Vocabulary Development for 6th Graders: Improve Your Word Power

Question 1

The hikers were **exhausted** after their long trek through the mountains. What does the word "exhausted" mean in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Very tired

Answer

Feeling excited

Answer

Really hungry

Answer

Feeling angry

Question 2

The old man was **venerable** in the community, respected for his wisdom and experience. Which word means the same as "venerable"?

Accepted Answer

Highly respected

Answer

Very powerful

Answer

Very young

Answer

Very wealthy

Question 3

The scientist conducted a **rigorous** experiment, ensuring precise measurements and careful observations. What does "rigorous" mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Very thorough and strict

Answer

Dangerous and risky

Answer

Simple and careless

Answer

Quick and easy

Question 4

The artist's work was **eclectic**, blending elements of different styles and cultures.  Which word means the opposite of "eclectic"?

Accepted Answer

Uniform

Answer

Modern

Answer

Traditional

Answer

Creative

Question 5

The story was **intriguing**, with a mystery that kept the reader guessing until the very end.  What does "intriguing" mean in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Very interesting and mysterious

Answer

Funny and lighthearted

Answer

Boring and predictable

Answer

Sad and depressing

Question 6

The athlete was **agile**, able to move quickly and gracefully. Which word means the same as "agile"?

Accepted Answer

Nimble

Answer

Clumsy

Answer

Strong

Answer

Slow

Question 7

The news report was **biased**, favoring one side of the story over the other.  What does "biased" mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Unfairly prejudiced

Answer

Interesting and engaging

Answer

Balanced and neutral

Answer

Important and relevant

Question 8

The author used **vivid** language, creating a clear and memorable picture in the reader's mind.  Which word means the opposite of "vivid"?

Accepted Answer

Bland

Answer

Detailed

Answer

Interesting

Answer

Creative

Question 9

The team faced a **daunting** challenge, but they persevered and achieved victory.  What does "daunting" mean in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Intimidating and difficult

Answer

Pleasant and easy

Answer

Simple and straightforward

Answer

Exciting and fun

Question 10

The scientist was **meticulous** in her research, paying attention to every detail.  What does "meticulous" mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Extremely careful and precise

Answer

Creative and innovative

Answer

Careless and sloppy

Answer

Fast and efficient

Question 11

After tripping on the rug, the vase **careened** towards the floor. What does 'careened' most likely mean?

Accepted Answer

Moved swiftly and erratically

Answer

Floated gently

Answer

Shattered loudly

Question 12

Which word is a synonym for 'brave'?

Accepted Answer

Courageous

Answer

Timid

Answer

Cautious

Answer

Fearful

Question 13

The prefix 'pre-' in the word 'preview' means:

Accepted Answer

Before

Answer

Not

Answer

After

Answer

Again

Question 14

Which sentence uses the word 'melancholy' correctly?

Accepted Answer

A wave of melancholy washed over her as she thought about her lost dog.

Answer

The children were melancholy after winning the soccer game.

Answer

The bright colors of the rainbow filled her with melancholy.

Question 15

What is the meaning of the root word 'aqua' in the word 'aquarium'?

Accepted Answer

Water

Answer

Home

Answer

Glass

Answer

Fish

Question 16

The hikers were **exhausted** after their long journey.  'Exhausted' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Extremely tired

Answer

Very excited

Answer

Utterly confused

Answer

Fully prepared

Question 17

Which word is an antonym for 'generous'?

Accepted Answer

Stingy

Answer

Giving

Answer

Charitable

Answer

Kind

Question 18

The suffix '-less' in the word 'hopeless' means:

Accepted Answer

Without

Answer

Full of

Answer

Like

Answer

Small

Question 19

The ancient city was filled with **intricate** carvings. 'Intricate' most likely means:

Accepted Answer

Complex and detailed

Answer

Plain and simple

Answer

Old and faded

Answer

Large and imposing

Question 20

Which sentence uses the word 'optimistic' correctly?

Accepted Answer

She felt optimistic about her chances of winning the race.

Answer

The dark clouds made her feel optimistic.

Answer

He was optimistic about the upcoming hurricane.