1

Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3

ANALOGY ...........................................................................................................................5

SENTENCE COMPLETION ........................................................................................... 15

CONTEXTUAL ERROR .................................................................................................. 24

THE ODD ONE OUT ...................................................................................................... 35

READING COMPREHENSION..................................................................................... 44

PRACTICE TEST ............................................................................................................. 56

2
INTRODUCTION

What is GAT?
GAT is an acronym for General Aptitude Test. It is available in both an Arabic Version and an English
Version. Both versions of GAT use language and mathematics to measure the following abilities:
1. Reading comprehension
2. Logical relations
3. Problem-solving behavior
4. Inferential abilities
5. Induction abilities

The test consists of several sections, each of which contains 24 questions. All questions are multiple
choice, with four possible answers marked as A, B, C, and D. The test-takers select the best answer and
mark their choice on the answer sheet or on the computer screen depending on the exam type. The
test duration is two and a half hours.

The GAT target groups are high school graduates of all tracks and those wishing to enroll in higher
education institutions, as well as anyone who hope to join institutes that require this test.

➔ GAT Parts and Types of Questions:

GAT

Quantitative Part Verbal Part

Sentence
Algebra Arithmetic Pattern Analogy Contextual Error
Completion

Data Reading
Geometry Comparison The Odd One Out
Interpretation Comprehension

➔ Types of the GAT Test & the Number of Attempts

There are two modes for taking the exam:

(1) Computer-Based Test (CBT)

(2) Paper-Based Test (PBT)

Each student has a total of (5) attempts within 3 years: (4) CBT and (1) PBT.

3
ANALOGY

An analogy question presents a pair of words having a specific relationship, followed by four alternative
answers. The test taker is required to select the answer choice that has a set of words that are related
in the same way as the original set of words.

Example: [fire : hot] have the same relation as [ice : cold].

Common Types of Analogy

Type of Analogy Examples
1. Things that go together fork:knife, bread:butter,
2. Opposites laugh:cry
3. Synonyms small:tiny, sad:unhappy
4. Classification green:color, apple:fruit
5. Group bird:flock, wolf:pack
6. Related object mother:baby, dog:puppy
7. Characteristic grass:green, gold:shiny
8. Location car:garage, lion:zoo
9. Part of the whole hand:finger, turtle:shell
10. Function pen:write, knife:cut
11. Performer and Action teacher:teach, fish:swim
12. Qualities heavy:rain, knight:brave
13. Intensity/Gradation smile:laughter, father:grandfather
14. Manners polite:speech,
15. Following up/succession night:day
16. Source noise:engine
17. Made of door:wood
18. Machine/tool lamp:light
19. Place/Location prayer:mosque
20. Corelated/inseparable hot:summer
21. Profession farmer:farming
22. Cause/effect virus:illness
23. Problem solution hungry:food
24. Needs car:driver
25. Same category silver:gold
26. Surrounding coast:island
27. Dependency hair:trim, nails:cut, shirt:buttons
28. Action and resemblance cry:sad, laugh:happy
29. Metaphor and symbolism dog:loyalty, lion:bravery, dove:peace
30. Covering window:curtains, bed:sheet
31. Sequence January:February, Monday:Tuesday
32. Dwelling names donkey:barn, horse:stable, rabbit:burrow
33. Professions and tools electrician:pilers, mechanic:wrench

5
Strategy
The best strategy is the bridge sentence strategy. Here are the steps of the bridge sentence strategy:

1. Build a bridge sentence that relates the two words in the question. For example, for the words
[wheel:car], you can try something like “a wheel is a part of a car”.
2. Try using the same bridge sentence with each answer choice. See if the bridge sentence fits
one of the choices.
3. If no choice fits, try adjusting the bridge sentence.

Example: [Berline : Germany]

A) Dammam : Saudi Arabia

B) Egypt : Cairo
C) New York : United States
D) Manamah : Bahrain

A good bridge sentence is “Berline is the capital of Germany”. Thus, the correct answer is D.

Exercises
1. Phobic : Fearful
A. cautious : emotional B. finicky : thoughtful
C. envious : desiring D. asinine : silly

Correct Answer D The two words are synonyms.

2. Quick : Quicker
A. fast : lightening B. swift : speedily
C. good : better D. drag : plod

Correct Answer C The second is a higher degree of the first.

3. Sheep : Herd
A. dates : banana B. rabbit : park
C. teacher : school D. tree : forest

Correct Answer D The first is a member of the second.

4. Student : Employee
A. sting : pain B. father : grandfather
C. man : woman D. old : young

Correct Answer B Gradation - the second is a higher grade of the first one.

6
5. Cotton : Soft
A. wool : warm B. iron : hard
C. nylon : strong D. silk : expensive

Correct Answer B The second is a characteristic of the first.

6. Full : Overwhelming
A. quick : slow B. right : wrong
C. low : empty D. appetite : hunger

Correct Answer D The second is a higher degree of the first.

7. Garnet : Red
A. pearl : round B. diamond : sparkle
C. emerald : green D. ivory : tusk

Correct Answer C The second is the color of the first.

8. Teeth : Chew
A. knife : cut B. eyelid : wink
C. nose : color D. ear : smelling

Correct Answer A The second is the function of the first.

9. Love : Hatred
A. anger : violence B. education : illiteracy
C. lazy : idle D. father : son

Correct Answer B The first dispels the second.

10. Saw : Carpenter

A. scissors : tailor B. wagon : farmer
C. brush : painter D. typewriter : author

Correct Answer A The second uses the first to cut things.

11. Letter : Word

A. page : book B. product : factory
C. club : people D. homework : school

Correct Answer A The first is part of the second.

7
12. Scales : Fish
A. bear : fur B. woman : dress
C. skin : man D. tree : leaves

Correct Answer C The first covers the second.

13. Elbow : Arm

A. walking : running B. finger : thumb
C. knee : leg D. nose : mouth

Correct Answer C The first is part of the second.

14. Pastoral : Rural

A. metropolitan : urban B. harvest : autumn
C. agrarian : benevolent D. sleepy : nocturnal

Correct Answer A The first describes the second.

15. Explore : Discover

A. read : skim B. research : learn
C. write : print D. think : relate

Correct Answer B One explores to discover. One researches to learn.

16. Illness : Virus

A. pollution : smoke B. reading : knowledge
C. race : run D. happiness : death

Correct Answer A The second causes the first.

17. Fish : School

A. lair : bear B. striped : tiger
C. lions : pride D. bird : fly

Correct Answer C A group of fish is called school. A group of lions is called pride.

18. Aqueduct: Water

A. capillary : saliva B. esophagus : breath
C. tanker : fluids D. artery : blood

Correct Answer D The first carries the second.

8
19. Miser: Stingy
A. porter : strong B. sage : docile
C. loner : solitary D. rebel : idel

Correct Answer C The two words are synonyms.

20. Gong : Hammer

A. organ : pedal B. cymbal : sound
C. piano : key D. drum : drumstick

Correct Answer D The first (instrument) is played by being struck with the second.

21. Enigma : Mysterious

A. bigot : prejudiced B. beetle : venomous
C. politician : obtuse D. professor : ignorant

Correct Answer A

22. Veil : Enshroud

A. Beautician : paint B. Satire : criticize
C. victor : preside D. flare : touch

Correct Answer B

23. Position: Noxious

A. performance : stellar B. satellite : worldly
C. maze : twisting D. wavelength : shallow

Correct Answer C

24. Quiet : Noisy

A. coveted : desired B. hated : despised
C. unimportant : irrelevant D. credible : dubious

Correct Answer D

25. Blatant : Obvious

A. preeminent : important B. legendary : unbelievable
C. novel : obsolete D. powerful : dominant

Correct Answer A

9
26. Vulgar : Taste
A. vicious : wrath B. bourgeois : wealth
C. arrogant : modesty D. paraplegic : legs

Correct Answer C

27. Cringe : Discomfort

A. excitement : enthusiasm B. handshake : discrimination
C. haiku : poetry D. hyperbole : literature

Correct Answer A

28. Diatribe : Speech

A. deal : hustle B. nuance : patten
C. laceration : injury D. plaintiff : defendant

Correct Answer C

29. Frail : Brawn

A. humorous : wit B. obtuse : intensity
C. disinterested : ennui D. wordy : brevity

Correct Answer D

30. Acrophobia : Heights

A. claustrophobia : spiders B. negative : positive
C. agoraphobia : crowds D. vertigo : balance

Correct Answer C

31. Refute : Verify

A. revere : denigrate B. besmirch : slander
C. cower : submit D. drill : pronounce

Correct Answer A

32. Legend : Map

A. continent : nation B. page : book
C. laws : rules D. tribe : family

Correct Answer B

10
33. Thwart : Frustrate
A. retain : burst B. meditate : snooze
C. laud : praise D. bristle : brush

Correct Answer C

34. Decoy : Deceive

A. landscape : surround B. thief : kill
C. quartet : compose D. bulwark : protect

Correct Answer D

35. Plagiarism : Punishment

A. sin : forgiveness B. astrology : religion
C. venom : flavoring D. school : studying

Correct Answer A

36. Buttress : Wall

A. precinct : city B. philanthropist : charity
C. cream : lotion D. document : preamble

Correct Answer B

37. Pragmatic : Practical

A. irritating : pleasing B. tenacious : faltering
C. opaque : translucent D. trivial : negligible

Correct Answer D

38. Pan : Pot

A. vibration : perception B. pictograph : symbol
C. favor : currency D. luminary : shiny

Correct Answer B

39. Trinket : Value

A. sequoia : longevity B. physician : medicine
C. fool : wisdom D. grandmother : kind

Correct Answer C

11
40. Euphemism : Polite
A. leader : villain B. metaphor : literal
C. donation : kind D. sonnet : poetry

Correct Answer C

41. Fastidious : particular

A. fanatical : enthusiastic B. edible : delicious
C. adamant : opposed D. manipulative : masterful

Correct Answer A

42. Initials : Acronym

A. homophone : definition B. newspaper : perspective
C. stanza : poem D. cornucopia : harvest

Correct Answer C

43. Meticulous : Careful

A. great : good B. knowledgeable : informative
C. malignant : cancerous D. artificial : genuine

Correct Answer A

44. Hamlet : Village

A. fallacy : lie B. formula : milk
C. simile : comparison D. pesticide : crop

Correct Answer C

45. Conclusion : Essay

A. theme : song B. meal : dessert
C. parade : party D. scene : play

Correct Answer D

12
Quiz - Analogy
1. Network : Connect
A. statue : memorialize B. funeral : eliminate
C. telephone : hear D. device : create

2. Fragile : Break
A. invisible : see B. flammable : burn
C. industrial : manufacture D. noxious : escape

3. Attorney : Lawyer
A. worker : secretary B. flower : daffodil
C. dog : canine D. doctor : dentist

4. Verbosity : Words
A. harmoniousness : relationships B. interrogation : answers
C. condemnation : acts D. supposition : proposals

5. Cold : Hot
A. handsome : young B. beautiful : ugly
C. summer : spring D. complete : total

6. Heart : Love
A. lion : bravery B. face : detail
C. knife : violence D. water : warm

7. Vessel : Fleet
A. forest : clearing B. squadron : rank
C. hound : pack D. wide : trunk

8. Cough : Cold
A. fever : issue B. problem : solution
C. disagreement : argument D. room : hotel

9. Lifejacket : Boat
A. medicine : disease B. seatbelt : plane
C. shield : sword D. hat : helmet

10. Beginner : Expert

A. first : second B. child : adult
C. man : doctor D. advanced : medium

13
11. Ambiguous : Clear
A. singular : plural B. synthetic : real
C. farmer : seed D. agreement : contract

12. Stage : Theatre

A. bedroom : house B. car : road
C. patient : hospital D. school : education

13. Tree : Sapling

A. rock : mountain B. horse : foal
C. giant : dwarf D. hut : mansion

14. Laboratory : Germs

A. School : Students B. Playground : games
C. Library : books D. Observatory : planets

15. Locker : Storage

A. Telephone : Communication B. Wallet : Cash
C. Pencil : Paper D. Lake : Moisture

Answer Key
Q Correct Explanation
Answer
1 A A network is used to connect. A statue is used to memorialize.
2 B The first leads the second to happen.
3 C An attorney is a lawyer. A dog is a canine.
4 D The two words are synonyms.
5 B The two words are antonyms or opposites.
6 A The first is a symbol of the second.
7 C Vessel is ship and fleet is a group of ships. Pack is a group of hounds.
8 C A cough is a symptom of a cold. A disagreement is symptomatic of an argument.
9 B A lifejacket is used for safety on a boat. A seatbelt is used for safety on a plane.
10 B The second is an advanced stage of the first.
11 B Ambiguous is unclear. Similarly synthetic is not real.
12 A The first is part of the second.
13 B The second is the young one of the first.
14 D The first is the place to study the second.
15 A A locker is used for storage. A telephone is used for communication.

14
SENTENCE COMPLETION

The test taker will be presented with a sentence with one or more missing words. Following the
sentence there are four possible choices for the missing words.

Example: While Hassan is not _____, he is not necessarily ______, either.

A) hungry…tired
B) tall…short
C) smart…intelligent
D) fat…thick

The correct answer is (B)

Strategy
To answer Sentence Completion questions, choose suitable words that create a meaningful sentence.
Don’t rush. When you select a choice try to read the full sentence and see if it makes sense. If not, look
for another choice.

There are different clues or key words in the sentence, giving hint for choosing the correct answer
among the provided choices:

Type of Sentence Guidance Guiding words

Comparison Find a word or a phrase that shows similarity Likewise, as like as, just
or differences between two things in the like/as, similarly, however,
sentence. but, although, etc..
Restatement Find a word or phrase or punctuation that Such as, in other words, in
shows similarity or equivalence fact, that is, namely,
semicolon (;), etc..
Contrast Find a word or phrase that shows difference However, but, although,
or opposition between two things etc..
Cause and effect Find a word or phrase that shows a Therefore, because, as a
relationship between two events or situations result, leads to, so, etc..
in the sentence

15
Exercises
1. Despite her parents’ best efforts at making her ______, Suad felt very ______ at her party.
A. sociable…old B. comfortable…shy
C. humorous…silly D. helpful…generous

Correct Answer B

2. The ancient pyramids were large and ______ Seeing them was a(n) ______ experience.
A. impressive…awesome B. dirty…angry
C. beautiful…awful D. interesting…boring

Correct Answer A

3. When I was ______, I always thought my classes were very difficult and feared that when I
got older my ______ would be impossible.
A. a child…movement B. abroad…past
C. wiser…mission D. younger…studies

Correct Answer D .

4. Salah is ______ now and has three children; his oldest ______ is in high school.
A. Divorced…nephew B. married...child
C. single...cousin D. engaged...brother

Correct Answer B

5. Amal’s favorite ______ is traveling; she especially likes ______ countries that are new to her.
A. hobby...visiting B. assignment...familiar
C. sport...rough D. recreation...remembering

Correct Answer A

6. One of the most ______ things in life is self-concept; with a positive one, no ______ is too big
to solve.
A. awesome...obstacle B. significant...harm
C. important...problem D. crucial...imagination

Correct Answer C

16
7. Because of his inability to ______ other chimps, chimpanzee “E34” is no longer welcome in
his tribe. He has been deemed ______.
A. fight with...an outlaw B. relate to...an outcast
C. befriend...a favorite D. help...a leader

Correct Answer B

8. Because of my ______, Sara is now using the same floor cleaner that I use.
A. theory B. disapproval
C. agreement D. recommendation

Correct Answer D

9. I don’t like carbonated ______. So, I often drink juice or water.

A. things B. foods
C. beverages D. materials

Correct Answer C

10. Rather than focus on one specific group of people, some charities try to do work that benefits
______ of humanity.
A. most B. some
C. few D. all

Correct Answer D

11. Despite the existence of evidence showing that wolves are caring and social creatures, many
people still _____ they are cruel and vicious animals.
A. say B. reject
C. deny D. believe

Correct Answer D

12. The ______ of meat in your refrigerator doesn’t necessarily indicate that you are______.
A. presence...herbivorous B. absence...vegetarian
C. amount...omnivorous D. color...carnivorous

Correct Answer B

17
13. Harold enjoyed singing in the boys’ choir so much that he wanted to do it ______.
A. regularly B. occasionally
C. rarely D. seldom

Correct Answer A

14. Using the scientific ______ of aerodynamics, scientists design space shuttles to withstand the
dangers of orbit and re-entry.
A. substances B. rockets
C. fuel D. theory

Correct Answer D

15. Before ______, airplanes were loaded with passengers and cargo. Then, they were filled with
fuel.
A. arrival B. descending
C. landing D. departure

Correct Answer D

16. After ______, the captain announced that there would be turbulence ahead. Passengers were
advised to ______ their seats.
A. landing...abandon B. takeoff...leave
C. takeoff...remain in D. arrival...stay in

Correct Answer C

17. To Saeed’s dismay, his chances in the chess tournament ended suddenly with one move. His
______ was moving the queen instead of the rook.
A. mistake B. triumph
C. victory D. attempt

Correct Answer A

18. The warring tribes were weary of conflict, so both were eager to forge a peaceful ______.
A. negotiation B. victory
C. insurgency D. resolution

Correct Answer D

18
19. Fuad was ______ about his first diving competition. And, apparently this enthusiasm was
______; others began to feel the same way he did.
A. nervous…popular B. excited...contagious
C. withdrawn...high D. agitated...underestimated

Correct Answer B

20. Despite a marked increase in the number of voters registered, the most recent election
numbers indicate ______ in voter turnout.
A. an increase B. a discrepancy
C. a decline D. an effect

Correct Answer C

21. “Intellectual growth should …. at birth and …. only at death”.

A. commence … cease B. begin … start
C. start … rewind D. appear … vanish

Correct Answer A

22. “Knowledge has a …. but no ….”

A. start … goals B. beginning … end
C. gate … keys D. introduction … conclusion

Correct Answer B

23. Trust takes … to build, seconds to break, and … to repair.

A. minutes … hours B. decades … days
C. era … moments D. years … forever

Correct Answer D

24. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single …”

A. process B. mile
C. step D. meter

Correct Answer C

19
25. “An ox is taken by the … and a man by his …”
A. legs … words B. horns … tongue
C. tails … beard D. rope … mouth

Correct Answer B

26. “Fear not the … of truth for the … of people walking on it.”
A. roads … number B. path … abundance
C. idea … lack D. path … lack

Correct Answer D

27. “Don’t find a …, find a …”

A. fault … remedy B. mistakes … criticism
C. fault … defect D. mistakes … imperfection

Correct Answer A

28. A … of the foot, you may soon recover, but a … of the tongue you may never get over.
A. fall … mistake B. slip ... slip
C. stumble … fault D. kick … tip

Correct Answer B

29. Think … before you speak because your words and influence will plant the seeds of either …
or failure in the mind of others.
A. once … collapse B. twice … success
C. twice … inability D. shortly … achievement

Correct Answer B

30. “Seek knowledge from the … to the …”

A. cradle … grave B. grave … cradle
C. start … end D. morning … night

Correct Answer A

31. If you … to plan, you are planning to …”

A. think … fail B. succeed … collapse
C. fail … fail D. fail … achieve

Correct Answer C

20
32. A friend in … is a friend …
A. fun … indeed B. school … for life
C. dark … indeed D. need … indeed

Correct Answer D

33. “Courage is going from … to failure without … enthusiasm.”

A. failure … losing B. success … losing
C. despair … getting D. failure … having

Correct Answer A

34. The year is like a tree with … for months, … for days, and leaves for hours. The fruits are the
breaths.
A. fruits … twigs B. branches … twigs
C. veins … roots D. colors … shades

Correct Answer B

35. Despite his … range of interests, the idea of becoming a candlemaker seemed rather … to him.
A. wide … interesting B. diverse … odd
C. various … typical D. few … awkward

Correct Answer B

21
Quiz – Sentence Completion
1. Because the test has been deemed inaccurate, the _____ we obtained are _____.
A. findings...valuable B. figures...interesting
C. readings...undeniable D. results...inconclusive

2. The expedition was fraught with ______; it rained every day, someone broke their ankle, and
sickness plagued the crew from day one.
A. commotion B. misfortune
C. apprehension D. action

3. Visitors are given tours of the historic ______ daily. It is no longer used as a residence, though
it boasts a grand total of 38 bedrooms!
A. district B. mansion
C. waterway D. village

4. Peter thought he had finished his fight with lung cancer, but unfortunately the ______ had
already spread to other parts of his body.
A. cure B. disease
C. injury D. medicine

5. The haunted house was so ______ and scary, it made me question my own ______.
A. disorientating...reality B. interesting...friends
C. confusing...family D. hilarious...motives

6. The instructions said we should _____ the pie while it bakes in the oven. When the top is
brown, we should _____ it.
A. see...enjoy B. watch...cut
C. monitor...remove D. check...cool

7. The ____ started today for a lost hiker in the state park. I hope they are able to _____ him!
A. search...rescue B. hunt...locate
C. party...celebrate D. funeral...find

8. The play was completely written. The director had the stage and scenery ready, but she hadn’t
chosen the leading actor yet; he was yet to be _____.
A. cast B. made
C. decided D. created

9. Hassan is ______. He is about to give a speech in front of a large audience and he is afraid of
public speaking.
A. patient B. nervous
C. angry D. frustrated

22
10. Because Salim is so _______, he is _____.
A. friendly…despised B. unpleasant…popular
C. wealthy…generous D. strong…fortunate

11. Nayef lets his impatience get the best of him; he ______ completed his project, resulting in a
sloppy presentation.
A. slowly B. hastily
C. nervously D. carefully

12. The quality of _____ between individuals and the organization for which they work can be
______ to the benefit of both parties.
A. life…conceptualized B. interaction…improved
C. service…evaluated D. sophistication…developed

13. To the embittered ex-philanthropist, all the former recipients of his charity were ______ as
stingy with their thanks as they were wasteful of his largesse.
A. louts B. misers
C. ingrates D. prigs

14. Book publishing has long been ________ profession, partly because, for younger editors, the
best way to win a raise or a promotion was to move on to another publishing house.
A. an innovative B. a prestigious
C. an itinerant D. a rewarding

15. Seeing the pictures of our old home made me feel ______ and nostalgic.
A. fastidious B. indignant
C. wistful D. conciliatory

Answer Key
Question Correct Question Correct
Answer Answer
1 D 9 B
2 B 10 C
3 B 11 B
4 B 12 B
5 A 13 C
6 C 14 C
7 A 15 C
8 A

23
CONTEXTUAL ERROR

In a Contextual Error question, a sentence with 4 underlined words is presented. One of the 4 words
is not logical and is considered as a mistake in the context of the sentence.

Example: Could you check a photo of me in front of this building?

The illogical word is check. It should be replaced by the word take.

Strategy
To answer this type of questions correctly, think of the meaning of the sentence. All words in the
sentence should lead to a common meaning, except one that does not fit. The context of the sentence
should lead you to which word that is.

Here are some tips to help you in solving contextual error questions:

1. Discover the type of statement; restatement, comparison, cause and effect,

compare/contrast, …etc.
2. There are some key words in the statement that might hint you to the correct choice;
synonyms, antonyms, transitional words, punctuations and the sentence tone (positive or
negative)

Exercises
1. The waves at the beach were not small at all. In fact, they were tiny.
A. waves B. beach
C. fact D. tiny

Correct Answer D ‘tiny’ is the opposite of not small.

2. Father wanted to be unfair, so he gave us each the same amount of candy.

A. father B. unfair
C. same D. candy

Correct Answer B Father wanted to be ‘fair.’

24
3. Because I am faster than anyone else, winning the race was difficult.
A. anyone B. running
C. race D. difficult

Correct Answer D The meaning indicates the race should be ‘easy’ not difficult.

4. When Samar doesn’t get what she wants, she sometimes becomes happy.
A. get B. wants
C. sometimes D. happy

Correct Answer D This should be a word of a negative feeling. E.g., ‘sad.’

5. The beautiful garden was filled with dull flowers.

A. beautiful B. garden
C. dull D. flowers

Correct Answer C We should use a word of more positive meaning. E.g., ‘gorgeous.’

6. Although ants are small, they can lift very soft objects.
A. ants B. small
C. soft D. objects

Correct Answer C The correct adjective should be ‘heavy’

7. I saw a shark at the beach. I didn’t like it. It was friendly.

A. shark B. beach
C. like D. friendly

Correct Answer D The correct adjective is ‘unfriendly’

8. For many examples, the question of how our minds work was left to theologians and
philosophers. But at the beginning of the twentieth century, a new science, experimental
psychology emerged.
A. examples B. philosophers
C. beginning D. emerged

Correct Answer A The correct word is ‘centuries’

25
9. Is he the only man in the band who can play as a forward?
A. only B. band
C. who D. play

Correct Answer B The correct word is ‘team’

10. The public seems delightful about the government’s last plan on economy. All say it won’t
solve the problem.
A. public B. delightful
C. economy D. solve

Correct Answer B A correct word would be ‘doubtful.’

11. The student got high scores in all the subjects he tested in. This is the result of carelessness.
A. scores B. subjects
C. tested D. carelessness

Correct Answer D Given the context, the word should be replaced by ‘hard work.’

12. I’ll look in my dictionary and see if I am free on Wednesday.

A. look B. dictionary
C. free D. Wednesday

Correct Answer B The correct word is ‘diary.’

13. The cause of the meeting is to improve relationships between the two companies.
A. cause B. meeting
C. improve D. relationships

Correct Answer A The correct word is ‘purpose’ or ‘objective.’

14. The red wolf is a common animal, so you will probably never see one.
A. red B. common
C. probably D. never

Correct Answer B The correct word is ‘rare.’

26
15. Our suitcases were light. We were ready for a long trip.
A. suitcases B. light
C. ready D. trip

Correct Answer B The context indicates the suitcases should be ‘heavy.’

16. The ugly trees made us smile. The garden was so attractive.
A. ugly B. trees
C. garden D. attractive

Correct Answer A The context indicates trees are opposite of ugly.

17. When people are honest, sometimes I get upset.

A. people B. honest
C. get D. upset

Correct Answer B We are usually upset when people are dishonest.

18. After Raed drained all of the water out, the pool was full.
A. drained B. water
C. out D. full

Correct Answer D The correct word is ‘empty.’

19. The party was boring. Everybody had a good time.

A. party B. boring
C. good D. time

Correct Answer B The context indicates the party was ‘fun.’

20. I cannot sleep because my neighbors are being so pretty.

A. sleep B. neighbors
C. being D. pretty

Correct Answer D The correct word is ‘noisy.’

21. All progress takes place inside the comfort zone.

A. progress B. takes
C. inside D. zone

Correct Answer C

27
22. Each and every accomplishment starts with a decision to quit.
A. accomplishment B. starts
C. decision D. quit

Correct Answer D

23. Comfort is the biggest supporter of achievement.

A. Comfort B. biggest
C. supporter D. achievement

Correct Answer C

24. There ae no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and avoiding failure.
A. success B. preparation
C. hard work D. avoiding

Correct Answer D

25. Persistence and resilience only come from having been deprived the chance to work through
difficult problems
A. Persistence B. come
C. deprived D. difficult

Correct Answer C

26. Technology impedes aspects of our teaching environment and practices that make these
improvements possible.
A. impedes B. teaching
C. practices D. possible

Correct Answer A

27. Cultural values are crucial in any society; they serve as the last line of defense.
A. values B. crucial
C. serves D. last

Correct Answer D

28
28. “I’m not upset that you lied to me; I’m upset that from now on, I can’t doubt you”.
A. upset B. lied
C. can’t D. doubt

Correct Answer D

29. the scientist was excited when he discovered a hostile type of rock. It has a special and rare
texture giving a sparkling feature in the night.
A. excited B. hostile
C. special D. rare

Correct Answer B

30. The teacher realized that the students did not understand the question when she saw the
look of defiance in their eyes.
A. teacher B. realized
C. understand D. defiance

Correct Answer D

31. In eighth-century Japan, people who reclaimed wasteland were punished with official ranks
as part of an effort to overcome the shortage of arable fields.
A. reclaimed B. punished
C. overcome D. shortage

Correct Answer B

32. An occasional novel remark spoiled the originality that made the paper memorable.
A. novel B. spoiled
C. originality D. memorable

Correct Answer A

33. The workers wrote an anonymous letter to their boss in which they expressed their
grievances: long working hours, low pay, and safe working conditions.
A. anonymous B. grievances
C. long D. safe

Correct Answer D

29
34. Ronald cherished the detention reem because it was absolutely devoid of warmth and cheer.
A. cherished B. detention
C. devoid D. cheer

Correct Answer A

35. Expected costs can precipitate a budget crisis. Therefore, it’s essential to have a contingency
plan to deal with.
A. Expected B. precipitate
C. crisis D. contingency

Correct Answer A

36. It became abundantly clear that nothing could be done to save the dying business, as years of
irreversible and poor decisions had been contributing to its slow recovery.
A. save B. dying
C. poor D. recovery

Correct Answer D

37. The reality show judge was known for his abusive comments; however, everyone who knew
him recalled that he was never polite in his personal dealings.
A. abusive B. however
C. polite D. personal

Correct Answer C

38. A crucial step of this recipe is the filter out impurities from the soup; failure to skim the broth
for fat and burnt bits will make for delicious a soup.
A. filter out B. failure
C. skim D. delicious

Correct Answer D

39. The film’s story seemed implausible to the audience, making them believe if it was actually
based on a true story.
A. seemed B. implausible
C. believe D. true

Correct Answer C

30
40. Jake asked his mother for permission to go to his friend Rodney’s dance party, stating that his
grades had dropped, and he was quite pleased when she consented.
A. asked B. permission
C. dropped D. consented

Correct Answer C

31
Quiz – Contextual Error
1. The movie was very dull. I laughed a lot. The movie was really hilarious.
A. dull B. laughed
C. movie D. hilarious

2. The air is very hot, and there is a lot of ice on the road. Wear a jacket if you go outside. And,
don’t drive unless you have to.
A. hot B. a lot of
C. road D. jacket

3. The race was a tie. Both runners finished at a different time.

A. race B. tie
C. different D. time

4. Playing in a busy street is not very dangerous.

A. playing B. busy
C. street D. dangerous

5. She felt strange after walking many miles.

A. strange B. walking
C. many D. miles

6. The child was knocked by a dangerous dog and taken to the hospital.
A. child B. knocked
C. dangerous D. hospital

7. The police sentenced the man because he was behaving suspiciously.

A. police B. sentenced
C. behaving D. suspiciously

8. Market leaders usually want to decrease their market share even further, or at least to protect
their current market share.
A. leaders B. decrease
C. share D. protect

9. The press conference was a contentment because the reporters didn’t learn anything new.
A. press B. conference
C. contentment D. reporters

32
10. Sarah tried to stop the car but the lights didn’t work.
A. tried B. stop
C. lights D. work

11. His suitcase was quite cheap so I could easily carry it.
A. suitcase B. cheap
C. could D. carry

12. When we go on vacation, I want to lose some time fishing in that lake we visited last year.
A. vacation B. lose
C. fishing D. visited

13. If you want to pass the exam, I convince you to start studying immediately.
A. want B. pass
C. convince D. immediately

14. When you finish making the dough for the bread, put it in the oven and grill for about 90
minutes.
A. finish B. dough
C. bread D. grill

15. Wear a glove to protect your head in case there’s an accident.

A. glove B. protect
C. head D. accident

33
Answer Key
Q Correct Explanation
Answer
1 A From the context, the movie was ‘fun.’
2 A From the context, the weather was ‘cold.’
3 C The correct word is ‘same.’
4 D The correct word is ‘safe.’
5 A The word ‘strange’ does not fit in the context.
6 B The correct word is ‘attacked.’
7 B The correct word is ‘arrested.’
8 B From the context, market leaders want to ‘increase’ their market share.
9 C The word ‘contentment’ does not fit in the context.
10 C The correct word is ‘breaks.’
11 B The correct word is ‘light.’
12 B The correct word is ‘spend.’
13 C The correct word is ‘encourage.’
14 D We ‘bake’ the dough. We don’t ‘grill’ it.
15 A We wear a ‘helmet’ to protect the head.

34
THE ODD ONE OUT

The test taker is required to select the odd word out of four words. I.e., the word that is not related to
the other 3 words.

Example:

A) Book
B) Eraser
C) Pencil
D) Marker

The correct answer (the odd word) is eraser. All other words are things we use for writing.

Such questions are mainly answered by applying common sense.

Groups and classifications Example

Living and non-living things Tree, rock, bee, fish
Gender: male and female Boy, man, uncle, aunt
Vertebrates and invertebrates Fish, lion, worm, frog
Parts of speech: verbs, nouns, adjectives … etc. Desk, draw, write, read
Countries, cities, capitals, currencies, languages Amman, Riyadh, Alexandria, Beirut
and landmarks
Regular and irregular verbs Help, think, put, run
Calendars: Gregorian or Hijri; Occasions Muharram, Ramadhan, Shaaban, April
Regular and irregular plurals Pen, kid, child, paper
Odd and even 1998, 2004, 2020, 2001
Singular, plural or collective nouns Team, group, band, people
Geometry: shapes, number of angles, number of Square, circle, triangle, rhombus
sides
Synonyms and antonyms Sword, saber, blade, bat
Positive and negative words Punishment, encouragement, inspiration,
motivation
Objects or people belonging to one place Nurse, doctor, farmer, patient
Number of syllables Tidy, fry, paper, begin
Words start or end with the same letter Milk, book, hack, tree
Rhyming words Gat, mat, go, fat

35
Exercises
1. The odd one out:
A. Eagle B. Crow
C. Ostrich D. Hawk

Correct Answer C Ostrich is the only one that doesn’t fly.

2. The odd one out:

A. Office B. Desk
C. Computer D. Printer

Correct Answer A All other choices are office items.

3. The odd one out:

A. Sofa B. Television
C. Chair D. Seat

Correct Answer B All other items are used for sitting.

4. The odd one out:

A. Banana B. Mango
C. Cashew D. Guava

Correct Answer C Except Cashew, all others are fruits.

5. The odd one out:

A. Car B. Bicycle
C. Motorcycle D. Truck

Correct Answer B All require fuel except Bicycle.

6. The odd one out:

A. Horse B. Elephant
C. Deer D. Giraffe

Correct Answer A Except Horse, all others are wild animals.

36
7. The odd one out:
A. Listen B. Swim
C. Walk D. Climb

Correct Answer A Except Listening, all others require physical movement.

8. The odd one out:

A. Screw B. Hammer
C. Pin D. Neadle

Correct Answer B Except Hammer, all others are pointed objects.

9. The odd one out:

A. Gold B. Silver
C. Carbon D. Diamond

Correct Answer C Except Carbon, all others are used in jewelry.

10. The odd one out:

A. May B. August
C. June D. December

Correct Answer C Except June, all others have 31 days.

11. The odd one out:

A. Mars B. Earth
C. Mercury D. Sun

Correct Answer D All are planets except the Sun.

12. The odd one out:

A. Three B. Book
C. Mark D. Milk

Correct Answer D All end with ‘k’ except Three.

13. The odd one out:

A. Loudspeaker B. Television
C. Shovel D. Radio

Correct Answer C All are electronics except Shovel.

37
14. The odd one out:
A. Arm B. Leg
C. Back D. Ring

Correct Answer D All are body parts except Ring.

15. The odd one out:

A. Eye B. Level
C. Star D. Civic

Correct Answer C All are spelt the same backwards except Star.

16. The odd one out:

A. Fleas B. Parrot
C. Harbor D. Grasshoppers

Correct Answer B Except Parrot, all other are insects.

17. The odd one out:

A. Apple B. Orange
C. Tomato D. Potato

Correct Answer D Except Potato, all others are fruits.

18. The odd one out:

A. Peel B. Fry
C. Boil D. Bake

Correct Answer A Peel is the only thing that can be done with hand.

19. The odd one out:

A. Smartphone B. Honda
C. iPad D. Webcam

Correct Answer B All except Honda are gadgets.

20. The odd one out:

A. Hands B. Kidney
C. Heart D. Eye

Correct Answer C All except heart are present in the Human body in a pair.

38
21. The odd one out:
A. Integrity B. Virtue
C. Honesty D. Corruption

Correct Answer D

22. The odd one out:

A. Cottage B. Hut
C. Cabin D. Barn

Correct Answer D

23. The odd one out:

A. Brave B. Hospitable
C. Generosity D. Philanthropist

Correct Answer C

24. The odd one out:

A. Fatigue B. Weakness
C. Laziness D. Tiredness

Correct Answer C

25. The odd one out:

A. Nefertiti B. Cleopatra
C. Zenobia D. Princess Diana

Correct Answer D

26. The odd one out:

A. Petra B. Alps
C. Taj Mahal D. Colosseum

Correct Answer B

27. The odd one out:

A. Charity B. Donation
C. Philanthropy D. Wickedness

Correct Answer D

39
28. The odd one out:
A. Hopscotch B. Crosswords
C. Sudoku D. Chess

Correct Answer A

29. The odd one out:

A. Flower B. Rose
C. Bean D. Daisy

Correct Answer C

30. The odd one out:

A. Relax B. Repose
C. Sleep D. Rest

Correct Answer C

31. The odd one out:

A. Put B. Swim
C. Buy D. Talk

Correct Answer D

32. The odd one out:

A. Grape B. Banana
C. Sugar D. Honey

Correct Answer D

33. The odd one out:

A. Costly B. Expensive
C. Pricy D. Abundant

Correct Answer D

34. The odd one out:

A. Mediterranean B. Pacific
C. Atlantic D. Indian

Correct Answer A

40
35. The odd one out:
A. Ocean B. Sea
C. Lake D. River

Correct Answer D

36. The odd one out:

A. Jeddah B. Alexandria
C. Aqaba D. Damascus

Correct Answer D

37. The odd one out:

A. Introduction B. Preface
C. Conclusion D. Preamble

Correct Answer C

38. The odd one out:

A. Night B. North star
C. West D. East

Correct Answer A

39. The odd one out:

A. Spleen B. Lung
C. Liver D. Eye

Correct Answer D

40. The odd one out:

A. Corn B. Feathers
C. Eggs D. Farm

Correct Answer D

41
Quiz – The Odd One Out
1. A. Scooter B. Motorcycle
C. Bicycle D. Car

2. A. Einstein B. Graham Bell

C. Mozart D. Edison

3. A. Kilometer B. Meter
C. Centimeter D. Quart

4. A. Ounce B. Peso
C. Dollar D. Euro

5. A. Algebra B. Thermodynamics
C. Calculus D. Geometry

6. A. Square B. Triangle
C. Rectangle D. Cuboid

7. A. Whale B. Snake
C. Crocodile D. Fish

8. A. Spoon B. Sword
C. Knife D. Fork

9. A. Loyalty B. Unfaithfulness
C. Betrayal D. Infidelity

10. A. Rice B. Sausage

C. Chicken D. Beef

11. A. Niece B. Aunt

C. Sister D. Son

12. A. Blind B. Dumb

C. Deaf D. Funny

13. A. Peep B. Stare

C. Hug D. Glance

14. A. Happy B. Grumpy

C. Joy D. Excited

15. A. Shoe B. Sandal

C. Glove D. Boot

42
Answer Key
Q Correct Explanation
Answer
1 D All except Car are two wheelers.
2 C All except Mozart were scientists, while Mozart was a musician.
3 D All except Quart are units of measuring distances.
4 A All except Ounce are names of currencies, while Ounce is a unit of weight.
5 B All except Thermodynamics are topics of Mathematics.
6 D All except Cuboids are 3 dimensional figures.
7 A All except Whale lay eggs.
8 B All except sword are used in kitchen.
9 A All are antonyms of loyalty.
10 A All except Rice are meet.
11 D All except Son are female.
12 D All are features connected with body parts except Funny.
13 C All use eyes except Hug.
14 B All are positive emotions except Grumpy.
15 C Glove is worn on hand.

43
READING COMPREHENSION

In the Reading Comprehension section, the test taker is required to comprehend and analyze reading
passages and then answer questions that relate to these passages. The test taker should answer all
questions within the given time. These questions require fast reading skills, concentration, and an
ability to analyze and make inferences.

Common Types of Questions

1. Main Idea: Questions asking about the central idea or main theme of the whole passage.
Sometimes, the opening and closing lines of each paragraph can give a better clue.
2. Direct Question: questions that ask about specific details in the passage. This is to test your
analysis and scanning abilities.
3. Making Inferences: questions that ask you to infer from the passages expressing your opinion
about what is included in a paragraph. You must be clear about what the author is referring to
and then make your own opinion according to your understanding.
4. Word Meaning: Questions asking about the meaning of specific words in light of the context
in the passage.
5. Author’s Intention: Some questions ask you to explain the mood in which the author is writing
and whether it is sarcastic, humorous, sad…etc.
6. Best Title: Questions asking for selecting a suitable title for the passage. Remember that the
chosen title should not be narrowly or broadly selected. Avoid titles that describe one or two
paragraphs. Select a title that is applicable to the whole passage.

Strategies
1. Before reading the passage, read the questions first (not the choices). If you know the
questions, then you can choose what to take note of while reading. Note that reading the
questions only may not be enough. Some questions (such as best title and main idea
questions) require you read or skim through the passage.
2. Pay attention to the first and last sentences in each paragraph. Usually, those sentences state
the main idea of the passage. You do not need to read the whole passage.
3. Most passages have clues about the important ideas. I.e., phrases like “note that,” “clearly,”
and “do not overlook”. They give you hint on which ideas to focus on.
4. Read all the choices. Do not rush answering if you think you found the correct answer. There
might be a better answer.
5. Take notes of the difference between the true answer and the correct answer. Your answer
must be based on the passage and your own opinion or prior knowledge.
6. Do not spend a lot of time in one question. If you cannot find the answer even if you refer to
the passage, eliminate the obviously wrong choices, and choose your answer from the
remaining choices.
7. If you finish the exam early, review your answers.

44
Exercises
Reading 1

How many things can you see in the night sky? A lot! On a clear night you might see the moon,
some planets, and thousands of sparkling stars. You can see even more with a telescope. You might
see stars where before you only saw dark space. You might see that many stars look larger than others.
You might see that some stars that look white are really red or blue. With bigger and bigger telescopes,
you can see more and more objects in the sky. And you can see those objects in more and more detail.

But scientists believe there are some things in the sky that we will never see. We won’t see them
with the biggest telescope in the world, on the clearest night of the year. That’s because they’re
invisible. They’re the mysterious dead stars called black holes.

You might find it hard to imagine that stars die. After all, our Sun is a star. Year after year we see it
up in the sky, burning brightly, giving us heat and light. The Sun certainly doesn’t seem to be getting
old or weak. But stars do burn out and die after billions of years.

As the gases of a star burn, they give off light and heat. But when the gas runs out, the star stops
burning and begins to die. As the star cools, the outer layers of the star pull in toward the center. The
star squashes into a smaller and smaller ball. If the star was very small to begin with, the star ends up
as a cold, dark ball called a black dwarf. If the star was very big, it keeps squashing inward until it’s
packed together tighter than anything in the universe.

Imagine if the Earth were crushed until it was the size of a tiny marble. That’s how tightly this dead
star, a black hole, is packed. What pulls the star in toward its center with such power? It’s the same
force that pulls you down when you jump — the force called gravity. A black hole is so tightly packed
that its gravity sucks in everything — even light. The light from a black hole can never come back to
your eyes. That’s why you see nothing but blackness.

So, the next time you stare up at the night sky, remember: there’s more in the sky than meets the
eye! Scattered in the silent darkness are black holes — the great mystery of space.

1. What can bigger telescopes see?

A. Hidden planets B. Dark spaces
C. Larger sparkles D. Other bodies

Correct Answer D With bigger telescopes we can see more and more objects in the sky.

2. According to paragraph (2), which of the following is NOT true about black holes?
A. They are mysterious. B. They are invisible.
C. They are dead. D. They are big.

Correct Answer D They are mysterious dead black holes.

45
3. What does paragraph (3) say about our Sun?
A. It is not a star. B. It is almost dead.
C. It will burn out and die. D. It gives light but not heat.

Correct Answer C Stars, like the Sun, burnout and die after billions of years.

4. The word squashing in paragraph (4) is closest in meaning to which of the following?
A. Hitting B. Shrinking
C. Rotating D. Breaking

Correct Answer B The star squashes into a smaller and smaller ball.

5. According to paragraph (4), why does a star give off light and heat?
A. Because it reflects light B. Because it burns its own fuel
C. Because of its mirror-like surface D. Because of the light temperature of
space.

Correct Answer B As clearly stated in the first sentence in the paragraph.

6. The word marble in paragraph (5) is closest in meaning to:

A. A small vehicle B. A tiny insect
C. A small building D. A polished rock

Correct Answer D As clearly stated in the first sentence in the paragraph.

7. What is the best title for this passage?

A. Black Holes: Energy and Age B. Black Holes: Gravity and Size
C. Black Holes: Reality and Mystery D. Black Holes: Stars and Telescopes

Correct Answer C

46
 Reading 2

Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use;
such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital
media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents
and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical
features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use
these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about
the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one's head during the
Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a
growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a
luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.

8. The term "frivolous" implies that the author…

A. is fascinated by the endless B. believes that the average individual
capabilities on smart phones. does not need a smart phone
C. wants to see more developments D. hopes that technology ceases to expand
added to smart phone technology its scope.

“Frivolous” means useless or unnecessary. So, if the author believes that

Correct Answer B individuals not involved in business are unnecessarily using smart phones,
that the author would think these people do not need smart phones.

9. What is the purpose of the conclusion sentence?

A. Draw a conclusion about what we B. Assume where technology is headed
know smart phones can do. and how it will affect society
C. Comment on human connectivity D. Present two possible explanations for
through the use of smart phones the growing popularity of smart phones

Correct Answer D These two suppositions are guesses at what is causing this trend.

10. In the last line of the first paragraph, the word mobile means...
A. Moving easily and quickly B. Communicating with each other
C. Learning new concepts D. Having extra time at work

Correct Answer A Given the context, the meaning of mobile is moving easily.

11. In conclusion, the author believes that smart phones are...

A. Useless in modern life B. Indispensable in modern life
C. Deemed to disappear sooner or later D. Unnecessary as they are a waste of time

The passage highlights how modern society is increasingly attached to

Correct Answer B
smart phones given its benefits.

47
 Reading 3

These huge waves wreak terrific damage when they crash on the shores of distant lands or
continents. Under a perfectly sunny sky and from an apparently calm sea, a wall of water may break
twenty or thirty feet high over beaches and waterfronts, crushing houses and drowning unsuspecting
residents and bathers in its path.

How are these waves formed? When a submarine earthquake occurs, it is likely to set up a
tremendous amount of shock, disturbing the quiet waters of the deep ocean. This disturbance travels
to the surface and forms a huge swell in the ocean many miles across. It rolls outward in all directions,
and the water lowers in the center as another swell looms up.

Thus, a series of concentric swells are formed similar to those made when a coin or small pebble
is dropped into a basin of water. The big difference is in the size. Each of the concentric rings of basin
water traveling out toward the edge is only about an inch across and less than a quarter of an inch
high. The swells in the ocean are sometimes nearly a mile wide and rise to several multiples of ten feet
in height.

Many of us have heard about these waves, often referred to by their Japanese name of “tsunami.”
For ages they have been dreaded in the Pacific, as no shore has been free from them. An underwater
earthquake in the Aleutian Islands could start a swell that would break along the shores and cause
severe damage in the southern part of Chile in South America. These waves travel hundreds of miles
an hour, and one can understand how they would crash as violent breakers when caused to drag in the
shallow waters of a coast.

Nothing was done about tsunamis until after World War II. In 1947 a particularly bad submarine
earthquake took place south of the Aleutian Islands. A few hours later, people bathing in the sun along
the quiet shores of Hawaii were dashed to death and shore-line property became a mass of shambles
because a series of monstrous, breaking swells crashed along the shore and drove far inland. Hundreds
of lives were lost in this catastrophe, and millions upon millions of dollars’ worth of damage was done.

12. One surprising aspect of the waves discussed in the passage is the fact that they...
A. Are formed in concentric patters B. Often strike during clear weather
C. Arise under conditions of cold D. Are produced by deep swells
temperature

Correct Answer B According to the passage, often strike during clear weather.

13. It is believed that the waves are caused by…

A. Seismic changes B. Concentric time belts
C. Underwater earthquakes D. Storms

Correct Answer C According to the passage, they are caused by underwater earthquakes.

48
14. The normal maximum width of the waves is approximately…
A. One mile B. Five miles
C. Five feet D. Ten feet

Correct Answer A According to the passage, it is one mile.

15. Nothing was done about the waves until…

A. Deaths occurred B. A solution was found
C. Millions of dollars’ worth of damage D. The outbreak of World War II
was incurred

Correct Answer D According to the passage, until WW2.

16. The movement of the waves has been measured at a speed of…
A. 1 mile an hour B. 50 miles an hour
C. 100 miles an hour D. More than a hundred miles an hour

Correct Answer D According to the passage, more than 100 miles an hour.

49
 Reading 4

A newspaper reporter interviewed a farmer who won top prizes for his corn in the farmers’ festival
year after year. In the interview, the reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his
neighbors. “How can you afford to share your best seed with your neighbors when they are entering
in corn competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked.

“Why sir,” said the farmer, “didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and
blows it from field to field. If my neighbors grow low quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily lower
the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.” From his
answer it is clear that the farmer is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot
improve unless his neighbor’s corn also improves.

So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace.
Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the
lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare
of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

17. What does the farmer imply when he says “Why sir…” at the beginning of paragraph (2)?
A. Why don’t you know? B. Why are you surprised?
C. Why don’t you do that? D. Why did you ask me?

Correct Answer B According to the passage, he implies: Why are you surprised?

18. The views expressed in paragraph (3) are those of…

A. the farmer B. the reporter
C. the writer D. the neighbors

Correct Answer C According to the passage, these are the writer’s views.

19. The best title for this passage is…

A. The Wisdom of a Reporter B. The Recovery of Wisdom
C. The Power of Sharing D. The Virtues of Competition

Correct Answer C According to the passage, the best title is: The Power of Sharing.

20. The farmer’s action exemplifies

A. sharing B. selfishness
C. individuality D. independence

Correct Answer A According to the passage, the farmer’s action exemplifies sharing.

50
Quiz – Reading Comprehension

Reading 1

The earth rumbles, shakes and splits open. Windows rattle. Buildings collapse. It's a strong
earthquake, an event that happens some- where on the earth more than twice a day. (Minor
earthquakes occur thousands of times a day.) What causes earthquakes, and why are they more
common in some places than others? It all has to do with the way the earth's brittle crust, and the
viscous layers below it, move. If you could slice the earth in half, it would resemble a giant egg. In the
center is an iron core that's almost as hot as the sun. That warms the next layer, the mantle, which
encases the core like an egg white around a yolk. The mantle, which is mostly molten rock, is the
earth's thickest layer. On top of that sits the thinnest layer, the rigid crust. Like a cracked eggshell, the
crust is broken into jagged sections, which are called plates. They float on top of the mantle, drifting
roughly as fast as your fingernails grow. The movement is usually smooth, but when plates grind
together, they can bump and jerk, which leads to the shaking that we know as earth- quakes.

Earthquakes usually happen at "faults," zones where plates meet. Quakes and faults come in many
varieties, but there are a few common ones. One of the most famous faults, the San Andreas Fault, is
a "transform fault," in which two plates slide past each other. When the edges of the plates stick
together, pressure builds up as the plates themselves continue to move. Eventually the edges break
free in a violent, shaking earthquake.

Another kind of fault, a "convergent fault," occurs where plates push against each other. That can
make the edges of one or both crumple, causing earthquakes and building mountains. Sometimes one
plate slips beneath the other, diving into the hot mantle. The heat melts the plate, which can spew
back up as molten rock, bursting through the surface to form a volcano. Finally, a "normal fault" is a
place where plates move away from each other. Lava from the mantle bubbles up in the gap between
them. When it cools, it forms a new section of crust.

Scientists rate quakes on the Richter scale, invented by Beno Gutenberg and Charles Richter in
1935. Each level on the scale represents a quake 10 times more powerful than the level below. For
example, a quake rated at 3 is 10 times more powerful than one rated at 2. Earthquakes aren't very
destructive until they reach about 5 on the scale. Much of the damage happens during aftershocks,
rumbles that occur as the earth's crust settles into its new configuration. They can give the final push
to things knocked loose during the original event.

1. The scale that scientists use to rat the strength of earthquakes is called the…
A. earthquake detector. B. Richter scale.
C. Rumble scale. D. Fault scale.

2. Earthquakes are considered destructive after they reach what level on the scale?
A. 1 B. 10
C. 5 D. 7.5

51
3. Earthquakes along “faults.” What exactly are “faults”?
A. the craters that volcanoes create B. the areas where plates meet
C. any hole in the Earth’s crust D. where the core meets the mantle

4. Earthquakes actually occur because the plates floating on the crust…

A. grind against each other. B. move smoothly past each other.
C. explode upon contact. D. form new mountain chairs.

5. Which of the following phrases best describes the main idea of this article?
A. Scientists are exploring the Sun B. Someone developed the scale for rating
Andreas Fault earthquakes
C. The Earth’s crust is always moving D. There are many types of rocks and
and earthquakes occur earthquakes

52
 Reading 2

Nine thousand years ago, people did not have money. They traded animals for things they wanted.
They traded crops for what they wanted.

In China, in about 1200 B.C. people traded shells for the things they wanted. Chinese people also
traded metal tools for the things they wanted. For example, they traded metal knives and shovels for
the things they wanted. Later in China, people made metal money. In about 100 B.C., the Chinese
made money of animal skin. The first paper money was made from white colored deer skin. It came
from China about 900 years later.

In about 700 B.C., people made the first -round metal coins. The coins were made of gold and
silver. They looked very similar to the coins we use today. These coins came from Lydia. Lydia was
located where the country called Turkey is located today. After people made coins in Lydia, people in
Rome, Iran, and Greece also began making coins. Coins were very durable – they were strong and could
last a long time without becoming damaged. Wampum is necklaces made from beads and seashells.
The beads had holes in them. People put beads on strings. American Indians used wampum for money
in the 1500’s.

Money changes with time. No matter what it looks like, money is an idea. It is the thought that
people can trade something they have for something they want. Money makes trading easier.

6. Before people had money, they traded…

A. crops for what they wanted. B. animals for what they wanted.
C. metal tools for what they wanted. D. All of the above

7. The first metal coins came from…

A. Rome B. Lydia
C. China D. Turkey

8. What was the first paper money made of?

A. Metal B. Tree leaves
C. Animal skin D. White shells

9. If something is durable, it…

A. Is strong and can last a long time B. Is made of metal
C. Can be used as money D. None of the above

10. All money is based on the idea that…

A. God and silver are good money B. People can trade what they have for
what they want
C. People can trade things for animals D. Coins are the best kind of money

53
 Reading 3

The California Gold Rush was a period between 1848 and 1855 when gold was discovered in
California. The first gold was found by a man named James Marshall at Sutter’s Mill near Coloma. John
Sutter had hired Marshall to build a sawmill. While he was working, Marshall found shiny flakes of gold
in the river. Marshall and Sutter tried to keep the gold a secret, but soon word got around. Before the
Gold Rush was over, 300,000 people would “rush” to California in hopes of getting rich by finding gold.
Because the rush to California really began to grow in 1849, the prospectors were nicknamed “the
forty-niners.”

Some of these first prospectors did find gold and make some significant money — up to ten times
a day what they might have made working regular jobs. But these prospectors needed both food and
supplies, and the business owners that provided these necessities often made more money than the
miners.

The first miners “panned” for gold in water. They would scoop alluvial deposits from the river or
creek bed (which could include fine particles of silt and clay and larger particles of sand and gravel)
into the pan and then gently shake it. Because gold has a higher specific gravity than some of the other
materials, which would spill out over the edge, any gold in the deposit would remain in the bottom of
the pan. Later miners use more complex methods that required them to work together.

When many miners showed up at one place where gold was rumored to have been found, their
camps sometimes grew quickly into towns called Boomtowns. The current city of San Francisco, a small
town of 1,000 people, became a boomtown as its population grew to 30,000. But not all boomtowns
survived beyond the gold rush and some of them became ghost towns — buildings stood, but no one
lived there anymore.

11. Who first discovered the gold at Sutter’s Mill?

A. John Sutter B. James Marshall
C. The forty-niners D. Coloma

12. Who often made the most money during the Gold Rush?
A. The forty-niners B. Those who strictly panned for gold
C. Business owners who sold supplies to D. John Sutter
the miners

13. Why does panning for gold work?

A. Most gold was found in the water. B. Gold has a higher specific gravity than
some of the other materials
C. people could do it without help D. It didn’t require expensive tools

14. Camps that grew quickly into towns were called…

A. Ghost towns B. Rumor mills
C. Boomtowns D. Forty-niners

54
15. What is a ghost town?
A. Buildings stand but no one lives there B. Camps that grew quickly into towns
anymore
C. Towns filled with forty-niners D. Towns whose population grew
dramatically

Answer Key
Question Correct Question Correct
Answer Answer
1 B 9 A
2 C 10 B
3 B 11 B
4 A 12 C
5 C 13 B
6 D 14 C
7 B 15 A
8 C

55
PRACTICE TEST

Analogy
1. Brave : Coward
A. health : cancer B. plateau : tough
C. happiness : fear D. study : sport

2. Stiffness : Rigid
A. transparency : bright B. malleability : pliant
C. brittleness : soft D. solidity : fluid

3. Horse : Mare
A. duck : geese B. dog : puppy
C. donkey : pony D. fox : vixen

4. Lace : Shoe
A. cuff : trouser B. drawstring : hood
C. zipper : pouch D. brim : hat

5. Salt : Brine
A. sugar : syrup B. seasoning : meal
C. thyme : herb D. flavor : broth

Sentence Completion
6. When I was ______, I always thought my classes were very difficult and feared that when I
got older my ______ would be impossible.
A. a child...movement B. abroad...past
C. wiser...mission D. younger...studies

7. Some recent studies ______ that some saturated fats, unlike previously thought, really
contain anti-aging ______.
A. show...benefits B. prove...harms
C. assume...surge D. propose...results

8. Samir’s favorite ______ is traveling; he especially likes ______ countries that are new to him.
A. hobby...visiting B. assignment...familiar
C. sport...rough D. recreation...remembering

56
9. One of the most ______ things in life is self-concept; with a positive one, no ______ is too big
to solve.
A. awesome...obstacle B. important...problem
C. significant...harm D. crucial...imagination

10. It is hard to imagine how things were before ______ were invented; we certainly couldn’t
______ information as easily as we can now.
A. computers...get B. televisions...print
C. clocks...obtain D. cars...build

Contextual Error
11. After he washed and waxed his car, it looked very rusty.
A. washed B. waxed
C. car D. rusty

12. The rope was hard to cut because it was so thin.

A. rope B. hard
C. cut D. thin

13. The guests were elated because the food tastes awful. It was prepared by an excellent chef.
A. food B. awful
C. excellent D. chef

14. Faisal tried to be on time for his class. However, he was poor.
A. tried B. on time
C. class D.

15. It was an easy question. I couldn’t understand a word of it.

A. easy B. question
C. understand D. word

The Odd One Out

16. The odd one out:
A. lately B. rarely
C. hardly D. seldom

57
 17. The odd one out:
A. length B. deep
C. high D. wide

18. The odd one out:

A. shoe B. sandal
C. glove D. boot

19. The odd one out:

A. wardrobe B. dishwasher
C. bed D. dresser

20. The odd one out:

A. beside B. although
C. however D. despite

Reading Comprehension
Only a small portion of the earth's water supply is fresh water. With the rate that the human race
uses water, how come it never runs out? Fresh water never runs out because it is constantly being
renewed by the water cycle. In a water cycle water is always on the move as it changes from a liquid
to a gas and back to a liquid.

When water evaporates it leaves behind the materials it contained. The water vapor is not salt
water. And when the water falls back to earth it seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.
Groundwater then seeps into spaces within the earth until it is blocked by a rock that is tightly packed
and has few spaces. Then the water starts to back up and fill spaces in the soil and rocks above. The
top of these water filled spaces are called water tables. If the water table reaches above the surface a
pond, lake or stream is formed.

Ponds and lakes are still bodies of water. They get formed when water fills up low lying places.
Streams flow downhill and as they flow they join up with other streams and eventually run into the
ocean or other large bodies of water.

An underground layer of rock or soil that gets filled with water is called an aquifer. Water can move
through an aquifer through very long distances.

Some ground water seeps out of the ground into a spring. Springs occur when the water table
meets the surface. They feed water into lakes or streams long after it stops raining.

Most supplies of fresh water for large towns or cities come from reservoirs. They become storage
areas for fresh water supplies. Reservoirs are commonly human made, but there are natural made
ones too and pipelines are used to transport water from a reservoir.

Fresh water can become polluted in many ways. Aside from the unfortunate dumping of trash into
the fresh water, it becomes polluted as the rain or snow picks up pollutants in the air as the

58
precipitation falls to earth. There are chemicals in the air that makes the rain turn into acid. Acid rain
harms both living things and property.

Water also gets polluted when there is runoff water. This is water that runs off the land and
becomes in contact with the trash on the ground therefore polluting the fresh water supply.

Groundwater is a potential hazard to keeping water fresh. As groundwater soaks down through
the sol it can pick up chemicals such as pesticides that contaminate the fresh water. There are also
water supplies that get polluted by industries. For example, water that is used to produce paper is
slowly filled with fibers and chemicals.

And water is polluted in the household as you flush toilets, wash dishes, brush teeth, or take a
bath. Water becomes polluted with waste and is pumped to a plant to recycle. This helps recycle our
fresh water supply because it is so small and in great demand. The fresh water cycle is complex and
vital to life. Aquifers, reservoirs, and pollution all are key factors in supplying fresh water to earth.

Because only a small portion of the earth's water supply is fresh water, it is important to not only
keep it fresh, but also to keep the water cycle running.

21. Fresh water never runs out because it is constantly being renewed by which of the following?
A. Reservoir B. Water cycle
C. Runoff D. Aquifers

22. When the water falls back to earth it seeps into the ground and becomes which of the
following?
A. Water level B. Precipitation
C. Groundwater D. Reservoir

23. Most supplies of fresh water for large towns or cities come from which of the following?
A. Reservoirs B. Lakes
C. Springs D. Streams

24. An underground layer of rock or soil that gets filled with water is called which of the
following?
A. A Reservoir B. Groundwater
C. Water cycle D. Aquifer

25. Which of the following is not a way water gets polluted in the household?
A. Flushing toilets B. Brushing teeth
C. Washing dishes D. Watering the grass

59
Answer Key
Q Correct Explanation
Answer
1 C Antonyms
2 B Stiffness is the quality of being rigid. Malleability is the quality of being pliant (very
east to bend).
3 D The second is the female of the first.
4 B A lace is a string that is pulled and tied to hold a shoe in place. Similarly, a
drawstring is pulled and tied to hold a hood in place.
5 A Brine is water saturated with salt; syrup is water saturated with sugar.
6 D younger...studies
7 A show...benefits
8 A hobby...visiting
9 B important...problem
10 A computers...get
11 D From the context, the answer is rusty.
12 D From the context, the answer is thin.
13 B From the context, the answer is awful.
14 D From the context, the answer is poor.
15 A From the context, the answer is easy.
16 A All are frequency adverbs except Lately.
17 A All are adjectives except Length is a noun.
18 C Glove is the only one worn on hand.
19 B The others are in the bedroom.
20 A All are contrast indicators except besides.
21 B It is constantly being renewed by the water cycle.
22 C It seeps into the ground and become groundwater.
23 A Most supplies of fresh water for large towns or cities come from reservoirs.
24 D An underground layer of rock or soil that gets filled with water is called an aquifer.
25 D Watering the grass.

60