Is Survival Selfish? Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks using the correct word.

The community gathered to ______ the local hero for his bravery in rescuing the stranded hikers.

• laud

• transfix

• consume

• berate

• edict

Fill in the blanks using the correct word.

The audience was _______ by the magician’s final act, unable to look away from the mesmerizing performance.

• laud

• transfix

• consume

• berate

• edict

Fill in the blanks using the correct word.

The flames quickly began to _______ the dry wood, turning the small campfire into a roaring blaze.

• laud

• transfix

• consume

• berate

• edict

Fill in the blanks using the correct word.

The coach didn’t hesitate to ______ the players after their lackluster performance in the first half.

• laud

• transfix

• consume

• berate

• edict

Fill in the blanks using the correct word.

The king issued an _______ banning the use of fireworks within the city limits, citing safety concerns.

• laud

• transfix

• consume

• berate

• edict

Select the sentence that accurately uses the vocabulary in context.

laud (v.)

• The principal took the opportunity to laud the students for their outstanding achievements during the school year.

• The audience lauded the actor for his terrible performance, upset they wasted money on the play.

Answer explanation

The word "laud" means to praise someone or something highly. In this sentence, the principal is praising the students for their achievements, which is an appropriate use of the word.

Select the sentence that accurately uses the vocabulary in context.

Transfix (v.)

• The chef used a special technique to transfix the meat before grilling it to perfection.

• • The horror movie's shocking twist ending managed to transfix viewers, leaving them on the edge of their seats.

Answer explanation

The word "transfix" means to captivate or hold someone’s attention completely. In this context, the twist ending of the movie captivated the viewers, which is the correct use of "transfix."

Select the sentence that accurately uses the vocabulary in context.

Consume (v.)

• The stress of the project began to consume her, affecting both her health and her personal life.

• • The baby gently tried to consume the soft blanket, using it as a toy.

Answer explanation

The word "consume" can mean to take up all of someone’s attention, energy, or time, often in a negative way. Here, the stress is overwhelming her, which is a correct usage of the word.

Select the sentence that accurately uses the vocabulary in context.

Berate (v.)

• The chef decided to berate the vegetables before tossing them into the salad.

• • The manager didn’t hesitate to berate the employee for repeatedly missing deadlines.

Answer explanation

• The word "berate" means to scold or criticize someone angrily. In this sentence, the manager is angrily criticizing the employee for missing deadlines, which is a correct use of "berate."

Select the sentence that accurately uses the vocabulary in context.

Edict (v.)

• The government issued an edict requiring all citizens to stay indoors during the storm.

• • The teacher’s edict for the science project involved choosing between a model or a written report.

Answer explanation

• An "edict" is an official order or proclamation issued by an authority. In this sentence, the government is issuing an official order for citizens to stay indoors, which is a correct use of the word "edict."