Words Count - Chapter 19
Exercise 1

Copyright © 2003 Laraine Flemming.
General distribution outside the classroom and redistribution are strictly prohibited.



Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 19. Each of the ten words is accompanied by three sentences that use a form of the word. Only one of these sentences uses the word correctly, the other two use it incorrectly. Read all three sentences. Then click the button to the left of the sentence that uses the word correctly.

You may change your answers as you see fit. When you are satisfied that all answers are correct, click the "Submit" button at the end of the exercise. You cannot resubmit the exercise after that point.

If a word in a sentence is marked by *, the word is introduced in Words Count.

Note: If you are using the Internet Explorer as browser, the exercise will only work for version 6 or higher.


Together and Apart

1.

cohesive

Liquid Nails is a powerful cohesive used for many purposes in building construction.

Winning three very difficult games in a row had turned the team into a more cohesive unit.

After the knockout, the fighter seemed to be in a daze and too cohesive to speak clearly.

2.

affiliation

I have great affiliation for my aunt, who can entertain us for hours with stories about her adventurous life.

Employers are not allowed to consider political affiliations when they hire people.

We have problems with our neighbors affiliated with our lot at the back.

3.

intermingle

The two dogs fought so viciously that I had to intermingle and separate them.

The United States is called a "melting pot" because people from so many countries and ethnic backgrounds intermingle within its boundaries.

I intermingled with my landlord over the phone and straightened things out.

4.

adhere

The French and English were adherents through most of the Middle Ages.

The player must adhere to a strict diet and exercise regime after gaining weight over the summer.

The singer receives over fifty e-mail messages every day from her adherents.

5.

coalesce

The countries signed a treaty and coalesced to fight their common enemy.

The different ideas I've had finally coalesced into a single concept.*

A coalescence is the sudden appearance of unexpected guests.

6.

discord

The directors' controversial decision caused great discord among the club members.

We can safely discord any suggestions made by our opponents.

There was unanimous discord among the council members, who approved the proposal without debate.

7.

rupture

The fans were ruptured by every move their idol made.

A rupture is nothing more than a minor disagreement.

After rupturing his hamstring, the player will be out for weeks.

8.

contention

I will listen to your contentions, but cannot promise that I will change my mind.

After a contentious debate, the Senate approved the bill by the slimmest of margins.

After receiving a pay raise, I have such a sense of contention that I sleep much better.

9.

alienate

His stand on gun control alienated his former supporters.

The store tries to alienate customers with a series of specials.

A sense of alienation is a very pleasant feeling.

10.

divisive

The officer who had stopped the car had a divisive smile on his face.

Divisiveness is a sign of strong leadership.

The debate turned divisive when the candidates accused each other of dishonesty.


Last change made to this page: March 5, 2014

Words Count: Additional Exercises