Words Matter - Chapter 20
Exercise 1

Copyright © 2004 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 Matter.

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

Getting Emotional

1.

melodrama

Manuela's melodrama got so bad, she had to see a doctor.

In the U.S., the melodramatic treatment of prisoners is outlawed.

The jury was not impressed by the prosecutor's melodrama.
2.

ambivalence

I'm ambivalent about my advisor: I respect her experience, but find her brashness hard to take.

Ambivalent batters can hit equally well with their left and their right arm.

I like the ambivalence of the new restaurant—it puts me immediately into a romantic mood.
3.

demonstrative

My demonstrative sister couldn't hide her feelings even if she tried.

We had to read a story that was so demonstrative the teacher had to explain every sentence.

Don't get demonstrative with me—I can out-swear you any time!
4.

emotive

Herbal teas have been used as emotives for centuries.

Opera composers try to write music that brings out the emotive content of the words being sung.

In his public appearances, he comes across as emotive and without feelings.
5.

vehement

The wind blew with such vehemence that trees were uprooted and roofs damaged.

Her vehement behavior kept Veronica in good standing with teachers and administrators alike.

Albert Einstein's vehemence as a physicist is based on two groundbreaking papers he published in the early 1990s.
6.

histrionic

It would be hard to overestimate the histrionic importance of the American fight for independence from British rule.

Isn't it histrionic that it's often not the poor who are caught shoplifting?

The mayor defended his actions in a speech that many found too histrionic to be believable.
7.

effusive

Getting rich fast is an effusive goal for most.

Director and actors alike received effusive praise for their work in the movie Mystic River.

The effusiveness of Vitamin C in fighting the common cold is still debated.
8.

fervor

The team played with greater fervor because players resented the negative comments made by the opposing team during the past week.

I don't expect any fervors from you—just do what is in your own best interest.

I greatly prefer the fervor of pork over that of beef.
9.

impassive

He vigorously defended his actions in an impassive speech.

In spite of hostile questions from reporters, the candidate maintained his impassive tone and never lost his temper.

During the game, the receivers displayed an impassive array of skills.
10.

stolid

When a wave knocked me over, I struggled to get my feet back on stolid ground.

The coach watched stolidly as his team suffered a crushing defeat.

Dick and Diana are a study in contrasts: he is the stolid one, while she always acts impassively.*

Last change made to this page: November 12, 2004

Words Matter: Additional Exercises