Vocabulary
Commonly Misused Homonyms
Sentence Fragments
Comma Splices
The Odyssey
100

She chose to                  her former beliefs after discovering new evidence that changed her perspective entirely.

renounce

100

Are there any commonly misused homonyms in the following sentence? If so, fix the mistake.

She ran faster than her brother, but then she tripped.

no mistake

100

Determine if there is a sentence fragment in the following. If so, rewrite the sentence to correct the sentence fragment.

 I forgot to eat breakfast. 

no sentence fragment

100

Is there a comma splice in the following? If so, fix the comma splice.

She runs every morning, she loves the fresh air.

She runs every morning because she loves the fresh air.

100

How does Penleopeia show cunning in distracting the suitors at the beginning of The Odyssey? What trick does she play on them? What does this reveal about her character and her desires?

Penelope tells the suitors that she will choose a new husband once she finishes weaving a burial shroud for her father-in-law, Laertes. However, each night she secretly unravels part of the shroud, keeping her promise to delay her decision for as long as possible. This trick buys her time, stalling the suitors for several years while she waits for her husband's return. 

This act reveals Penelope’s resourcefulness, loyalty, and patience. She is portrayed as both clever and faithful, using her intellect to resist pressure and maintain hope in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

200

Her                   art installation challenged societal norms, sparking both admiration and controversy among critics.

provocative 

200

Are there any commonly misused homonyms in the following sentence? If so, fix the mistake.

The dog carried its bone to the other side of the yard.

no mistake

200

Determine if there is a sentence fragment in the following. If so, rewrite the sentence to correct the sentence fragment.

Although it is really difficult to get out of bed in the morning when it is cold.

Although it is really difficult to get out of bed in the morning when it is cold, I have to do so anyway.

200

Is there a comma splice in the following? If so, fix the comma splice.

The movie was boring, we left halfway through.

The movie was boring. We left halfway through.

200

Who are the Sirens? Why does Odysseus long to listen to them? What do they offer him? How does he avoid them? What do you think this episode in The Odyssey represents?

In The Odyssey, the Sirens are mythical creatures whose enchanting singing lures sailors to their deaths. Their beautiful songs promise the sailors knowledge of the secrets of the universe, but the irresistible pull of their voices leads the sailors into dangerous waters where their ships are wrecked. The Sirens symbolize temptation, the allure of forbidden knowledge, and the danger of succumbing to desires that can lead to one's downfall.

Odysseus, curious and longing to hear their song, instructs his men to block their ears with beeswax, but he alone, eager to experience the Sirens' song, orders himself to be tied to the mast of the ship. He is able to hear their call, which offers him knowledge and the promise of homecoming, but he is unable to act on the temptation because of the restraints. The song of the Sirens is meant to draw him in with promises of ultimate wisdom and understanding, but Odysseus, aware of the danger, prevents himself from giving in. 

Odysseus' strategy to avoid the Sirens' lure demonstrates his wisdom and self-control. He recognizes that the knowledge the Sirens offer is ultimately destructive and that even the greatest desire must be resisted if it leads to ruin. His decision to be bound, unable to act on his desires, reflects his recognition of the need for discipline in the face of overwhelming temptation.  

300

The conflicting instructions from the manual only serve to                 users, making the assembly process even more difficult

confound

300

Are there any commonly misused homonyms in the following sentence? If so, fix the mistake.

Who’s backpack is this on the floor?

Whose backpack is this on the floor?

300

Determine if there is a sentence fragment in the following. If so, rewrite the sentence to correct the sentence fragment.

Loves to lie around in the sun all day.

 My cat Tuna loves to lie around in the sun all day.

300

Is there a comma splice in the following? If so, fix the comma splice.

I have completed my essay, but I have not submitted it.

no comma splice

300

What does Circe do to Odysseus’ men? How does Odysseus eventually free his men from Circe?

In The Odyssey, Circe is a powerful enchantress. When Odysseus and his men arrive on her island, Circe uses magic to transform his men into pigs, turning them into mindless, grunting creatures after they consume a potion she gives them. This transformation symbolizes the loss of rationality and self-control, themes that are prominent throughout the epic.

Odysseus, however, is not affected by her spell. Before he confronts her, he is given a protective herb called moly by Hermes, which prevents Circe’s magic from working on him. When Odysseus confronts her, Circe attempts to use her powers on him as well, but she is unable to, and instead, she is impressed by his resistance. After a brief standoff, Odysseus forces her to reverse the spell, and she agrees. His men are transformed back into their human forms, and Circe, realizing that Odysseus is no ordinary man, offers them hospitality and advice for the journey ahead.

400

The buffet was                  with an array of delicious dishes, from fresh seafood to decadent desserts."


replete

400

DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Are there any commonly misused homonyms in the following sentence? If so, fix the mistake.

The Odyssey is more then just a tale of adventure; its a story about loyalty, vengeance, and cleverness.

The Odyssey is more than just a tale of adventure; it's a story about loyalty, vengeance, and cleverness.

400

Determine if there is a sentence fragment in the following. If so, rewrite the sentence to correct the sentence fragment.

I slept.

no sentence fragment

400

Is there a comma splice in the following? If so, fix the comma splice.

Given that the movie is taking so long to create, my hopes are high that it will be excellent.

no comma splice

400

Who is Eumaios? How does he show Odysseus zenia when Odysseus returns to Ithaca?

Eumaios is a swineherd in The Odyssey and a loyal servant of Odysseus.  

When Odysseus returns to Ithaca, he does so in disguise, seeking to assess the situation at his home before confronting the suitors who have overrun his household. Eumaios, unaware of the beggar's true identity, still demonstrates exemplary xenia (the ancient Greek code of hospitality). He welcomes Odysseus with warmth and respect, offering him food, shelter, and protection, despite the beggar's apparent low status. This hospitality is significant because it shows that Eumaios treats all guests with the same respect, regardless of their appearance or circumstances, and remains faithful to Odysseus despite the long absence.

500

The professor's                 about the importance of critical thinking was often quoted by students in their essays.

dictum

500

Are there any commonly misused homonyms in the following sentence? If so, fix the mistake.

There going to do they’re best to tempt Odysseus with their song of knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.

 They’re going to do their best to tempt Odysseus with their song of knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.

500

Determine if there is a sentence fragment in the following. If so, rewrite the sentence to correct the sentence fragment.

Telemachos, a nervous boy who transforms into his father’s confident son with Athena’s help

Telemachos, a nervous boy who transforms into his father’s confident son with Athena’s help, goes on his own journey.

500

Is there a comma splice in the following? If so, fix the comma splice.

Most secretaries spend more than sixty percent of their time at their desks, they spend their time typing, transcribing, making and answering telephone calls, scheduling the boss's appointments, and putting together research projects and reports.

Most secretaries spend more than sixty percent of their time at their desks. They spend their time typing, transcribing, making and answering telephone calls, scheduling the boss's appointments, and putting together research projects and reports.

500

DOUBLE JEOPARDY!

Which two suitors are the ringleaders of the men trying to marry Penelopeia?

Antinoos and Eurymachos 

Antinoos is the more aggressive and outspoken of the two. He is described as rude and disrespectful, particularly towards Odysseus (disguised as a beggar) and Telemachus. Antinoos takes the lead in plotting against Telemachus, and his behavior exemplifies the suitors' disregard for proper hospitality and respect for Penelopeia.

Eurymachos is portrayed as a more charming, persuasive figure than Antinoos, but equally responsible for the suitors’ behavior.

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