Question

using context
for each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 74 - 75 makes sense in the context of the sentence. circle the item numbers next to the six sentences in which the words are used correctly.

1. the parents were worried that their children didnt have the patience to remain seated for the duration of such a long car ride.
2. having acute attention to detail is an excellent skill for a future editor such as yourself.
3. when he refused to tarry any of the work for the group project, i decided to ask the teacher for a different partner.
4. for the social studies assignment, each of us will draw a section of the relief map that shows one facet of the landscape of the school grounds.
5. my hands are numb from shoveling snow without wearing gloves, but im regaining some feeling now.
6. her smug expression when she saw the grade on her paper was a sure sign that she had not done well.
7. when i finally got a moment to myself, the fray of silence helped to settle my thoughts and gave me a few minutes of peace.
8. the last - minute withdrawal of a runner from our relay team was a major setback that kept us from advancing to the finals.
9. cheers of amazement erupted from the crowds when the star hitter went on to bungle two home runs in the eighth inning.
10. someone stopped me on the street to ask directions, mistaking me for an inhabitant of this magnificent city.

Explanation:

1. "Duration" means the length of time. In the context of a long car ride, it makes sense for parents to worry about children's patience for the whole time (duration).
2. "Acute" means sharp or keen. Attention to detail is a skill that requires sharpness, so "acute" is correct here.
3. "Facet" means a part or aspect. A relief map section showing a part (facet) of the school - grounds landscape is logical.
4. "Numb" means without feeling. Hands can become numb from shoveling snow without gloves and then regain feeling, which is a valid context.
5. "Setback" means a hindrance or obstacle. A runner's last - minute withdrawal being a setback for the relay team is appropriate.
6. "Inhabitant" means a person or animal that lives in a place. Mistaking someone for a city inhabitant (a person living in the city) when asking for directions is a reasonable context.

Answer:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Incorrect (the correct word might be "tarry over" or "tarry on", but as it is, the usage is odd. "Tarry" alone in this context is not standard)
4. Correct
5. Correct
6. Incorrect ("Smug" means self - satisfied. If she didn't do well, a smug expression is not a sure sign. A disappointed or worried expression would be more likely)
7. Incorrect ("Fray" means a state of confusion or a fight. "Fray of silence" is an incorrect collocation. "Hush" or "calm" of silence would be better)
8. Correct
9. Incorrect ("Bungle" means to do something clumsily or badly. Hitting two home runs is a good thing, not a bungle)
10. Correct