Essential Words for the TOEFL Lesson 3 Vocabulary Test

Choose the synonym.

indispensable

restore

conform

turbulent

ascertain

potential

benign

enrich

unbearable

proposal

The point at which pain becomes intolerable is known as the pain perception threshold. Studies have found this point to be similar among different social and cultural groups. However, the pain tolerance threshold varies significantly among these groups. A stoical, unemotional response to pain may be seen as a sign of braveness in certain cultural or social environments. However, this behavior can also mask the seriousness of an injury to an examining physician.

The word intolerable in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

Nutritional additives are utilized to restore nutrients lost during production, to enrich certain foods in order to correct dietary deficiencies, or to add nutrients to food substitutes. Nowadays, vitamins are commonly added to many foods in order to increase their nutritional value. For example, vitamins A and D are added to dairy and cereal products, and several of the B vitamins are added to cereals.

The word enrich in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

In modern manufacturing production facilities that produce equipment sensitive to environmental contamination, a dust-free working area with strict temperature and humidity controls is of vital importance. Seamless plastic walls and ceilings, external lighting, a continuous flow of dust-free air, and daily cleaning are features of this “clean room.” Workers wear special clothing, including head coverings. When entering this room, they pass through a “shower” to remove contaminants.

The word vital in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

Human populations are classified in terms of genetically transmitted traits. For groups that have lived for generations in certain locations, research illustrates the long-term genetic effects of environmental factors such as climate and diet. Ongoing investigations track the history of evolution and its genetic changes and help to explain the origin of genetically determined diseases and their long-term influence.

The word ongoing in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

In the 1890s, a rising generation of young anti-organization leaders came on the political scene. These leaders transformed the art and practice of politics in the United States, by exercising strong leadership and by bringing about institutional changes that helped revitalize political democracy. Most important was their achievement of economic and social objectives, such as legislation to prevent child labor, and accident insurance systems to provide compensation to injured workers.

The word revitalize in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

There are more than 100 types or species of chameleon. A member of the lizard family, the chameleon lives in countries as diverse as Madagascar, Spain, and Sri Lanka. It is thought to change color to conform to its surroundings, but that is rarely true. While changes do occur with changes in light or temperature, especially when the chameleon is frightened, its new color rarely matches its immediate surroundings.

In stating that the chameleon’s color conforms to its surroundings, the author means that it_____.

Infrared light emission photographs are particularly helpful to astronomers. The composition and temperature of heavenly bodies can often be determined by analysis of photos taken with a camera that is sensitive to infrared light emissions. Using infrared detectors, astronomers can observe cooler celestial objects than they can with optical devices, since infrared radiation is less affected by interstellar dust than is light.

The word analysis in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

Working environments in which loud noise is frequent can be harmful to the employee. Aside from simply being annoying, the most measurable physical effect of noise pollution is damage to hearing. This may be either temporary or permanent and may cause disruption of normal activities. In work areas where noise is a problem, care should be taken to protect the ears with earplugs.

The word annoying in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

The construction of shelter, found among the first stable human societies about 5,000 years ago, is considered to be among the most important of all ancient human activities. The systematic placement of groups of housing marked a momentous cultural transition toward the formation of towns. It generated new needs and resources and was accompanied by a significant increase in technological innovation.

The word ancient in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.

Seeking to take advantage of new economic trends of the late 1800s, Manitoba’s leaders made important changes in economic policies. These changes, which anticipated new directions in the economic development of the region, took advantage of the unique business attributes of the province. During the early 1900s, these policies gave the province an advantage over other prairie provinces.

The word anticipated in the passage is closest in meaning to_____.