HSPT Verbal : HSPT Verbal Skills

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Ecstatic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

enraptured

deranged

joyful

happy

insane

Correct answer:

enraptured

Explanation:

The word "ecstatic" comes from the Latin root meaning to stand. We see this in words like "stationary" and even "static." A static signal on a radio is one that is merely sound that stays the same—not changing as does a real voice or other organized sound. The word "ecstatic" has the prefix "ex-" on the front of it (though it has become "ec-").  This means outside of or out—as in "exit." Someone who is ecstatic is so overjoyed that he or she is "outside of himself or herself." We sometimes say that such a person is "beside himself or herself." The word "enraptured" means something similar to this, and it is related to the word "capture"—as though someone were so overwhelmed by something (beauty, joy, etc.) as to be "captured" or "snatched up."

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

FORLORN

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Miserable

Arrogant

Significant

Informed

Correct answer:

Miserable

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means miserable or sad. "Ecstatic" is the antonym; it means extremely happy. "Arrogant" means conceited or full of oneself. "Informed" means having knowledge or information regarding a topic. "Significant" means important or noteworthy.

Example Question #71 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ABJECT

Possible Answers:

Ambiguous

Diffident

Downtrodden

Audacious

Laudable

Correct answer:

Downtrodden

Explanation:

"Abject" means downtrodden and hopeless, so "downtrodden" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "abject": "ambiguous" means having more than one meaning; "audacious" means brazen or bold; "diffident" means hesitant or lacking in confidence; and "laudable" means admirable or praiseworthy.

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INCENSED

Possible Answers:

Youthful

Furious

Serene

Deliberate

Forgetful

Correct answer:

Furious

Explanation:

"Incensed" is an adjective that means "very angry; enraged," so we will need to pick out an adjective that means something like "very angry." "Serene" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "serene" is an adjective that means "calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil," making "serene" an antonym, not a synonym, of "incensed." "Furious," however, is an adjective that means "extremely angry" or "full of anger or energy; violent or intense," and because "furious" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "incensed," "furious" is the correct answer.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AFFABLE

Possible Answers:

Miserable

Surly

Hard-working

Mild

Friendly

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

Someone who is affable is pleasant and friendly.  For instance, an affable friend is warm and kindhearted.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Timid

Lofty

Macabre

Sulky

Tepid

Correct answer:

Sulky

Explanation:

“Morose” means in a bad mood and miserable, so "sulky" is the correct answer. “Lofty” means high-up or proud; “timid” means shy and quiet; “tepid” means lukewarm when describing temperature and unenthusiastic when describing responses; and "macabre" means morbid and grotesque.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

JOVIAL

Possible Answers:

Nuanced

Uncomfortable

Hollow

Cheerful

Deft

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

“Jovial” means jolly, friendly and "cheerful." As for the other answer choices, “uncomfortable” means slightly painful or just removing or lacking all comfort; “hollow” means containing empty space on the inside; "nuanced" means full of subtle details; and “deft” means skillful.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Location, Context, Order, And Direction

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

BUCOLIC

Possible Answers:

Counterfeit

Recondite

Metropolitan

Bothersome

Pastoral

Correct answer:

Pastoral

Explanation:

"Bucolic" and "pastoral" both mean agrarian or rural. "Metropolitan" means urban or municipal. "Counterfeit" means fake or simulated. "Recondite" means mysterious or obscure. "Mettlesome" means brave or spirited.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

VERDANT

Possible Answers:

Truthful

Lush

Agreeable

Verified

Conventional

Correct answer:

Lush

Explanation:

Perhaps you have heard of “salsa verde,” or green salsa. The word “verdant” is related to the word for green in Latin as well as Spanish ("verde") and French ("vert"). It means green with plant growth, usually describing the countryside. In some translations of the Bible, one finds the expression, “in verdant pastures,” describing the location of the shepherd’s work. This means in green, lively pastures. Thus, among the options provided, “lush” is the best, as it means growing to a great degree.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Location, Context, Order, And Direction

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INDIGENOUS

Possible Answers:

Toiling

Trudging

Destitute

Native

Impoverished

Correct answer:

Native

Explanation:

The word “indigenous” means “native to a given location” or at least coming from that place. For instance, one can speak of the “indigenous people” living in Australia as opposed to the British settlers who later arrived there. Do not confuse the word “indigenous” with “indigent,” which means “poor” or “needy.”

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