TOEFL Words | Questions & Answers 25/44

This page drills ten TOEFL-level words in fresh context sentences. Read each sentence, choose the closest meaning for the bolded word, then check your answers against the key at the end.

Questions 241–250

241. Many junior researchers have shied away from proposing bold hypotheses, worried that an unconventional idea might damage their early reputation.

The phrase "shied away from" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) approached
• (B) avoided
• (C) published
• (D) defended

242. The invention of the printing press was a milestone in the spread of literacy across medieval Europe.

The word "milestone" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) significant development
• (B) minor detail
• (C) temporary setback
• (D) common practice

243. Clean drinking water has become a critical issue for city planners as populations in dry regions continue to grow.

The word "critical" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) controversial
• (B) essential
• (C) unusual
• (D) inexpensive

244. The sudden collapse of the coral reef population was jolting to marine biologists who had monitored the site for years.

The word "jolting" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) predicted
• (B) shocking
• (C) gradual
• (D) welcome

245. The magnitude of the flood damage became clear only after engineers surveyed every bridge and levee along the river.

The word "magnitude" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) extent
• (B) cause
• (C) location
• (D) cost

246. Many rural households kept a strong attachment to traditional farming methods even after mechanized equipment became widely available.

The phrase "attachment to" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) distance from
• (B) curiosity about
• (C) preference for
• (D) confusion about

247. A small wooden peg was designed to fit into the protruding section of the adjoining beam, locking the two pieces together.

The word "protruding" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) projecting
• (B) painted
• (C) missing
• (D) flattened

248. A layer of protective varnish was added to shield the antique table from scratches and moisture damage.

The word "shield" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) decorate
• (B) replace
• (C) protect
• (D) measure

249. Several daring explorers pushed further into the unmapped canyon than any previous expedition had attempted.

The word "daring" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) cautious
• (B) bold
• (C) experienced
• (D) organized

250. Free concerts in the town square boosted morale among residents during the difficult rebuilding period after the storm.

The word "boosted" is closest in meaning to:

• (A) measured
• (B) questioned
• (C) raised
• (D) replaced

Answers

• 241 — B: shied away from ≈ avoided — held back from doing something out of caution.
• 242 — A: milestone ≈ significant development — a major point of progress in a longer process.
• 243 — B: critical ≈ essential — extremely important, often urgent.
• 244 — B: jolting ≈ shocking — causing sudden surprise or distress.
• 245 — A: magnitude ≈ extent — the size or scale of something, often a problem.
• 246 — C: attachment to ≈ preference for — a strong liking for or loyalty to something.
• 247 — A: protruding ≈ projecting — sticking out from a surface.
• 248 — C: shield ≈ protect — to guard something against damage or harm.
• 249 — B: daring ≈ bold — willing to take risks; adventurous.
• 250 — C: boosted ≈ raised — increased or improved, often morale or performance.

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