The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) requires a sophisticated grasp of terms drawn largely from the Academic Word List (AWL) compiled by linguist Averil Coxhead. Spanning across reading passages, listening lectures, and integrated writing or speaking prompts, these 570 word families appear with high frequency in university-level materials. Mastering these terms enables candidates to decode complex texts, identify subtle shifts in writer intent, and elevate their expressive register. The following multiple-choice questions test your comprehension, contextual application, and mastery of core TOEFL academic vocabulary.
1. In the sentence 'The region has an abundant supply of fresh water,' the word 'abundant' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Plentiful
Explanation:
Abundant means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
2. If a statement is 'ambiguous,' it is:
Correct Answer: b) Open to multiple interpretations
Explanation:
Ambiguous means having a double meaning or being unclear and open to interpretation.
3. The word 'anomalous' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: c) Abnormal
Explanation:
Anomalous refers to something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
4. A 'pragmatic' approach to a problem is one that is:
Correct Answer: a) Practical
Explanation:
Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
5. In modern society, smartphones have become ubiquitous. What does 'ubiquitous' mean?
Correct Answer: c) Omnipresent
Explanation:
Ubiquitous means present, appearing, or found everywhere.
6. To 'mitigate' a problem is to:
Correct Answer: c) Make it less severe
Explanation:
Mitigate means to make something less severe, harmful, or painful.
7. A 'lucrative' business venture is one that:
Correct Answer: b) Produces a great deal of profit
Explanation:
Lucrative describes something that generates a significant amount of money or profit.
8. Which word best completes the sentence? 'The risks _____ in the surgery were carefully explained to the patient.'
Correct Answer: a) Inherent
Explanation:
Inherent means existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
9. Empirical evidence is based on:
Correct Answer: c) Observation and experience
Explanation:
Empirical means based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
10. The word 'exacerbate' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: c) Worsen
Explanation:
To exacerbate means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
11. If a plan is considered 'feasible,' it is:
Correct Answer: c) Possible and practical to do easily
Explanation:
Feasible means possible to do easily or conveniently.
12. To 'fluctuate' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Rise and fall irregularly
Explanation:
Fluctuate means to rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
13. In chemistry, a 'catalyst' speeds up a reaction. In general academic writing, a catalyst is:
Correct Answer: a) Something that causes an event to happen
Explanation:
A catalyst is a person or thing that precipitates or causes an event to happen.
14. A 'coherent' argument is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Logical and consistent
Explanation:
Coherent means logical and consistent, making sense as a whole.
15. The word 'comprehensive' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Thorough
Explanation:
Comprehensive means complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
16. To 'convey' a message means to:
Correct Answer: c) Communicate it
Explanation:
Convey means to make an idea, impression, or feeling known or understandable to someone.
17. If natural resources are 'depleted,' they are:
Correct Answer: b) Exhausted or used up
Explanation:
Deplete means to use up the supply or resources of something.
18. To 'derive' something means to:
Correct Answer: c) Obtain it from a specified source
Explanation:
Derive means to obtain something from a specified source or origin.
19. The word 'deviate' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Diverge from an established course
Explanation:
Deviate means to depart from an established course or standard.
20. Instructions that are 'explicit' are:
Correct Answer: c) Clearly stated and detailed
Explanation:
Explicit means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
21. The word 'implicit' is an antonym for which of the following words?
Correct Answer: b) Explicit
Explanation:
Implicit means implied though not plainly expressed, making it the antonym of explicit.
22. To 'induce' a particular state is to:
Correct Answer: b) Bring it about or cause it
Explanation:
Induce means to succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something, or to bring about or give rise to something.
23. If an event is 'inevitable,' it is:
Correct Answer: b) Certain to happen
Explanation:
Inevitable means certain to happen and unavoidable.
24. To 'infer' something from a text means to:
Correct Answer: b) Deduce it from evidence rather than explicit statements
Explanation:
Infer means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
25. An 'innovative' solution is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) New and original
Explanation:
Innovative means featuring new methods; advanced and original.
26. Which word best completes the sentence? 'Water is an _____ part of the human diet.'
Correct Answer: b) Integral
Explanation:
Integral means necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.
27. To 'justify' an action is to:
Correct Answer: b) Show or prove it to be right or reasonable
Explanation:
Justify means to show or prove to be right or reasonable.
28. A 'keen' sense of smell implies that the sense is:
Correct Answer: c) Sharp and highly developed
Explanation:
Keen means highly developed (of a sense) or sharp.
29. The word 'nuance' refers to:
Correct Answer: c) A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound
Explanation:
Nuance is a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
30. If a writer's point is 'obscure,' it is:
Correct Answer: c) Hidden or difficult to understand
Explanation:
Obscure means not discovered or known about; uncertain or unclear.
31. A 'redundant' feature in a system is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) No longer needed or useful; superfluous
Explanation:
Redundant means not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
32. The word 'subsequent' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Following
Explanation:
Subsequent means coming after something in time; following.
33. A 'tangible' result is one that is:
Correct Answer: c) Perceptible by touch or clear and definite
Explanation:
Tangible means perceptible by touch or clear and definite.
34. If an argument is 'valid,' it is:
Correct Answer: a) Legitimate and based on fact or logic
Explanation:
Valid means having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable or cogent.
35. The term 'widespread' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Extensive
Explanation:
Widespread means found or distributed over a large area or number of people.
36. To 'yield' results means to:
Correct Answer: b) Produce or provide results
Explanation:
Yield can mean to produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product).
37. A 'zealous' supporter is one who is:
Correct Answer: b) Enthusiastic and passionate
Explanation:
Zealous means showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
38. To 'accelerate' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Hasten or speed up
Explanation:
Accelerate means to begin to move more quickly or to increase in rate, amount, or extent.
39. To 'accumulate' wealth is to:
Correct Answer: b) Gather it or build it up over time
Explanation:
Accumulate means to gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of something.
40. If two buildings are 'adjacent,' they are:
Correct Answer: b) Next to each other
Explanation:
Adjacent means next to or adjoining something else.
41. To 'advocate' for a policy means to:
Correct Answer: a) Publicly support or recommend it
Explanation:
Advocate means to publicly recommend or support something.
42. An 'aggregate' score is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Formed by combining several elements
Explanation:
Aggregate means formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items.
43. To 'alleviate' pain means to:
Correct Answer: b) Relieve or lessen it
Explanation:
Alleviate means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.
44. To 'allocate' resources means to:
Correct Answer: b) Distribute them for a specific purpose
Explanation:
Allocate means to distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose.
45. The word 'amass' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Collect or gather
Explanation:
Amass means to gather together or accumulate a large amount or number of valuable things.
46. To 'anticipate' an event means to:
Correct Answer: b) Expect or predict it
Explanation:
Anticipate means to regard as probable; expect or predict.
47. An 'arbitrary' decision is based on:
Correct Answer: b) Random choice or personal whim
Explanation:
Arbitrary means based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
48. To 'assess' a situation is to:
Correct Answer: a) Evaluate or estimate its nature or quality
Explanation:
Assess means to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
49. To 'assimilate' new information means to:
Correct Answer: b) Take it in and understand it fully
Explanation:
Assimilate means to take in information, ideas, or culture and understand fully.
50. The word 'augment' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: b) Increase
Explanation:
Augment means to make something greater by adding to it; increase.
51. A 'benefit' of the new system is its:
Correct Answer: b) Advantage
Explanation:
A benefit is an advantage or profit gained from something.
52. If a study has a 'bias,' it has:
Correct Answer: b) A prejudice in favor of or against one thing
Explanation:
Bias means prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
53. Events organized in 'chronological' order are sorted by:
Correct Answer: c) Time sequence
Explanation:
Chronological means starting with the earliest and following the order in which they occurred.
54. If two events 'coincide,' they:
Correct Answer: a) Happen at the exact same time
Explanation:
Coincide means to occur at or during the same time.
55. To 'commute' daily implies:
Correct Answer: b) Traveling some distance between one's home and place of work
Explanation:
Commute means to travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis.
56. To 'compile' data means to:
Correct Answer: b) Assemble it from various sources
Explanation:
Compile means to produce something, especially a list, report, or book, by assembling information collected from other sources.
57. A wine that 'complements' a meal:
Correct Answer: b) Completes or brings the meal to perfection
Explanation:
Complement means a thing that completes or brings to perfection.
58. To 'conceive' of an idea means to:
Correct Answer: b) Form or imagine it in the mind
Explanation:
Conceive means to form or devise a plan or idea in the mind.
59. Evidence that is 'conclusive' is:
Correct Answer: b) Decisive and ending all debate
Explanation:
Conclusive means serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing.
60. To 'concur' with someone means to:
Correct Answer: b) Agree with them
Explanation:
Concur means to be of the same opinion; agree.
61. To 'conform' to rules means to:
Correct Answer: b) Comply with them
Explanation:
Conform means to comply with rules, standards, or laws.
62. If events happen 'consecutively,' they happen:
Correct Answer: b) One after another without interruption
Explanation:
Consecutively means in unbroken or logical sequence.
63. A 'consensus' among scientists means there is:
Correct Answer: b) A general agreement
Explanation:
Consensus is a general agreement among a group.
64. Fifty states 'constitute' the USA. Here, 'constitute' means:
Correct Answer: b) Form or make up
Explanation:
Constitute means to be a part of a whole; to form or make up.
65. To 'contradict' a statement is to:
Correct Answer: b) Assert the opposite of it
Explanation:
Contradict means to deny the truth of a statement, especially by asserting the opposite.
66. If two variables 'correlate,' they:
Correct Answer: b) Have a mutual relationship or connection
Explanation:
Correlate means to have a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.
67. A 'criterion' is:
Correct Answer: a) A standard by which something may be judged or decided
Explanation:
Criterion refers to a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
68. A diet that is 'deficient' in vitamins is:
Correct Answer: b) Lacking sufficient vitamins
Explanation:
Deficient means not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient.
69. The 'demise' of the Roman Empire refers to its:
Correct Answer: c) Downfall or end
Explanation:
Demise means a person's death, or the end or failure of an enterprise or institution.
70. To 'deter' someone from doing something is to:
Correct Answer: b) Discourage them
Explanation:
Deter means to discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
71. A 'dilemma' is a situation in which:
Correct Answer: b) A difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives
Explanation:
A dilemma is a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
72. To 'diminish' means to:
Correct Answer: b) Make or become less
Explanation:
Diminish means to make or become less.
73. The word 'discrete' (not discreet) means:
Correct Answer: b) Individually separate and distinct
Explanation:
Discrete means individually separate and distinct.
74. A 'discrepancy' in financial accounts is:
Correct Answer: b) An illogical lack of compatibility or similarity between facts
Explanation:
A discrepancy is a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
75. To 'distort' the truth is to:
Correct Answer: b) Give a misleading or false account of it
Explanation:
Distort means to pull or twist out of shape, or to give a misleading or false account or impression of something.
76. A 'diverse' population is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Showing a great deal of variety
Explanation:
Diverse means showing a great deal of variety; very different.
77. To 'document' an event means to:
Correct Answer: b) Record it in written, photographic, or other form
Explanation:
Document means to record something in written, photographic, or other form.
78. A 'dynamic' process is one that is:
Correct Answer: a) Characterized by constant change or activity
Explanation:
Dynamic means characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
79. To 'elicit' a response from someone is to:
Correct Answer: a) Evoke or draw it out
Explanation:
Elicit means to evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone.
80. To 'elucidate' a complex concept means to:
Correct Answer: b) Make it clear; explain it
Explanation:
Elucidate means to make something clear; explain.
81. To 'enhance' the flavor of a dish is to:
Correct Answer: b) Improve or intensify it
Explanation:
Enhance means to intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
82. An 'enigma' is:
Correct Answer: b) A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
Explanation:
Enigma refers to a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
83. If someone is the 'epitome' of kindness, they are:
Correct Answer: b) A perfect example of kindness
Explanation:
Epitome means a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
84. In chemistry, 'equilibrium' refers to a state of:
Correct Answer: b) Balance
Explanation:
Equilibrium is a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
85. To 'eradicate' a disease means to:
Correct Answer: c) Destroy or eliminate it completely
Explanation:
Eradicate means to destroy completely; put an end to.
86. To 'evade' taxes is to:
Correct Answer: c) Escape or avoid paying them, usually by trickery
Explanation:
Evade means to escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.
87. To 'exploit' a natural resource means to:
Correct Answer: b) Make full use of it and derive benefit from it
Explanation:
Exploit means to make full use of and derive benefit from a resource.
88. To 'facilitate' a meeting means to:
Correct Answer: b) Make it easier or help it run smoothly
Explanation:
Facilitate means to make an action or process easy or easier.
89. To 'formulate' a plan means to:
Correct Answer: b) Create or devise it methodically
Explanation:
Formulate means to create or devise methodically.
90. A 'hierarchy' is a system in which:
Correct Answer: b) People or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
Explanation:
Hierarchy is a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
91. To 'implement' a new policy is to:
Correct Answer: a) Put it into effect
Explanation:
Implement means to put a decision, plan, agreement, etc., into effect.
92. Evidence that 'implicates' a suspect in a crime:
Correct Answer: b) Shows they are involved in the crime
Explanation:
Implicate means to show someone to be involved in a crime.
93. An 'incentive' is something that:
Correct Answer: b) Motivates or encourages someone to do something
Explanation:
An incentive is a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.
94. To 'initiate' a process means to:
Correct Answer: c) Cause it to begin
Explanation:
Initiate means to cause a process or action to begin.
95. A scientific 'paradigm' is:
Correct Answer: b) A typical example, pattern, or model of a theory
Explanation:
A paradigm is a typical example or pattern of something; a model.
96. Information that is 'pertinent' to a discussion is:
Correct Answer: b) Relevant or applicable to the particular matter
Explanation:
Pertinent means relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite.
97. A 'plausible' excuse is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Seeming reasonable or probable
Explanation:
Plausible means seeming reasonable or probable.
98. A 'profound' realization is one that is:
Correct Answer: c) Very great or intense, showing great knowledge
Explanation:
Profound means very great or intense, or having or showing great knowledge or insight.
99. A 'robust' economy is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Strong and healthy
Explanation:
Robust means strong and healthy; vigorous.
100. To 'synthesize' ideas is to:
Correct Answer: b) Combine them into a coherent whole
Explanation:
Synthesize means to combine a number of things into a coherent whole.
101. Which of the following is the best synonym for 'analogous'?
Correct Answer: b) Comparable
Explanation:
Analogous means comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared.
102. If a government is 'autonomous,' it is:
Correct Answer: b) Self-governing or independent
Explanation:
Autonomous means having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.
103. The word 'commodity' refers to:
Correct Answer: a) A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold
Explanation:
A commodity is a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper or coffee.
104. To 'compensate' someone means to:
Correct Answer: a) Give them something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury
Explanation:
Compensate means to give someone something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.
105. If an article 'comprises' five sections, it:
Correct Answer: b) Consists of or is made up of five sections
Explanation:
Comprise means to consist of or be made up of.
106. To 'deduce' an answer means to:
Correct Answer: b) Arrive at it by logical reasoning
Explanation:
Deduce means to arrive at a fact or a conclusion by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion.
107. If something is 'empirical,' it is:
Correct Answer: b) Based on observation or experience
Explanation:
Empirical means based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
108. A 'finite' resource is one that:
Correct Answer: b) Has limits or bounds
Explanation:
Finite means having limits or bounds.
109. The word 'hierarchy' is closest in meaning to:
Correct Answer: c) Ranking system
Explanation:
A hierarchy is a system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.
110. An 'ideology' is:
Correct Answer: a) A system of ideas and ideals
Explanation:
An ideology is a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
111. If you 'intervene' in a dispute, you:
Correct Answer: b) Come between so as to prevent or alter a result
Explanation:
Intervene means to come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.
112. To 'isolate' a variable in an experiment means to:
Correct Answer: b) Single it out and separate it from others
Explanation:
Isolate means to identify something and examine or deal with it separately.
113. A 'marginal' improvement is one that is:
Correct Answer: b) Minor and not very significant
Explanation:
Marginal means minor and not important; not central.
114. If two events are 'mutually exclusive,' they:
Correct Answer: b) Cannot occur at the same time
Explanation:
Mutually exclusive refers to two or more events that cannot coincide or happen simultaneously.
115. A 'norm' in sociology refers to:
Correct Answer: b) Something that is usual, typical, or standard
Explanation:
A norm is something that is usual, typical, or standard within a specific society or group.
116. To 'offset' a cost means to:
Correct Answer: b) Counteract or balance it
Explanation:
Offset means to counteract something by having an opposing force or effect.
117. The 'preceding' chapter of a book is the one that:
Correct Answer: b) Comes before
Explanation:
Preceding means coming before something in order, position, or time.
118. The 'proportion' of something refers to:
Correct Answer: b) A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole
Explanation:
Proportion refers to a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
119. To 'simulate' a flight means to:
Correct Answer: b) Imitate its appearance or character
Explanation:
Simulate means to imitate the appearance or character of something.
120. The 'sole' reason for his departure was exhaustion. 'Sole' means:
Correct Answer: c) Only
Explanation:
Sole means one and only.
121. To 'submit' an essay means to:
Correct Answer: a) Present it to a person or body for consideration or judgment
Explanation:
Submit means to present a proposal, application, or other document to a person or body for consideration or judgment.
122. A 'successor' to the throne is someone who:
Correct Answer: b) Takes over the throne next
Explanation:
A successor is a person or thing that succeeds another (takes over from them).
123. A 'thesis' in an academic paper is:
Correct Answer: b) A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved
Explanation:
A thesis is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
124. If a situation is 'unprecedented,' it means:
Correct Answer: c) It has never been done or known before
Explanation:
Unprecedented means never done or known before.
125. To 'utilize' a new technology means to:
Correct Answer: a) Make practical and effective use of it
Explanation:
Utilize means to make practical and effective use of something.
