TOEFL iBT Practice (Grammar & Vocabulary) — All Questions
5 questions
The evidence was so ___ that the jury reached a verdict within an hour. Which word best fits?
- a.trivial
- b.compelling✓
- c.reluctant
- d.vacant
'Compelling' means convincing or persuasive, which fits evidence that leads to a quick verdict. 'Trivial' means unimportant, the opposite of what the context needs.
His ___ remarks offended several guests at the dinner. Which word best fits?
- a.gracious
- b.timid
- c.tactless✓
- d.fluent
'Tactless' means lacking sensitivity, which explains why the remarks offended people. 'Gracious' would mean kind and polite, contradicting the result.
The lecture was ___, covering only the essential points in ten minutes. Which word best fits?
- a.verbose
- b.tedious
- c.ambiguous
- d.concise✓
'Concise' means brief and to the point, matching a lecture that covers only essentials quickly. 'Verbose' means using too many words, the opposite meaning.
The new medication helped ___ the patient's pain within minutes. Which word best fits?
- a.alleviate✓
- b.aggravate
- c.ignore
- d.prolong
'Alleviate' means to relieve or lessen, which fits reducing pain. 'Aggravate' means to make worse, and 'prolong' means to extend, both contradicting the context.
Despite several setbacks, the team stayed ___ about finishing the project on time. Which word best fits?
- a.doubtful
- b.optimistic✓
- c.indifferent
- d.hostile
The contrast word 'despite' signals a positive attitude in spite of problems, so 'optimistic' fits. 'Doubtful' and 'indifferent' would not match staying positive.