vocabulary in context

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.

If something is ubiquitous,

• it is fuzzy and will bite you

• it is everywhere

• it costs too much money

• it causes rashes

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers. A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.

• tickle

• amuse

• lose or misplace

• frighten or intimidate

The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact. The Compact was _______.

• a container for makeup

• a small item

• a machine used for washing corn

• a contract

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.

What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

• stands up straight

• peeks at presents

• goes back to

• drinks too much egg nog

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet.

To divert is to _______.

• change the direction of

• look for really high waves

• date an astronaut

• look through a telescope

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves.

What does vast mean?

• not enough

• a large amount

• dangerous

• having no known use

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

What does “static” mean in the above selection?

• not changing

• noise

• moldy

• unreal

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.

Foremost means..

• loudest

• least informed

• craziest

• first or main one

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.

If a statement is plausible, __________.

• you must always believe it

• you must never believe it

• it makes no sense

• it's believable enough to be true

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed.

Clandestine means

• family

• dangerous

• secret

• useful