wia1elp_ch20

Word choice

In each group, choose the option that avoids colloquial expressions, slang, and other informal terms and that contains no errors in denotation or connotation. For help with this topic, see Writing in Action, Chapter 20.

Example

1 of 10

Stinging nettle plants stretched across the field, and hikers who failed to stick to the trail were in for a bad time of it.

Stinging nettle plants stretched across the field, and hikers who failed to stay on the trail would endure painful blisters.

Stinging nettle plants stretched across the field, and hikers who failed to stick to the trail would suffer painful blisters.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

2 of 10

Only recently have ladies landed seats on the Supreme Court.

Only recently have ladies won seats on the Supreme Court.

Only recently have women won seats on the Supreme Court.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

3 of 10

All candidates strive for the same results: to make the other guy look like a jerk and to persuade voters that they are suited to the job.

All candidates strive for the same results: to discredit their opponents and to persuade voters that they are qualified for the position.

All candidates strive for the same results: you try to make the other guy look like a jerk and to persuade voters that you're okay for the job.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

4 of 10

The peregrine falcon population reached its low point in 1970, when there were no wild pairs of breeding peregrine falcons anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

The peregrine falcon population reached its apex in 1970, when there were no wild pairs of breeding peregrine falcons anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

The peregrine falcon population reached its acme in 1970, when there were no wild pairs of breeding peregrine falcons anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

5 of 10

Often, instead of firing an incompetent teacher, school officials will transfer the person to another school to avoid the problems involved in a dismissal.

Often, instead of firing an incompetent teacher, school officials will transfer the person to another school to avoid the hassles involved in a dismissal.

Often, instead of firing a lousy teacher, school officials will transfer the person to another school to avoid the hassles involved in a dismissal.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

6 of 10

The Democrats are conspiring on a new education bill.

The Democrats are plotting a new education bill.

The Democrats are proposing a new education bill.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

7 of 10

The more his father ripped into him about his actions, the more he rebelled and continued doing whatever he pleased.

The angrier his father became over his actions, the more he rebelled and continued doing whatever he pleased.

The more his father flipped out about his actions, the more he rebelled and continued doing whatever he pleased.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

8 of 10

The federal government finally banded the use of the pesticide DDT.

The federal government finally nixed the use of the pesticide DDT.

The federal government finally banned the use of the pesticide DDT.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

9 of 10

Homesteaders who arrived as farmers on the Great Plains were psyched when their crops did well, but things didn᾿t look so rosy during periods of drought.

Homesteaders who arrived as farmers on the Great Plains were psyched when their crops did well, but they suffered hardships during periods of drought.

Homesteaders who arrived as farmers on the Great Plains may have been filled with optimism when their crops did well, but they suffered serious hardships during periods of drought.

Chapter 20 - Word choice:

10 of 10

Each presidential election year, Republicans gather at a national convention to choose a party leader.

Each presidential election year, packs of Republicans swarm together at a national convention to choose a figurehead.

Each presidential election year, Republicans gather at a national convention to choose a leader who can disguise their extremist policies.

Chapter 20 - Word choice: