. This puzzle is a piece of cake; I can do it with my eyes closed.
A. very difficult B. easy enough C. rather boring D. quite understandable
Question 34. The boy dose not resemble his brother in any way.
A. take up B. look up C. look after D. take after
Question 35. When he heard the news, Simon got on the next train to London.
A. got of B. got in C. got away D. got off
Question 36. I am at a loss to how you are going to pass your subjects without studying. All you do is to
play video games all day.
A. try to understand B. lose the game C. feel like a stranger D. know a lot
Question 37. For most male spiders’ courtship is a perilous procedure, for they may be eaten by females.
A. complicated B. dangerous C. safe D. peculiar
Question 38. A chronic lack of sleep may make us irritable and reduces our motivation to work.
A. uncomfortable B. responsive C. miserable D. calm
Question 39. I’m sorry I can’t come out this weekend – I’m up to my ears in work.
A. very scared B. very bored C. very idle D. very busy
Question 40. - “Edwards seems like a dog with two tails this morning.”
- “Have you heard the news? His wife gave birth to a baby boy early this morning.”
A. very proud B. exhausted C. extremely disappointed D. extremely pleased
Question 41. Biologists have introduced a global list of endangered and vulnerable animal species.
A. tare and specious B. small but invaluable
C. weak and easily hurt D. strong and not easily hurt
7
 Question 42. The young are now far more materialistic than their precedents years ago.
A. monetary B. greedy C. spiritual D. object-oriented
Question 43. This shouldn’t be too taxing for you.
A. comfortable B. demanding C. easy D. relaxing
Question 44. The bank announced that it was to merge with another of the high street banks.
A. associate B. separate C. cooperate D. assemble
Question 45. In remote communities, it's important to replenish stocks before the winter sets in.
A. remake B. empty C. refill D. repeat
Question 46. Are you looking for a temporary or a permanent job?
A. fierce B. stable C. fleeting D. loose
Question 47. Constant correction of speaking „errors‟ by a teacher is often counter-productive, as
student may become afraid to speak at all.
A. desolate B. fruitless C. barren D. effective
Question 48. Sorry, I can’t come to your party. I am snowed under with work at the moment.
A. relaxed about B. busy with C. interested in D. free from
Question 49. She came for Christmas laden with gifts for everyone.
A. later B. provided C. unloaded D. lift
Question 50. He takes his dates to intimate restaurants where there is candlelight.
A. quiet B. noisy C. dark D. large and brightly lit