TOEFL Words | Questions & Answers 5/44

This page gives you ten original TOEFL-style vocabulary items built around the target words below. Answer all ten first, then check your choices against the answer key at the end.

TOEFL Words | Questions 041-050

041. A balanced diet typically comprises proteins, carbohydrates, and a moderate amount of healthy fats.

The word "comprises" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) relates to
• (B) results from
• (C) consists of
• (D) depends on

042. The debate over the new tax law became so intense that the town hall meeting had to be extended by two hours.

The word "intense" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) gradual
• (B) minor
• (C) isolated
• (D) extreme

043. Farmers planted rows of trees along the margins of the field to reduce soil erosion from wind.

The word "margins" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) edges
• (B) corners
• (C) midpoints
• (D) surfaces

044. Thick wooden beams support the roof of the old barn, even though the walls have begun to lean.

The word "support" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) cover
• (B) replace
• (C) surround
• (D) hold

045. Years of drought brought a new appreciation for water conservation among residents who once watered their lawns daily.

The word "appreciation" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) distrust
• (B) recognition
• (C) curiosity
• (D) nostalgia

046. Reviewers admitted a bias toward films with well-known directors, which sometimes led them to overlook talented newcomers.

The word "bias" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) loyalty
• (B) fascination
• (C) doubt
• (D) prejudice

047. The prevailing opinion among the engineers was that the bridge needed a full inspection before winter.

The word "prevailing" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) most common
• (B) occasional
• (C) former
• (D) unpopular

048. Dust and debris accumulated on the windowsill over the many months the house sat empty.

The word "accumulated" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) scattered
• (B) vanished
• (C) collected
• (D) hardened

049. The professor described the deep-sea anglerfish as a bizarre creature, with glowing lures and teeth far too large for its body.

The word "bizarre" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) odd
• (B) aggressive
• (C) graceful
• (D) tiny

050. When cornered by a predator, the octopus can cast off part of an arm to escape and later regrow it.

The phrase "cast off" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) grow again
• (B) grab
• (C) get rid of
• (D) use as a weapon

Answers

• 041 — C: comprises ≈ consists of — made up of the stated parts.
• 042 — D: intense ≈ extreme — very strong or forceful.
• 043 — A: margins ≈ edges — the outer boundaries of something.
• 044 — D: support ≈ hold — to bear the weight of something.
• 045 — B: appreciation ≈ recognition — an understanding of the value of something.
• 046 — D: bias ≈ prejudice — a leaning toward one side, often unfairly.
• 047 — A: prevailing ≈ most common — the most frequent or widespread.
• 048 — C: accumulated ≈ collected — gathered gradually over time.
• 049 — A: bizarre ≈ odd — strikingly unusual.
• 050 — C: cast off ≈ get rid of — to discard or shed something.

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