Examkin

Example Context Clues

32 questions

All types32Multiple choice16Matching7Fill in the blank9
Question 1Question →

Read the illustrative examples provided in each sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word. Match each vocabulary word to its contextual definition. Which pairings correctly connect each term to its intended meaning?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The maintenance officer faced a quandary, such as deciding whether to ground the cargo plane for unscheduled repairs or permit a vital supply mission through worsening storm conditions.
Chemical runoff produced deleterious effects on the local ecosystem, including heavy metal buildup in drinking wells, severe vegetation loss, and widespread fish mortality.
The field medic took immediate actions to alleviate the casualty's discomfort, for example, by stabilizing the sprained joint, elevating the limb, and applying cold compress packs.
Pioneering communication crews relied on rudimentary apparatus, like hand-operated signal mirrors, kerosene lanterns, and simple acoustic megaphone horns.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The term 'quandary' pairs with 'A perplexing dilemma or state of uncertainty between challenging alternatives'; 'deleterious' pairs with 'Producing harmful, damaging, or destructive consequences'; 'alleviate' pairs with 'To lessen, reduce, or relieve the severity of pain or distress'; and 'rudimentary' pairs with 'Basic, primitive, or developed to an early and unsophisticated level'.
Each match is directly supported by the explicit examples provided in the stem sentences: deciding between competing operational risks demonstrates that a 'quandary' is a dilemma; water contamination and habitat damage confirm that 'deleterious' means harmful; supportive first-aid actions establish that 'alleviate' means to reduce pain; and simple hand mirrors and horns show that 'rudimentary' means basic or primitive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate signal phrases introducing examples in each sentence.
Identified 'such as' in the first sentence, 'including' in the second, 'for example' in the third, and 'like' in the fourth.
Example signal words directly point to concrete illustrations of the target vocabulary terms.
2
Analyze the listed examples to deduce the category and functional meaning of each target word.
The trade-off between grounding and flying denotes a dilemma; ecosystem harms indicate destructive effects; cold compresses and splints indicate symptom relief; hand mirrors and lanterns indicate primitive equipment.
Synthesizing specific examples reveals the shared conceptual meaning of the unknown word.
3
Match each analyzed term to its corresponding definition on the right.
Matched 'quandary' to dilemma, 'deleterious' to harmful, 'alleviate' to relieve, and 'rudimentary' to primitive/basic.
Ensures complete alignment between contextual evidence and definitions.

Key Concept

Using signal words such as 'like', 'such as', 'for example', and 'including' to extract the shared traits of listed examples and define target vocabulary in context.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 2Question →

During the industrial furnace overhaul, the engineers replaced all the refractory components, such as alumina firebricks, ceramic kiln tiles, and graphite melting crucibles, to ensure the containment vessel could withstand extreme operational stress. In this sentence, the word refractory most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: resistant to intense heat and thermal degradation

Answer

resistant to intense heat and thermal degradation
The sentence provides clear illustrative examples following the phrase 'such as'—namely, 'alumina firebricks, ceramic kiln tiles, and graphite melting crucibles'. Because all of these items are specialized industrial substances engineered to endure high temperatures without melting or breaking down, the word 'refractory' must mean 'resistant to intense heat and thermal degradation'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the example clue transition and the listed items in the sentence.
The signal phrase 'such as' introduces the examples 'alumina firebricks, ceramic kiln tiles, and graphite melting crucibles'.
Example context clues use explicit instances to illustrate the category or property of the unfamiliar target word.
2
Analyze the common characteristic shared by all provided examples.
Firebricks, kiln tiles, and melting crucibles are all specialized materials built to endure extreme temperatures without deteriorating or melting.
Identifying the shared defining trait of the example items reveals the contextual meaning of 'refractory'.
3
Evaluate the answer options against the deduced trait.
The meaning 'resistant to intense heat and thermal degradation' directly reflects the thermal endurance of the listed materials.
The correct contextual synonym must align with the physical function of the examples.

Key Concept

Using specific example context clues signaled by 'such as' to determine the specialized technical meaning of a multiple-meaning vocabulary word.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3Question →

Read the sentence and determine the precise vocabulary term that completes it based on the contextual clues. What word best characterizes the examples provided in the passage?

Fill in the blanks below

The field biologist documented several occurrences in the arid basin, such as one-day wildflower blooms, brief vernal pools, and morning mist that vanished within minutes of sunrise.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

ephemeral (or contextual synonyms such as transitory, evanescent, or fleeting)
The correct term is 'ephemeral' (or direct equivalents like 'transitory' or 'fleeting') because the sentence provides an example context clue signaled by 'such as'. The specific examples—flowers lasting one day, pools existing briefly, and mist vanishing in minutes—all illustrate phenomena characterized by an extremely short lifespan.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the example context clue signal in the sentence.
Identified the signal phrase 'such as' introducing illustrative specimens.
Signal words like 'such as', 'including', or 'for example' directly introduce concrete instances that define the unknown descriptor.
2
Analyze the common defining property shared by all listed examples.
The examples ('one-day wildflower blooms', 'brief vernal pools', 'morning mist that vanished within minutes') all describe events or conditions that last for only a very brief duration.
Synthesizing the defining trait of each example isolates the specific meaning required for the blank.
3
Select the precise vocabulary term corresponding to lasting for a very short time.
'Ephemeral' precisely defines phenomena that are transitory, fleeting, or short-lived.
The term matches the synthetic definition derived directly from the illustrative context clues.

Key Concept

Inferring unfamiliar vocabulary through example context clues
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 4Question →

Read the sentence and determine the term that best describes the shared characteristic of the listed items. Which vocabulary word correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The safety inspector required warning labels on all liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid, which ignite easily near open flames.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

flammable (or combustible)
The sentence uses the signal phrase 'such as' to provide specific examples: 'gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid.' Because these liquids are all well-known for catching fire and burning rapidly, the word 'flammable' (or 'combustible') correctly describes the category.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the example context clues in the sentence.
The phrase introduced by 'such as' lists 'gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid.'
Signal words like 'such as' introduce specific instances that illustrate the meaning of the missing word.
2
Determine the essential common property shared by all given examples.
Gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid are all substances that catch fire and burn readily.
Connecting the shared physical characteristics of the examples reveals the required descriptive category.
3
Select the precise vocabulary term matching that property.
The word 'flammable' (or 'combustible') means capable of being easily ignited and burning quickly.
The term directly fits the syntactic and semantic requirements of the sentence.

Key Concept

Using example context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar or missing vocabulary word.
Question 5Question →

The newly appointed director's approach to global marketing was frustratingly provincial, characterized by missteps such as exclusively using local slang in international campaigns, refusing to adapt packaging for overseas cultural preferences, and ignoring demographic trends outside his home country.

Based on the context provided, which of the following is the closest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Insular

Answer

The correct answer is the option that means narrow-minded and closed off to outside cultures, which is 'Insular'.
The sentence provides specific examples of the director's approach, such as using local slang internationally and refusing to adapt to overseas preferences. These clues clearly describe a behavioral trait of being narrow-minded, unsophisticated, and closed off to outside influences. The word 'Insular' accurately defines this exact type of cultural ignorance and narrow-mindedness, making it the correct contextual synonym for 'provincial' in this sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to identify the target word and the example clues provided.
The target word is 'provincial'. The example clues are 'exclusively using local slang in international campaigns', 'refusing to adapt packaging for overseas cultural preferences', and 'ignoring demographic trends outside his home country'.
Identifying the explicit examples is necessary to determine the specific contextual meaning of the target word.
2
Determine the behavioral trait described by the example clues.
The examples describe someone who is closed-minded, unsophisticated, and unwilling to look beyond their own immediate cultural environment.
Synthesizing the examples provides a functional definition of the unknown word.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to find the word that best matches the synthesized definition.
The word 'Insular' means ignorant of or uninterested in cultures and ideas outside one's own experience, which perfectly matches the synthesized definition.
This confirms the correct contextual synonym and eliminates distractors.

Key Concept

Using Example Context Clues to Determine Figurative Meaning
Question 6Question →

During naval electronic warfare simulations, the automated defense grid proved remarkably protean, displaying behaviors such as switching transmission frequencies, instantly shifting tactical configurations, and assuming diverse operational roles. In this context, what does the word 'protean' most nearly mean?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: highly adaptable and variable

Answer

highly adaptable and variable
The sentence provides clear examples introduced by 'such as': switching transmission frequencies, shifting tactical configurations, and assuming diverse roles. These specific behaviors illustrate a capacity for continuous transformation and versatility, making 'highly adaptable and variable' the only definition supported by the context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the example context clue signal and listed items in the sentence.
The phrase 'such as' introduces the examples: switching transmission frequencies, shifting tactical configurations, and assuming diverse operational roles.
Example context clues directly define the unfamiliar word through illustrative actions or characteristics.
2
Determine the common trait shared by all provided examples.
All three actions describe a system capable of rapid modification, multidirectional change, and structural versatility.
Synthesizing the specific instances reveals the core definition of the target word.
3
Match the synthesized concept to the best available option.
The meaning corresponds directly to being highly adaptable and variable.
This option accurately captures the capacity for continuous change and versatile application.

Key Concept

Inferring word meaning from illustrative example clues
Estimated Time:45s
Question 7Question →

Match each underlined vocabulary word with its correct meaning by analyzing the illustrative example clues in the sentence. What is the correct pairing of each sentence context to its definition?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The technician wore protective gloves when handling caustic liquids, such as battery acid and industrial lye.
Field biologists tracked various nocturnal animals, including barn owls, bats, and flying squirrels.
The metalworker selected malleable materials, for example, soft copper wire, lead sheets, and gold foil.
Emergency relief crates contained only potable liquids, like bottled spring water, pasteurized milk, and canned broth.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings match 'caustic' to 'capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue', 'nocturnal' to 'active primarily during the nighttime hours', 'malleable' to 'capable of being hammered, shaped, or bent without breaking', and 'potable' to 'safe and suitable for human drinking'.
Each sentence contains an explicit example clue introduced by standard signal terms ('such as', 'including', 'for example', 'like'). Battery acid and lye demonstrate corrosive destruction; owls and bats demonstrate nocturnal activity; copper wire and foil demonstrate malleability; bottled water and milk demonstrate potability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal words for example clues in each sentence
Found signal phrases: 'such as', 'including', 'for example', and 'like'.
Signal words introduce concrete items that share the defining qualities of the target vocabulary word.
2
Analyze the listed examples to determine the common characteristic of each group
Battery acid and lye are corrosive substances; owls and bats are nighttime creatures; copper wire and gold foil are bendable metals; bottled water and broth are drinkable fluids.
Synthesizing the shared trait of the example items reveals the precise contextual definition of the unfamiliar term.
3
Pair each sentence with the definition matching the identified characteristic
All four items successfully paired with their exact contextual definitions.
Ensures every term is mapped accurately based strictly on context without ambiguity.

Key Concept

Using signal words such as 'like', 'such as', 'including', and 'for example' to deduce word definitions from listed items.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 8Question →

During the warehouse inspection, the logistics specialist separated all perishable supplies, such as fresh milk, raw poultry, and ripe berries, from the nonperishable emergency kits. In this sentence, what does the word perishable most nearly mean?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Likely to spoil or decay quickly

Answer

Likely to spoil or decay quickly
The sentence provides explicit illustrative examples following the phrase 'such as': fresh milk, raw poultry, and ripe berries. Because all of these items rot or go bad quickly without proper refrigeration, the word 'perishable' contextually means likely to spoil or decay quickly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the signal phrase and example context clues in the sentence.
The phrase 'such as' introduces the specific examples: 'fresh milk, raw poultry, and ripe berries'.
Example context clues provide direct illustrations that demonstrate the core meaning of the target word.
2
Identify the defining quality shared by all given examples.
Fresh dairy, raw meat, and fresh fruit all decay, go bad, or spoil rapidly if not properly preserved.
Synthesizing the shared characteristic of the items reveals the contextual definition.
3
Select the definition that matches the common property of the examples.
The definition 'Likely to spoil or decay quickly' directly matches the meaning of perishable.
The correct answer must align with the traits established by the example clues.

Key Concept

Using example context clues signaled by 'such as' to deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar word
Estimated Time:45s
Question 9Question →

Match each bolded vocabulary term within its sentence context to its correct contextual definition, using the illustrative example clues provided in each scenario.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Flight operations officers waited for propitious meteorological conditions, such as cloudless skies, calm crosswinds under two knots, and unlimited runway visibility, before authorizing the rookie pilots' solo night sorties.
The quartermaster decommissioned the depot's superannuated communications equipment, including vacuum-tube transceivers, hand-cranked teletype machines, and rotary switchboards that had remained in storage since the 1960s.
The safety inspector demanded punctilious adherence to munitions protocols, insisting on measures like measuring explosive standoff distances to the exact millimeter, verifying lot numbers against two separate ledgers, and recording inspection timestamps down to the second.
Network engineers rushed to contain pernicious security threats, such as self-replicating ransomware payloads, covert keystroke loggers, and automated memory scrapers that silently compromised internal credentials.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The target terms match their contextual definitions as follows: 'propitious' matches 'Favorable, advantageous, and offering a high likelihood of success'; 'superannuated' matches 'Obsolete, outdated, or retired from active use due to advanced age'; 'punctilious' matches 'Marked by extreme precision and meticulous attention to formal rules or details'; and 'pernicious' matches 'Causing insidious, widespread, and destructive harm'.
Each sentence uses explicit signal phrases ('such as', 'including', 'like') to introduce a series of concrete examples that directly describe the core meaning of the target word. Analyzing the shared qualities of the examples in each context directly yields the exact contextual definition for all four pairs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate example signal words ('such as', 'including', 'like') in each sentence stem.
Identified the illustrative lists embedded within all four sentences.
Signal words introduce concrete instances that define the characteristics of the preceding target term.
2
Analyze the common attributes of the items in each example list.
List 1 shows favorable conditions; List 2 shows obsolete 1960s technology; List 3 shows millimeter-precise rule adherence; List 4 shows destructive malware strains.
Synthesizing the shared traits of the examples reveals the contextual meaning of the unfamiliar vocabulary word.
3
Pair each target sentence with the corresponding definition matching its synthesized example traits.
Established unambiguous 1-to-1 correspondences across all four items.
Verifies that no secondary or isolated dictionary meanings override the direct evidence supplied by the context.

Key Concept

Example Context Clues in Vocabulary Determination
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 10Question →

Before inspecting the aircraft hydraulic systems, the crew cleaned off all viscous substances, such as heavy grease, thick gear oil, and tacky sealing paste. What is the meaning of the underlined word viscous as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Thick and sticky

Answer

Thick and sticky
The sentence introduces specific examples using the phrase 'such as heavy grease, thick gear oil, and tacky sealing paste.' All of these substances share the physical property of being thick, heavy, and resistant to flowing easily, making 'thick and sticky' the correct meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the example context clues introduced by the signal phrase 'such as'.
The sentence lists heavy grease, thick gear oil, and tacky sealing paste as specific instances of the target word.
Example context clues provide concrete items that illustrate the meaning of an unfamiliar term.
2
Determine the shared physical characteristic of the examples and select the matching definition.
Heavy grease, thick oil, and tacky paste all share a dense, sticky, and slow-flowing consistency.
The adjective 'viscous' refers to materials that have a thick consistency and high internal friction against flow.

Key Concept

Using illustrative examples introduced by signal words like 'such as' to determine the definition of an unfamiliar word in context.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 11Question →

Determine an appropriate advanced vocabulary word that completes the sentence based on the provided example clues.

Fill in the blanks below

The lead historical archivist was extraordinarily in her daily duties, such as measuring the ambient humidity of the storage vaults precisely on the hour and requiring staff to don three specific layers of specialized gloves before handling any fragile manuscript.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

punctilious, fastidious, meticulous, scrupulous, or exacting
The examples of measuring humidity 'precisely on the hour' and demanding 'three specific layers of specialized gloves' illustrate an extreme, strict attention to fine details and procedures. Advanced vocabulary words like 'punctilious', 'fastidious', 'meticulous', 'exacting', and 'scrupulous' perfectly capture this highly exact, demanding behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to locate the context clues signaled by the phrase 'such as'.
The examples provided are 'measuring the ambient humidity... precisely on the hour' and 'requiring staff to don three specific layers of specialized gloves'.
Example clues provide concrete behavioral instances that define the meaning of the missing vocabulary word.
2
Determine the shared characteristic demonstrated by these examples.
Both examples illustrate an extreme, uncompromising attention to fine details, strict adherence to rules, and highly exact behavior in a professional setting.
The missing word must perfectly encapsulate the core meaning demonstrated by all the provided examples.
3
Identify advanced vocabulary words (suitable for a high-level ASVAB assessment) that match this characteristic.
Words like 'punctilious', 'fastidious', 'meticulous', 'scrupulous', or 'exacting' describe someone who shows great attention to detail or strict correct behavior.
Choosing a precise term that captures the extreme care and exactitude described in the examples correctly completes the sentence.

Key Concept

Using specific, extreme examples of rule-bound attention to detail to deduce an advanced descriptive adjective.
Question 12Question →

Based on the illustrative example clues in the sentence, which vocabulary word correctly fills in the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

The mechanic gathered several materials, such as sandpaper, wire brushes, and steel wool, to scour the heavy rust off the metal casing.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

abrasive
The sentence provides explicit example clues introduced by 'such as': sandpaper, wire brushes, and steel wool. These are all rough, textured tools designed to clean or smooth surfaces through scraping and friction. Therefore, 'abrasive' is the precise vocabulary term describing materials with these grinding properties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal words that introduce the context clue.
The phrase 'such as' introduces the illustrative examples: sandpaper, wire brushes, and steel wool.
Signal words like 'such as' indicate that the following items are direct examples of the unknown category.
2
Analyze the common characteristic shared by the examples.
Sandpaper, wire brushes, and steel wool are all coarse, gritty tools used to scrape and rub away unwanted surface material.
Determining the shared function and texture of the examples establishes the exact meaning needed for the blank.
3
Identify the vocabulary term that matches this definition.
The word 'abrasive' describes substances that cause friction, scouring, or wear through rough contact.
'Abrasive' perfectly captures the rough, grinding quality of the listed tools.

Key Concept

Identifying illustrative example clues signaled by 'such as' to determine a target vocabulary word.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

The park naturalist pointed out several dormant organisms, such as hibernating bears, resting tree buds, and buried insect pupae, during the winter nature walk. Which of the following is the closest meaning of the underlined word dormant as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Temporarily inactive or asleep

Answer

Temporarily inactive or asleep
The correct answer means temporarily inactive or asleep. The sentence provides clear example clues signaled by 'such as'—hibernating bears, resting tree buds, and buried insect pupae—all of which represent living things that pause active functioning during the winter months.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word and the example clue signal phrase in the sentence.
The target word is 'dormant', signaled by the example phrase 'such as'.
Signal words like 'such as' introduce specific illustrative examples that directly clarify an unfamiliar word.
2
Analyze the common characteristic shared by the provided examples: hibernating bears, resting tree buds, and buried insect pupae.
All three examples describe living organisms that pause their active growth or movement during cold winter conditions.
Determining the shared trait among illustrative examples reveals the contextual definition of the target word.
3
Select the option that matches the shared characteristic of temporary rest or inactivity.
The definition 'Temporarily inactive or asleep' accurately reflects the state shared by all listed examples.
Matching the shared meaning of the example clues to the corresponding option confirms the correct answer.

Key Concept

Using example context clues signaled by 'such as' to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 14Question →

The field research team mounted motion-activated cameras to observe arboreal animals, such as tree squirrels, koalas, and spider monkeys. In the sentence above, what is the meaning of the underlined word arboreal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: living or spending time in trees

Answer

living or spending time in trees
The sentence provides direct example clues introduced by the transition 'such as'. The specific examples provided—tree squirrels, koalas, and spider monkeys—are all animals that reside in trees, confirming that 'arboreal' means living or spending time in trees.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal words introducing the context clue.
The phrase 'such as' signals that specific examples will follow to illustrate the target term.
Example clues use signal phrases to provide concrete instances of an unfamiliar word.
2
Analyze the listed examples in the sentence.
The sentence lists 'tree squirrels, koalas, and spider monkeys', all of which are known for living high up in trees.
Synthesizing the shared characteristic of the examples reveals the contextual definition.
3
Select the option that matches the synthesized meaning.
The definition 'living or spending time in trees' directly matches the habitat of the animals listed.
The correct option must reflect the common trait shared by the illustrative examples.

Key Concept

Using illustrative examples introduced by signal words such as 'such as' to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in context.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 15Question →

Match each underlined vocabulary word with its correct meaning based on the illustrative example clues provided in the sentences.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The marine biologist studied various aquatic organisms, such as clownfish, sea turtles, and jellyfish.
The survival instructor identified several edible plants, including wild berries, dandelion greens, and chestnuts.
The meteorologist warned of heavy precipitation, such as rain, sleet, and snow, moving into the valley.
The department store stocked winter apparel, like wool coats, fleece jackets, and thermal gloves, near the entrance.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Match 'aquatic' with 'Living or growing in water', 'edible' with 'Safe and suitable to be eaten', 'precipitation' with 'Moisture that falls from the atmosphere', and 'apparel' with 'Clothing or garments worn by people'.
Each sentence uses explicit example signal phrases ('such as', 'including', 'like') followed by representative items that clearly illustrate the definition of the underlined word.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate and analyze the example signal words and lists in each sentence.
Identify specific examples introduced by 'such as', 'including', and 'like' (e.g., water creatures for aquatic; consumable wild plants for edible; rain, sleet, and snow for precipitation; wearable clothing items for apparel).
Example context clues provide concrete members of a category to clarify the general term's meaning.
2
Map the specific groups of examples to their corresponding broad category definitions.
Each vocabulary word aligns directly with the definition encompassing its listed examples.
Connecting specific items to their categorical meaning confirms the correct pairing.

Key Concept

Using Example Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 16Question →

Which vocabulary word correctly completes the sentence based on the illustrative example clues provided?

Fill in the blanks below

The maintenance technician organized various , such as bolts, screws, and rivets, into labeled storage drawers before beginning the assembly.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

fasteners
The word 'fasteners' correctly completes the sentence because the example clues 'bolts, screws, and rivets' illustrate mechanical devices used to securely attach and hold components together.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the example context clues introduced in the sentence.
The phrase 'such as bolts, screws, and rivets' provides specific examples of hardware items used to hold parts together.
Signal words such as 'such as' introduce items that define the overarching category required for the blank.
2
Determine the general category word that encompasses all listed examples.
The term 'fasteners' directly names the mechanical hardware category that includes bolts, screws, and rivets.
A fastener is any hardware device mechanically used to join or affix materials securely.

Key Concept

Using example context clues to identify a categorical vocabulary term
Estimated Time:35s
Question 17Question →

The civil engineer selected impermeable barriers, such as dense clay liners, thick rubber geomembranes, and asphalt sheets, to prevent groundwater contamination. In this sentence, the underlined word impermeable most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: not allowing fluids to pass through

Answer

not allowing fluids to pass through
The signal phrase 'such as' introduces specific examples of impermeable barriers: dense clay liners, thick rubber geomembranes, and asphalt sheets. Because these materials are used to block water and prevent contamination, 'impermeable' means not allowing fluids to pass through.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal phrase and example clues in the sentence.
The phrase 'such as' introduces the examples: 'dense clay liners, thick rubber geomembranes, and asphalt sheets.'
Signal phrases like 'such as' introduce concrete instances that illustrate the meaning of the target word.
2
Analyze the common property and intended function of the listed examples.
Clay, rubber membranes, and asphalt are used in construction to block liquids and prevent seepage into groundwater.
The shared physical function of the examples directly defines what makes a barrier 'impermeable'.
3
Select the definition that matches the deduced characteristic.
'Not allowing fluids to pass through' precisely captures the function of blocking liquid flow.
This meaning aligns directly with the requirement to prevent groundwater contamination.

Key Concept

Determining word meaning through illustrative example context clues
Estimated Time:45s
Question 18Question →

The warehouse supervisor instructed workers to keep combustible items, such as cardboard boxes, dry sawdust, and paper packaging, away from the heating units. As used in the sentence, what does combustible most nearly mean?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Able to catch fire easily

Answer

Able to catch fire easily
The sentence introduces specific examples using the signal phrase 'such as': cardboard boxes, dry sawdust, and paper packaging. All of these items are materials that readily catch fire and burn, defining 'combustible' as able to catch fire easily.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the example context clue signal within the sentence.
The signal phrase 'such as' introduces the examples 'cardboard boxes, dry sawdust, and paper packaging'.
Signal words like 'such as' introduce specific instances that illustrate the meaning of the target word.
2
Identify the shared characteristic among the provided examples.
Cardboard, sawdust, and paper packaging are all flammable materials that catch fire and burn quickly.
Finding the defining common feature of the listed examples reveals the definition of the target word.
3
Match this common trait to the correct option.
'Able to catch fire easily' directly matches the flammability shared by all the listed examples.
The correct definition must reflect what the context examples illustrate.

Key Concept

Using illustrative examples introduced by signal words like 'such as' to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in context.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 19Question →

Based on the illustrative example clues provided in the sentence, which vocabulary word correctly completes the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

The marine salvage crew deployed several supports, such as foam-filled pontoons, hollow airtight barrels, and inflatable lift bags, to ensure the damaged vessel remained afloat.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

buoyant
The word 'buoyant' means able to float or keep something afloat. The signal phrase 'such as' introduces three concrete examples—'foam-filled pontoons, hollow airtight barrels, and inflatable lift bags'—which all function to provide flotation. This directly supports the stated goal of keeping the vessel afloat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal phrase introducing the example context clues.
Found the phrase 'such as' introducing 'foam-filled pontoons, hollow airtight barrels, and inflatable lift bags.'
Example context clues directly showcase items that represent the defining property of the missing vocabulary word.
2
Analyze the common physical characteristic shared by all listed examples.
Recognized that pontoons, airtight barrels, and lift bags are all items that float on water and provide flotation support.
Determining the shared category of the examples defines the precise meaning required for the blank.
3
Synthesize the shared property with the sentence goal ('remained afloat') to identify the target vocabulary word.
Identified 'buoyant' as the exact word meaning capable of floating or keeping an object afloat in liquid.
The adjective 'buoyant' precisely fits the context of keeping a damaged marine vessel from sinking.

Key Concept

Using illustrative example context clues to determine vocabulary meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 20Question →

During the routine machinery overhaul, the technician cleared away accumulated detritus, such as loose metal shavings, shredded rubber gasket fragments, and fine sawdust, from the conveyor guide rails. In this sentence, the word detritus most nearly means:

Show answer & explanation

Answer: waste material and loose debris

Answer

waste material and loose debris
The sentence uses the signal phrase 'such as' followed by specific items: 'loose metal shavings,' 'shredded rubber gasket fragments,' and 'fine sawdust.' All of these items are discarded byproducts and small broken particles resulting from wear or fabrication. Therefore, the meaning that best fits the target word is 'waste material and loose debris.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the example clue signal words within the sentence.
The phrase 'such as' immediately introduces a list of illustrative items.
Signal phrases like 'such as' directly connect an unfamiliar term to specific representative instances.
2
Analyze the common characteristics of the provided examples.
Items like 'loose metal shavings,' 'shredded rubber gasket fragments,' and 'fine sawdust' all represent leftover, disintegrating physical waste from machinery operations.
Determining the common category shared by the example items reveals the definition of the target word.
3
Match the category of the examples to the most accurate option.
'Waste material and loose debris' precisely matches the meaning of loose fragments and residue.
The correct definition must directly encompass all the illustrative examples provided in the context.

Key Concept

Using illustrative example context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar noun
Estimated Time:45s
Page 1 / 2Next
Example Context Clues Practice Questions — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) | Examkin