Question

choosing the right word
select the boldface word that better completes each sentence.
you might refer to the passage on pages 24 - 25 to see how most
of these words are used in context. note that the choices might
be related forms of the unit words.

1. though a veteran soldier is often a well - tuned fighting

machine, a raw recruit must be trained to avoid
becoming cannon (alien, fodder).

1. his behavior is so (erratic, terse) that we never know

what to expect from him.

1. the basketball teams uncharacteristic losing streak

made the (jeers, fodders) echoing throughout the
arena sting even more.

1. for centuries people have turned to the support of

their friends and family to (fortify, tantalize) themselves
against the shocks of daily life.

1. the usually captivating actress blamed her (mediocre, terse) stage performance

on a lack of sleep.

1. i can understand how ordinary people sometimes feel (tantalized, jeered) by the

wealth and luxuries they see displayed on television programs.

1. as soon as i entered that charming little cottage, i noticed that everything in it was

neat and (erratic, comely).

1. the desire to force everyone to accept the same set of ideas is completely

(mediocre, alien) to the spirit of democracy.

1. when i asked my mother why she wouldnt let me borrow the car, she (comely, tersely)

explained that she needed it for herself.

1. we all experience fear and panic, but the leader of a great nation must be able to

(tantalize, subjugate) such emotions.

1. the (fodder, alien), two - headed and covered with green scales, was grateful that

the local people had welcomed him in spite of their misgivings.

1. all great athletes should know that the same fans who are cheering them today may

be (jeering, subjugating) them tomorrow.

Explanation:

1. "Cannon fodder" is a common phrase meaning soldiers regarded as expendable.
2. "Erratic" means unpredictable, which fits the context of not knowing what to expect.
3. "Jeers" are shouts of derision, which makes sense in the context of a losing streak.
4. "Fortify" means to strengthen, which is what friends and family do.
5. "Mediocre" means average or not very good, which fits a bad stage performance.
6. "Tantalized" means teased or tormented by the sight of something desired.
7. "Comely" means attractive or pleasing in appearance.
8. "Alien" means foreign or opposed to, which fits the context of democracy.
9. "Tersely" means in a brief and to - the - point manner.
10. "Subjugate" means to bring under control, which is what a leader should do with emotions.
11. "Alien" fits the description of a two - headed, green - scaled being.
12. "Jeering" means shouting insults or derision.

Answer:

1. fodder
2. erratic
3. jeers
4. fortify
5. mediocre
6. tantalized
7. comely
8. alien
9. tersely
10. subjugate
11. alien
12. jeering