Words Matter - Chapter 7
Exercise 1

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



Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 7. 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 Matter.

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


Getting Mad, Making Up

1.

rancor

I was moved by your rancorous reply and would like to thank you very much.

His rancor in the community was so high that people forgave the mayor an occasional misstep.

All in all, the debate was quite friendly, and there seemed to be little rancor between the opponents.

2.

incendiary

Incendiaries at the Academy Awards typically give a standing ovation to someone who receives a "lifetime achievement award."

A "Molotov Cocktail" is a crude incendiary device that was originally used in World War II to set tanks on fire.

At the end of his fiery speech, he used a few incendiary remarks to calm the audience down.

3.

choleric

Cholerics used to wear black robes or suits with a white collar, but are seen nowadays more and more in everyday street clothes.

Charley knows that he has to control his choleric temper if he wants to keep good people working for him.

Her choleric smile was irresistible and won her friends wherever she went.

4.

diatribe

When reporters asked the candidate about her unpaid taxes, she launched into a diatribe against the media.

Thoreau's On Walden Pond is a beautiful diatribe describing the virtues of nature and a simple life.

Every power tool comes with a diatribe explaining how to operate and maintain it.

5.

fulminate

I think that people who fulminate against loose morals should themselves practice what they preach.

Owning a restaurant was the fulmination of my father's life.

Music has a fulminating effect on me and I listen to it especially when I feel blue.

6.

invective

His speech was filled with invective against people who did not share his views of the world.

The large sum of money that can be earned by winning the lottery is an invective even for people who know how bad the odds are.

Barbara is a designer who is most invective when she has to work in very tight spaces.

7.

mitigate

For centuries, people mitigated from Asia to America by crossing the Bering Strait into Alaska.

Before sugar became available, people used sweeteners like honey to mitigate the bitterness of some foods.

Her mitigation of an Italian accent is crude and grating.

8.

amity

The traditional amity between Steelers and Browns fans leads to verbal taunts during games, but hardly ever to real fights.

The United States and Mexico now deal with each other with greater amity.

The new stadium has more seats and improved amities.

9.

conciliatory

Your conciliatory is well taken—I have to remember it when I give my speech.

The two governments realize that a more conciliatory language would help each side achieve its goals.

It's conciliatory now for football players to keep their celebrations on the field in check.

10.

mediation

I mediated long and hard and finally decided to sell my motorbike.

Aspirin is not only a mediation for pain, but has other positive effects.

Good mediators are able to keep their own feelings in check and treat each side with the same degree of respect.


Last change made to this page: November 12, 2004

Words Matter: Additional Exercises