Vocabulary
Booklet A: 5 vocabulary MCQ (word meaning, synonym, antonym) + 5 vocabulary cloze MCQ (choose the best word for a blank in context). Tests breadth of vocabulary and ability to distinguish shades of meaning.
Vocabulary in PSLE Paper 2, Booklet A — two separate MCQ sections:
Vocabulary Cloze (5 marks)
A sentence is given with one blank. Choose the word (from four options) that best fits the sentence. All four options are often grammatically correct — the test is precision: which word fits the meaning most exactly?Vocabulary (5 marks)
A short passage is given with five underlined words, each numbered. For each, choose the option (from four) that is closest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the passage. Read the surrounding context carefully.Strategy
For the blank: read the full sentence and test each option aloud. For the passage: locate the underlined word, read the two surrounding sentences, then substitute each option to find the closest meaning. Eliminate clearly wrong options first.Section A — Vocabulary Cloze · 5 questions · 5 marks
For each question from 1 to 5, choose the answer that best fits in the sentence. Shade your answer (1, 2, 3 or 4) on the Optical Answer Sheet.
The young scientist was so in her research that she often forgot to have lunch, spending hours in the laboratory without a break.
Correct answer: (2) absorbed. "So absorbed in her research that she forgot to have lunch" captures being completely engrossed or occupied — the mind so focused it forgets basic needs. "Keen" means enthusiastic but does not explain forgetting lunch. "Happy" and "excited" describe emotional states, not the depth of mental focus that causes someone to lose track of time.
The documentary the devastating impact of plastic waste on ocean wildlife, showing footage that deeply unsettled many viewers.
Correct answer: (2) depicted. "Depicted" means showed or represented something visually and directly — the right word for a documentary using actual footage. "Mentioned" is too weak (only a brief reference). "Implied" means hinted at indirectly, the opposite of showing footage. "Suggested" also conveys something indirect — none of these match the directness of actual film footage. "Depicted" is the precise choice.
The team showed determination, refusing to concede defeat even after losing the first two sets of the match.
Correct answer: (3) fierce. "Fierce determination" is a natural collocation meaning intense, passionate resolve — exactly right for a team that refuses to give up despite being two sets down. "Mild" is far too weak. "Genuine" means real or sincere, but does not convey the intensity described. "Quiet" means subdued, which does not fit the fighting spirit shown by refusing to concede.
Hundreds of volunteers were deployed to the damage caused by the storm before the next wave of rain arrived.
Correct answer: (2) assess. "Assess the damage" is the correct collocation — it means to evaluate or measure the extent of the damage, which is the logical first step before any repairs. "Repair" means to fix, but you cannot repair damage before you know how bad it is, and "repair" would take far longer than the time available. "Control" and "reduce" do not collocate naturally with "damage" in this context.
Mrs Lee her students for their exceptional performance at the competition, noting that their dedication had been an inspiration to the whole school.
Correct answer: (3) commended. "Commended" means formally praised and recognised someone's merit — the most precise word for a teacher officially recognising exceptional performance and citing it as an example to others. "Congratulated" expresses good wishes upon an achievement but does not carry the sense of formal public recognition. "Praised" is close but less formal. "Thanked" implies gratitude for a favour done, which is not what the sentence describes.
Section B — Vocabulary · 5 questions · 5 marks
For each question from 6 to 10, choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Shade your answer (1, 2, 3 or 4) on the Optical Answer Sheet.
When Ethan first joined the school robotics club, he had no experience with coding or engineering. Yet his enthusiasm(6) was undeniable — he arrived early to every session and stayed late, asking the senior members countless questions. His relentless(7) curiosity drove him to read widely and experiment boldly, even when his early attempts ended in failure.
Over time, Ethan's understanding grew, and he began contributing innovative(8) ideas that impressed his teammates. His greatest moment came during the regional competition, where he devised(9) a solution to a problem that had stumped the entire team for weeks. When the club clinched(10) the championship trophy, his teammates cheered, knowing that Ethan's persistence had made all the difference.
Adapted from a fictional account
Correct answer: (2) eagerness. "Enthusiasm" means strong eagerness, interest and excitement about something. "Eagerness" is the closest synonym — both describe a keenness and readiness to engage. "Determination" means resolve (a different quality). "Talent" means natural ability (Ethan explicitly has no experience, so talent is wrong). "Confidence" means self-assurance, which is not what enthusiasm describes.
Correct answer: (3) unceasing. "Relentless" means never stopping, never giving up despite difficulty — unceasing. Context: his curiosity drove him to read widely and experiment even when attempts failed, showing it never let up. "Growing" means increasing over time (a different idea). "Obvious" means easy to see. "Natural" means innate — the passage shows his curiosity was persistent, not that it was inborn.
Correct answer: (3) creative. "Innovative" means introducing new and original ideas. "Creative" is the closest synonym — both involve imaginative, original thinking. "Practical" means useful and realistic (does not capture originality). "Ambitious" means having great aspirations. "Complex" means complicated — the passage does not describe the ideas as complicated, only as new and impressive.
Correct answer: (3) worked out. "Devised" means carefully thought through and came up with — it implies a process of reasoning and invention. "Worked out" captures this best: arriving at a solution through thought and effort. "Found" suggests stumbling upon something by chance. "Suggested" is too weak (only proposing, not fully solving). "Tested" means tried out — the sentence says he came up with the solution, not that he tested it.
Correct answer: (3) won. "Clinched" means secured a win decisively, especially in a competition. "Won" is the closest and most direct synonym. "Collected" describes physically picking something up, not winning it. "Earned" implies deserving through effort (close, but does not specifically mean winning a contest). "Achieved" is similarly broad — you achieve goals, not championships specifically. "Won" is the clearest match in a competition context.