Writing and Editing Word Choice and Vocabulary 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses 'comprise' vs. 'compose'?
- The anthology is comprised of twelve essays.
- The anthology comprises twelve essays.
- Twelve essays comprise the anthology.
- Both B and C are correct. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B and C are correct.
'Comprise' means 'to consist of' (the whole comprises the parts); 'compose' means 'to make up' (the parts compose the whole).
Question 2: What is the meaning of 'ameliorate'?
- To make worse
- To improve or make better (Correct answer)
- To eliminate entirely
- To analyze in detail
Correct answer: To improve or make better
'Ameliorate' means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
Question 3: Which sentence uses 'imply' vs. 'infer' correctly?
- The author inferred that deadlines matter by using urgent language.
- The author implied that deadlines matter by using urgent language. (Correct answer)
- The reader implied the message from the urgent language.
- The editor inferred a warning by writing urgently.
Correct answer: The author implied that deadlines matter by using urgent language.
Speakers/writers imply (suggest); readers/listeners infer (deduce) — the author implies, the reader infers.
Question 4: What is an 'antonym'?
- A word that sounds like another word
- A word that has the same meaning as another word
- A word that has the opposite meaning of another word (Correct answer)
- A word formed by combining two words
Correct answer: A word that has the opposite meaning of another word
An antonym is a word with a meaning opposite to that of another word (e.g., 'hot' and 'cold').
Question 5: Which sentence uses 'disinterested' correctly?
- The judge was disinterested in the outcome and ruled fairly. (Correct answer)
- The student was disinterested and skipped the class.
- He was disinterested in reading.
- The bored editor was disinterested.
Correct answer: The judge was disinterested in the outcome and ruled fairly.
'Disinterested' means impartial or unbiased, not bored or uninterested ('uninterested').
Question 6: Which word choice is most appropriate for a formal academic paper?
- Kids
- Youngsters
- Children (Correct answer)
- Little ones
Correct answer: Children
'Children' is the standard, neutral term appropriate for formal or academic contexts.
Writing and Editing Word Choice and Vocabulary 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'comprise' vs. 'compose'?