Question

set b
choosing the
right word
select the boldface word that better completes each sentence.
you might refer to the passage on pages 68 - 69 to see how most
of these words are used in context. note that the choices might
be related forms of the unit words.

1. the bloodhounds (numb, acute) sense of smell led the

trackers to the bank robbers hideout in record time.

1. marias illness, after she had been chosen for

the leading role in the class show, was a
serious (setback, inhabitant) to our plans.

1. since it had seemed that winter would (tarry,

bungle) forever, we were all heartily glad when
it finally quit dragging its heels and departed.

1. when the plane encountered turbulence, we had to remain

seated with our seat belts fastened for the (duration, setback)
of the flight.

1. each time she answered a question correctly, she rewarded herself

with a (smug, numb) little smile of self - congratulation.

1. we cannot assume that all the people one sees on the streets of a large

city are actually (facets, inhabitants) of the place.

1. the victims of the disaster were so (numbed, tarried) by the scope

of the tragedy that they scarcely showed any emotion at all.

1. after the way you (bungled, numbed) the job of arranging the class trip,

i can never again trust you with anything important.

1. there is so much wear and tear on the ropes in this pulley system

that they become (frayed, tarried) in only a few days.

1. the strength of this book lies in the authors ability to describe and explain

different (setbacks, facets) of human experience.

1. his (numb, acute) analysis of the housing problem in our town gave

us a clear idea of what we would have to overcome.

1. have you ever wondered if there is life on other planets and, if so, what

the (frays, inhabitants) might look like?

Explanation:

1. "Acute" means sharp or keen, which makes sense for a bloodhound's sense of smell. "Numb" means lacking sensation.
2. "Setback" means a hindrance or obstacle. "Inhabitant" means a person or animal that lives in a place. Maria's illness was a problem for the plans.
3. "Tarry" means to delay or linger. "Bungle" means to mess up. The winter was delaying, so "tarry" is correct.
4. "Duration" means the length of time. "Setback" is a problem. We had to stay seated for the length of the flight.
5. "Smug" means showing excessive pride. "Numb" is about lack of feeling. A self - congratulatory smile is smug.
6. "Inhabitants" are the people living in a place. "Facets" are aspects. People on the street may or may not be inhabitants.
7. "Numbed" means made unfeeling. "Tarried" is about delaying. The victims were made unfeeling by the tragedy.
8. "Bungled" means messed up. "Numbed" is about feeling. Arranging the trip was messed up.
9. "Frayed" means worn and torn. "Tarried" is about delaying. Ropes get worn (frayed) from wear and tear.
10. "Facets" are aspects. "Setbacks" are problems. The book describes aspects of human experience.
11. "Acute" means sharp or perceptive. "Numb" is about lack of feeling. A sharp analysis helps understand the problem.
12. "Inhabitants" are the living beings. "Frays" are fights or worn parts. We wonder about the beings (inhabitants) on other planets.

Answer:

1. acute
2. setback
3. tarry
4. duration
5. smug
6. inhabitants
7. numbed
8. bungled
9. frayed
10. facets
11. acute
12. inhabitants