Words Count - Chapter 25
Exercise 1

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



Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 25. 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.


Fiery Words

1.

acrid

The American Southwest is known for its acrid climate.

Her acrid smile could light up the whole screen.

After the fire, an acrid cloud of smoke hung over the neighborhood.

2.

acrimony

Acrimony between people indicates that they are willing to get along.

The fire burnt out of control and put the entire block into acrimony.

Many commentators believe that over the last two decades, political debates have become more acrimonious in Washington.

3.

incensed

Once the candles were incensed, the room was bathed in a soft light that put us into a relaxed mood

I am so incensed by recent editorials in the paper, I am ready to cancel my subscription.

When the scaffold collapsed, it left one worker so incensed he had to be driven to the emergency room.

4.

molten

After the volcano erupted, streams of molten lava could be seen running down the slopes.

A molten excuse is so weak that it satisfies nobody.

A substance that has hardened and become solid is called "molten."

5.

caustic

The judge phrased his opinion in terms that many found unnecessarily caustic.

Research has shown that there is a caustic relation between lack of exercise and high blood pressure.

The parents were delighted when they saw their son take his first caustic steps.

6.

irate

Public comments by the secretary caused a flood of irate e-mail praising him for his courage.

The product was so defective that the company was overwhelmed by phone calls from irate customers demanding their money back.

Suggestions are much easier to accept when they are made irately.

7.

kindle

To kindle feelings means to extinguish them abruptly.

Johnny is a kindling and has been my best friend for a long time.

In Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, the general kindles Desdemona's love for him by describing his adventures and bravery in battle.

8.

ignite

He has a very ignited disposition and is very hard to upset.

It may not take more than a carelessly thrown away cigarette butt to ignite an entire forest.

It took a lot of rain and a change in wind direction to finally ignite the raging wild fire.

9.

inflammable

Firefighters have to wear inflammable clothing to protect them from fire.

"Cold as a cucumber" is a simile* often used to describe someone who remains inflammable in a difficult situation.

The leader of the rebels tried to motivate his followers with inflammatory speeches they could listen to on the radio.

10.

fervent

I think my fervent prayers have finally been answered.

A fervent person is one who has come down with a fever.

It is healthier to eat fervent small meals during the day than a few big ones.


Last change made to this page: March 6, 2014

Words Count: Additional Exercises