English Vocabulary Quiz

He had occasionally ______ the idea of starting his own business, but he had never actually done anything about it.

• simmered down

• gobbled up

• dallied with

• lavished on

John keeps himself so closed off that I've never understood the ______of his thoughts.

• rock bottom

• bare bones

• think tank

• uncharted waters

Answer explanation

The phrase 'uncharted waters' suggests unknown or unexplored areas, fitting the context of not understanding John's thoughts. The other options do not convey this sense of mystery or depth.

Although it takes quite a bit of time at the beginning, once you have acquired the basic knowledge, a quick learner like you will surely ______.

• forge ahead

• plunge ahead

• plough ahead.

• press ahead

Answer explanation

The phrase 'forge ahead' implies suddenly making a lot of progress with something

I have every right to ______ at unfair, and possibly illogical, situations-most because of the decisions of higher-ups.

• rack and ruin

• hem and haw

• rant and rave

• wax and wane

Two months after the main parties in the coalition had fallen out, leading to the collapse of the government, the leaders met in an attempt to heal the ______.

• abyss

• trench

• dispute

• rift

Answer explanation

The term 'rift' refers to a serious break in friendly relations, which fits the context of leaders meeting to heal after a government collapse. 'Dispute' could also work, but 'rift' more accurately captures the nature of their falling out.

She was a ______ Catholic and, so far as I am aware, morally unassailable.

• firm

• devout

• staunch

• strict

Answer explanation

The term 'devout' specifically refers to a person who is deeply religious and committed to their faith, making it the most fitting choice. 'Firm', 'staunch', and 'strict' imply strength or rigidity but lack the spiritual connotation of 'devout'.

As I said before, the report will be released in the ______ of time. I can't estimate when that will be.

• rightness

• fullness

• greatness

• correctness

As soon as the authorities found out about the jail break, they put up ______ on all the main roads leading out of the area.

• barricades

• road-blocks

• checkpoints

• customs

Answer explanation

Cat allergen is one of the main causes of childhood allergies, asthma and ______ respiratory diseases as bronchitis.

• some

• such other

• the like

• also

Answer explanation

The phrase 'the like' is used to refer to similar items or categories, making it the best fit here to indicate other respiratory diseases similar to bronchitis. The other options do not convey this meaning as effectively.

The students were still able to cheat without being caught by the camera, ______ high-tech supervision.

• so much for

• very much of

• thus be it

• so it be

Answer explanation

The phrase 'so much for' indicates a sense of disappointment or resignation about the effectiveness of high-tech supervision, implying that despite it, cheating still occurred. This makes it the correct choice.