Contextual Understanding of Vocabulary

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'predispose' correctly?

• She was in such a somber mood that even the beautiful weather could not predispose her from moping.

• The doctor explained that certain genetic factors could predispose someone to the disease.

• He tried to predispose the jury by presenting evidence that was not relevant to the case.

• The teacher's enthusiasm helped predispose the students to enjoy the subject.

According to legend, Robin Hood was a good-hearted brigand who robbed from the rich to give to the poor and less fortunate. What was Robin Hood known as?

• A nobleman

• A brigand

• A king

• A merchant

Compared to today’s camping tents, which are lightweight and easy to assemble, those old tents are heavy and cumbersome. Does the boldface word make sense in this context?

• Yes

• No

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'admonish' correctly?

• The teacher had to admonish the students for their disruptive behavior.

• The chef decided to admonish the soup with a pinch of salt.

• The artist admonished the canvas with vibrant colors.

• The gardener admonished the plants to grow faster.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the boldface word correctly?

• Her diffuse speech left the audience confused.

• A good editor can help turn a long, diffuse explanation into a clear and concise one.

• He gave a diffuse answer that didn't address the question.

• The perfume had a diffuse scent that filled the room.

• The diffuse light of the setting sun created a beautiful scene.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'spurious' correctly?

• The judge was critical of the lawyer and reminded him that spurious lawsuits waste the court’s time and the public’s money.

• The scientist presented spurious data that was later proven to be accurate.

• The chef's spurious recipe was praised for its authenticity.

• The spurious weather forecast predicted sunshine, but it rained all day.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word correctly? When you are interested in taking several different language classes but have time for only one in your schedule, you face a dilemma.

• The boldface word is used correctly.

• The boldface word is used incorrectly.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word correctly? This book describes history’s greatest military leaders and the principles that they used to commandeer their troops.

• The general was able to commandeer additional supplies for his troops.

• The chef decided to commandeer a new recipe for the restaurant.

• The teacher commandeered the students to complete their homework.

• The artist commandeered a new style for her paintings.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word correctly? The actors and director won praise for the muddle they had created by updating Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and setting it in present-day London.

• The actors and director won praise for the muddle they had created.

• The actors and director won praise for the clarity they had created.

• The actors and director won praise for the confusion they had created.

• The actors and director won praise for the order they had created.

For each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 14–15 makes sense in the context of the sentence. Which of the following sentences uses the word correctly? My aunt’s unbridled sense of curiosity about the natural world has led her to travel extensively.

• The word is used correctly.

• The word is used incorrectly.