CSEC Semantic and Lexical Ambiguity

What is lexical ambiguity? (can choose more than 1 option)

• A writing error that occurs when a sentences structure is confusing

• A writing error that occurs when a sentence misuses humorous information

• A writing error that occurs when a sentence is overloaded with too much information

• A writing error that occurs when a sentence contains a word that has more than one meaning

The type(s) of ambiguity in "Sally will visit her aunt in jeans" is/are: (can choose more than 1 option)

• Grouping ambiguity

• Functional ambiguity

• Lexical ambiguity

The type(s) of ambiguity in "Josh called his daddy" is/are: (can choose more than 1 option)

• Grouping ambiguity

• Lexical ambiguity

• Functional ambiguity

The possible meaning(s) for "Small boys and girls are playing hide and seek" is/are: (can choose more than 1 option)

• Small boys are playing hide and seek with young girls

• Small boys and girls are playing hide and seek

• Small boys and all girls are playing hide and seek

• None of the above

Type(s) of ambiguity of "I saw her with a bat" is/are: (can choose more than 1 option)

• Structural ambiguity

• Lexical ambiguity

• Grouping ambiguity

• All of the above

Type(s) of ambiguity and the meaning(s) of the underlined word of "He is a poor student" is/are: (can choose more than 1 option)

• Structural ambiguity; "poor" means rich and unlucky

• Structural ambiguity; "poor" means not rich and unfortunate

• Lexical ambiguity; "poor" means fortunate and wealthy

• Lexical ambiguity; "poor" means unfortunate and have little money

Which of the following may be one meaning of "Paula is a girl hunter"?

• Paula is a good hunter

• Paula loves girls

• Paula is going hunting with a girl

• Paula's job is hunting girls

A sentence or writing becomes ambiguous when:

• Something is confusing

• There is more than one interpretation

• There is a rhyming pattern

• The author wants to create a strong thesis

Some people like to eat bite-sized foods like nachos, chips and other snacks like that. They taste much better if used with a DIP. Tasty dips include cheese dips, guacamole, sour cream and bean dips. If someone says, "my stock took a DIP today", what really happened?

• The stock melted into a waxy substance

• The stock got wet

• The stock was eaten

• The value of the stock declined

Which sentence is ambiguous?

• When the detective asks if the goods are stolen, the honest reply

• When the detective asks if the goods are stolen, honest people reply