TOEFL Practice Test 1 (Academic Vocabulary) - A worksheet with 10 multiple-choice questions to test vocabulary skills, suitable for academic English learners.

Let's go through each question in the TOEFL Practice Test 1 (Academic Vocabulary) and determine the best option to complete each sentence. I'll explain why each correct answer is the best choice.

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1. Mary always wears very nice clothes. I think she comes from an _______ family.

- A. adverse
- B. artificial
- C. affluent

✔ Correct answer: C. affluent

Explanation: "Affluent" means wealthy or rich. The context of wearing nice clothes suggests a financially comfortable background. "Adverse" means unfavorable, and "artificial" means not natural—neither fits here.

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2. Jack isn't very _______. I said hello and he only grunted.

- A. agile
- B. amiable
- C. abrupt

✔ Correct answer: B. amiable

Explanation: "Amiable" means friendly or pleasant. Since Jack only grunted when greeted, he's not friendly. "Abrupt" means sudden or sharp, which could describe his behavior, but the sentence says *he isn't very* ___ — so we're looking for a positive trait he lacks. "Agile" means quick or nimble, which doesn’t fit. So "amiable" is the best choice.

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3. I don't like animals. I have an _______ for them.

- A. appraise
- B. acrid
- C. aversion

✔ Correct answer: C. aversion

Explanation: "Aversion" means a strong dislike. This matches the sentiment expressed ("I don't like animals"). "Appraise" means to evaluate, and "acrid" means bitter or harsh in taste or smell — neither fits.

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4. The result of the game was _______. I still can’t believe it.

- A. anxious
- B. astonishing
- C. authentic

✔ Correct answer: B. astonishing

Explanation: "Astonishing" means surprising or shocking — which fits with "I still can’t believe it." "Anxious" refers to worry, and "authentic" means genuine — neither makes sense in this context.

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5. I admire Debbie. She is such an _______ painter.

- A. aggregate
- B. arduous
- C. adept

✔ Correct answer: C. adept

Explanation: "Adept" means skilled or proficient — perfect for describing a good painter. "Aggregate" means total or sum, and "arduous" means difficult — neither applies here.

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6. Birds nest and flowers _______ in the spring.

- A. bloom
- B. bond
- C. blend

✔ Correct answer: A. bloom

Explanation: "Bloom" means to flower or grow — this is what flowers do in spring. "Bond" means to connect, and "blend" means to mix — while possible, "bloom" is the most accurate verb for flowers in spring.

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7. That football player is really _______. He must weigh a ton.

- A. bulky
- B. blurry
- C. brittle

✔ Correct answer: A. bulky

Explanation: "Bulky" means large and heavy — matching "weigh a ton." "Blurry" means unclear (visual), and "brittle" means easily broken — neither fits.

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8. I hate hospital food. It is so _______.

- A. barter
- B. bland
- C. bold

✔ Correct answer: B. bland

Explanation: "Bland" means lacking flavor — a common complaint about hospital food. "Barter" means to trade, and "bold" means strong or daring — both are unrelated.

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9. Glass is _______. In construction, it can be used only for the windows.

- A. brittle
- B. blatant
- C. benevolent

✔ Correct answer: A. brittle

Explanation: "Brittle" means easily broken — glass breaks easily, so it’s limited in use. "Blatant" means obvious, and "benevolent" means kind — neither fits.

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10. Deserts can’t support plant life. They are _______.

- A. barren
- B. baffle
- C. belligerent

✔ Correct answer: A. barren

Explanation: "Barren" means unproductive or without vegetation — exactly what describes deserts. "Baffle" means to confuse (a verb), and "belligerent" means aggressive — neither fits.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. C. affluent
2. B. amiable
3. C. aversion
4. B. astonishing
5. C. adept
6. A. bloom
7. A. bulky
8. B. bland
9. A. brittle
10. A. barren

These choices best complete each sentence using appropriate academic vocabulary.