Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumIdentifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues

Unlike the permanent, well-furnished headquarters established at the main regional airbase, the forward operating outpost was decidedly austere. Personnel stationed at this remote perimeter post slept on canvas cots inside uninsulated tents, lacking running water and standard mess facilities.

As used in the passage, what does the word "austere" most nearly mean?

  1. A
    Luxurious and fully equipped
  2. Simple and lacking comfortsAnswer
  3. C
    Hostile and dangerous
  4. D
    Severely damaged and broken

Answer

Simple and lacking comforts
The author uses the contrast indicator 'Unlike' to distinguish the forward operating outpost from the 'well-furnished headquarters'. Because the headquarters has extensive amenities while the outpost has uninsulated tents, canvas cots, and no running water, 'austere' means simple, bare, and lacking comforts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word and identify any transition or contrast signal words in the surrounding sentence.
The target word 'austere' is introduced by the contrast signal 'Unlike', which compares the forward operating outpost to the main airbase.
Contrast words indicate that the two items being compared have opposite characteristics.
2
Examine the description of the opposing element and supporting details.
The main airbase is described as 'permanent' and 'well-furnished', while the outpost features 'canvas cots', 'uninsulated tents', and lacks 'running water'.
The opposite of 'well-furnished' and having standard amenities indicates a plain, bare, and unadorned environment.
3
Match the inferred antonymous meaning with the correct answer choice.
'Simple and lacking comforts' precisely captures the opposite of 'well-furnished' in the context of living conditions.
This meaning directly fits the context established by the author's contrast.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Identifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues

More questions from this topic