Vocab in Context

Computer manuals are often very hard to understand, so I was surprised to discover how

lucid this one is.

• long

• clear

• new

• expensive

The Chinese government provides incentives for married couples to have only one child.

For example, couples with one child get financial help and free medical care.

• warnings

• suggestions

• penalties

• encouragements

The store detective faced the dilemma of either having an elderly, needy man arrested or

ignoring store rules about shoplifters.

• proof

• reason

• memory

• difficult choice

Even when textbooks are standardized throughout a school system, methods of teaching

with them may be greatly varied.

• different

• available

• scarce

• made the same

During the Middle Ages, everyone--from the rich landowner down to the most impoverished peasant--had a clear place in society.

• poor

• weak

• common

• decent

It is widely believed that Columbus sailed westward to validate the theory that the world is round. In fact, it was already well known at that time that the world is round.

• foresee

• prove

• propose

• contradict

The press assailed the mayor for giving large city construction jobs to his daughter's firm.

• paid

• praised

• fined

• attacked

Reliable scientific theories are based not upon careless work, but rather upon meticulous research and experimentation.

• hasty

• easy

• careful

• complicated

Toddlers are naturally inquisitive. Because they are so interested in their surroundings, they are eager to explore everything.

• tired

• clumsy

• curious

• unreliable

After the civil war, trolleys and streetcars greatly expanded workers’ mobility permitting them to move beyond walking distance from factories.

• pay

• interests

• skills  

• ability to move