Words in Context
Grammar Grab Bag
Vocabulary
Potpourri
100

When explaining the particles that make up an atom, physics instructor Tom K. Rogers uses ______; taking note of the similarities between two distinct phenomena, he explains that electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom just as the planets orbit the sun.

A) a contribution B)  a defense C) an eccentricity D) a comparison

Choice D--a comparison

100

When I answer the phone, I always ask ____ is calling?

A) Who B) Whom

Who
100

Despondent

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

100

Name 3 of the top 10 most populous cities in the US.

(200 bonus points if you get the top 3 perfectly)

NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philly, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Austin.

200

Beelzebufo, a prehistoric frog that is estimated to have lived 66-70 million years ago, was exceptionally large, and researchers have investigated its likely diet. After comparing Beelzebufo with modern frogs, paleobiologist Susan E. Evans ______ that it was probably a predator and may even have eaten juvenile dinosaurs.

A) worried B) performed C) assumed D) hypothesized

Choice D--hypothesized

200

What's the difference between "less" and "fewer"?

Fewer is for countable items, Less is for non-countable.


I have fewer friends than Michael, but Michael and his friends have less fun.

200

Objective vs. Subjective

Objective-- Unbiased, straightforward

Subjective-- Based on an opinion, biased

200

In 2024, this NCAA Women's Basketball player set the record for most career points.

Who is Caitlin Clark?

300

As a professor of avian biology, David J. Varricchio has contributed to growing research disputing the traditional view that in the animal kingdom, paternal care of young is ______. His studies of Polynesian and African bird species have shown that, in fact, both parents care for the young of over 90% of species.

A) unavoidable B) laudable C) insignificant D) widespread

Choice C--insignificant 

300

What's the difference between a colon and a semi-colon?

;=. Boom!

: introduce information (lists, sentences, definitions, etc.)

300

Ambivalent

Having mixed feelings

300

This fast food chain has the most locations across the US.

What is Subway?

400

During the Byzantine rule of Jerusalem that began in 325 CE, only Christians were permitted to live in the city, but after it was conquered by the Rashidun caliphate in 637 the new rulers were less ______. A treaty known as the Pact of Umar granted freedom of religion to Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians living under the Islamic government.

A) sufficient B) dogmatic C) equivocal D) despondent

Choice B--dogmatic

400

When do you use the word "myself"?

When you are the subject AND object of the sentence!

"I talk to myself when I'm studying."

400

Conjecture

A guess or opinion

400

This is the most popular video game of all time (by sales)

What is Minecraft?

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