Patterson's Barron's List #7

Imagine you're a wizard making a potion. You decide to throw in ingredients without looking, just for the fun of it. Which word best describes this whimsical decision-making process?

• cognizant

• arbitrary

• indigent

• stymie

Answer explanation

The word 'arbitrary' best describes a decision made without any rule or criterion for guidance.

Imagine you're a superhero with the power of heightened awareness. What does it mean if you're "cognizant" of the dangers lurking in the city?

• You're scratching your head, puzzled by the city's mysteries.

• You're blissfully unaware, dancing in the city's streets.

• You're on high alert, fully aware of every shadow and sound.

• You're hiding, terrified of the city's dark corners.

Answer explanation

Being cognizant of surroundings means being fully aware of them, not confused, unaware, or frightened.

If a situation is described as "turbulent," how is it?

• Peaceful

• Stable

• Chaotic

• Predictable

Answer explanation

A situation described as 'turbulent' is chaotic, not peaceful, stable, or predictable. Turbulence implies disorder, confusion, and unpredictability.

Time travel alert! 🚀 Which word is your magic spell to go back to a previous state or condition?

• revert

• skirmish

• indigent

• reprehensible

Answer explanation

The word 'revert' means to return to a previous state or condition, making it the correct choice in this context.

Imagine you're in a movie, facing a character who just won't budge, no matter what! What does "implacable" best describe about them?

• Someone who is easily satisfied

• Someone who cannot be calmed or appeased

• Someone who is impoverished

• Someone who is highly respected

Answer explanation

The term 'implacable' best describes someone who cannot be calmed or appeased, making this the correct choice.

Imagine you're a superhero in a world where actions speak louder than words. If you encounter an action that's labeled as "reprehensible," how would the world view it?

• As something to be admired

• As something deserving of a superhero's criticism

• As something too insignificant for a superhero to notice

• As something encouraging for future heroes

Answer explanation

An action considered 'reprehensible' is viewed as deserving of criticism, not admirable, insignificant, or encouraging.

What does "indigent" mean?

• Wealthy

• Middle-class

• Poor/ homeless

• Educated

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Poor' because 'indigent' means lacking the basic necessities of life, poor, impoverished.

Ready to dive into a bit of history? What exactly is a "skirmish"?

• A formal debate with a twist of medieval flair

• A minor fight or battle, often seen in historical conflicts

• A peaceful negotiation, but with swords at the ready

• A legal settlement, old-school style

Answer explanation

A skirmish is a minor fight or battle, not a formal debate, peaceful negotiation, or legal settlement.

🚧 Which word is your secret key to describe an action that blocks or slows down the journey to success? 🚧

• revert

• cognizant

• stymie

• arbitrary

Answer explanation

The word 'stymie' means to obstruct or hinder progress, making it the correct choice in this context.

🌟 Time for a word challenge! 🌟 Can you pick the sentence where "forthwith" is used correctly? Hint: It means 'immediately'.

• He decided to move forthwith into the new house.

• The colors of the painting were very forthwith.

• She spoke forthwith about her opinions on the matter.

• The judge ordered that the documents be produced forthwith.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The judge ordered that the documents be produced forthwith.' as it uses 'forthwith' in the appropriate legal context of immediately or without delay.