Question

d using words precisely
each numbered sentence below contains an underlined word or phrase from the article. following the sentence are three definitions. one definition is closest to the meaning of the underlined word. one definition is opposite or nearly opposite. label those two definitions using the following key; do not label the remaining definition.

c-closest
o-opposite or nearly opposite

1. in each case, a human body was consumed by flames when there was no known source of fire present.

______ a. preserved
______ b. surrounded
______ c. destroyed

1. this strange phenomenon is known as spontaneous human combustion, or shc for short.

______ a. natural
______ b. unusual
______ c. planned

1. the facts of the case are scary enough to make the hairs on anyones neck bristle.

______ a. stand on end
______ b. lie down
______ c. itch

Explanation:

Analyze Question 1

The underlined word is "consumed" in the context of "a human body was consumed by flames".

• "Destroyed" is the closest meaning (C) because flames destroy what they burn.
• "Preserved" is the opposite meaning (O) because preserving is the opposite of destroying/consuming.
• "Surrounded" is left blank.

Analyze Question 2

The underlined word is "spontaneous" in the context of "spontaneous human combustion".

• "Planned" is the opposite meaning (O) because spontaneous means happening without external planning or cause.
• "Natural" is the closest meaning (C) in this context, referring to happening by itself or without artificial planning.
• "Unusual" is left blank.

Analyze Question 3

The underlined phrase is "bristle" in the context of "make the hairs on anyone's neck bristle".

• "Stand on end" is the closest meaning (C) because hair bristling means standing upright due to fear or cold.
• "Lie down" is the opposite meaning (O) because it is the physical opposite of standing on end.
• "Itch" is left blank.

Answer:

Question 1

In each case, a human body was consumed by flames when there was no known source of fire present.

• <blank>O</blank> a. preserved
• <blank></blank> b. surrounded
• <blank>C</blank> c. destroyed

Question 2

This strange phenomenon is known as spontaneous human combustion, or SHC for short.

• <blank>C</blank> a. natural
• <blank></blank> b. unusual
• <blank>O</blank> c. planned

Question 3

The facts of the case are scary enough to make the hairs on anyone's neck bristle.

• <blank>C</blank> a. stand on end
• <blank>O</blank> b. lie down
• <blank></blank> c. itch