Mixed Set
Unit Review
This mixed practice set covers all vocabulary skills from the unit:
- High-frequency SAT/ACT vocabulary
- Vocabulary learning strategies
- Context clue identification
- Root words, prefixes, and suffixes
Comprehensive Practice
Apply all your vocabulary skills to this mixed practice set. Click to reveal each answer.
Question 1: "The philanthropist donated millions to support education in underprivileged communities." Using word parts, determine what "philanthropist" means.
Answer: A person who promotes the welfare of others through generous donations.
Word parts: Phil- (love) + anthrop- (human) + -ist (person who). Someone who loves humankind and acts on it.
Question 2: In the sentence "Her stoic response to the tragedy impressed everyone; she remained calm when others panicked," what does "stoic" mean?
Answer: Showing no emotion, especially in response to pain or hardship; calm and unemotional.
Context clue: The semicolon introduces a restatement - "remained calm when others panicked" defines stoic behavior.
Question 3: Which is the best synonym for "ubiquitous" in: "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society"?
Answer: Everywhere; omnipresent; extremely common.
Root knowledge: Ubique is Latin for "everywhere." Think of other "everywhere" words like "omnipresent."
Question 4: "The politician's rhetoric was compelling but lacked substance." What does "rhetoric" mean in this context?
Answer: The art of persuasive speaking or writing; here, implying style over substance.
Context analysis: "Compelling but lacked substance" suggests persuasive language that sounds good but lacks real content.
Question 5: The prefix "anti-" appears in antidote, antipathy, and antithesis. What word would describe someone who opposes society's conventions?
Answer: Antisocial (though this more commonly means avoiding society). "Anticonventional" or "nonconformist" would describe opposing conventions.
Strategy: Understanding that "anti-" means against helps decode unfamiliar words with this prefix.
Question 6: "Despite his diffidence, Marcus forced himself to speak up in meetings." What does "diffidence" mean, and what clue helps you?
Answer: Shyness or lack of self-confidence.
Contrast clue: "Despite" signals that speaking up was difficult; "forced himself" shows he was naturally reluctant - shy.
Question 7: "The scientist's hypothesis was speculative; without evidence, it remained mere conjecture." What does "conjecture" mean?
Answer: A guess or theory based on incomplete information.
Context clues: "Speculative" and "without evidence" both point to guessing without proof. The semicolon connects the parallel ideas.
Question 8: In "The verbose professor used ten words when two would suffice," what strategy best helps define "verbose"?
Answer: Using more words than necessary; wordy. The example "ten words when two would suffice" directly illustrates the meaning.
Root bonus: Verb- relates to words (as in "verbal").
Question 9: "The acrimonious debate left both sides feeling bitter." What does "acrimonious" mean, and how do the word parts help?
Answer: Angry and bitter in tone.
Word parts: Acri- (sharp, bitter, like acid) + -monious (characterized by). The phrase "feeling bitter" also confirms the meaning.
Question 10: Apply your strategies: "The author's prose was pellucid, making complex ideas accessible to general readers." What does "pellucid" mean?
Answer: Clear and easy to understand; transparent.
Context clue: "Making complex ideas accessible" describes the effect of pellucid writing - clarity. The root relates to "lucid" (clear).
Next Steps
- Review any questions you missed and add words to your vocabulary list
- Continue practicing with new vocabulary daily
- Move on to the next SAT/ACT Skills unit when ready