TOEFL Words | Questions & Answers 44/44

This is the final page in the TOEFL Words series. Read each original sentence, pick the option closest in meaning to the bolded word, then check the answer key at the end.

TOEFL Words | Questions 431-440

431. It took decades before the environmental role of wetlands was fully appreciated by policymakers.

The word "appreciated" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) questioned
• (B) recognized
• (C) ignored
• (D) reversed

432. Fossils from this particular era are scarce, so each new specimen draws intense scientific interest.

The word "scarce" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) fragile
• (B) heavy
• (C) colorful
• (D) rare

433. These sedimentary layers resemble the annual rings found in tree trunks.

The word "resemble" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) differ from
• (B) surround
• (C) look like
• (D) outnumber

434. The research team observed diverse nesting behaviors across several unrelated bird species.

The word "diverse" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) aggressive
• (B) varied
• (C) seasonal
• (D) predictable

435. A backup generator ensures that the hospital's equipment keeps running during a power outage.

The word "ensures" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) guarantees
• (B) delays
• (C) limits
• (D) replaces

436. Children need a suitably stimulating environment to develop language skills at a normal pace.

The word "suitably" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) briefly
• (B) rapidly
• (C) appropriately
• (D) financially

437. Long-term foster placements often allow a genuine affectional tie to form between caregiver and child.

The phrase "affectional tie" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) shared hobby
• (B) emotional attachment
• (C) legal obligation
• (D) financial support

438. Community leaders urged residents to attend the public hearing on the new zoning plan.

The word "urged" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) warned
• (B) thanked
• (C) selected
• (D) encouraged

439. The festival grew out of a convergence of musicians from several different regional traditions.

The word "convergence" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) gathering
• (B) rivalry
• (C) decline
• (D) separation

440. After her grandmother passed away, she carried on the family bakery's tradition of baking bread by hand.

The phrase "carried on" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) continued
• (B) sold
• (C) renamed
• (D) documented

Answers

• 431 — B: appreciated ≈ recognized — understood the true value of something.
• 432 — D: scarce ≈ rare — not found in large numbers.
• 433 — C: resemble ≈ look like — share a similar appearance with something else.
• 434 — B: diverse ≈ varied — made up of different kinds.
• 435 — A: ensures ≈ guarantees — makes certain that something will happen.
• 436 — C: suitably ≈ appropriately — in a way that fits the situation.
• 437 — B: affectional tie ≈ emotional attachment — a close emotional bond.
• 438 — D: urged ≈ encouraged — strongly advised someone to act.
• 439 — A: convergence ≈ gathering — a coming together from different points.
• 440 — A: carried on ≈ continued — kept doing something without stopping.

This wraps up the TOEFL Words series. Browse more entries on the vocabulary hub or put these words to work in reading practice.