Words Matter - Chapter 22
Exercise 1

Copyright © 2005 Laraine Flemming.
General distribution outside the classroom and redistribution are strictly prohibited.


Directions: Below are the ten words from Chapter 22. 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.

Living with the Animals

1.

species

My dog and I have been species ever since I got her as a puppy.

My professor's species is animal psychology.

There are so many species of finches, I have a hard time telling them apart.
2.

feral

Elsie has a fierce bark, but is completely feral when she meets people.

The Jungle Book is the feral story of Mowgli who grew up among animals in the wild.

We found our cat in a completely feral state and it took her more than a year to let us pet her.
3.

predator

Sharks may be scary predators, but they have an important function in the overall life of the oceans.

Even her fiercest predators had to admit that the senator worked hard for her constituents.

I think I can find my way back if I just follow my predatory instincts.
4.

rapacious

I think our fish are happier in their new, more rapacious aquarium.

Male birds and animals often try to attract females with rapacious calls.

The recent corporate scandals have shown that the rapacity of some top executives has no bounds.
5.

carnivorous

The teeth of typical carnivores enable the animals to tear into and cut meat.

After the long dry spell, even the trees have become carnivorous and are losing their leaves.

I used to eat meat, but now I've become a carnivore and stick to a meatless diet.
6.

omnivorous

My omnivorous uncle Al seems to know the answer to everything.

Olga tries to lose weight and started an omnivorous diet.

I'm glad we humans are omnivores and able to enjoy the greatest variety of foods.
7.

habitat

The habitats of many animals are shrinking because of residential and industrial development.

The habitat of camels looks so funny because the legs on each side move backward and forward together.

In principle, all mammals are habitable by humans.
8.

anthropomorphic

Anthropomorphism is spreading among homeless animals living in cities.

Garfield is an anthropomorphic cat that even talks to his owner.

After his beloved cat died, Andy became more and more anthropomorphic.
9.

zoology

Because he loved gadgets and mechanical devices, he decided to study zoology.

The eminent zoologist entertained his audience with pictures and stories from his latest field trip.

The zoology of Northern Africa consists to a large degree of the Sahara desert.
10.

ethology

It was really ethological of Emma to rescue all those kittens.

I think Eric became an ethologist because he loves to spend time outdoors observing animals.

Lions, giraffes and elephants are prominent members of the ethology of Africa.

Last change made to this page: November 12, 2004

Words Matter: Additional Exercises