Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know (MCQ Test + PDF) Week 9

Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know (MCQ Test + PDF) Week 9 - Day 1

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Question 1

JUST SPELL THE NAME CORRECTLY

P. T. Barnum, the great circus impresario, was once accosted by a woman who showed him a scurrilous manuscript about himself, and said that unless he paid her, she would have the book printed. Barnum rejected the extortion attempt. “Say what you please,” he replied, “but make sure that you mention me in some way. Then come to me and I will estimate the value of your services as a publicity agent.” Barnum obviously felt that adverse criticism was an asset for a public figure. A man who seeks the limelight should not care what is written about him but should be concerned only when they stop writing about him. Barnum’s philosophy suggests that we might do well to review the plethora of publicity given to rabble-rousers and bigots.

Sample Sentences: Use the new words in the following sentences.

When the business manager was accused of _____, his colleagues sought to oust him from the firm.

A	asset
B	adverse
C	extortion
D	impresario
E	bigot

Question 1 Explanation:

Extortion means getting money from someone by using threats. The woman in the passage tries this when she wants Barnum to pay her. Extortion is a serious crime, so it makes sense that his colleagues wanted to oust (remove) him after he was accused of it. After accused of we need a noun naming a wrongdoing, so asset and adverse do not fit.

Question 2

The eminent _____ brought many cultural spectacles to our shores.

A	asset
B	adverse
C	extortion
D	impresario
E	bigot

Question 2 Explanation:

An impresario is a person who organizes and presents concerts, shows or other cultural events. The clue is brought many cultural spectacles, which is exactly what an impresario does; the passage calls Barnum a circus impresario.

Question 3

Attacked by the irate crowd, the _____ asked the police for sanctuary.

A	asset
B	adverse
C	extortion
D	impresario
E	bigot

Question 3 Explanation:

A bigot is a narrow-minded person who is prejudiced against other groups. Such a person might anger a crowd and then need protection (sanctuary) from the police. The gap needs a person, and impresario gives no reason for the crowd's anger.

Question 4

President Obama found that texting was an _____ to his communication skills.

A	asset
B	adverse
C	extortion
D	impresario
E	bigot

Question 4 Explanation:

An asset is something valuable or useful to have. The phrase an asset to someone's skills means it helps them: Her languages are an asset to the team. The article an and the positive meaning rule out adverse, which is an adjective.

Question 5

It was excruciatingly painful for the actors to read the _____ reviews that their performances had received.

A	asset
B	adverse
C	extortion
D	impresario
E	bigot

Question 5 Explanation:

Adverse means unfavorable or harmful. Adverse reviews are negative reviews, which explains why reading them was excruciatingly painful for the actors. The gap comes before the noun reviews, so it needs an adjective, and adverse is the only adjective among the options.

Question 6

Definitions: Match the new words with their meanings.

impresario

A	a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
B	unfavorable, harmful
C	one who presents cultural series, organizer
D	a valuable thing to have
E	getting money by threats

Question 6 Explanation:

An impresario is a person who organizes or presents cultural events such as concerts, operas or circus shows. Example: The impresario brought a famous ballet company to the city.

Question 7

extortion

A	a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
B	unfavorable, harmful
C	one who presents cultural series, organizer
D	a valuable thing to have
E	getting money by threats

Question 7 Explanation:

Extortion is the crime of getting money from someone by using threats. In the passage, the woman threatens to print a book about Barnum unless he pays her; that is an extortion attempt.

Question 8

adverse

A	a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
B	unfavorable, harmful
C	one who presents cultural series, organizer
D	a valuable thing to have
E	getting money by threats

Question 8 Explanation:

Adverse means unfavorable or harmful. It often appears in phrases like adverse criticism, adverse weather or adverse effects. Example: The drug had no adverse effects.

Question 9

asset

A	a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
B	unfavorable, harmful
C	one who presents cultural series, organizer
D	a valuable thing to have
E	getting money by threats

Question 9 Explanation:

An asset is a valuable or useful thing or quality. Barnum believed that even bad publicity was an asset for a public figure. Example: Her patience is a great asset in teaching.

Question 10

bigot

A	a narrow-minded, prejudiced person
B	unfavorable, harmful
C	one who presents cultural series, organizer
D	a valuable thing to have
E	getting money by threats

Question 10 Explanation:

A bigot is a narrow-minded person who strongly dislikes people of other races, religions or opinions and will not accept them. Example: Only a bigot would refuse to listen to other points of view.

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NEW WORDS

impresario [im´ prə sär´ ē ō]

“He was an egregious impresario of letters who kept a squad of writers churning out copy marketed under his signature.” C. J. Rolo, No Business Like Show Business [adapted]

extortion [ek stôr´ shən]

“To the prince who goes forth with his army, supporting it by pillage and extortion, this open-handedness is necessary.” Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

adverse [ad´ vėrs]

“Illogical as it may seem, adverse criticism can be very rewarding.” S. Andhil Fineberg, “Deflating the Professional Bigot”

asset [as´ et]

“Berkshire Hathaway is a diversified holding company with assets in manufacturing, insurance, aircraft safety training, etc.” “Warren Buffet’s Fabulous Fund,” Mutual Funds Magazine, 6/99