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Language Use Test

The document discusses the meaning of the term "connotation". It explains that a connotation is a secondary or deeper meaning of a word beyond its primary dictionary definition. It is often associated with a particular context. The document also provides examples of words that are often incorrectly used to "sound smart", including technical or highfalutin words. It discusses how words can become misused if the writer does not understand the correct definition.

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Fretz Ael
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
617 views

Language Use Test

The document discusses the meaning of the term "connotation". It explains that a connotation is a secondary or deeper meaning of a word beyond its primary dictionary definition. It is often associated with a particular context. The document also provides examples of words that are often incorrectly used to "sound smart", including technical or highfalutin words. It discusses how words can become misused if the writer does not understand the correct definition.

Uploaded by

Fretz Ael
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a connotation?

Correct answer

a secondary meaning of a word


the dictionary meaning of a word
an imagined meaning of a word
the deeper meaning of a word

Explanation

A connotation is a meaning different from a word’s primary meaning. It is often associated with a particular context.

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Q2

Single Answer

Question

When does a word become "misused"?

Correct answer

when the word does not mean what the writer thinks, it means
when the word is used several times in succession without thinking
when the word refers to a subject that was not previously mentioned
when the word is spelled or pronounced incorrectly by the individual

Explanation

A misused word is a word that is used by the writer incorrectly because of a mistake in understanding its correct
definition.

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Q3

Single Answer

Question

What type of words do writers often use to “sound smart”?

Correct answer

technical or highfalutin words


literary or figurative words
denotation or connotation words
academic or hypothetical words

Explanation

Technical or highfalutin words sound elaborate and pompous, but their use does not necessarily make a text more
intelligent.
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Q4

Single Answer

Question

What problem with language use is present in the following sentence?

The fetching lass had an ebullience that was indeed quite contagious.

Correct answer

highfalutin words
misused words
unwanted connotations
jargon terms

Explanation

The text uses language that is a bit dated and too complicated for modern readers to quickly understand. A “fetching
lass” is just a “pretty girl” while “ebullience” means “a bubbling enthusiasm.”

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Q5

Single Answer

Question

Identify the misused word in this sentence.

Mrs. Richards is a prolific philanderer who supports over 100 non-profit organizations all over the world.

Correct answer

prolific
philanderer
non-profit
organizations

Explanation

A “philanderer” is a womanizer. The writer probably meant “philanthropist” which is a person who donates resources
to charitable causes.

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Q6

Single Answer

Question

Replace the underlined technical term with a simpler word.

The papers reported Heidenberg Inc.’s acquisition of a 1,000-hectare real estate property in Batangas.
Correct answer

procurement
purchase
promotion
proposal

Explanation

The term “acquisition” is a business term that means to buy or gain an object.

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Q7

Single Answer

Question

Identify the word with an unwanted connotation that was used in this sentence.

My auditor Lisa is a half-breed Chinese-Australian with dual citizenship.

Correct answer

half-breed
auditor
Chinese-Australian
citizenship

Explanation

The term “half-breed” is a derogatory term used to describe a person of mixed race. When used today, it connotes
someone who is of impure blood or similar to an animal of reduced pedigree.

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Q8

Single Answer

Question

Identify the set of words that corrects the underlined misused words in the paragraph below.

My inmates Bobby, David and Lee are also my best friends. We have been living together in this small study
apartment for three years now. It is not always pacy living with three other guises, but most of the time, it can be fun!

Correct answer

intimates, studio, peace, disguises


roommates, studio, easy, guys
classmates, sturdy, peace, guys
roommates, stucco, pacey, guise

Explanation
The text makes it clear that the boys live together as “roommates” and not “inmates” or prisoners. They live in a small
apartment without room divisions called a “studio.” Also, the word “peacy” does not exist and the writer probably
combined “peace” and “easy.” However, “not always easy living” is the correct phrase. Lastly, “guise” sounds similar
to “guys” with an added "–s" suffix to make it plural.

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Q9

Single Answer

Question

Identify the sentence in the following paragraph that exhibits improper language use.

The foot of a rabbit is often carried as an amulet that will bring good luck. Different variations of this superstition can
be found in cultures around the world including those in Europe, Africa, North and South America, and China. There
are different beliefs in the methods of killing the donor rabbit. The most common credence that people wear by is that
the left hind foot of the rabbit should be used as a charm.

Correct answer

4th sentence
1st sentence
2nd sentence
3rd sentence

Explanation

The fourth sentence has both a highfalutin word and a misused word. “Credence” was used instead of the simpler
word “belief’ while “wear” should be “swear” to form the phrase “swear by” (believe in).

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Q10

Single Answer

Question

Identify the phrase that will best complete the paragraph below.
The scholarship program that we are proposing will open up _ for underprivileged students. It will allow them to focus
on the future ahead instead of present financial difficulties. We will be looking for support from the alumni, faculty and
staff, and current students to make this endeavor a possibility.

Correct answer

a wealth of opportunity
a can of worms
the senses fully
about the problems

Explanation

The phrase “open up a wealth of opportunity” has a positive connotation and is used to mean that chances have
become available usually due to a social initiative. It rightfully belongs to a text about a scholarship program that will
give underprivileged students more opportunities.

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