Vague Language
These expressions use very general, often informal words, instead of specific words. Some of the most frequent are the phrases or something, and things like that, and stuff, and everything, or whatever, and that kind of thing, and and that sort of stuff. More formal examples are and so on, and so forth, and etcetera. These expressions basically mean “I don’t need to say this in detail because I think you know what I’m saying.”
Which of the following words is the BEST way to express the meaning of the word thing in this sentence?
The Abominable Snowman is a hairy, apelike thing that is said to live in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal.
A) object
B) item
C) creature
D) article
Which of the following would be the MOST precise way to state the underlined words?
In 1928 Earhart was the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air. The trip took about 21 hours. She published a book about her experiences and followed it with a lecture tour. A few years later, in 1932, she piloted a plane from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland, making her the first woman to fly across the Atlantic alone. Then she went on to do many other things in aviation. In fact, Earhart became an important pioneer in the world of aviation.
A) have several other good times
B) take some other actions
C) find other adventures
D) set other records
In order to achieve more precise meaning, the underlined word should be changed to—
Just as humans do today, dinosaurs once walked the earth in great numbers. Then, about 65 million years ago, an asteroid about 5 to 10 miles across hit the earth and everything changed. The asteroid produced a deadly fireball, threw huge amounts of dust into the atmosphere, and caused tidal waves, fires, and terrible storms. With their world so dramatically changed, the dinosaurs were helpless. And most scientists agree that it is only a matter of time before another asteroid hits the earth, causing similar trouble.
A) danger.
B) worry.
C) destruction.
D) hassle.
Which word below could be used in place of unsafe to provide the most precise word choice?
So that they don’t drift into unsafe waters, the otters actually wrap themselves in long strands of kelp, which anchor them in place before falling asleep.
A) perilous
B) daunting
C) tumultuous
D) formidable
In order to achieve more precise meaning, the underlined word should be changed to—
For the next 26 days, Helen walked, slid, and skied across 364 miles of ice. She and Charlie withstood Arctic storms, crossed rugged terrain, and held off dangerous polar bears. Twenty-seven days later they climbed on board a plane ready to go home. Helen was exhausted but happy. She had successfully explored the magnetic North Pole and at last fulfilled her “polar” dream.
A) pleased
B) fortunate
C) triumphant
D) glad
Which word would best replace the underlined word in the sentence and make it more precise?
Laura is a good leader. As the vice president of the student council last year, Laura was able to accomplish a great deal for the students on our campus.
A) Laura is an okay leader.
B) Laura is a typical leader.
C) Laura is an experienced leader.
D) Laura is a cautious leader.
Which word would best replace the underlined words in the sentence and make it more precise?
Many homes and apartments in our neighborhood have a lot of landscaping
A) broad
B) extensive
C) sweeping
D) spacious
What is the most accurate replacement for the underlined word in this sentence?
She was a skillful fundraiser, and when an economic downturn occurred, it was up to her to acquire the funds necessary to keep Hull House running. She did this task by writing and lecturing across the country.
A) done
B) centered on
C) looked at
D) accomplished