Reading Comprehension

Volatile describes something that is liable to change rapidly and unpredictably.

Fragrance' directly relates to the sense of smell.

Meteoric growth is rapid, sudden, and dramatic, often compared to the speed of a falling star or meteor.

The passage confirms: 'By 1950, they shifted to calculators.'

Comparing the clock to a heartbeat using 'as/like' (implied/stated) suggests the steady, rhythmic nature of the ticking.

Disdain is the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect, which is contempt.

The use of 'like' to compare her voice to velvet makes this a simile.

To substantiate means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.

Giving the house the human-like ability to 'groan' is personification.

The passage states, 'Guided tours start in Room 2 and end in Room 1'.

This metaphor describes being completely overwhelmed by an excessive amount of work.

Soporific means tending to induce drowsiness or sleep, which explains why the class fell asleep.

The description of the moonlit sky and stars creates a visual image, appealing to the sense of sight.

The passage says, 'Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected'.

Calling the mystery a 'locked room' implies it is difficult to enter or understand.

Callous means showing an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time; the context of it 'vanishing' confirms it was temporary or fleeting.

Tapestry of amber and crimson' describes visual colors, appealing to the sense of sight.

Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.