| Word | Part of speech | Definition | Chinese | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| abrasive | adjective | harsh, rude, or irritating in manner or behavior | 粗鲁的;令人不快的 | His abrasive tone made a reasonable suggestion sound like an insult. |
| benevolent | adjective | kind and generous, especially toward people in need | 仁慈的;慈善的 | A benevolent donor quietly paid for new library books at the community center. |
| capricious | adjective | changing suddenly and unpredictably, often for no clear reason | 反复无常的;任性的 | The capricious weather shifted from sunshine to hail within an hour. |
| circumspect | adjective | careful to consider possible risks before acting or speaking | 谨慎的;慎重的 | The reporter was circumspect when discussing a claim that had not yet been verified. |
| clandestine | adjective | kept secret because it is improper, illegal, or meant to be hidden | 秘密的;暗中的 | The students discovered that the club had been holding clandestine meetings after the building closed. |
| condescending | adjective | showing that one believes oneself superior to others | 居高临下的;傲慢的 | Her condescending explanation made the experienced volunteers feel as if they were children. |
| conjecture | noun | a conclusion or guess based on incomplete evidence | 推测;猜想 | Without the missing records, the historian's explanation remained a conjecture. |
| contemptuous | adjective | showing strong disrespect or scorn | 轻蔑的;鄙视的 | He gave a contemptuous laugh when his opponent began speaking. |
| disdain | noun | a feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect | 鄙视;轻蔑 | She spoke about the dishonest practice with obvious disdain. |
| eccentric | adjective | unconventional and noticeably different from what is considered normal | 古怪的;异乎寻常的 | The eccentric inventor wore mismatched shoes and kept notes on scraps of cardboard. |
| enigmatic | adjective | mysterious and difficult to understand or explain | 神秘的;难以理解的 | The final line of the poem remained enigmatic even after several readings. |
| fervent | adjective | showing strong and sincere enthusiasm or emotion | 热烈的;热诚的 | The speaker made a fervent appeal for the town to protect its wetlands. |
| forthright | adjective | direct, honest, and straightforward in speech or behavior | 直率的;坦诚的 | Her forthright response admitted the mistake instead of trying to hide it. |
| hackneyed | adjective | overused so often that it has become dull or unoriginal | 陈腐的;老套的 | The editor removed several hackneyed phrases that made the essay sound predictable. |
| incongruous | adjective | not fitting together naturally or seeming out of place | 不协调的;不合适的 | The neon plastic chair looked incongruous in the formal historic room. |
| indolent | adjective | habitually lazy and avoiding effort | 懒惰的;懒散的 | The indolent student repeatedly avoided tasks that required sustained effort. |
| innocuous | adjective | harmless and not likely to cause damage or offense | 无害的;无恶意的 | The message seemed innocuous, so no one expected it to cause a problem. |
| intrepid | adjective | fearless and willing to face danger or difficulty | 无畏的;勇敢的 | The intrepid rescue team entered the flooded area despite the difficult conditions. |
| mundane | adjective | ordinary, routine, and lacking excitement or special interest | 平凡的;日常的 | Sorting old receipts was a mundane task, but it helped the team find the missing expense. |
| nonchalant | adjective | calm and unconcerned in a way that may seem surprisingly casual | 若无其事的;漠不关心的 | He appeared nonchalant before the final round, even though everyone else was nervous. |
| ostentatious | adjective | designed to attract attention or impress others by displaying wealth or importance | 炫耀的;浮华的 | The lobby's gold walls and enormous chandelier seemed unnecessarily ostentatious. |
| precocious | adjective | developing abilities or maturity earlier than is usual | 早熟的;超前发展的 | The precocious ten-year-old could discuss astronomy with high school students. |
| pretentious | adjective | trying to seem more important, intelligent, or impressive than one really is | 自命不凡的;炫耀的 | The review sounded pretentious because it used complicated terms to describe very simple ideas. |
| prolific | adjective | producing many works, results, or offspring | 多产的;丰富的 | The prolific author published more than forty novels during her career. |
| reticent | adjective | unwilling to speak freely about one's thoughts or feelings | 沉默寡言的;不愿透露的 | Although friendly in class, Elena was reticent about discussing her family. |
| reverent | adjective | showing deep respect or admiration | 恭敬的;虔敬的 | The visitors became quiet and reverent as they entered the memorial. |
| sagacious | adjective | showing wise judgment and good understanding | 睿智的;有远见的 | The sagacious coach knew when to challenge the team and when to let the players rest. |
| succinct | adjective | expressed clearly and briefly without unnecessary words | 简洁的;言简意赅的 | His succinct explanation answered the question in only two clear sentences. |
| turbulent | adjective | marked by disorder, conflict, rapid change, or violent movement | 动荡的;混乱的 | The country experienced a turbulent decade of protests, reforms, and leadership changes. |
| vindictive | adjective | having a strong desire to punish someone for a real or imagined wrong | 报复心强的;怀恨的 | Her vindictive response focused on revenge rather than solving the original disagreement. |
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What word describes strong and sincere enthusiasm or emotion? | fervent | fervent | - | |
| 2 | What word describes speech that is direct, honest, and straightforward? | forthright | forthright | - | |
| 3 | What word means a feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect? | disdain | disdain | - | |
| 4 | What word describes someone who carefully considers risks before acting or speaking? | circumspect | circumspect | - | |
| 5 | What word describes a period marked by disorder, conflict, and rapid change? | turbulent | turbulent | - | |
| 6 | What word describes someone fearless and willing to face danger or difficulty? | intrepid | intrepid | - | |
| 7 | What word describes behavior intended to make someone seem more important or sophisticated than they really are? | pretentious | pretentious | - | |
| 8 | What word describes someone who appears calmly unconcerned in a surprisingly casual way? | nonchalant | nonchalant | - | |
| 9 | What word describes someone or something noticeably unconventional or unusual? | eccentric | eccentric | - | |
| 10 | What word describes an explanation that is clear and brief without unnecessary words? | succinct | succinct | - | |
| 11 | What word describes an attitude that shows strong disrespect or scorn? | contemptuous | contemptuous | - | |
| 12 | What word describes an activity deliberately kept secret because it is not meant to be discovered? | clandestine | clandestine | - | |
| 13 | What word describes something harmless and unlikely to cause damage or offense? | innocuous | innocuous | - | |
| 14 | What word describes someone unwilling to speak freely about personal thoughts or feelings? | reticent | reticent | - | |
| 15 | What word describes something deliberately showy and designed to impress others? | ostentatious | ostentatious | - | |
| 16 | What word describes someone who habitually avoids effort because of laziness? | indolent | indolent | - | |
| 17 | What word describes an expression that has been overused until it seems dull or unoriginal? | hackneyed | hackneyed | - | |
| 18 | What word means a conclusion or guess made from incomplete evidence? | conjecture | conjecture | - | |
| 19 | What word describes something ordinary, routine, and lacking excitement? | mundane | mundane | - | |
| 20 | What word describes a child who develops abilities or maturity unusually early? | precocious | precocious | - | |
| 21 | What word describes someone who strongly wants revenge for a real or imagined wrong? | vindictive | vindictive | - | |
| 22 | What word describes a manner that treats other people as if they are less capable or important? | condescending | condescending | - | |
| 23 | What word describes someone who shows wise judgment and strong understanding? | sagacious | sagacious | - | |
| 24 | What word describes behavior that shows deep respect or admiration? | reverent | reverent | - | |
| 25 | What word describes someone who produces a large amount of work? | prolific | prolific | - | |
| 26 | What word describes something that seems out of place because it does not fit its surroundings? | incongruous | incongruous | - | |
| 27 | What word describes behavior that changes suddenly and unpredictably without a clear reason? | capricious | capricious | - | |
| 28 | What word describes something mysterious and difficult to understand? | enigmatic | enigmatic | - | |
| 29 | What word describes a manner that is harsh and irritating to other people? | abrasive | abrasive | - | |
| 30 | What word describes someone who is kind and generous toward people in need? | benevolent | benevolent | - |
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The store offered a refund to ______ customers who were angry about the delay. | appease | appease | - | |
| 2 |
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
TL reward TR appoint BL praise BR censure
|
censure | censure | BR | |
| 3 | The manager spoke honestly and directly. Which earlier vocabulary word fits? | candid | candid | - | |
| 4 | The new counselor's ______ manner made nervous students feel comfortable immediately. | affable | affable | - | |
| 5 |
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
TL reward TR consult BL admonish BR praise
|
admonish | admonish | BL | |
| 6 | The students publicly supported a proposed change. Which earlier vocabulary word fits? | advocate | advocate | - | |
| 7 | Maya felt ______ while waiting to hear whether she had made the team. | apprehensive | apprehensive | - | |
| 8 |
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
TL ignore TR bolster BL replace BR weaken
|
bolster | bolster | TR | |
| 9 | The storm became less severe. Which earlier vocabulary word fits? | abate | abate | - | |
| 10 | Even after several requests, the principal remained ______ that the rule would not change. | adamant | adamant | - | |
| 11 |
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
TL articulate TR hesitant BL rambling BR vague
|
articulate | articulate | TL | |
| 12 | The group reluctantly accepted the decision without further protest. Which earlier vocabulary word fits? | acquiesce | acquiesce | - |
Correct-answer positions: TL 1 / TR 1 / BL 1 / BR 1
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Her ______ answer admitted exactly what had happened without excuses or evasions.
TL articulate TR affable BL assertive BR forthright
|
forthright | forthright | BR | |
| 2 |
His ______ plan was designed to punish a former friend long after the original argument had ended.
TL vindictive TR resentful BL indignant BR contentious
|
vindictive | vindictive | TL | |
| 3 |
The instructor's ______ tone suggested that the adult learners could not understand even simple ideas.
TL condescending TR dismissive BL forthright BR abrasive
|
condescending | condescending | TL | |
| 4 |
Without direct evidence, the historian's explanation remained only ______.
TL hypothesis TR conjecture BL articulate BR assumption
|
conjecture | conjecture | TR | |
| 5 |
Although usually sociable, Marcus was ______ when anyone asked about his private worries.
TL taciturn TR apprehensive BL reticent BR reclusive
|
reticent | reticent | BL | |
| 6 |
The manager's ______ decisions changed from day to day depending on his mood.
TL orthodox TR adamant BL censure BR capricious
|
capricious | capricious | BR | |
| 7 |
The group held ______ meetings after hours so that school officials would not discover its prohibited activities.
TL restricted TR clandestine BL private BR confidential
|
clandestine | clandestine | TR | |
| 8 |
The scientist was considered ______ because she kept unusual hours and filled her office with antique clocks.
TL reclusive TR whimsical BL erratic BR eccentric
|
eccentric | eccentric | BR | |
| 9 |
He spoke with open ______ about the dishonest shortcut, making it clear that he had no respect for it.
TL resentment TR animosity BL disdain BR skepticism
|
disdain | disdain | BL | |
| 10 |
The ______ climbers continued the rescue despite freezing wind and dangerous terrain.
TL intrepid TR tenacious BL bolster BR audacious
|
intrepid | intrepid | TL | |
| 11 |
The mansion's marble fountains and gold-covered gates seemed deliberately ______.
TL luxurious TR ornate BL ostentatious BR pretentious
|
ostentatious | ostentatious | BL | |
| 12 |
The ______ worker avoided every task that required sustained effort, even when he had plenty of energy.
TL lethargic TR admonish BL complacent BR indolent
|
indolent | indolent | BR | |
| 13 |
The ______ adviser anticipated problems that no one else had noticed and recommended a practical solution.
TL sagacious TR experienced BL cautious BR appease
|
sagacious | sagacious | TL | |
| 14 |
She sounded ______ about the interview, as if the outcome did not concern her at all.
TL indifferent TR nonchalant BL complacent BR stoic
|
nonchalant | nonchalant | TR | |
| 15 |
Their appeal was ______ and urged the school to preserve the old theater.
TL adamant TR diligent BL indignant BR fervent
|
fervent | fervent | BR | |
| 16 |
The ______ researcher published dozens of influential papers during a single decade.
TL consistent TR diligent BL prolific BR creative
|
prolific | prolific | BL | |
| 17 |
Her ______ response answered the question clearly in only three sentences.
TL direct TR succinct BL articulate BR superficial
|
succinct | succinct | TR | |
| 18 |
The comment seemed ______ and caused no offense or harm.
TL innocuous TR minor BL superficial BR ordinary
|
innocuous | innocuous | TL |
Correct-answer positions: TL 5 / TR 4 / BL 4 / BR 5
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A giant inflatable flamingo sits in the middle of a formal museum gallery and clearly does not fit the setting. Which word fits most precisely?
TL eccentric TR eclectic BL conspicuous BR incongruous
|
incongruous | incongruous | BR | |
| 2 |
A competitor sneers and acts as though the opposing team is beneath respect. Which word fits most precisely?
TL contemptuous TR dismissive BL articulate BR hostile
|
contemptuous | contemptuous | TL | |
| 3 |
A wealthy neighbor quietly funds meals for struggling families without seeking attention. Which word fits most precisely?
TL affable TR bolster BL benevolent BR magnanimous
|
benevolent | benevolent | BL | |
| 4 |
A speaker fills a simple explanation with unnecessary academic terms mainly to sound more sophisticated. Which word fits most precisely?
TL superficial TR pretentious BL articulate BR formal
|
pretentious | pretentious | TR | |
| 5 |
A task consists of entering routine data into the same form every afternoon. Which word fits most precisely?
TL mundane TR trivial BL adamant BR conventional
|
mundane | mundane | TL | |
| 6 |
Before commenting on a sensitive issue, a spokesperson carefully considers what could go wrong if the statement is misunderstood. Which word fits most precisely?
TL reserved TR reticent BL methodical BR circumspect
|
circumspect | circumspect | BR | |
| 7 |
A note contains clues but remains mysterious even after careful analysis. Which word fits most precisely?
TL obscure TR ambiguous BL enigmatic BR subtle
|
enigmatic | enigmatic | BL | |
| 8 |
A manager's comments are not dishonest, but the harsh and irritating way he speaks makes coworkers avoid him. Which word fits most precisely?
TL condescending TR abrasive BL forthright BR blunt
|
abrasive | abrasive | TR | |
| 9 |
A slogan has appeared in so many advertisements that it now sounds stale and unoriginal. Which word fits most precisely?
TL superficial TR conventional BL orthodox BR hackneyed
|
hackneyed | hackneyed | BR | |
| 10 |
A decade includes protests, government changes, economic crises, and repeated social conflict. Which word fits most precisely?
TL volatile TR contentious BL turbulent BR abate
|
turbulent | turbulent | BL | |
| 11 |
Visitors lower their voices and behave with deep respect at a national memorial. Which word fits most precisely?
TL solemn TR reverent BL deferential BR sentimental
|
reverent | reverent | TR | |
| 12 |
An eight-year-old writes music at a level normally expected from much older students. Which word fits most precisely?
TL precocious TR candid BL articulate BR talented
|
precocious | precocious | TL |
Correct-answer positions: TL 3 / TR 3 / BL 3 / BR 3
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 |
INDOLENT:
TL active TR industrious BL diligent BR lazy
|
lazy | indolent | BR |
Diligent is the strongest trap because indolent people habitually avoid effort. |
| S2 |
ECCENTRIC:
TL ordinary TR unconventional BL standard BR typical
|
unconventional | eccentric | TR |
Orthodox is the strongest trap because eccentric behavior departs from conventional norms. |
| S3 |
REVERENT:
TL mocking TR contemptuous BL irreverent BR respectful
|
respectful | reverent | BR |
Contemptuous is the strongest trap because reverence is the opposite of scorn. |
| S4 |
CIRCUMSPECT:
TL cautious TR careless BL impulsive BR reckless
|
cautious | circumspect | TL |
Impulsive is the strongest trap because circumspect behavior considers risks before acting. |
| S5 |
PRECOCIOUS:
TL delayed TR advanced BL ordinary BR immature
|
advanced | precocious | TR |
Immature is the strongest trap because precocious development occurs earlier than expected. |
| S6 |
CONJECTURE:
TL fact TR certainty BL speculation BR proof
|
speculation | conjecture | BL |
Fact is the strongest trap because conjecture is based on incomplete evidence rather than established truth. |
| S7 |
FERVENT:
TL passionate TR apathetic BL cool BR indifferent
|
passionate | fervent | TL |
Apathetic is the strongest trap because fervent people show intense emotion or enthusiasm. |
| S8 |
OSTENTATIOUS:
TL modest TR plain BL showy BR subtle
|
showy | ostentatious | BL |
Subtle is the strongest trap because ostentatious displays are designed to attract attention. |
| S9 |
PROLIFIC:
TL barren TR idle BL scarce BR productive
|
productive | prolific | BR |
Idle is the strongest trap because prolific people produce a large amount of work. |
| S10 |
CONTEMPTUOUS:
TL respectful TR scornful BL admiring BR grateful
|
scornful | contemptuous | TR |
Reverent is the strongest trap because it expresses deep respect rather than contempt. |
| S11 |
CONDESCENDING:
TL humble TR respectful BL patronizing BR deferential
|
patronizing | condescending | BL |
Deferential is the strongest trap because it shows respect rather than superiority. |
| S12 |
DISDAIN:
TL admiration TR scorn BL respect BR approval
|
scorn | disdain | TR |
Respect is the strongest trap because disdain means regarding something as unworthy of respect. |
| S13 |
CAPRICIOUS:
TL fickle TR reliable BL steady BR deliberate
|
fickle | capricious | TL |
Deliberate is tempting because both describe decision-making, but capricious choices are unpredictable rather than carefully planned. |
| S14 |
ABRASIVE:
TL pleasant TR gentle BL reserved BR harsh
|
harsh | abrasive | BR |
Reserved is tempting because both can describe manner, but abrasive means irritatingly harsh. |
| S15 |
PRETENTIOUS:
TL sincere TR genuine BL affected BR modest
|
affected | pretentious | BL |
Genuine is the strongest trap because pretentious behavior creates an exaggerated impression. |
| S16 |
MUNDANE:
TL remarkable TR exceptional BL exciting BR ordinary
|
ordinary | mundane | BR |
Exceptional is the strongest trap because mundane things are routine rather than special. |
| S17 |
BENEVOLENT:
TL hostile TR charitable BL formal BR selfish
|
charitable | benevolent | TR |
Formal is tempting because donors may act through institutions, but benevolent means kind and generous. |
| S18 |
RETICENT:
TL reserved TR open BL talkative BR forthcoming
|
reserved | reticent | TL |
Forthcoming is the strongest trap because reticent people are unwilling to share freely. |
| S19 |
INTREPID:
TL anxious TR timid BL hesitant BR fearless
|
fearless | intrepid | BR |
Timid is the strongest trap because intrepid people willingly face danger. |
| S20 |
SUCCINCT:
TL verbose TR brief BL lengthy BR rambling
|
brief | succinct | TR |
Verbose is the strongest trap because succinct expression avoids unnecessary words. |
| S21 |
FORTHRIGHT:
TL direct TR vague BL evasive BR guarded
|
direct | forthright | TL |
Evasive is the strongest trap because forthright speech does not avoid the issue. |
| S22 |
CLANDESTINE:
TL open TR public BL secret BR official
|
secret | clandestine | BL |
Official is tempting because secret activities may involve organizations, but clandestine means deliberately hidden. |
| S23 |
INCONGRUOUS:
TL incompatible TR harmonious BL fitting BR suitable
|
incompatible | incongruous | TL |
Fitting is the strongest trap because incongruous things do not suit their surroundings. |
| S24 |
ENIGMATIC:
TL plain TR explicit BL mysterious BR obvious
|
mysterious | enigmatic | BL |
Explicit is the strongest trap because enigmatic things resist clear explanation. |
| S25 |
VINDICTIVE:
TL generous TR magnanimous BL forgiving BR spiteful
|
spiteful | vindictive | BR |
Magnanimous is the strongest trap because vindictive people seek revenge instead of forgiving. |
| S26 |
NONCHALANT:
TL worried TR unconcerned BL anxious BR agitated
|
unconcerned | nonchalant | TR |
Apprehensive is the strongest trap because nonchalant behavior appears free of worry. |
| S27 |
TURBULENT:
TL peaceful TR orderly BL chaotic BR stable
|
chaotic | turbulent | BL |
Stable is the strongest trap because turbulent periods involve disorder and rapid change. |
| S28 |
SAGACIOUS:
TL naive TR reckless BL foolish BR wise
|
wise | sagacious | BR |
Naive is the strongest trap because sagacious judgment reflects understanding rather than inexperience. |
| S29 |
HACKNEYED:
TL stale TR fresh BL original BR novel
|
stale | hackneyed | TL |
Original is the strongest trap because hackneyed expressions have lost originality through overuse. |
| S30 |
INNOCUOUS:
TL harmful TR harmless BL dangerous BR offensive
|
harmless | innocuous | TR |
Harmful is the strongest trap because innocuous things are unlikely to cause damage. |
Correct-answer positions: TL 7 / TR 8 / BL 7 / BR 8
The Enigmatic Inventor — target words used in the passage: eccentric, prolific, reclusive, enigmatic, hackneyed, circumspect, conjecture, forthright, abrasive, benevolent, clandestine, reticent, succinct, intrepid, poignant, mundane, sagacious
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Why did the teacher urge the class to be circumspect when researching Elias Venn?
TL Some popular accounts mixed established facts with unsupported guesses. TR The teacher wanted the class to finish the project as quickly as possible. BL The teacher wanted students to avoid the historical society. BR The teacher believed all of Venn's inventions were dangerous.
|
Some popular accounts mixed established facts with unsupported guesses. | TL |
Passage: “Their teacher urged them to be circumspect because several popular accounts mixed fact with conjecture.” |
|
| 2 |
How did the assistant's letters change the students' understanding of Venn?
TL They showed that Venn's assistant had invented the stories about him. TR They proved that Venn had never built any useful machines. BL They showed that Venn could be difficult in manner while also acting generously toward people in need. BR They revealed that every newspaper account about Venn was accurate.
|
They showed that Venn could be difficult in manner while also acting generously toward people in need. | BL |
Passage: “The assistant was surprisingly forthright about Venn's difficult personality, describing his manner as abrasive but also praising his benevolent habit of repairing farm equipment for families who could not afford help.” |
|
| 3 |
Why did the students find the flood journal entry especially important?
TL It proved that Venn had caused the flood through an experiment. TR It explained how Venn's storm-prediction machine worked. BL It showed that the archivist had hidden documents from the public. BR It revealed courageous behavior that challenged the colder image found in earlier accounts.
|
It revealed courageous behavior that challenged the colder image found in earlier accounts. | BR |
Passage: “The students found the account poignant because it contrasted sharply with the cold image presented in earlier newspapers.” |
|
| 4 | What principle guided the class when it created the final exhibit? | The students separated claims supported by evidence from ideas that remained uncertain or speculative. | - |
Passage: “Their most sagacious decision was to separate what the evidence could establish from what remained speculation.” Model response: The students separated claims supported by evidence from ideas that remained uncertain or speculative. |
|
| 5 | Describe a situation in which someone should be circumspect before accepting a conjecture. | A student should be circumspect before believing a rumor about a classmate because the story may be only conjecture without reliable evidence. | - |
Model response: A student should be circumspect before believing a rumor about a classmate because the story may be only conjecture without reliable evidence. |
|
| 6 | Explain how someone can be forthright without becoming abrasive. | A person can state a disagreement honestly and directly while still using respectful language and a calm tone. | - |
Model response: A person can state a disagreement honestly and directly while still using respectful language and a calm tone. |
|
| 7 | Describe how a sagacious person might respond differently from a vindictive person after being treated unfairly. | A sagacious person would consider the long-term consequences and seek a fair solution, while a vindictive person might focus on revenge. | - |
Model response: A sagacious person would consider the long-term consequences and seek a fair solution, while a vindictive person might focus on revenge. |
Correct-answer positions: TL 1 / TR 0 / BL 1 / BR 1
| # | Prompt | Answer | Scores as | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Someone remains focused on punishing another person long after a disagreement. Which lesson word fits? | vindictive | vindictive | - | |
| 2 | Someone has harmless but highly unconventional habits that make the person stand out. Which lesson word fits? | eccentric | eccentric | - | |
| 3 | A child shows advanced ability much earlier than is usual. Which lesson word fits? | precocious | precocious | - | |
| 4 | A person feels that a dishonest practice is beneath respect. Which lesson word fits? | disdain | disdain | - | |
| 5 | An explanation states the essential idea clearly with very few words. Which lesson word fits? | succinct | succinct | - | |
| 6 | A person's words are not dishonest, but the harsh manner irritates everyone nearby. Which lesson word fits? | abrasive | abrasive | - | |
| 7 | A period is filled with conflict, disorder, and rapid change. Which lesson word fits? | turbulent | turbulent | - | |
| 8 | Visitors behave with deep respect at a memorial. Which lesson word fits? | reverent | reverent | - | |
| 9 | A display is deliberately showy and designed to impress others with wealth or importance. Which lesson word fits? | ostentatious | ostentatious | - | |
| 10 | A sociable person becomes unwilling to discuss private thoughts or feelings. Which lesson word fits? | reticent | reticent | - | |
| 11 | An adviser gives unusually wise judgment based on deep understanding. Which lesson word fits? | sagacious | sagacious | - | |
| 12 | A leader changes decisions suddenly according to mood rather than a consistent rule. Which lesson word fits? | capricious | capricious | - | |
| 13 | An object clearly looks out of place in its surroundings. Which lesson word fits? | incongruous | incongruous | - | |
| 14 | Someone carefully considers possible risks before making a public statement. Which lesson word fits? | circumspect | circumspect | - | |
| 15 | A task is routine, ordinary, and not especially interesting. Which lesson word fits? | mundane | mundane | - | |
| 16 | A message remains mysterious even after careful study. Which lesson word fits? | enigmatic | enigmatic | - | |
| 17 | A witness gives a direct and honest answer to an uncomfortable question. Which lesson word fits? | forthright | forthright | - | |
| 18 | Someone openly shows scorn and treats another person as beneath respect. Which lesson word fits? | contemptuous | contemptuous | - | |
| 19 | A phrase has been repeated so often that it now sounds stale and unoriginal. Which lesson word fits? | hackneyed | hackneyed | - | |
| 20 | Someone quietly uses personal resources to help families in need. Which lesson word fits? | benevolent | benevolent | - | |
| 21 | A rescue worker willingly enters a dangerous area to help others. Which lesson word fits? | intrepid | intrepid | - | |
| 22 | A speaker expresses intense and sincere support for a cause. Which lesson word fits? | fervent | fervent | - | |
| 23 | Someone repeatedly avoids work because of habitual laziness. Which lesson word fits? | indolent | indolent | - | |
| 24 | Someone appears surprisingly calm and unconcerned before an important event. Which lesson word fits? | nonchalant | nonchalant | - | |
| 25 | Someone uses unnecessary sophistication mainly to seem more impressive. Which lesson word fits? | pretentious | pretentious | - | |
| 26 | A writer or researcher produces an unusually large amount of work. Which lesson word fits? | prolific | prolific | - | |
| 27 | A remark causes no harm or offense. Which lesson word fits? | innocuous | innocuous | - | |
| 28 | A proposed explanation is based on incomplete evidence and has not been proved. Which lesson word fits? | conjecture | conjecture | - | |
| 29 | An activity is deliberately hidden because the participants do not want authorities to discover it. Which lesson word fits? | clandestine | clandestine | - | |
| 30 | A speaker talks to capable adults as though they are inferior or unintelligent. Which lesson word fits? | condescending | condescending | - |