Mastery Assessment 3

Steven is reading an article and cannot figure out the meaning of a word using the context clues. He thinks a synonym would help. Which reference should he use to find it?

• Correct: A thesaurus is the best reference to find synonyms or similar words.

• reverse dictionary

• translation dictionary

• dictionary

Which of the following would be a reason to use a translation dictionary?

• The unknown word has some synonyms and examples around it in the text.

• The unknown word is the opposite of a known word.

• The unknown word is a colloquialism from a historic time period.

• The unknown word is archaic.

What is the term for the words and phrases that surround an unknown word and which help readers determine the unknown word's meaning?

• personification

• definitions

• context clues

• alliteration

Which of the following terms, describing similar behavior, typically carries a positive connotation?

• disorganized

• free-spirited

• reckless

• irresponsible

To what does the term nuance refer?

• a speaker or writer's eloquence

• an extensive vocabulary

• direct and clearly stated meaning

• the subtlety of language

Why might a word's connotation be significant?

• It could suggest a meaning beyond what is said.

• It is never significant.

• It conveys an idea in the simplest way possible.

• It shows that the speaker or writer understands the issue.

Why might understanding how a word's meaning has changed be important?

• It is never important.

• You may encounter an antiquated use of the word.

• It shows that language has stopped evolving.

• You can apply the same patterns of change to all words in the language.

Shakespeare's work is written in which of the following?

• Modern English

• Middle English

• Old English

• Portuguese

Read the lines from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and then answer the question that follows.

It was the nightingale, and not the lark,

That pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear;

Nightly she sings on yon pomegranate tree:

Believe me love, it was the nightingale.

What does the word yon indicate about the pomegranate tree?

• It is over there.

• It is small.

• It is far away.

• It is old.

When would it be advantageous to use a complex word?

• when it will confuse your reader

• when it will distract from your lack of knowledge

• never

• when it clarifies your meaning