Tim's Teachers Vocabulary Mastery - Chapter 10

Section 1 Learn the Words

Word	Part of speech	Definition	Chinese	Example
acrimonious	adjective	angry and bitter, especially during an argument or disagreement	尖刻的；充满敌意的	The debate became acrimonious when both sides began making personal attacks.
adroit	adjective	skillful and clever in handling a difficult situation	熟练的；机敏的	Her adroit handling of the disagreement prevented a minor problem from becoming a major conflict.
amicable	adjective	friendly and peaceful, especially after a disagreement	友好的；和睦的	Despite their earlier argument, the two students reached an amicable agreement.
apathetic	adjective	showing little interest, emotion, or concern	冷漠的；无兴趣的	Many students seemed apathetic about the election and did not bother to vote.
belligerent	adjective	hostile, aggressive, and eager to argue or fight	好斗的；挑衅的	The belligerent customer shouted at the clerk and threatened to start a fight.
benign	adjective	gentle or harmless rather than dangerous or threatening	温和的；无害的	The doctor assured us that the small growth was benign and posed no danger.
caustic	adjective	sharply critical, sarcastic, or hurtful in speech	尖刻的；讽刺的	His caustic remarks embarrassed the speaker and made the audience uncomfortable.
contrite	adjective	feeling sincere regret or guilt for doing something wrong	悔恨的；愧疚的	After realizing how much damage she had caused, Mia was genuinely contrite.
copious	adjective	large in amount or quantity; abundant	大量的；丰富的	The researcher took copious notes during every interview.
cryptic	adjective	mysterious or difficult to understand because the meaning is hidden	隐晦的；难以理解的	The cryptic message contained only three words and gave us no clear instructions.
despondent	adjective	very discouraged, unhappy, and without hope	沮丧的；绝望的	After several unsuccessful attempts, the normally optimistic inventor became despondent.
docile	adjective	calm, obedient, and easy to control or teach	温顺的；顺从的	Despite its enormous size, the horse was docile and easy for beginners to handle.
erudite	adjective	having or showing great knowledge gained through study	博学的；学识渊博的	The erudite historian answered detailed questions about several ancient civilizations.
exuberant	adjective	full of energy, excitement, and cheerful enthusiasm	热情洋溢的；兴高采烈的	The team's exuberant celebration continued long after the championship game ended.
frivolous	adjective	not serious, useful, or important; lacking a meaningful purpose	轻浮的；无关紧要的	The committee rejected the frivolous proposal because it did nothing to address the real problem.
haughty	adjective	proud and behaving as though other people are less important	傲慢的；自大的	His haughty manner suggested that he considered the other applicants beneath him.
imminent	adjective	about to happen very soon	即将发生的；迫近的	Dark clouds and sudden thunder warned us that a storm was imminent.
ingenuous	adjective	honest, innocent, and straightforward, sometimes because of inexperience	坦率天真的；单纯的	Her ingenuous questions revealed that she had never encountered such a complicated negotiation before.
insipid	adjective	lacking flavor, interest, energy, or excitement	乏味的；平淡无味的	The movie's predictable plot and lifeless characters made it surprisingly insipid.
morose	adjective	gloomy, withdrawn, and bad-tempered	阴郁的；闷闷不乐的	After the disappointing loss, Daniel became morose and barely spoke to his teammates.
negligent	adjective	failing to give proper care, attention, or responsibility	疏忽的；失职的	The company was negligent in failing to inspect the damaged equipment before allowing workers to use it.
ominous	adjective	suggesting that something bad or threatening is likely to happen	不祥的；预示危险的	The sudden silence from the forest seemed ominous as the storm approached.
perfunctory	adjective	done quickly and with little care, effort, or interest	敷衍的；草率的	His perfunctory apology sounded as though he wanted to end the conversation rather than express regret.
placid	adjective	calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed	平静的；温和的	The placid lake reflected the mountains without a ripple on its surface.
prosaic	adjective	ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination	平凡的；乏味的	The architect transformed a prosaic office building into a colorful community center.
recalcitrant	adjective	stubbornly resisting rules, authority, or control	顽抗的；不服管教的	The recalcitrant student repeatedly refused to follow even the simplest classroom rules.
scrupulous	adjective	extremely careful to be accurate, honest, and morally right	严谨的；恪守原则的	The accountant was scrupulous about checking every figure before submitting the report.
solemn	adjective	serious, formal, and not cheerful	庄严的；严肃的	The students remained solemn during the ceremony honoring those who had died.
stoic	adjective	enduring pain or difficulty without showing much emotion or complaint	坚忍的；隐忍的	Despite the painful injury, the athlete remained stoic and calmly waited for medical help.
superfluous	adjective	more than is needed; unnecessary	多余的；不必要的	The editor removed several superfluous sentences that repeated information already stated clearly.

Section 2 Immediate Retrieval

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box
1	Write the vocabulary word that describes something gentle or harmless rather than dangerous.	benign	benign	-
2	Write the vocabulary word for something that lacks seriousness, usefulness, or an important purpose.	frivolous	frivolous	-
3	Write the vocabulary word for something that lacks flavor, interest, energy, or excitement.	insipid	insipid	-
4	Write the vocabulary word for someone who stubbornly resists rules, authority, or control.	recalcitrant	recalcitrant	-
5	Write the vocabulary word for being filled with lively energy, excitement, and cheerful enthusiasm.	exuberant	exuberant	-
6	Write the vocabulary word for feeling genuine guilt and regret after doing something wrong.	contrite	contrite	-
7	Write the vocabulary word for someone who is gloomy, withdrawn, and bad-tempered.	morose	morose	-
8	Write the vocabulary word for a message whose hidden or unclear meaning makes it difficult to understand.	cryptic	cryptic	-
9	Write the vocabulary word for someone or something that is calm, obedient, and easy to control or teach.	docile	docile	-
10	Write the vocabulary word for someone who displays extensive knowledge acquired through serious study.	erudite	erudite	-
11	Write the vocabulary word for speech that is sharply sarcastic, critical, and hurtful.	caustic	caustic	-
12	Write the vocabulary word for something done with minimal care or interest simply to get it over with.	perfunctory	perfunctory	-
13	Write the vocabulary word for someone who is straightforward, innocent, and honestly open, sometimes because of inexperience.	ingenuous	ingenuous	-
14	Write the vocabulary word for feeling deeply discouraged and almost without hope.	despondent	despondent	-
15	Write the vocabulary word for an event that is expected to happen very soon.	imminent	imminent	-
16	Write the vocabulary word for someone who endures pain or hardship without showing much emotion or complaining.	stoic	stoic	-
17	Write the vocabulary word for an occasion or manner that is serious, formal, and without cheerfulness.	solemn	solemn	-
18	Write the vocabulary word that describes something present in a very large or abundant amount.	copious	copious	-
19	Write the vocabulary word that describes a disagreement filled with anger, bitterness, and hostility.	acrimonious	acrimonious	-
20	Write the vocabulary word that describes something calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed.	placid	placid	-
21	Write the vocabulary word for showing very little interest, emotion, or concern about something.	apathetic	apathetic	-
22	Write the vocabulary word for something that seems to warn that trouble or danger is approaching.	ominous	ominous	-
23	Write the vocabulary word for someone who handles a difficult situation with impressive skill and cleverness.	adroit	adroit	-
24	Write the vocabulary word for something ordinary, dull, and lacking imagination.	prosaic	prosaic	-
25	Write the vocabulary word for something that is unnecessary because there is already more than enough.	superfluous	superfluous	-
26	Write the vocabulary word that describes friendly and peaceful relations, particularly after a disagreement.	amicable	amicable	-
27	Write the vocabulary word for someone extremely careful about accuracy, honesty, and doing what is right.	scrupulous	scrupulous	-
28	Write the vocabulary word for behaving proudly as though other people are less important.	haughty	haughty	-
29	Write the vocabulary word for someone who behaves aggressively and seems eager to argue or fight.	belligerent	belligerent	-
30	Write the vocabulary word for failing to provide the care, attention, or responsibility that a situation requires.	negligent	negligent	-

Section 3 Review from Earlier Chapters

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box
1	The school added shaded seating and water stations to ______ the discomfort caused by extreme afternoon heat.	ameliorate	ameliorate	-
2	A rule blocks the usual route to a goal, so someone finds another way around the restriction without removing it. Which earlier-lesson word best describes this action? TL ameliorate TR augment BL circumvent BR aggregate	circumvent	circumvent	BL
3	Several separate numerical results are combined into a single total. Write the earlier-lesson word that best describes this process.	aggregate	aggregate	-
4	The unusually low reading appeared to be a(n) ______ because every other measurement followed the expected pattern.	anomaly	anomaly	-
5	A successful student becomes so satisfied with past results that she no longer notices weaknesses that require attention. Which earlier-lesson word best describes her attitude? TL apathetic TR complacent BL placid BR haughty	complacent	complacent	TR
6	Heavy rain, equipment failure, and road closures all work against a planned trip. Write the earlier-lesson adjective that best describes these conditions.	adverse	adverse	-
7	Although the clubs share the same building, each remains ______ and makes its own decisions without outside control.	autonomous	autonomous	-
8	A building has almost no decoration, luxury, or unnecessary comfort. Which earlier-lesson word best describes its appearance? TL prosaic TR solemn BL placid BR austere	austere	austere	BR
9	Someone accepts a personal sacrifice solely to improve the lives of other people. Write the earlier-lesson adjective that best describes this motive.	altruistic	altruistic	-
10	The museum plans to ______ its permanent collection by acquiring several important historical documents.	augment	augment	-
11	Several independent movements gradually unite around one common purpose and become a larger whole. Which earlier-lesson word best describes this process? TL coalesce TR aggregate BL augment BR circumvent	coalesce	coalesce	TL
12	A new manager repeatedly makes unusually sharp decisions about complicated business problems. Write the earlier-lesson word that best captures the quality behind those decisions.	acumen	acumen	-

Correct-answer positions: TL 1 / TR 1 / BL 1 / BR 1

Section 4 Context Practice

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box
1	Even when offered several opportunities to influence the decision, the students remained ______ and showed almost no interest in the outcome. TL exuberant TR apathetic BL contrite BR altruistic	apathetic	apathetic	TR
2	Although the strange mark initially worried the doctor, further tests showed that it was completely ______ and required no treatment. TL benign TR imminent BL altruistic BR ominous	benign	benign	TL
3	The discussion became ______ after both candidates abandoned the issues and began exchanging bitter personal attacks. TL acrimonious TR solemn BL apathetic BR amicable	acrimonious	acrimonious	TL
4	After admitting that his careless joke had hurt his friend, Noah appeared genuinely ______ and apologized without making excuses. TL haughty TR apathetic BL morose BR contrite	contrite	contrite	BR
5	The detective took ______ notes during the three-hour interview, filling nearly an entire notebook. TL prosaic TR copious BL superfluous BR perfunctory	copious	copious	TR
6	His ______ expression and dismissive tone made it clear that he considered the other applicants unworthy of his attention. TL morose TR belligerent BL haughty BR solemn	haughty	haughty	BL
7	Her ______ response to the unexpected question satisfied both sides without forcing her to make a promise she could not keep. TL perfunctory TR ameliorate BL adroit BR ingenuous	adroit	adroit	BL
8	The rapidly rising river convinced officials that flooding was ______, so they ordered residents to evacuate immediately. TL benign TR imminent BL ominous BR superfluous	imminent	imminent	TR
9	The supervisor was ______ in allowing workers to use damaged equipment without first conducting the required safety inspection. TL negligent TR recalcitrant BL frivolous BR perfunctory	negligent	negligent	TL
10	Instead of the imaginative design the committee expected, the architect submitted a(n) ______ plan for a plain rectangular building. TL insipid TR austere BL frivolous BR prosaic	prosaic	prosaic	BR
11	Because the report already explained the conclusion clearly, the final three repetitive paragraphs were ______ and could be removed. TL prosaic TR superfluous BL copious BR frivolous	superfluous	superfluous	TR
12	Since losing the competition, Aaron had been unusually ______, sitting alone and responding to questions with gloomy one-word answers. TL morose TR apathetic BL despondent BR solemn	morose	morose	TL
13	Although the injury was obviously painful, the runner remained ______ and waited quietly for the medical team without complaining. TL contrite TR altruistic BL despondent BR stoic	stoic	stoic	BR
14	The ______ employee continued to resist the new safety procedures even after receiving several warnings from supervisors. TL apathetic TR complacent BL recalcitrant BR belligerent	recalcitrant	recalcitrant	BL
15	Her ______ comments were so sarcastic and cutting that several members of the committee felt personally insulted. TL solemn TR prosaic BL cryptic BR caustic	caustic	caustic	BR
16	The professor's ______ discussion ranged confidently from ancient philosophy to modern economics and revealed decades of study. TL ingenuous TR adroit BL erudite BR scrupulous	erudite	erudite	BL
17	The note was so ______ that we could not tell whether it was a warning, a joke, or an instruction. TL cryptic TR solemn BL adverse BR ingenuous	cryptic	cryptic	TL
18	Despite its impressive appearance, the soup was surprisingly ______, with almost no flavor or seasoning. TL perfunctory TR insipid BL prosaic BR benign	insipid	insipid	TR

Correct-answer positions: TL 5 / TR 5 / BL 4 / BR 4

Section 5 Semantic Discrimination

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box
1	Even as boats pass nearby, the lake remains smooth and peaceful, with almost no disturbance on its surface. Which adjective best describes the lake? TL placid TR altruistic BL tranquil BR serene	placid	placid	TL
2	A customer enters a store already looking for an argument, speaks aggressively, and repeatedly challenges employees to confront him. Which adjective fits most precisely? TL hostile TR irritable BL belligerent BR abrasive	belligerent	belligerent	BL
3	After winning the championship, the players leap, shout, laugh, and rush around the field with almost uncontrollable joy. Which adjective best describes them? TL cheerful TR energetic BL enthusiastic BR exuberant	exuberant	exuberant	BR
4	At a memorial, the crowd stands silently while names are read and no one jokes or celebrates. Which adjective most precisely describes the mood? TL somber TR solemn BL serious BR morose	solemn	solemn	TR
5	A large horse quietly follows instructions, accepts a saddle without resistance, and is easy for inexperienced riders to manage. Which adjective best describes the horse? TL docile TR anomaly BL gentle BR placid	docile	docile	TL
6	During an otherwise quiet hike, the sky turns an unnatural green, birds suddenly disappear, and distant thunder begins to rumble. Which adjective best describes these signs? TL threatening TR alarming BL anomaly BR ominous	ominous	ominous	BR
7	An inspector is required to examine twenty safety points but glances around for thirty seconds, signs the form, and leaves. Which adjective most precisely describes the inspection? TL careless TR perfunctory BL negligent BR brief	perfunctory	perfunctory	TR
8	After months of unsuccessful applications, a student becomes convinced that nothing will improve and nearly gives up trying. Which adjective most precisely describes the student? TL morose TR discouraged BL despondent BR pessimistic	despondent	despondent	BL
9	While a committee is deciding how to spend limited emergency funds, one member proposes using the money for decorative balloons and novelty hats. Which adjective most precisely describes the proposal? TL austere TR superfluous BL silly BR frivolous	frivolous	frivolous	BR
10	An editor checks every quotation, date, spelling, and source before publication because she refuses to risk even a small inaccuracy. Which adjective best describes her work? TL scrupulous TR meticulous BL thorough BR conscientious	scrupulous	scrupulous	TL
11	A young intern openly admits that she does not understand a business custom and asks a sincere question that more experienced employees would hesitate to ask. Which adjective best describes her manner? TL acumen TR candid BL ingenuous BR naive	ingenuous	ingenuous	BL
12	After a difficult dispute, two neighbors calmly agree on a solution and continue speaking to each other respectfully. Which adjective most precisely describes their settlement? TL civil TR amicable BL cordial BR peaceful	amicable	amicable	TR

Correct-answer positions: TL 3 / TR 3 / BL 3 / BR 3

Section 6 Synonyms

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box	Notes
S1	INSIPID: TL inspired TR vivid BL bland BR spicy	bland	insipid	BL	Inspired resembles insipid in appearance but suggests creativity rather than dullness.
S2	CRYPTIC: TL mysterious TR ordinary BL obvious BR critical	mysterious	cryptic	TL	Critical resembles cryptic in appearance but does not mean mysterious.
S3	PROSAIC: TL mundane TR poetic BL imaginative BR dramatic	mundane	prosaic	TL	Poetic is related to prose as a literary category, but it contrasts with prosaic in this sense.
S4	ACRIMONIOUS: TL peaceful TR bitter BL friendly BR ceremonious	bitter	acrimonious	TR	Ceremonious is a tempting look-alike, but it means formal rather than bitter.
S5	STOIC: TL static TR emotional BL uncomplaining BR fearful	uncomplaining	stoic	BL	Static resembles stoic in appearance but means unmoving or unchanging.
S6	HAUGHTY: TL naughty TR friendly BL humble BR arrogant	arrogant	haughty	BR	Naughty resembles haughty in sound but means badly behaved rather than arrogantly proud.
S7	MOROSE: TL energetic TR cheerful BL gloomy BR morbid	gloomy	morose	BL	Morbid resembles morose and can feel dark, but it refers to an unhealthy interest in unpleasant subjects.
S8	CAUSTIC: TL scathing TR cautious BL gentle BR chemical	scathing	caustic	TL	Chemical is associated with another use of caustic, but it is not a synonym for sharply critical speech.
S9	COPIOUS: TL careful TR scarce BL copied BR abundant	abundant	copious	BR	Copied resembles copious in form but means reproduced rather than abundant.
S10	CONTRITE: TL contrary TR remorseful BL angry BR proud	remorseful	contrite	TR	Contrary resembles contrite in appearance but means opposing or different.
S11	SOLEMN: TL serious TR cheerful BL solitary BR casual	serious	solemn	TL	Solitary resembles solemn in sound but means alone rather than serious.
S12	BENIGN: TL severe TR benevolent BL harmless BR dangerous	harmless	benign	BL	Benevolent looks related but means kind or generous rather than harmless.
S13	INGENUOUS: TL devious TR experienced BL ingenious BR innocent	innocent	ingenuous	BR	Ingenious looks almost identical but means clever and inventive rather than innocent and straightforward.
S14	PLACID: TL agitated TR calm BL obedient BR acidic	calm	placid	TR	Obedient can describe a calm animal, but it refers to following commands rather than peacefulness.
S15	SCRUPULOUS: TL careless TR conscientious BL dishonest BR scruffy	conscientious	scrupulous	TR	Scruffy resembles scrupulous in sound but means untidy rather than carefully principled.
S16	BELLIGERENT: TL defensive TR intelligent BL peaceful BR aggressive	aggressive	belligerent	BR	Defensive is related to conflict, but it does not mean eager to fight or argue.
S17	DOCILE: TL obedient TR defiant BL fragile BR active	obedient	docile	TL	Fragile may describe an animal's condition, but it does not mean obedient.
S18	IMMINENT: TL distant TR eminent BL impending BR unlikely	impending	imminent	BL	Eminent sounds like imminent but means distinguished or prominent.
S19	SUPERFLUOUS: TL essential TR superficial BL useful BR unnecessary	unnecessary	superfluous	BR	Superficial resembles superfluous but means shallow or concerned mainly with the surface.
S20	ERUDITE: TL learned TR ignorant BL energetic BR rude	learned	erudite	TL	Rude is a sound trap, but erudite concerns knowledge rather than manners.
S21	NEGLIGENT: TL careful TR obedient BL careless BR negligible	careless	negligent	BL	Negligible looks similar but means too small to matter rather than careless.
S22	AMICABLE: TL distant TR friendly BL formal BR hostile	friendly	amicable	TR	Formal may describe a peaceful meeting, but it does not mean friendly.
S23	ADROIT: TL careful TR skillful BL adored BR awkward	skillful	adroit	TR	Adored resembles adroit in sound but means loved rather than skillful.
S24	FRIVOLOUS: TL trivial TR serious BL useful BR fragrant	trivial	frivolous	TL	Fragrant resembles frivolous in its opening sound but means having a noticeable smell.
S25	DESPONDENT: TL angry TR dependent BL hopeless BR hopeful	hopeless	despondent	BL	Dependent resembles despondent in sound but means relying on someone or something.
S26	EXUBERANT: TL gloomy TR extravagant BL quiet BR enthusiastic	enthusiastic	exuberant	BR	Extravagant can suggest excess, but it does not specifically mean joyfully enthusiastic.
S27	RECALCITRANT: TL obedient TR defiant BL calculating BR careful	defiant	recalcitrant	TR	Calculating resembles recalcitrant in sound but means scheming or determining mathematically.
S28	APATHETIC: TL indifferent TR worried BL pathetic BR eager	indifferent	apathetic	TL	Pathetic looks similar to apathetic but means deserving pity rather than lacking interest.
S29	OMINOUS: TL reassuring TR obvious BL threatening BR immediate	threatening	ominous	BL	Immediate may describe timing, but ominous describes a sign of likely trouble.
S30	PERFUNCTORY: TL enthusiastic TR functional BL thorough BR cursory	cursory	perfunctory	BR	Functional resembles perfunctory in sound but means practical or working properly.

Correct-answer positions: TL 8 / TR 7 / BL 8 / BR 7

Section 7 Cumulative Reading

The Debate That Nearly Fell Apart — target words used in the passage: acrimonious, apathetic, belligerent, caustic, amicable, adroit, copious, placid, superfluous, recalcitrant, erudite, benign, ominous, imminent, solemn, exuberant, contrite, circumspect, ameliorate

Section 8 Reading & Application

#	Prompt	Answer	Box	Notes
1	Why does Maya ask both groups to submit their strongest evidence before she chooses a side? TL She wants to delay the vote until the garden proposal is forgotten. TR She has already decided to support the gardening club. BL She wants to consider both positions carefully before deciding how to proceed. BR She wants the science teacher to make the final decision.	She wants to consider both positions carefully before deciding how to proceed.	BL	Passage: “Rather than immediately choosing a side, she asked both groups to submit their strongest evidence.”
2	What effect do Maya's rules have on the second meeting? TL They cause most students to leave before the discussion begins. TR They help most participants discuss the issue more constructively. BL They allow the recalcitrant student to control the discussion. BR They prevent either side from presenting evidence.	They help most participants discuss the issue more constructively.	TR	Passage: “One student remained recalcitrant and complained about every rule, but most participants cooperated.”
3	Why does the final compromise succeed? TL Each side accepts part of what the other side wants. TR The approaching storm forces the council to approve the original proposal. BL The gardening club receives permission to use the entire courtyard. BR The opponents abandon their concerns about losing the courtyard.	Each side accepts part of what the other side wants.	TL	Passage: “The gardening club agreed to preserve half of the courtyard as open seating, while opponents accepted a smaller garden along the sunny wall.”
4	How does the behavior of the student who made the harshest comments change by the end of the passage?	The student changes from contributing to the hostile disagreement to regretting the behavior and apologizing.	-	Passage: “Even the student who had made the harshest comments appeared contrite and apologized.” Model response: The student changes from contributing to the hostile disagreement to regretting the behavior and apologizing.
5	Describe a disagreement that could begin in an acrimonious way but eventually become amicable. Explain what might cause the change.	A disagreement between teammates could become acrimonious if they begin blaming one another, but it could become amicable after they calmly discuss what happened and agree on a solution.	-	Model response: A disagreement between teammates could become acrimonious if they begin blaming one another, but it could become amicable after they calmly discuss what happened and agree on a solution.
6	Describe a situation in which someone would need to be both adroit and scrupulous. Explain why both qualities would matter.	A student council treasurer should be adroit when solving budget problems and scrupulous when recording every expense so the money is handled accurately and honestly.	-	Model response: A student council treasurer should be adroit when solving budget problems and scrupulous when recording every expense so the money is handled accurately and honestly.
7	Write about a person facing an imminent problem after noticing an ominous warning. Show how the person could respond in a stoic way.	Dark smoke made the danger seem ominous, and an evacuation appeared imminent. Even though Maya was frightened, she remained stoic and calmly helped younger students leave the building.	-	Model response: Dark smoke made the danger seem ominous, and an evacuation appeared imminent. Even though Maya was frightened, she remained stoic and calmly helped younger students leave the building.

Correct-answer positions: TL 1 / TR 1 / BL 1 / BR 0

Section 9 Final Retrieval

#	Prompt	Answer	Scores as	Box
1	A once-polite negotiation turns bitter, with both sides exchanging angry personal accusations. Which vocabulary word best describes the negotiation?	acrimonious	acrimonious	-
2	A student is given several chances to participate but shows no interest in the project or its outcome. Which vocabulary word best describes the student?	apathetic	apathetic	-
3	An unsigned note contains a puzzling statement whose real meaning is difficult to determine. Which vocabulary word best describes the note?	cryptic	cryptic	-
4	A student speaks as though everyone else is beneath her and unworthy of her attention. Which vocabulary word best describes her attitude?	haughty	haughty	-
5	A lake remains peaceful and smooth even as a light breeze crosses the water. Which vocabulary word best describes the lake?	placid	placid	-
6	A player aggressively challenges opponents and seems eager to start an argument after every call. Which vocabulary word best describes the player?	belligerent	belligerent	-
7	A supposedly imaginative story turns out to be ordinary, dull, and completely predictable. Which vocabulary word best describes it?	prosaic	prosaic	-
8	Two former rivals settle their disagreement peacefully and leave the meeting on friendly terms. Which vocabulary word best describes the settlement?	amicable	amicable	-
9	A proposal wastes valuable meeting time on an issue with no serious purpose or importance. Which vocabulary word best describes the proposal?	frivolous	frivolous	-
10	A review uses biting sarcasm to ridicule an author's mistakes. Which vocabulary word best describes the reviewer's remarks?	caustic	caustic	-
11	Students shout, laugh, and jump with energetic excitement after hearing that they won the competition. Which vocabulary word best describes them?	exuberant	exuberant	-
12	After recognizing the harm she caused, a student sincerely apologizes and accepts responsibility. Which vocabulary word best describes her?	contrite	contrite	-
13	Everyone remains serious and quiet during a formal ceremony honoring people who died. Which vocabulary word best describes the mood?	solemn	solemn	-
14	Tests show that an unusual medical condition is harmless and poses no threat. Which vocabulary word best describes it?	benign	benign	-
15	A normally friendly person becomes gloomy, withdrawn, and irritable for several days. Which vocabulary word best describes the person?	morose	morose	-
16	A meal looks attractive but has almost no flavor, while the conversation at dinner is equally dull. Which vocabulary word could describe both?	insipid	insipid	-
17	A reporter fills page after page with detailed notes during an interview. Which vocabulary word best describes the amount of notes?	copious	copious	-
18	An inexperienced student openly asks a sincere question without trying to hide what he does not know. Which vocabulary word best describes his manner?	ingenuous	ingenuous	-
19	After repeated failures, an inventor loses nearly all hope that the project will succeed. Which vocabulary word best describes the inventor?	despondent	despondent	-
20	A scholar's conversation reveals an extraordinary amount of knowledge gained through years of study. Which vocabulary word best describes the scholar?	erudite	erudite	-
21	A large animal calmly obeys every command and is easy for an inexperienced trainer to manage. Which vocabulary word best describes it?	docile	docile	-
22	A required inspection is completed quickly with almost no attention or interest. Which vocabulary word best describes the inspection?	perfunctory	perfunctory	-
23	A supervisor repeatedly ignores required safety checks and fails to provide proper care. Which vocabulary word best describes the supervisor?	negligent	negligent	-
24	An editor removes several sentences because they add nothing necessary to an already complete explanation. Which vocabulary word best describes those sentences?	superfluous	superfluous	-
25	Although he is in considerable pain, a patient remains calm and does not complain. Which vocabulary word best describes him?	stoic	stoic	-
26	A researcher checks every figure and source because accuracy and honesty are extremely important to her. Which vocabulary word best describes her?	scrupulous	scrupulous	-
27	The sudden silence, darkening sky, and distant sirens seem to signal that something bad is approaching. Which vocabulary word best describes these signs?	ominous	ominous	-
28	An employee stubbornly refuses to follow reasonable rules despite repeated warnings. Which vocabulary word best describes the employee?	recalcitrant	recalcitrant	-
29	A mediator handles a complicated conflict so skillfully that both sides accept her solution. Which vocabulary word best describes the mediator?	adroit	adroit	-
30	Emergency officials warn that a dangerous storm will reach the area within minutes. Which vocabulary word best describes the storm's arrival?	imminent	imminent	-