Vocabulary Unit 9 Introduction

Question 1

Chronic bronchitis can lead to a rasping cough that is difficult to cure.

Accepted Answer

harsh-sounding

Question 2

When the testimony of the witness contradicted the evidence, the jury gave incredulous stares.

Accepted Answer

disbelieving, skeptical

Question 3

Hunger often impels people to leave their homes in search of food.

Accepted Answer

to drive forward, to force

Question 4

An opportunist is someone who is always ready to do whatever is most expedient.

Accepted Answer

practical, convenient

Question 5

On occasion, a former president has been asked to act as a special envoy to the United Nations.

Accepted Answer

a messenger, a representative

Question 6

College admissions officers seek a student body that is both talented and heterogeneous.

Accepted Answer

different; diverse

Question 7

When the tide comes in, all the crabs start scuttling toward the rocks. Scuttle means:

Accepted Answer

to run quickly

Question 8

A small dispute can escalate into a major conflict unless both parties sit down and talk.

Accepted Answer

to increase in intensity

Question 9

Children sometimes feign illness to avoid going to school.

Accepted Answer

fake or pretend

Question 10

The young man asked the jeweler to inscribe the locket with his girlfriend's name.

Accepted Answer

to enter a name on a list, to engrave

Question 11

It is usually safe to be candid about our faults with our friends and loved ones.

Accepted Answer

truthful and straightforward

Question 12

Reporters should take careful notes when interviewing to avoid making grievous errors in print.

Accepted Answer

serious, causing sorrow or pain

Question 13

The tiniest cubicle is usually assigned to the newest employee.

Accepted Answer

compartment

Question 14

Trade unions lobby to relieve the endless drudgery of factory workers.

Accepted Answer

difficult work

Question 15

Since my date wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise, our conversation soon became a monologue.

Accepted Answer

a speech by one person to at least one other person

Question 16

If the main motor fails, the instructions say to turn on the auxiliary motor.

Accepted Answer

giving assistance or support

Question 17

Despite their repugnant lack of cleanliness, pigs are endearing to many people.

Accepted Answer

distasteful, offensive, disagreeable

Question 18

An opera singer needs a flair for the dramatic as well as a good voice.

Accepted Answer

talent or skill, distinctive style

Question 19

When the doors opened, a horde of shoppers headed towards the sales racks.

Accepted Answer

a vast number

Question 20

Doctors are particularly happy to deliver a prognosis of a speedy recovery.

Accepted Answer

a forecast of probable outcome

Questions 20