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Wonderlic WBST practice questions

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Question 1Verbal Skills

Which word means the opposite of "scarce"?

  1. abundant Correct answer.
  2. costly
  3. tiny
  4. hidden

Explanation

An antonym expresses the reverse meaning of the target word. "Scarce" means in short supply, so its opposite describes something available in large quantity. Quantity, not size, price, or visibility, is the dimension being contrasted.

Question 2Verbal Skills

A "fragile" object is one that:

  1. breaks easily Correct answer.
  2. is expensive to replace
  3. is difficult to find
  4. is difficult to lift

Explanation

A definition question asks you to match the word to its core meaning. "Fragile" describes something easily damaged or broken. Weight, cost, and rarity are separate qualities that do not define fragility.

Question 3Verbal Skills

Hand is to glove as foot is to ______.

  1. shoe Correct answer.
  2. ankle
  3. leg
  4. toe

Explanation

An analogy holds when the same relationship links both pairs. A glove is a covering worn on the hand, so the matching item is a covering worn on the foot. The other choices name body parts or related anatomy rather than a covering.

Question 4Verbal Skills

After hiking ten miles without water, the group was ______.

  1. polite
  2. wealthy
  3. weary Correct answer.
  4. curious

Explanation

Sentence completion relies on the context clues built into the sentence. A long hike with no water logically produces fatigue, so the blank needs a word meaning tired. The other choices describe traits unrelated to physical exertion.

Question 5Verbal Skills

Three of these words share a similar meaning. Which word does not belong with the others?

  1. glad
  2. angry Correct answer.
  3. happy
  4. joyful

Explanation

Grouping items by shared meaning means three options should be near-synonyms. Glad, joyful, and happy all describe positive feelings, while angry names a hostile emotion. The odd word is the one whose meaning points in a different direction.

Question 6Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: Neither of the boys ______ ready to leave.

  1. is Correct answer.
  2. are
  3. be
  4. were

Explanation

The pronoun "neither" is singular, so it takes a singular verb even though a plural noun follows it. "Is" agrees with the singular subject in the present tense. "Are" and "were" are plural forms, and "be" cannot serve as the main verb here.

Question 7Verbal Skills

Which word means the opposite of "arrive"?

  1. depart Correct answer.
  2. enter
  3. remain
  4. return

Explanation

An antonym reverses the direction or meaning of the target word. To arrive is to reach a place, so the opposite is to leave it. "Enter" and "return" both involve coming toward a place rather than leaving it.

Question 8Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The recipe calls ______ two cups of flour.

  1. at
  2. on
  3. with
  4. for Correct answer.

Explanation

Some verbs take a fixed preposition to form an idiom. "Call for" means to require or demand, which fits a recipe listing ingredients. Other prepositions change the meaning of "call" entirely.

Question 9Verbal Skills

Chapter is to book as room is to ______.

  1. door
  2. house Correct answer.
  3. tenant
  4. floor

Explanation

The first pair shows a part-to-whole relationship: a chapter is one section of a book. The matching whole for a room is the building that contains it. Doors, floors, and tenants are related to rooms but are not the wholes that contain them.

Question 10Verbal Skills

Although the critic admired the novel's ambition, she found its execution ______.

  1. uneven Correct answer.
  2. predictable
  3. flawless
  4. lengthy

Explanation

The word "although" signals a contrast between the two halves of the sentence. Praise for ambition must be balanced by criticism of execution, so the blank needs a mildly negative word. "Flawless" would remove the contrast, and "lengthy" and "predictable" do not respond to the idea of execution quality.

Question 11Verbal Skills

Which word most nearly means "meticulous"?

  1. thorough Correct answer.
  2. stubborn
  3. speedy
  4. careless

Explanation

A synonym question asks for the closest match in meaning. "Meticulous" describes someone who pays extremely close attention to detail, which aligns with being thorough. Its near-opposite, careless, is a trap for readers who misread the word.

Question 12Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of "frugal"?

  1. wasteful Correct answer.
  2. quiet
  3. cautious
  4. thrifty

Explanation

An antonym must reverse the target word's central meaning. "Frugal" describes careful, economical use of resources, so the opposite is careless or excessive spending. "Thrifty" is a synonym rather than an antonym.

Question 13Verbal Skills

The town council voted to remove the parking meters from Main Street for one year. Merchants had argued that the meters discouraged shoppers, while the council's own study found that turnover in parking spaces fell only slightly when meters were removed. According to the passage, what did the council's study find?

  1. Revenue had been declining
  2. Shoppers avoided downtown
  3. Merchants opposed the change
  4. Turnover fell only slightly Correct answer.

Explanation

Detail questions require locating the specific claim attributed to the right source in the passage. The study is credited with finding that parking-space turnover dropped only slightly once meters were removed. The merchants' argument and any claims about revenue or shoppers are not part of that finding.

Question 14Verbal Skills

In the sentence "The lawyer's argument was tenuous," the word tenuous most nearly means:

  1. angry
  2. lengthy
  3. convincing
  4. weak Correct answer.

Explanation

Context-based vocabulary items ask you to substitute a plain word for a difficult one. "Tenuous" describes something flimsy or thinly supported, so a tenuous argument lacks strength. "Convincing" is the opposite, and length and emotion are unrelated to the word's meaning.

Question 15Verbal Skills

Author is to novel as composer is to ______.

  1. symphony Correct answer.
  2. piano
  3. audience
  4. choir

Explanation

The relationship is creator to the work created. An author writes a novel, so a composer creates a symphony. Instruments, performers, and listeners surround the creative act but are not the completed work.

Question 16Verbal Skills

The committee's report was so ______ that few members could summarize its main point.

  1. brief
  2. convoluted Correct answer.
  3. cheerful
  4. delayed

Explanation

The clause after the blank explains the consequence: the report was hard to summarize. That points to a word describing tangled, overcomplicated content. A brief report would be easy to summarize, so the blank cannot mean short.

Question 17Verbal Skills

Which sentence is written correctly?

  1. The company revised its' policy.
  2. The company revised its policy. Correct answer.
  3. The company revised its's policy.
  4. The company revised it's policy.

Explanation

The possessive form of "it" is "its," written without an apostrophe. The contraction "it's" stands only for "it is" or "it has" and cannot show possession. The forms "its'" and "its's" do not exist in standard English.

Question 18Verbal Skills

A gregarious person is best described as:

  1. athletic
  2. sociable Correct answer.
  3. shy
  4. dishonest

Explanation

"Gregarious" comes from a root meaning herd or flock and describes someone who enjoys the company of others. The closest match is therefore sociable. The other options describe unrelated or opposite qualities.

Question 19Verbal Skills

All Zorks are Blints, and no Blints are Crims. Which statement must be true?

  1. Some Zorks are Crims
  2. Some Crims are Zorks
  3. All Blints are Zorks
  4. No Zorks are Crims Correct answer.

Explanation

In a syllogism, you must follow the chain of categories without adding assumptions. Since every Zork falls inside the Blints, and nothing inside the Blints can be a Crim, no Zork can be a Crim. The other options either reverse a premise or contradict it.

Question 20Verbal Skills

The scientist's findings were ______ by three independent laboratories, strengthening confidence in the result.

  1. printed
  2. ignored
  3. delayed
  4. verified Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase "strengthening confidence" tells you the blank must describe confirmation. Independent laboratories repeating a result and confirming it is what increases confidence. The other verbs do not explain why confidence would grow.

Question 21Verbal Skills

When the city replaced its fleet of diesel buses with electric models, air-quality monitors near the depot recorded a 30 percent drop in nitrogen oxides. Ridership, however, declined slightly during the same period, which transit officials attributed to schedule changes rather than to the new vehicles. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. The schedule changes raised ridership
  2. Riders disliked the electric buses
  3. Diesel buses are cheaper to operate
  4. Electric buses cut local air pollution Correct answer.

Explanation

An inference must follow from the stated evidence and nothing more. The drop in nitrogen oxides measured near the depot after the switch directly supports the claim that electric buses reduced local pollution. Officials explicitly blame the ridership dip on schedule changes, so the other options go beyond or against the text.

Question 22Verbal Skills

Slake is to thirst as ______ is to anger.

  1. appease Correct answer.
  2. provoke
  3. express
  4. endure

Explanation

The first pair shows a relationship of relieving a condition: to slake is to satisfy or relieve thirst. The matching verb is one that relieves anger. "Provoke" does the reverse by stirring anger up.

Question 23Verbal Skills

In the sentence "The senator's remarks were calculated to obfuscate the issue," the word obfuscate most nearly means:

  1. postpone
  2. obscure Correct answer.
  3. clarify
  4. repeat

Explanation

"Obfuscate" means to make something unclear or hard to understand. "Obscure" captures that shading of meaning. Its near-opposite, clarify, is included to catch readers who guess from the political context instead of the word itself.

Question 24Verbal Skills

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

  1. Walking to the store, I got soaked. Correct answer.
  2. Walking to the store, the rain began to fall.
  3. Walking to the store, the rain caught me.
  4. Walking to the store, my coat became soaked.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause. In the correct sentence, "I" is the one doing the walking. The other options make rain or a coat the walker, which is a dangling modifier.

Question 25Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of "obdurate"?

  1. yielding Correct answer.
  2. gloomy
  3. careless
  4. stubborn

Explanation

"Obdurate" describes someone hardened and refusing to change course. Its opposite is a word meaning flexible or willing to give way. "Stubborn" is a synonym and is placed first to tempt readers who recognize only the general tone.

Question 26Verbal Skills

Which word most nearly means 'candid'?

  1. tired
  2. honest Correct answer.
  3. shy
  4. rude

Explanation

Candid means open and sincere in expression. A candid person speaks honestly rather than hiding the truth. The other options describe unrelated traits or states.

Question 27Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of 'scarce'?

  1. costly
  2. ample Correct answer.
  3. rare
  4. hidden

Explanation

Scarce means in short supply. Its opposite describes something available in large quantity. 'Ample' means plentiful.

Question 28Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The instructions were so ______ that even a beginner could follow them.

  1. vague
  2. urgent
  3. clear Correct answer.
  4. lengthy

Explanation

The phrase 'even a beginner could follow them' signals that the instructions were easy to understand. 'Clear' fits this meaning. The other words do not explain why a beginner could follow them.

Question 29Verbal Skills

Pen is to write as scissors are to ______.

  1. cut Correct answer.
  2. draw
  3. sharpen
  4. measure

Explanation

A pen is a tool used for writing. The analogy requires the action performed by scissors, which is cutting. The other options name actions not primarily associated with scissors.

Question 30Verbal Skills

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

  1. The box of old photographs was found in the attic. Correct answer.
  2. The box of old photographs have been found in the attic.
  3. The box of old photographs were found in the attic.
  4. The box of old photographs are found in the attic.

Explanation

The subject is 'box,' which is singular; the phrase 'of old photographs' does not change the subject. A singular subject takes the singular verb 'was.' The other sentences use plural verbs that do not agree with 'box.'

Question 31Verbal Skills

In the sentence 'The trail was steep and rugged,' the word rugged most nearly means:

  1. short
  2. paved
  3. smooth
  4. rough Correct answer.

Explanation

Rugged describes terrain that is uneven or rough. In context, it contrasts with a smooth path. The other choices describe length or surface type but not the meaning of rugged.

Question 32Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of 'expand'?

  1. shrink Correct answer.
  2. widen
  3. stretch
  4. grow

Explanation

To expand is to become larger. Its opposite is to become smaller. 'Shrink' carries that meaning.

Question 33Verbal Skills

Bird is to nest as bee is to ______.

  1. honey
  2. sting
  3. flower
  4. hive Correct answer.

Explanation

A nest is the home or dwelling of a bird. The matching relationship is the home of a bee, which is a hive. The other options are things associated with bees but not their dwellings.

Question 34Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: Although the witness's account was detailed, it was also ______, leaving jurors unsure which facts to trust.

  1. rehearsed
  2. vivid
  3. inconsistent Correct answer.
  4. straightforward

Explanation

The contrast signaled by 'although' and the result 'unsure which facts to trust' call for a word meaning contradictory or unreliable. 'Inconsistent' fits because conflicting details would confuse jurors. The other options do not explain the jurors' uncertainty.

Question 35Verbal Skills

Which word most nearly means 'pragmatic'?

  1. careless
  2. idealistic
  3. generous
  4. practical Correct answer.

Explanation

Pragmatic describes an approach based on practical results rather than theory. A pragmatic person focuses on what works. The other choices describe outlooks or traits unrelated to practical effectiveness.

Question 36Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of 'ambiguous'?

  1. complex
  2. uncertain
  3. clear Correct answer.
  4. lengthy

Explanation

Ambiguous means open to more than one interpretation. Its opposite has only one clear meaning. 'Clear' is the best antonym.

Question 37Verbal Skills

Thermometer is to temperature as scale is to ______.

  1. distance
  2. height
  3. time
  4. weight Correct answer.

Explanation

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. A scale is an instrument used to measure weight. The other options are quantities measured by different tools.

Question 38Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The manager's praise was ______ rather than genuine; she offered compliments only when employees were within earshot.

  1. spontaneous
  2. harsh
  3. sincere
  4. perfunctory Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'rather than genuine' and the detail about being overheard suggest praise given only for appearance. 'Perfunctory' means done routinely or without real interest, which fits. The other words either mean genuine or do not match the context.

Question 39Verbal Skills

The city planted trees along Elm Street. Residents reported cooler afternoons, but some complained that fallen leaves clogged storm drains. What can be inferred from this passage?

  1. The trees had mixed effects. Correct answer.
  2. The city removed the trees.
  3. Residents disputed the temperature readings.
  4. The trees caused only harm.

Explanation

The passage presents cooler afternoons as a benefit and clogged drains as a drawback. Together these details support the inference that the trees had mixed effects. The other options are not supported by the passage.

Question 40Verbal Skills

All members of the book club must read the monthly selection. Priya is a member of the book club. Which conclusion must be true?

  1. Priya has read every book in the library.
  2. Priya must read the monthly selection. Correct answer.
  3. Priya dislikes the monthly selection.
  4. Only Priya must read the selection.

Explanation

The first sentence states a rule that applies to every member. Because Priya is a member, the rule applies to her. No other conclusion about her reading habits or preferences follows necessarily.

Question 41Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The medicine had a noticeable ______ on her symptoms.

  1. affection
  2. effect Correct answer.
  3. affect
  4. effectiveness

Explanation

The sentence needs a noun meaning a result or influence. 'Effect' is the noun, while 'affect' is normally a verb meaning to influence. 'Effectiveness' and 'affection' do not fit the phrase 'had a noticeable ___ on her symptoms.'

Question 42Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: Far from being ______, the professor's lecture was filled with digressions and tangential anecdotes.

  1. popular
  2. focused Correct answer.
  3. lengthy
  4. informative

Explanation

The phrase 'far from being' signals a contrast with the lecture's digressions. A lecture full of tangents is not focused, so 'focused' completes the contrast. The other options do not oppose the idea of wandering off topic.

Question 43Verbal Skills

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

  1. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and cycling. Correct answer.
  2. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to cycle.
  3. She enjoys hiking, to swim, and cycling.
  4. She enjoys to hike, swimming, and cycling.

Explanation

Parallel structure requires items in a series to use the same grammatical form. 'Hiking,' 'swimming,' and 'cycling' are all gerunds, so they match. The other sentences mix gerunds with infinitives.

Question 44Verbal Skills

Which word is the opposite of 'voluntary'?

  1. willing
  2. generous
  3. required Correct answer.
  4. optional

Explanation

Voluntary means done by choice rather than by force. Its opposite describes something required or compulsory. 'Required' means mandatory.

Question 45Verbal Skills

Which phrase most nearly means 'equivocate'?

  1. be deliberately vague Correct answer.
  2. speak with great force
  3. remain completely silent
  4. exaggerate for effect

Explanation

To equivocate is to use ambiguous language, often to avoid committing to a clear position. Deliberate vagueness captures that meaning. The other phrases describe forcefulness, exaggeration, or silence, none of which is equivocation.

Question 46Verbal Skills

Iconoclast is to tradition as reformer is to ______.

  1. law
  2. status quo Correct answer.
  3. innovation
  4. corruption

Explanation

An iconoclast challenges or attacks established tradition. A reformer similarly challenges the existing state of affairs, or status quo. The other options name things a reformer might promote or oppose but not the established order itself.

Question 47Verbal Skills

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The senator's speech was so ______ that listeners could not tell whether he supported or opposed the bill.

  1. forceful
  2. vague Correct answer.
  3. concise
  4. partisan

Explanation

The result clause says listeners could not determine the senator's position. A vague speech would leave his stance unclear. The other words imply clarity, brevity, or bias, none of which explains the confusion.

Question 48Verbal Skills

No one who dislikes crowds enjoys the festival. Maria enjoys the festival. Which conclusion must be true?

  1. Maria has never attended the festival.
  2. Everyone who enjoys the festival dislikes crowds.
  3. Maria dislikes crowds.
  4. Maria does not dislike crowds. Correct answer.

Explanation

The first statement means that if a person dislikes crowds, that person does not enjoy the festival. Since Maria enjoys the festival, she cannot be someone who dislikes crowds. The other conclusions do not follow logically.

Question 49Verbal Skills

Novel is to author as symphony is to ______.

  1. composer Correct answer.
  2. orchestra
  3. audience
  4. instrument

Explanation

The analogy links a creative work to the person who creates it: an author writes a novel, and a composer writes a symphony. The relationship is creator-to-creation, so the missing term must name the person who produces the work.

Question 50Verbal Skills

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

  1. The storm knocked out power; the backup generator started immediately. Correct answer.
  2. The storm knocked out power; and the backup generator started immediately.
  3. The storm knocked out power, the backup generator; started immediately.
  4. The storm knocked out; power the backup generator started immediately.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are not connected by a coordinating conjunction. Only the fourth sentence places the mark between two complete clauses.