Diction: Levels of Usage and Exact Word Choice

Which word's meaning is MOST closely related to the Latin root 'vid, vis'?

A geologist is mapping previously uncharted areas. Which root would be most relevant to her work?

If someone is described as 'verbose', which characteristic are they displaying?

A bicycle has one wheel. Using your knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, what is the MOST likely name for a vehicle with two wheels?

A doctor specializing in the treatment of children MOST likely works in which field?

Which of the following professions directly applies the meaning of the root 'oper'?

If a company announces it is conducting 'semiannual' reviews, how often are these reviews MOST likely happening?

How can slang words potentially transition into Standard English?

What does scrib or script mean?

Which phrase demonstrates the correct use of an English idiom?

Why is 'exact diction' important in writing?

Which of the following sentences contains an error in idiom usage?

A writer wants to describe a situation with precision and avoid any possible misinterpretations. Which of the following should they prioritize in their writing?

In what context would the use of dialectical words be most appropriate?

A student is writing an essay for a formal academic context. Which type of language should they generally avoid?

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the evolution of slang into standard English?

Why is it generally discouraged to use 'strained circumlocutions' in writing?

What is the primary risk associated with peppering writing with needless foreign phrases?

Why should writers guard against using 'hackneyed and stale expressions'?

What is the most likely effect of consistently using convoluted language and foreign phrases in technical documentation?

Which revision most effectively avoids a trite expression?

In what context might the use of a 'strained circumlocution' be most appropriate?

Which of the following exemplifies the most effective use of clear and direct language, avoiding unnecessary complexity or foreign phrases?

A writer aims to explain a complex scientific concept to a general audience. Which approach is most suitable?

The listed words (aghast, amazed, astonished...) primarily represent what aspect of language?

Why might you use the list of words provided (aghast, amazed, astonished...) when writing?

What is the key difference between a thesaurus and a dictionary, according to the text?

Which of the following scenarios would most benefit from the use of a thesaurus?

Why does the text emphasize the importance of understanding a word's definition before using it?

If you are writing a formal essay and want to replace the word "important" with a more nuanced term, what should you do before consulting a thesaurus?

The phrase 'constellations of meaning' is used to describe how a thesaurus groups words. What does this suggest about the relationships between words in a thesaurus?

Why is using a thesaurus insufficient on its own for selecting the best word in your writing?

What is the primary recommendation for improving one's vocabulary, according to the provided text?

The author warns against being a 'pedantic, pretentious boor.' What behavior does this describe in the context of writing?

Why is it important to consider the 'nuance of meaning' when encountering a new word?

What should a writer assume about their audience regarding vocabulary?

Which of the following describes the 'tough line to draw' for a writer, as mentioned in the text?

What does the text imply about the relationship between vocabulary and effective writing?

Consider a writer using sophisticated vocabulary primarily to showcase their knowledge, potentially confusing the reader. How would the author of this text likely view this approach?

Imagine you are teaching a student who is hesitant to use new words they learn for fear of sounding pretentious. Based on the text, what advice would you give them?

Which of the following transformations demonstrates the use of a suffix to change a verb into a noun?

A writer aims to describe a situation with a sense of capability. Which word, formed by adding a suffix, would be MOST suitable if the root word is 'response'?

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the inappropriate use of a complex word where a simpler word would suffice, thus bordering on pretentiousness?

In which scenario would consulting a dictionary for word origins be MOST beneficial?

Consider the sentence: "The politician acted quite friendlily during the debate." Why is friendlily not considered a proper adverb in this context, despite ending in '-ly'?

A student is preparing for a college entrance exam and wants to improve their vocabulary. Which of the following strategies would be the MOST effective FIRST step, based on the recommendations?

A writer frequently uses words ending in '-ize' and '-ify'. What is the likely part of speech for these words?

While using online resources for vocabulary development, how can one avoid the pitfall of pretentiousness in writing?