Words Matter - Chapter 19
Exercise 1

Copyright © 2004 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 Matter.

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


Moral and Immoral

1.

scrupulous

Gangsters like Al Capone had no scruples when it came to killing people they considered to be in their way.

After a scrupulous dinner, the guests were in a happy mood.

It's typical for Scott's scrupulous ways that he never paid me back the money I lent him.

2.

rectitude

I strongly disapprove of the rectitude with which you keep on breaking promises.

My father's sense of rectitude left a lasting impression on me and guided me throughout my life.

The instructor started class with a long rectitude about cheating and plagiarism.

3.

veracity

The lioness killed the zebra with one bite and she and her cubs devoured it with veracity.

In a veracious speech, the governor defended herself and denounced her critics.

It was difficult to check the veracity of the victim's account because there were no witnesses and physical evidence was scarce.

4.

ascetic

The asceticism of people who buy shower curtains that cost thousands of dollars obviously has no bounds.

Despite her modest salary, my aunt was able to squirrel away thousands of dollars because of her ascetic lifestyle.

I'm in awe of the asceticism of boxers who are able to endure a match lasting many rounds.

5.

puritanical

When the laws of a land are too puritanical, people often find ways to get around them.

I am sorry to learn that Vance has become a puritan gambler who loses most of his weekly wages every weekend.

My parents are too puritanical to protest when I come home after a night of carousing.

6.

depravity

In the Old Testament, God destroys the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha because of the depravity of their citizens.

The Medal of Honor is given to people who have shown extraordinary depravity in battle.

I cannot follow your depraved argument and need to see more convincing evidence.

7.

unregenerate

To the present day, people debate whether French philosopher Voltaire died an unregenerate atheist or repented on his death bed.

I cannot unregenerate my statement and must apologize.

My unregenerate uncle never contributed a cent to charity in his entire life.

8.

salacious

Gourmets* love salacious food and drink.

Sal is too salacious to neglect his parents once they moved into their new home.

Shows on cable channels can be more salacious because they are not controlled by the Federal Government.

9.

licentious

For home repairs, make sure that your contractor is licentious.

Alexander VI is notorious for being the most licentious pope in history.

The Puritans tried to go to heaven by living a life of licentiousness.

10.

sanctimonious

In order to become more sanctimonious, my brother sold his company, gave his profits to charity, and led a simple life.

To prove his sanctimoniousness, the candidate made all of his records public.

You may have a point, but I resent your sanctimonious tone.


Last change made to this page: November 12, 2004

Words Matter: Additional Exercises