Precise Word Choice

Between March and November of 2011, an anonymous donor left intricately crafted paper sculptures at various cultural institutions in Edinburgh, Scotland. Which choice most effectively emphasizes the complexity of the paper sculptures?

• NO CHANGE

• impressively

• terrifically

• superbly

He used a foam template to assemble a group of corks into a pretty interesting shape.

Which choice provides the most specific description of the assembled groups of corks?

• NO CHANGE

• hexagonal

• certain

• DELETE the underlined portion

Their interiors, though, are smooth, clear glass stained with tiny bubbles formed by air and moisture trapped during the rapid cooling of the melted sand after the lightning strike.

Which choice makes clearest the light, sporadic arrangement of the bubbles in the glass?

• NO CHANGE

• pointed

• speckled

• covered

The words, images, ideas, and feelings associated with a word

• Connotation

• Denotation

Choose the word that best fits the sentence: "The __________ tone of the email made it difficult to understand the sender's true intentions."

• informal

• ambiguous

• direct

• harsh

Choose the word that best fits the sentence: "The author's argument was __________, lacking clear evidence and logical reasoning."

• compelling

• unconvincing

• persuasive

• cogent

Which of the following words would serve as the best replacement for the underlined word in the sentence below? The salsa was hot.

• delicious

• spicy

• sweltering

• sweating

Which of the following words would serve as the best replacement for the underlined word in the sentence below?

She walked through the mall, looking for the perfect burgundy necklace to match her blouse.

• strolled

• dashed

• zipped

• sprinted

Which of the following words would serve as the best replacement for the underlined word in the sentence below?

Mom spent six hours looking through the leaves for her lost wedding ring.

• gazing

• watching

• searching

• finding

Which of the following words would serve as the best replacement for the underlined word in the sentence below?

When she finally saw her ring, she started to cry.

• pointed to

• gawked at

• peeked at

• spotted