All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
FANATIC
Hibernation
Zealot
Dilemma
Fatigue
Fidelity
Zealot
"Fanatic" is a zealot or a person who is very passionate about something. "Fatigue" means extreme tiredness or exhaustion. "Fidelity" means faithfulness or loyalty to a person or cause. "Hibernation" is when an animal goes into a temporary rest usually during a season. "Dilemma" is a situation in which a person has to choose between two unfavorable paths.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For People
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
VIRTUOSO
Immaculate
Flux
Maestro
Achievement
Deluge
Maestro
"Virtuoso" is a maestro or a person very skilled at something (usually music). "Deluge" is a great flood. "Flux" means a state of instability and constant change. An "achievement" is a goal or task is performed successfully. "Immaculate" means extremely clean.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CHARLATAN
Politician
Confidante
Fraud
Scholar
Gossip
Fraud
A "charlatan" is one who pretends to be what they are not. Therefore, "fraud" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For People
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
COURIER
Exaggeration
Caricature
Messenger
Liberty
Stalemate
Messenger
A "courier" is a "messenger," or a person who delivers messages, packages, or letters. "Exaggeration" is a statement that is more extreme than reality. "Liberty" means independence or freedom from some limit or restriction. "Caricature," when used as a noun, means a cartoon that exaggerates some of the features of the object or person. "Stalemate" is a standstill or a deadlock.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
NOVICE
Religion
Knack
Noblity
Beginner
Shadow
Beginner
A "novice" is someone who is just beginning something, as is the correct answer, "beginner." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "novice": "nobility" is the upper class in feudal society or someone from the noble or upper class in feudal society; a "knack" is a natural talent, a "shadow" is a shape formed by blocked light, and a "religion" is an organized system of beliefs that may or may not involve the worship of one or more gods and goddesses.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COLLEAGUE
Friend
Acquaintance
Coworker
Student
Contemporary
Coworker
"Coworker" is the best choice, because a colleague is a person with whom one works. While it is possible that one might work with a "friend" or "acquaintance," neither word necessarily implies a person with whom one would work. A person's "contemporary" would just be someone living and working at the same time as that person. "Student" also doesn't work, because, while a teacher may work with a student, their relationship is not based on their being "coworkers."
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HERMIT
Lethargy
Socialite
Synopsis
Contamination
Recluse
Recluse
"Hermit" is a recluse or a person who lives alone. "Socialite" is the antonym; it means a person who is well-known and popular and enjoys social events. "Synopsis" is a summary or overview. "Contamination" means the pollution or adulteration of something. "Lethargy" means exhaustion or sluggishness.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns
"Indigent" most nearly means __________.
vagrant
perturbed
servant
independent
creator
vagrant
"Indigent" can be used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it means a needy person. As an adjective, it means poor or needy. A "vagrant" is usually a homeless person. "Perturbed" means to be irritated. A "servant" is not usually needy, since being a servant is their job.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns
"Cleric" most nearly means __________.
secretary
doctor
attorney
scribe
chaplain
chaplain
The word "cleric" is derived from the Latin word "clericus" which means clergyman. A "clergyman" is someone trained by a particular church to perform ceremonies and other rites. A chaplain is a type of a clergyman, or cleric. Although "secretaries," "scribes," and "attorneys" are types of professions that also require a great deal of writing and literacy skills, they do not have the religious component.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters
BURROW
mansion
tunnel
rod
gateway
bottle
tunnel
A burrow is a hole or tunnel, usually a small animal's home.