Words Count - Chapter 20
Exercise 1

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



Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 20. 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.


Getting Mad and Making Up

1.

bellicose

My bellicose temper has gotten me into more fights than I would like to remember.

A bellicose person is someone who hates war and abhors the use of violence.

Bellicose language is meant to overcome divisiveness* and promote harmony.

2.

bicker

A bickering couple shows affection in public.

The proposed legislation caused some bickering among lawmakers, but met no major opposition.

People who bicker are engaged in an all-out battle.

3.

animosity

The members of the "Preserve Our Town" coalition are united by their animosity toward any new development.

Animosity is the fear of animals like spiders or snakes.

Animosity is a synonym for friendship.

4.

vanquish

Vanquishment is a form of flattery.

The vanquished army was in total disarray and had lost its will to continue fighting.

If you vanquish some opponents, you try to preserve their dignity and spirit because you may need their cooperation in the future.

5.

altercation

The jacket does not fit properly and needs some altercations.

Altercation and bickering are synonyms.

The altercation in front of the bar got out of hand and the owner had to call the police.

6.

affront

The building affronted visitors with a grand staircase and impressive lobby.

I cannot argue with my partner because he takes even the slightest criticism as an affront.

If you affront somebody, you protect him or her against physical abuse.

7.

pacify

The apologies of the incumbent sounded sincere and pacified her most ardent* followers.

A pacifier is a device long-distance runners use to check their pace.

A pacification is the signing of a peace treaty.

8.

concede

When he invited me to his party, my friend conceded that he would not take no for an answer.

After King George's death, his daughter Elizabeth conceded to the throne.

The building's owner made enough concessions to pacify* the enraged neighbors.

9.

amicable

An amicable divorce is one in which the partners settle without a fight and remain friends.

When asked point-blank about his alleged affair, he became amicable and chided* the interviewer severely.

I like the fact that my boss is open-minded and always amicable to suggestions.

10.

rapport

I managed to turn in my rapport two days ahead of the deadline.

After I discovered my partner's shady schemes, the rapport between us became final.

Effective teachers typically have a good rapport with students.


Last change made to this page: March 5, 2014

Words Count: Additional Exercises