1. chomp!
chomp!
This presentation is
brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!,
©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.
This presentation is
brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!,
©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.

2. Appropriate Words orAppropriate Words or
Expressions in ContextExpressions in Context
Appropriate Words orAppropriate Words or
Expressions in ContextExpressions in Context
Astonished?
Astounded?
Bewildered?
Confounded?
Dazed?
Dazzled?
Astonished?
Astounded?
Bewildered?
Confounded?
Dazed?
Dazzled?
What’s the
right word?
What’s the
right word?

3. This presentation will
help you distinguish
between
appropriate and
inappropriate
words or expressions
for the given
context.
This presentation will
help you distinguish
between
appropriate and
inappropriate
words or expressions
for the given
context.

4. On an objective test,On an objective test, anan
item evaluating the skillitem evaluating the skill
might look like thismight look like this .... ..

5. Sample ItemSample ItemSample ItemSample Item
When Lawrence stuck French fries up his nose,When Lawrence stuck French fries up his nose,
we shouted, “Yuck!” We were __________ by hiswe shouted, “Yuck!” We were __________ by his
behavior.behavior.
A.A.unfazedunfazed
B.B.dazzleddazzled
C.C.repulsedrepulsed
When Lawrence stuck French fries up his nose,When Lawrence stuck French fries up his nose,
we shouted, “Yuck!” We were __________ by hiswe shouted, “Yuck!” We were __________ by his
behavior.behavior.
A.A.unfazedunfazed
B.B.dazzleddazzled
C.C.repulsedrepulsed
Is unfazed,
dazzled, or
repulsed the best
word to fill the
blank?
Is unfazed,
dazzled, or
repulsed the best
word to fill the
blank?
Repulsed, which
means disgusted
or sickened, is
the right choice.
Repulsed, which
means disgusted
or sickened, is
the right choice.

6. What if I don’t
know any of
words that are
options?
What if I don’t
know any of
words that are
options?
Don’t panic!
Try to
determine the
right word by
looking for
clues about
meaning!
Don’t panic!
Try to
determine the
right word by
looking for
clues about
meaning!

7. Clue 1: Look for a definition.Clue 1: Look for a definition.Clue 1: Look for a definition.Clue 1: Look for a definition.
Sharilyn suffers from cynophobia, or the fear of
dogs, so she won’t be interested in adopting a
puppy.
Cynophobia!
That’s such a
big word! How
am I supposed to
know what it
means?
Cynophobia!
That’s such a
big word! How
am I supposed to
know what it
means?
Look at the
sentence! The
author has
defined it for
you! It means the
fear of dogs.
Look at the
sentence! The
author has
defined it for
you! It means the
fear of dogs.
Look for
commas,
parentheses,
or dashes that
encapsulate
(or set off) the
definition.
Look for
commas,
parentheses,
or dashes that
encapsulate
(or set off) the
definition.
Sharilyn suffers from cynophobia, or the fear of
dogs, so she won’t be interested in adopting a
puppy.

8. Clue 2: Look for examples.Clue 2: Look for examples.Clue 2: Look for examples.Clue 2: Look for examples.
My dog Jack is obdurate; for example, he won’t get
off the couch when I ask or come when he’s called.
Obdurate!
That’s another
big word! I
don’t know what
it means!
Obdurate!
That’s another
big word! I
don’t know what
it means!
Look at the
sentence! The
author gives
examples! You
can conclude that
Jack is
stubborn, a
synonym for
obdurate.
Look at the
sentence! The
author gives
examples! You
can conclude that
Jack is
stubborn, a
synonym for
obdurate.
Look for phrases
like to
illustrate, for
instance, or
such as that
provide
examples that
define the word
you don’t know.
Look for phrases
like to
illustrate, for
instance, or
such as that
provide
examples that
define the word
you don’t know.
My dog Jack is obdurate; for example, he won’t
get off the couch when I ask or come when he’s
called.

9. Clue 3: Look for contrast.Clue 3: Look for contrast.Clue 3: Look for contrast.Clue 3: Look for contrast.
Jill was sick with the flu, so when we explained the
salubrious properties of chocolate-broccoli muffins,
she ate one.
Salubrious! I’ve
never heard of
it! How am I
supposed to
know if it’s the
right word or
not?
Salubrious! I’ve
never heard of
it! How am I
supposed to
know if it’s the
right word or
not?
Look at the
sentence! If she’s
sick, she wants
to get well, so
salubrious must
mean health-
giving!
Look at the
sentence! If she’s
sick, she wants
to get well, so
salubrious must
mean health-
giving!
Look for an
antonym—a
word that means
the opposite—
to help figure out
the meaning of
the word you
don’t know.
Look for an
antonym—a
word that means
the opposite—
to help figure out
the meaning of
the word you
don’t know.
Jill was sick with the flu, so when we explained the
salubrious properties of chocolate-broccoli muffins,
she ate one.

10. Clue 4: Infer the meaning.Clue 4: Infer the meaning.Clue 4: Infer the meaning.Clue 4: Infer the meaning.
Everyone calls that boy Sparky. Only his mother
refuses to use the sobriquet, shouting, “Cornelius!”
when dinner is ready.
Sobriquet! Who
uses that
word! I don’t
know what it
means!
Sobriquet! Who
uses that
word! I don’t
know what it
means!
Guess, or
infer, the
meaning!
Mothers like to
call their children
by their real
names.
Guess, or
infer, the
meaning!
Mothers like to
call their children
by their real
names.
Sparky must be
a nickname,
which is what a
sobriquet is!
Sparky must be
a nickname,
which is what a
sobriquet is!
Everyone calls that boy Sparky. Only his mother
refuses to use the sobriquet, shouting, “Cornelius!”
when dinner is ready.

11. At many objective exams, youAt many objective exams, you
cancannotnot use a dictionary!use a dictionary!
At many objective exams, youAt many objective exams, you
cancannotnot use a dictionary!use a dictionary!
XX

12. When in doubt, rely onWhen in doubt, rely on
“gut” feelings.“gut” feelings.
When in doubt, rely onWhen in doubt, rely on
“gut” feelings.“gut” feelings.
Your eyes haveYour eyes have seenseen in printin print——and yourand your
brain hasbrain has registeredregistered——all of the possibleall of the possible
words that you will encounter for this skill. Ifwords that you will encounter for this skill. If
you don’tyou don’t knowknow the meaning of any of thethe meaning of any of the
words, go with the one thatwords, go with the one that feelsfeels right.right.
Hey, I’ve seen
that word
before!
Hey, I’ve seen
that word
before!

13. Quick TestQuick TestQuick TestQuick Test
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, chooseIn the items that follow, choose
the most effective word or phrase within thethe most effective word or phrase within the
context suggested by the sentence(s).context suggested by the sentence(s).
Your
turn!
Your
turn!
Let’s see
what you
can do!
Let’s see
what you
can do!

14. Item 1Item 1Item 1Item 1
After an exhausting all-nighter to finish ProfessorAfter an exhausting all-nighter to finish Professor
Clark’s research paper, we found his dull lectureClark’s research paper, we found his dull lecture
the next morning __________.the next morning __________.
A.A.upliftinguplifting
B.B.excruciatingexcruciating
C.C.inspiringinspiring
After an exhausting all-nighter to finish ProfessorAfter an exhausting all-nighter to finish Professor
Clark’s research paper, we found his dull lectureClark’s research paper, we found his dull lecture
the next morning __________.the next morning __________.
A.A.upliftinguplifting
B.B.excruciatingexcruciating
C.C.inspiringinspiring

15. Item 2Item 2Item 2Item 2
After Betsy’s last purchase of a lemon—and theAfter Betsy’s last purchase of a lemon—and the
dealership’s unwillingness to repair problems thatdealership’s unwillingness to repair problems that
she thought the warranty covered—Betsyshe thought the warranty covered—Betsy
__________ the contract for her new car before__________ the contract for her new car before
she signed it.she signed it.
A.A.scrutinizedscrutinized
B.B.skimmedskimmed
C.C.glanced atglanced at
After Betsy’s last purchase of a lemon—and theAfter Betsy’s last purchase of a lemon—and the
dealership’s unwillingness to repair problems thatdealership’s unwillingness to repair problems that
she thought the warranty covered—Betsyshe thought the warranty covered—Betsy
__________ the contract for her new car before__________ the contract for her new car before
she signed it.she signed it.
A.A.scrutinizedscrutinized
B.B.skimmedskimmed
C.C.glanced atglanced at

16. Item 3Item 3Item 3Item 3
Walter winced as he tasted the sauce, shook hisWalter winced as he tasted the sauce, shook his
head, and sighed. His __________ for Loretta’shead, and sighed. His __________ for Loretta’s
cooking was obvious.cooking was obvious.
A.A.horrorhorror
B.B.excitementexcitement
C.C.disdaindisdain
Walter winced as he tasted the sauce, shook hisWalter winced as he tasted the sauce, shook his
head, and sighed. His __________ for Loretta’shead, and sighed. His __________ for Loretta’s
cooking was obvious.cooking was obvious.
A.A.horrorhorror
B.B.excitementexcitement
C.C.disdaindisdain

17. Item 4Item 4Item 4Item 4
The students wished Professor Davis gaveThe students wished Professor Davis gave
__________ directions for essays. Instead, the__________ directions for essays. Instead, the
assignment sheets are pages long and chockedassignment sheets are pages long and chocked
full of requirements.full of requirements.
A.A.complicatedcomplicated
B.B.widewide
C.C.succinctsuccinct
The students wished Professor Davis gaveThe students wished Professor Davis gave
__________ directions for essays. Instead, the__________ directions for essays. Instead, the
assignment sheets are pages long and chockedassignment sheets are pages long and chocked
full of requirements.full of requirements.
A.A.complicatedcomplicated
B.B.widewide
C.C.succinctsuccinct

18. Item 5Item 5Item 5Item 5
Sara was filled with __________, for she hadSara was filled with __________, for she had
emailed Professor Carson to explain that she wasemailed Professor Carson to explain that she was
too ill to attend class but then ran into him at thetoo ill to attend class but then ran into him at the
Student Center, a tennis racquet in her hand.Student Center, a tennis racquet in her hand.
A.A.trepidationtrepidation
B.B.mirthmirth
C.C.brevitybrevity
Sara was filled with __________, for she hadSara was filled with __________, for she had
emailed Professor Carson to explain that she wasemailed Professor Carson to explain that she was
too ill to attend class but then ran into him at thetoo ill to attend class but then ran into him at the
Student Center, a tennis racquet in her hand.Student Center, a tennis racquet in her hand.
A.A.trepidationtrepidation
B.B.mirthmirth
C.C.brevitybrevity

19. Item 6Item 6Item 6Item 6
Simon had to __________ his cell phone after itSimon had to __________ his cell phone after it
rang for the third time in class.rang for the third time in class.
A.A.relinquishrelinquish
B.B.amputateamputate
C.C.postponepostpone
Simon had to __________ his cell phone after itSimon had to __________ his cell phone after it
rang for the third time in class.rang for the third time in class.
A.A.relinquishrelinquish
B.B.amputateamputate
C.C.postponepostpone

20. Item 7Item 7Item 7Item 7
Roger’s car holds four people comfortably, but heRoger’s car holds four people comfortably, but he
stuffed nine classmates into the little vehicle.stuffed nine classmates into the little vehicle.
Larissa had difficulty __________ herself from theLarissa had difficulty __________ herself from the
backseat when they arrived at her house.backseat when they arrived at her house.
A.A.modifyingmodifying
B.B.hoveringhovering
C.C.extricatingextricating
Roger’s car holds four people comfortably, but heRoger’s car holds four people comfortably, but he
stuffed nine classmates into the little vehicle.stuffed nine classmates into the little vehicle.
Larissa had difficulty __________ herself from theLarissa had difficulty __________ herself from the
backseat when they arrived at her house.backseat when they arrived at her house.
A.A.modifyingmodifying
B.B.hoveringhovering
C.C.extricatingextricating

21. Item 8Item 8Item 8Item 8
Winston read his essay with a ruler, scrutinizingWinston read his essay with a ruler, scrutinizing
each line for errors. When he finished, he read iteach line for errors. When he finished, he read it
again just as carefully. We found his behavioragain just as carefully. We found his behavior
__________, but teachers loved his control of__________, but teachers loved his control of
grammar.grammar.
A.A.punitivepunitive
B.B.redundantredundant
C.C.lackadaisicallackadaisical
Winston read his essay with a ruler, scrutinizingWinston read his essay with a ruler, scrutinizing
each line for errors. When he finished, he read iteach line for errors. When he finished, he read it
again just as carefully. We found his behavioragain just as carefully. We found his behavior
__________, but teachers loved his control of__________, but teachers loved his control of
grammar.grammar.
A.A.punitivepunitive
B.B.redundantredundant
C.C.lackadaisicallackadaisical

22. Item 9Item 9Item 9Item 9
Larry dyed his hair blue and green and painted hisLarry dyed his hair blue and green and painted his
face and torso in the same school colors. Inface and torso in the same school colors. In
addition, he wore flippers on his feet and hands.addition, he wore flippers on his feet and hands.
When his girlfriend Maria saw his game-dayWhen his girlfriend Maria saw his game-day
preparations, she gasped and declared thempreparations, she gasped and declared them
__________.__________.
A.A.subduedsubdued
B.B.ostentatiousostentatious
C.C.pedestrianpedestrian
Larry dyed his hair blue and green and painted hisLarry dyed his hair blue and green and painted his
face and torso in the same school colors. Inface and torso in the same school colors. In
addition, he wore flippers on his feet and hands.addition, he wore flippers on his feet and hands.
When his girlfriend Maria saw his game-dayWhen his girlfriend Maria saw his game-day
preparations, she gasped and declared thempreparations, she gasped and declared them
__________.__________.
A.A.subduedsubdued
B.B.ostentatiousostentatious
C.C.pedestrianpedestrian

23. Item 10Item 10Item 10Item 10
We followed the guide down the stairs to the floorWe followed the guide down the stairs to the floor
below the lobby. Then we toured the __________below the lobby. Then we toured the __________
storerooms where the museum kept pricelessstorerooms where the museum kept priceless
treasures not on display.treasures not on display.
A.A.subterraneansubterranean
B.B.loftylofty
C.C.incapacitatedincapacitated
We followed the guide down the stairs to the floorWe followed the guide down the stairs to the floor
below the lobby. Then we toured the __________below the lobby. Then we toured the __________
storerooms where the museum kept pricelessstorerooms where the museum kept priceless
treasures not on display.treasures not on display.
A.A.subterraneansubterranean
B.B.loftylofty
C.C.incapacitatedincapacitated

24. Or theOr the EndEnd..
After theAfter the
denouementdenouement