Vocabulary Exercise (2)

John was _____ as a king in the school play ‘Macbeth’.

• directed

• depicted

• reported

• narrated

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'depicted' because it means to represent or portray someone in a role, which fits how John was shown as a king in the play. The other options do not accurately convey this meaning.

Jaclyn is _____ of passing her examination as she is well prepared for it.

• hopeful

• confident

• guaranteed

• convinced

Answer explanation

Jaclyn is 'convinced' of passing her examination because her thorough preparation gives her a strong belief in her success. This choice reflects her certainty, unlike 'hopeful' or 'confident', which imply less assurance.

An air-conditioner _____ more electricity than an electric iron.

• wastes

• devours

• consumes

• absorbs

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'consumes' because it accurately describes how an air-conditioner uses more electricity compared to an electric iron. 'Wastes', 'devours', and 'absorbs' do not convey the same meaning in this context.

The kidnapped victim was _____ with a rag to keep him from screaming for help.

• gagged

• bound

• blocked

• choked

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'gagged' because it specifically means to restrain someone's ability to speak or scream, which fits the context of using a rag to prevent the victim from calling for help.

Our country has a very _____ policy against illegal immigrants. Those who are caught could be jailed and caned.

• serious

• stringent

• dangerous

• lethal

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'stringent' as it means strict or severe, which fits the context of a harsh policy against illegal immigrants. 'Serious' is too vague, while 'dangerous' and 'lethal' imply harm rather than strictness.

She was reluctant to enter the contest but her friends kept _____ her on.

• cheering

• forcing

• insisting

• egging

Answer explanation

The phrase 'kept egging her on' means her friends were encouraging her to participate in the contest. 'Egging' implies a light-hearted persuasion, making it the most fitting choice compared to the other options.

_____ from the crashed plane covered a wide area of the countryside.

• Refuse

• Debris

• Rubble

• Luggage

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Debris' because it refers to the scattered pieces from the crashed plane, which would cover a wide area. 'Refuse' and 'rubble' do not fit the context, and 'luggage' is too specific.

We walked across the rickety bridge _____ in case the planks gave way.

• gingerly

• closely

• hastily

• patiently

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'gingerly' because it means to walk carefully or cautiously, which is appropriate given the rickety bridge. The other options do not convey the necessary caution needed in this context.

The parents of the newborn baby have not _____ at a decision on what name to give him.

• agreed

• settled

• arrived

• reached

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'reached' because it fits the context of making a decision. The phrase 'have not reached a decision' is a common expression, while 'agreed', 'settled', and 'arrived' do not convey the same meaning in this context.

The audience were kept in _____ as the judges met to decide on the winner of the contest.

• suspicion

• excitement

• anxiety

• suspense

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'suspense' because it conveys the tension and uncertainty the audience felt while waiting for the judges' decision, which aligns with the context of a contest.