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UNIT 2 – THINKING AND LEARNING – VOCABULARY TEST

1. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the option that best fits each sentence or explains the word in context.
1. The detective was able to ___ the motive behind the crime through subtle clues.
A. ponder B. deduce C. reflect D. speculate
2. That theory sounds plausible at first, but upon closer inspection, it's riddled with ___.
A. ideology B. paradoxes C. dilemmas D. hunches
3. Despite the ___ evidence, she remained skeptical of the results.
A. ingenious B. biased C. compelling D. inattentive
4. It’s unfair to ___ others’ views without hearing their reasoning.
A. discriminate B. justify C. query D. presume
5. His response was purely ___—he hadn't reviewed any of the data.
A. guesswork B. inspiration C. intuition D. faith
6. The proposal was rejected for being overly ___ and lacking practical support.
A. intellectual B. optimistic C. academic D. speculative
7. She approached the situation with ___, evaluating all possibilities thoroughly.
A. intuition B. deliberation C. reflection D. supposition
8. A ___ can undermine an entire argument if it's left unchecked.
A. prejudice B. dilemma C. bias D. notion
9. He’s highly ___, yet his inattentiveness affects his performance.
A. knowledgeable B. intellectual C. cynical D. intensive
10. If students ___ ideas from sources without citation, it constitutes academic dishonesty.
A. cram B. plagiarize C. justify D. assume
11. The seminar focused on tackling ___ in educational environments.
A. special needs B. curriculum C. intuition D. notion
12. His argument was undermined by the presence of a glaring ___.
A. guesswork B. prejudice C. paradox D. skepticism
13. We had to ___ which parts of the budget could be reduced.

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A. speculate B. assess C. ponder D. cram

14. Her ___ mindset often leads her to expect the worst.
A. skeptical B. pessimistic C. naïve D. cynical
15. The ___ laid out by the department covers six core learning objectives.
A. curriculum B. tuition C. mock exam D. seminar
16. The student claimed he had an ___ that guided him through the answer.
A. ideology B. hunch C. inspiration D. faith
17. Even the most ___ thinkers can make errors when under pressure.
A. intensive B. ingenious C. inattentive D. pessimistic
18. She couldn't ___ how the data connected — there was too much noise.
A. grasp B. reckon C. deliberate D. contemplate
19. We decided to ___ the pros and cons before launching the campaign.
A. reflect B. speculate C. cram D. deliberate
20. He was ___ enough to believe every headline was true.
A. ignorant B. biased C. naïve D. skeptical

2. FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS PASSAGE
Use the following vocabulary to complete the reading passage:
assess, cram, dilemma, graduate, prejudice, deliberate, curriculum, cynical, guesswork, intensive, mock
exam, distance learning, lecture, tuition, query, inspiration, intuitive, skeptical, genius, contemplative
The university encourages students to (1) _____ deliberate __________ their decisions before selecting a
major. Many face the (2) _______________ of balancing personal interests with job market trends. While
traditional (3) _______________ are often packed with theoretical knowledge, some opt for (4)
_______________ to accommodate other commitments.
The (5) _______________ is designed to provide an (6) ______________ overview of the subject, but some
learners prefer self-paced options. Before students (7) ______________, they must pass a rigorous (8)
_______________ and final exam. Some rely on pure (9) _______________, while others (10)
____________________ past papers in hopes of memorizing key content.
One student, widely considered a (11) _______________, amazed the class with her (12) _____________
approach to solving problems. The professor praised her as an (13) ______________ thinker, suggesting that
her responses came more from instinct than logic.

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Despite this, a few _(14) ______________ classmates raised concerns and decided to (15) _______________
whether she had plagiarized. Although there was no evidence, their (16) _______________ made her
uncomfortable. The situation prompted a university review and an increase in (17) _______________ fees to
better fund assessment integrity.
In the end, many agreed it’s more productive to (18) _______________ ideas openly than assume wrongdoing
based on appearance.

3. WORD FORMATION
Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in parentheses.
1. His _________________ reasoning challenged the traditional argument. (ingenious)

2. The student spoke with remarkable _________________ for someone her age. (intellect)

3. Their _________________ made it difficult to accept any alternative viewpoints. (bias)

4. She studied with _________________ dedication during exam week. (intense)

5. His _________________ led him to trust the theory without evidence. (faith)

6. A _________________ cannot be solved without sacrificing one value for another. (dilemma)

7. They reached a decision after much _________________ (deliberate)

8. The artist claimed the idea came to him through _________________ (inspire)

9. _________________ learning allows students to study outside traditional classrooms. (distance)

10. He was unfairly treated due to unconscious _________________ (prejudice)

11. Her _________________ personality made her question everything. (sceptic)

12. That response was purely _________________ — he didn’t analyze the problem. (guess)

13. Students who _________________ must understand the consequences. (plagiarize)

14. She handled the situation with _________________ and empathy. (reflect)

15. The _________________ was considered controversial but thought-provoking. (notion)

16. He’s known for his _________________ ideas that defy convention. (intuit)

17. The school restructured its _________________ to meet modern needs. (curricular)

18. You need to _________________ your priorities before beginning this course. (assess)

19. Their ___ approach won’t work in such a complex environment. (naïve)

20. Tuition costs are rising due to improvements in _________________ delivery. (educate)

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4. Choose the correct phrasal verb based on its definition.

1) To accept something and try to deal with it.
A. make out B. face up to C. take in D. mull over
2) To suddenly have an idea or discover something by chance.
A. puzzle out B. hit upon C. think up D. figure out
3) To understand and solve a confusing or complex problem.
A. swot up B. brush up C. puzzle out D. read up
4) To change your opinion because someone has persuaded you.
A. come up with C. take in
B. come round to D. piece together
5) To see, hear, or understand something with difficulty.
A. make out B. think over C. read up D. take in
6) To get information on a topic by reading extensively.
A. mull over B. swot up C. read up D. figure out
7) To carefully consider facts in an organized way.
A. think through B. mull over C. take in D. brush up
8) To think of an idea, especially an excuse.
A. hit upon B. think up C. piece together D. come round to
9) To trick someone into believing something untrue.
A. swot up B. take in C. think over D. read up
10) To learn the truth by combining bits of information.
A. figure out B. make out C. piece together D. mull over

5. Fill in the blank (contextual usage)

Complete the sentences using the correct phrasal verb.
11. I had to __________ the courage to confront my boss about the unfair treatment.
12. After hours of brainstorming, we finally __________ a solution to the design flaw.
13. I didn’t __________ what she meant until I reread the email more carefully.
14. He needed time to __________ his options before accepting the offer.

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15. I’ve been trying to __________ how this new software works all morning!
16. She __________ a clever excuse for being late to the meeting.
17. Before the trip, I’ll need to __________ some background on the local customs.
18. It took weeks, but the detective managed to __________ what really happened.
19. He was so convincing that I was completely __________ by his story.
20. If you want to do well in the test, you’ll need to __________ those grammar rules.

6. Fill in the blank

Passage 1: The Mind of an Innovator
Innovation is often the __________ (1) creative thinking and persistent experimentation. Many successful
inventors report having experienced a sudden __________ (2) when least expected. While this moment of
inspiration might seem miraculous, it is usually the result of a prior __________ (3) to solve a problem.
Experts often __________ (4) rapid progress in technology to collaborative environments where individuals
can __________ (5) each other's experiences. Team leaders who can __________ (6) between divergent
ideas and practical feasibility are often __________ (7) major breakthroughs.
Still, ideas may be dismissed if educators __________ (8) immediate results over long-term vision.
Decisions should __________ (9) different learning styles and emotional resilience. After all, by fostering
curiosity, schools nurture not just academic excellence, but a deep __________ (10) education as a
transformative force.
Passage 2: Critical Thinking in Education
In an age flooded with information, the ability to think critically is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.
Students must be encouraged to develop a strong __________ (1) their reasoning skills are vital. Many
educators __________ (2) that teaching students how to question assumptions is more important than rote
memorization.
Teachers are often the __________ (3) thoughtful curriculum design, constantly seeking ways to inspire
learners. They might hold a session to __________ (4) new teaching methods or ask colleagues to
__________ (5) before launching a new module.
However, we must be careful not to __________ (6) about students based on surface-level observations.
Making generalizations can throw the learning process __________ (7). Instead, assessments should be
developed __________ (8) clearly defined goals and include feedback that learners receive __________ (9),
so growth is both measurable and meaningful.
__________ (10), critical thinking must be embedded at every level of education—without it, progress is
merely a foregone hope.

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7. Reading comprehension
FICTION STORY: "THE FOCUS OF ELARA’S DREAM"
Elara wandered the misty shoreline at dawn, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts. She was under the
impression that dreams were just fabrications—yet last night’s vision lingered with vivid clarity. It wasn’t
just a dream come true; it was a call to action.
The elders had dismissed her tale, casting doubt on her experience and refusing to give consideration to
her urgency. But Elara, with a one-track mind, had made a mental note of every detail—every shimmering
lake, every whisper in the air.
Despite their skepticism, she rallied a small focus group of young villagers who, beyond any doubt,
believed her. They followed her to the old forest where legends spoke of a hidden sanctuary. With their
state of mind sharpened by hope, the group pressed forward, ignoring misapprehensions and distractions.
At last, they reached the clearing Elara had described—a site that had been out of focus in ancient maps
but now stood revealed. They found a glowing pool, just like in her dream. The water shimmered with
memories, bringing to mind stories long forgotten.
As the village gathered in awe, Elara stood silently. She hadn’t just had a dream—she had focused on it,
trusted it, and turned it into reality.
And for the first time, the elders gave consideration to new ways of understanding the world. Elara had not
only made an impression—she had changed the course of their future.
1. What motivated Elara to pursue her dream despite the elders’ skepticism?
A. She wanted fame among villagers
B. She had a personal grudge against the elders
C. She believed deeply in the message of her vision
D. She was ordered to investigate the forest

2. What is the function of the “focus group” mentioned in the story?

A. To prove the elders were wrong
B. To conduct a scientific experiment
C. To support Elara in her journey and share ideas
D. To prevent Elara from leaving the village

3. The phrase “bringing to mind stories long forgotten” suggests that the sanctuary...
A. contained written records of the past
B. reminded the villagers of old tales and wisdom

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C. was used frequently by the village community

D. offered illusions instead of real memories
4. What literary device is used when the dream is described as “a call to action”?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole

D. Personification

5. How did the villagers’ attitude toward Elara change by the end of the story?
A. They expelled her from the village
B. They ignored her findings
C. They were amazed and became more open to new ideas
D. They insisted she prove her dream with scientific evidence

8. IDIOMS: FILL IN THE BLANK PRACTICE

1. After his promotion, the praise really started to __________ and he became arrogant.
2. If you want to succeed in that job, you'll need to __________ at all times.
3. We were completely __________ about the changes—they didn’t notify us at all.
4. She’s been working in politics for years; she really __________.
5. Without any solid evidence, the defendant __________.
6. He’s obsessing over tiny details and __________—we just need a general plan.
7. The situation became clearer once I __________ and realized what had happened.
8. She’s quite __________; she understood the concept immediately.
9. His name __________, but I can’t quite place where I’ve heard it before.
10. I’ve been so stressed with work, I feel like I’m going __________!
11. Before making any big decisions, let’s __________ what we’ve accomplished so far.
12. You’re focusing too much on minor issues; you’re __________.
13. He’s a bit __________—it took him ages to understand the instructions.
14. Once they saw the clues, they __________ and solved the mystery.
15. I’m totally __________ how she managed to fix the problem so fast.

9. FILL IN THE BLANK: WORD FORMATION PRACTICE

1. Her constant hesitation showed a lack of ____________________________. (decide)
2. Despite the shocking results, the professor provided a ______________explanation to calm the
audience. (reason)
3. The speaker’s argument was emotionally charged but lacked ______________strength. (logic)

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4. His solution was both simple and ______________-it addressed the issue directly and efficiently.
(sense)
5. The scientist’s theory was originally dismissed as ______________, but later it was proven accurate.
(believe)
6. She gave such a ______________response that we began to doubt she knew anything at all. (convince)
7. Many people think he's arrogant, but I find him rather ______________and modest. (assume)
8. Although the idea sounded wild, it was surprisingly ____________________. (conceive)
9. Before any changes are made, we should carry out a thorough ____________________ of our current
policy. (judge)
10. I appreciate his ______________— he always considers others before making decisions. (think)

10. Passage-Based Questions

11–12. Read the passage and fill in the blanks.
The project’s failure came as no surprise. There was widespread ______________________ about the goals
and no one seemed fully ______________________ of what was required. (confuse / conceive)
13–14. Read the passage and fill in the blanks.
His argument had a certain brilliance, but it lacked __________ structure. As a result, even the most
__________ scholars found it difficult to follow. → (define / think)
15. Complete the sentence:
The judge’s comment was deeply __________ and offended many in the courtroom. (judge)

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