Odesk U.S. English Punctuation and Mechanics Test Answer



01.   Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
MITIGATE
a. Abate
b. Conceal
c. Intensify
d. Allow
02. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
v. To impose with authority; urge strongly
a. Enjoin
b. Prevalent
c. Dissonance
d. Relegate
03. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
v. To issue a vehement verbal attack; to denounce explosively
a. Vituperative
b. Litigant
c. Fulminate
d. Exhume
04. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
It’s a good thing you’re so________ at paperwork, because you’ll need to fill out hundreds of forms to________ a child.
a. adapt/adapt
b. adept/adopt
c. adapt/adopt
d. adopt/adept
05. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. Flair; style; a flamboyant manner
a. Panache
b. Voracious
c. Resonance
d. Cosmogony
06. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The mysterious message Claude received could be a HARBINGER of what’s in store for him and his family.
a- Downfall
b. Omen; forerunner
c. Unequivocal proof
07. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
Roger might be more AMENABLE to your ideas if you presented them without sneering.
a. Intractable
b. Willing to accept
c. Impressed by
d. Unhappy
08. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team’s INDOLENCE and nasty attitude. wizened
a. Violent behavior
b. Odorousness
c. Laziness
d. Disappearance
09. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
REFUTE
a. Expose
b. Support
c. Garbage
d. Safe place
10. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
Oscar, who did not possess a discerning_________ , preferred hot dogs to steak.
a. palette
b. pallet
c. palate
11. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The journalist denied that he had any PRURIENT interest in the politician’s private life, but his titillating articles seemed to indicate otherwise.
a. Mercenary; venal
b. Overly curious about the sexual behavior of others
c. Characterized by profound insight
12. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Tending to create ill will or give offense
a. Labyrinthine
b. Invidious
c. Titillating
d. Envious
13. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
I can_________ all the terms of the apartment lease_________ the one about not allowing pets.
a. except/accept
b. except/except
c. accept/accept
d. accept/except
14. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The recent shenanigans in the town square went against all PRECEPTS of decency.
a. Rules for action or behavior
b. Vague ideas; abstractions
c. Significance
15. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. adverse
ITINERANT
a. Permanent
b. Flexible
c. Transient
d. Dissatisfied
16. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
The company is__________ committed to developing educational television programs for children.
a. holey
b. holy
c. wholly
17. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.
The_________ poet, knowing his death was__________ , struggled to finish his final ode.
a. imminent/eminent
b. eminent/immanent
c. immanent/imminent
d. eminent/imminent
18. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.
Rachel knew that she’d soon be living in______________ circumstances unless she got her financial problems________________ out
immediately.
a. straightened/straitened
b. straitened/straightened
19. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The plots of all her novels just seem to MEANDER along, to the point where I can’t follow the storyline or figure out who’s who.
a. Purposely confuse
b. Take a winding or indirect course
c. Charm and delight
20. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The only________________ difference between the twins is the shape of their noses.
a distinctive
b. distinguished
c. distinguishable
21. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Now that the festivities have ended, perhaps we can return to some SEMBLANCE of normality.
a. Sentiment; emotion
b. Agreement
c. Outward appearance
22. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Narrow-minded; limited in scope
a. Hermetic
b. Foreseeable
c. Sporadic
d. Sectarian
23. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
That grueling competition really tested the____________ of the gymnastics team.
a- meddle
b. metal
c. medal
d. mettle
24. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
Capacity for producing a desired result; effectiveness
a- Contumacy
b. Defenestration
c. Conversion
d. Efficacy
25. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
Although_________ wanted to keep the boat all to_________ , I knew it would be used extensively by both Susan and________________ .
a. I/myself/myself
b. I/me/I
c. l/myself/l
d. I/myself/me
26. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Poverty is RIFE in the rural areas of our county, where one in three families receives some state assistance. RIFE
a. Prevalent
b. Unavoidable
c. Saddening
27. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The exchange student was disheartened by the rather BRUSQUE welcome she received from her host family.
a. Clamorous; disorderly
b. Gracious; kind
c. Blunt or rude in manner of speech
28. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
The workers were allowed to___________ down once they’d________ the brick, but the foreman himself has not yet_________
down.
a. lay/lain/laid
b. lie/laid/lain
c. lie/lain/lain
d. lay/laid/laid
29. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
Alec has always been CONTEMPTUOUS of his fellow writers.
a. Disdainful
b. Inspired by
c. Disliked by
d. Respectful
30. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Maude managed to sweep up the broken dishes without a word of REPROOF to her children.
a. Expression of disapproval or blame
b. Expression of affection or love
c.Expression of apology or regret
31. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The despot’s MINIONS were only too eager to tout his edicts and report any unrest among his subjects.
a- Sycophants; servile followers
b. Distant relatives
c. Armored knights
32. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
AVARICE
a- State of good health
b. Materialism
c. Loneliness
d. Generosity
33. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The crafty spy gave a___________ name to the hotel clerk.
a. Active
b. fictional
c. fictitious
34. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The soldier’s EXEMPLARY conduct did not go unnoticed by his sergeant.
a. Erratic
b. Apathetic
c. Admirable
d. Meticulous
35. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
She always got a VICARIOUS thrill from watching her father skydive.
a- Empathetic
b. Dangerous
c. Pathetic
d. Sickening
36. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The proposed after-school tutoring program promises_____________ benefits to the students and the community.
a. innumerable
b. enumerable
37. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
I screamed as the monstrous presence snaked toward me on the dark and_________ path.
a. tortious
b. tortuous
c. torturous
38. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
We all remarked on how well the spray of begonias____________ her hair color.
a. complimented
b. complemented
39. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
She hastened to_________ me that she intends to pay the bill, and that she will_________ that the check is mailed today.
a. assure/ensure
b. ensure/insure
c. insure/assure
d. ensure/assure
40. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The soldier’s EXEMPLARY conduct did not go unnoticed by his sergeant.
a. Erratic
b. Apathetic
c. Admirable
d. Meticulous
41. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
His son’s group of friends had a DELETERIOUS effect on his schoolwork.
a. Influential
b. Positive
c. Hysterical
d. Harmful
42. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
It would BEHOOVE you to show a little more respect to the judge and jury who are deciding your case.
a. Be too much trouble to
b. Be detrimental to
c. Be worthwhile or proper for; be incumbent upon
43. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Running around barefoot in the snow will only EXACERBATE your flu symptoms.
a. Eliminate
b. Aggravate; worsen
c. Exhaust; drain of strength
44. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Sluggish: apathetic: dull
a. Turbid
b. Torpid
c. Turgid
d. Tepid
45. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. A mass or crowd; multitude
a. Reprieve
b. Malady
c. Horde
d. Indulgence
46. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Dan was a nice guy, but he was far too GARRULOUS and tended to monopolize people at parties.
a. Gluttonous
b. Quarrelsome; contentious
c. Excessively talkative about trivial topics
47. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Similar to something else in certain respects, as in form, function, or meaning
a. Abject
b. Agrarian
c. Analogous
d. Amalgam
48. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Hardhearted; unmoved by pity
a. Apologetic
b. Parsimonious
c. Obdurate
d. Abdicated
49. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
ADVERSE
a. Moody
b. Poetic
c. Favorable
d. Twisted
50. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
Who has the power to_________ out justice to the citizens of this country?
a. meet
b. mete
c. meat
51. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Easily provoked to anger; irritable
a. Sapid
b. Irascible
c. Jocund
d. Incorrigible