Lamb to the Slaughter - Vocabulary Quiz

The lake was ___, its surface unbroken by waves and reflecting the serene sky above.

• peculiar

• weary

• frantic

• placid

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'placid' because it means calm and peaceful, which fits the description of the lake being serene with an unbroken surface.

Complicated instructions can absolutely ___ students, leaving them unsure of how to proceed with assignments.

• congeal

• bewilder

• parcel

• weary

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'bewilder' as it means to confuse or puzzle someone. Complicated instructions can indeed leave students unsure of how to proceed with assignments, causing confusion.

His ___ told him to turn back, sensing danger in the eerie silence of the darkened forest.

• corpse

• instinct

• premises

• parcel

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'instinct' as it is the inner feeling or voice that advised him to turn back due to the perceived danger in the forest.

She found his ___ habit of talking to plants to be both charming and unusual.

• weary

• frantic

• placid

• peculiar

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'peculiar' as it best fits the context of finding the habit charming and unusual.

In a ___ rush, she searched the entire house for her missing keys, afraid she would be late for the important meeting.

• frantic

• peculiar

• weary

• placid

Answer explanation

In a frantic rush, she searched the entire house for her missing keys, afraid she would be late for the important meeting. Frantic means wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion.

As the chicken soup cooled, it began to ___, forming a thick, unappetizing layer on the surface.

• instinct

• congeal

• corpse

• bewilder

Answer explanation

As the chicken soup cooled, it began to congeal, forming a thick, unappetizing layer on the surface.

The detective carefully examined the crime scene, where the lifeless ___ lay motionless on the cold, damp ground.

• premises

• corpse

• parcel

• instinct

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'corpse' as it fits the context of a lifeless body found at a crime scene.

After hiking in the mountains for hours, the travelers were ___ but triumphant as they reached the summit and took in the breathtaking view.

• weary

• placid

• frantic

• peculiar

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'weary' because it accurately describes the travelers' tiredness after hiking for hours, yet they were triumphant upon reaching the summit.

The security guard ensured that no unauthorized individuals entered the ___ after closing hours.

• parcel

• corpse

• instinct

• premises

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'premises' as it refers to the land and buildings on a particular property. The security guard was ensuring that no unauthorized individuals entered the premises after closing hours.

She eagerly tore open the brown paper ___, revealing the long-awaited book she had ordered weeks ago.

• corpse

• instinct

• parcel

• premises

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'parcel' as it fits the context of receiving a long-awaited book in a package. The other options do not make sense in this sentence.