Anomaly
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition:
Something that deviates from what is normal, expected, or standard; an irregularity.
Example Sentences:
The scientist noticed an anomaly in the experiment’s results that required further investigation.
His excellent performance in an otherwise average season was an anomaly.
The warm weather in December was an anomaly for the usually cold region.
How “Anomaly” May Appear on the GED RLA Exam
Anomaly” often shows up in scientific reports, historical accounts, and analytical essays, usually to highlight something unusual or unexpected.
Example 1: Vocabulary in Context
“The historian considered the peaceful decade an anomaly in a century filled with wars and political unrest.”
Question:
What does the word anomaly most likely mean in the sentence?
A. A typical event
B. A rare and unusual occurrence
C. A tradition
D. A reason for conflict
Correct Answer: B. A rare and unusual occurrence
Example 2: Inference from a Science Passage
“Astronomers detected an anomaly in the star’s brightness, which could indicate the presence of a planet.”
Question:
What does the anomaly suggest to the astronomers?
A. Everything is normal
B. The star is older than expected
C. The star will soon disappear
D. There might be something unusual affecting the star
Correct Answer: D. There might be something unusual affecting the star
Example 3: Author’s Purpose
“The author describes the athlete’s sudden win as an anomaly in an otherwise disappointing career.”
Question:
Why does the author call the win an anomaly?
A. It was the athlete’s usual performance
B. It was rare compared to their normal results
C. It happened multiple times in the season
D. It was expected based on training
Correct Answer: B. It was rare compared to their normal results
Related GED Vocabulary:
Irregularity
Oddity
Want more practice with advanced GED vocabulary?
Check out our GED RLA Vocab: 110 Academic Words List to keep building your reading skills.
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