HSPT Verbal : HSPT Verbal Skills

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #861 : Hspt Verbal Skills

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

NOVICE

Possible Answers:

Shadow

Noblity

Beginner

Knack

Religion

Correct answer:

Beginner

Explanation:

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 #862 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

COLLEAGUE

Possible Answers:

Student

Contemporary

Coworker

Acquaintance

Friend

Correct answer:

Coworker

Explanation:

"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 #863 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

HERMIT

Possible Answers:

Lethargy

Recluse

Socialite

Synopsis

Contamination

Correct answer:

Recluse

Explanation:

"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 #864 : Hspt Verbal Skills

"Indigent" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

perturbed

creator

servant

independent

vagrant

Correct answer:

vagrant

Explanation:

"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 #865 : Hspt Verbal Skills

"Cleric" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

scribe

doctor

chaplain

secretary

attorney

Correct answer:

chaplain

Explanation:

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 #181 : Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters

BURROW

Possible Answers:

rod

tunnel

bottle

gateway

mansion

Correct answer:

tunnel

Explanation:

burrow is a hole or tunnel, usually a small animal's home.

Example Question #182 : Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

EMBLEM

Possible Answers:

inspiration

punishment

symbol

salutation

holiday

Correct answer:

symbol

Explanation:

An "emblem" is a symbolic representation that serves as badge for a nation, organization, or family.

Example Question #192 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

LABYRINTH

Possible Answers:

Accident

Beggar

Weight

Maze

Teacher

Correct answer:

Maze

Explanation:

"Labyrinth" is a noun defined as a complicated maze, so "maze" is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "labyrinth."

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ABODE

Possible Answers:

Library

Train Station

Office

Airport

Home

Correct answer:

Home

Explanation:

"Abode" means a home or a residence, so "home" is the correct answer. An "office" is a workplace. A "library" is a place that allows patrons to check out and borrow books for periods of time or where students go to study. An "airport" is a place where people go to board planes for trips. A "train station" is a place where people go to board trains.

Example Question #211 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONDUIT

Possible Answers:

Bidder

World

Mask

Channel

Cinema

Correct answer:

Channel

Explanation:

A "conduit" is a channel or a passage for carrying a fluid. It is also a means by which something is transmitted. So, "channel" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "conduit": “bidder” means a person making an offer to buy something at a certain price, usually in the context of an auction or sale; “mask” means cover or disguise; “cinema” means motion picture or theater; and “world” means the Earth or an imagined place like the Earth.

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