Words Matter - Chapter 14
Exercise 1

Copyright © 2004 Laraine Flemming.
General distribution outside the classroom and redistribution are strictly prohibited.


Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 14. 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.

Bad Behavior

1.

feckless

It is feckless to kick someone who is already lying on the floor.

Francine received a bonus for her feckless performance during difficult times.

My attempts to fix the leak were rather feckless, and we had to call a plumber in the end.
2.

malfeasance

His speech was filled with malfeasances that left the audience puzzled.

When the malfeasance of the engine became too great, I decided to junk the car.

Accused of malfeasance, the governor claimed that he had done nothing illegal.
3.

peccadillo

Treason is a peccadillo that is severely punished, especially in times of war.

People are more forgiving about peccadillos committed by their leaders if those leaders show remorse.

Pete's peccadillo attitude will get him into trouble eventually.
4.

indiscretion

Her indiscretions finally caught up with Cherie and she lost her job.

Several indiscretions about the Kennedys became bestsellers.

I am rather indiscreet about the car I drive as long as it gets me safely from here to there.
5.

iniquity

The police broke up the demonstration with excessive iniquity: Hospitals in the area were flooded with injured protesters.

In some countries, women are subjected to iniquities on a daily basis.

The leaders met in a spirit of iniquity and promised to sign the treaty at the end of the day.
6.

transgression

In the early 1800s, Lewis and Clark led a military expedition that transgressed the North American Continent from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.

When I questioned Tim's motives, he became transgressive and almost hit me in the face.

In many religions, adultery is considered a serious transgression.
7.

miscreant

I think we have a simple miscreant that we can clear up with a few words.

Dictators typically treat their opponents as miscreants in need of punishment.

According to the latest miscreant, Aunt Matilda has a new boyfriend and may get married again.
8.

profligate

When asked about the money, he became profligate and refused to answer any more questions.

Profligacy is more common among the poor because they have no money to spend.

Being a profligate spender, Paul managed to go through his inheritance in a few years.
9.

dissolute

I deeply regret what dissolute development does to the countryside.

Some Roman emperors are remembered more for their dissolute behavior than for their performance as leaders of an empire.

I'm so dissolute by now, I have no hope of ever getting well again.
10.

calumny

My opponent cannot fault me for my record and now resorts to calumny in order to hurt me.

In her recent calumny, the writer praised Congress for passing the reform bill.

General "Stonewall" Jackson was famous for the calumny he showed in the face of danger.

Last change made to this page: November 12, 2004

Words Matter: Additional Exercises