Self-Test 2: Vocabulary in Context

Directions: Print out this self-test. Write your answers on this page. Click below when finished to check your answers.

Read the following sentences. Underline the examples used to define the word in bold and then write a definition for the word. Use a dictionary to check your definitions.

1. Several epidemics have found their way around the world like the West Nile virus and SARS.

2. Falling asleep in class and being drowsy at work were just two examples of her fatigue.

3. We used a liquid fertilizer, regular dry fertilizer and worms to mulch our flower bed.

4. Her neuroses include anxiety, depression, and compulsive behavior.

5. The terrain was very difficult with mud, large rocks, and big holes.

Read the following sentences. Underline the synonym that appears in the sentence/s that defines the word in bold. Use a dictionary to check your answers.

6. History books describe sailors who were marooned on an island leaving them alone and helpless.

7. Consumable books are those with perforated pages. The holes in these pages made them easier to tear out.

8. The young mother nurtured her child by protecting him as much as possible.

9. There was no clear pattern to the random burglaries.

10. It’s very easy to singe hair using a curling iron. Once, I even burned my skin by dropping the iron on my head.

Read the following sentences. Underline the antonym that appears in the sentence/s that helps define the word in bold. Then write a definition for the word. Use a dictionary to check your definitions.

11. Latent fingerprints can be seen when police use a special chemical spray.

12. I have such high esteem for my father that I would never say anything rude to him.

13. Plagiarism is a serious problem in college. It prevents students from doing their own work and helping them expand their knowledge.

14. Rather than a stimulating exercise, the students were totally bored.

15. The flock of geese turned the clear, smooth surface of the lake into a lot of ripples.

Read the following sentences. Use the general sense of the sentence/s to help define the word in bold. Then write a definition for the word. Use a dictionary to check your definitions.

16. My son’s arm mended after being broken in two places.

17. They jostled each other in the crowded auditorium.

18. In many cultures, people take a snooze in the afternoon and then go back to work or school in the later afternoon.

19. One of the things employers dislike most is when their employees are tardy. If employees are not in their positions on time, the business loses money.

20. The woman was unconscious for three weeks before slowly opening her eyes and moving her fingers.

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