Inferring Meaning from Context

The designer window treatments in her house, installed 17 years ago, were outmoded.

• unnecessary

• pointless

• out-of-date

• worthless

The spies conducted a covert operation.

• dangerous

• foreign

• hidden

• illegal

The baseball player’s malice toward the referee was revealed in his spiteful remarks to the media, which almost ruined the referee’s career.

• vindictive

• crazy

• rude

• unpleasant

Although Zachary is much too inexperienced for the managerial position, he is a willful young man and obdurately refuses to withdraw his application.

• foolishly

• reluctantly

• constantly

• stubbornly

His neighbor’s superficial remarks trivialized the property line dispute and infuriated Malcolm.

• enraged

• petty

• insulting

• misleading

She showed a blatant disregard for the rules.

• obvious

• hidden

• last-minute

• rebellious

Her fashion sense was usually described as flamboyant, but on the night of the party, Tanya’s outfit was uncharacteristically modest.

• impeccable

• showy

• sloppy

• unassuming

Mr. Powers was so gullible that he believed even the most outlandish excuses of his insincere employees.

• intelligent

• naïve

• dishonest

• critical

You cannot become a certified teacher without completing the prerequisite student-teaching assignment.

• required

• optional

• preferred

• advisable

Charles, aware of his susceptibility to gum disease, is diligent about flossing.

• uncomfortable

• excited

• thorough

• ambivalent