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Word Formation Academic Writing – Quiz 1
Word Formation Academic Writing Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of word formation in academic writing, focusing on adjective vs noun forms, prefix meanings in chemical terminology, and appropriate vocabulary usage. It also tests knowledge of active vs passive voice, verb to noun conversion, and idiomatic expressions.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What does the prefix POLY mean in the context of chemistry?
A) Small.
B) Many.
C) A few.
D) Some.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix
POLY
in chemistry means "many" or "multiple." This is why option B) Many is the correct answer. For example, a polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeated subunits.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Small - Incorrect;
POLY
does not indicate small quantities.
Option B:
Many - Correct; this accurately describes the meaning of
POLY
.
Option C:
A few - Incorrect; "a few" implies a limited number, which is not what
POLY
signifies.
Option D:
Some - Incorrect; similar to "a few," this suggests an unspecified quantity rather than many.
2.
Mom opened the door and ..... crept into the room. (CAUTION)
A) Precaution.
B) Cautious.
C) Cautionary.
D) Cautiously.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Cautiously.
The word "crept" indicates an action performed with careful and cautious movement, which requires the adverb form "cautiously." Using "precaution," "cautious," or "cautionary" would not fit grammatically in this context as they do not function as modifiers for verbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Precaution is a noun, not an adverb. It does not modify the verb "crept."
Option B:
Cautious is an adjective and cannot directly follow the verb "crept" to describe the action.
Option C:
Cautionary is typically used as an adjective, such as in a cautionary tale or warning. It does not fit here as it would require another noun after it.
Option D:
Cautiously is the correct adverb form that properly modifies "crept."
3.
Choose the correct order NOUN, VERB, ADJECTIVE
A) Concentrated, concentration, concentrate.
B) Concentration, concentrate, concentrated.
C) Concentrate, concentration, concentrated.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct order is NOUN, VERB, ADJECTIVE. In option B, "Concentration" (NOUN), "concentrate" (VERB), and "concentrated" (ADJECTIVE) follow this sequence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect order: Adjective, Noun, Verb.
Option B:
Correct order: Noun, Verb, Adjective.
Option C:
Incorrect order: Verb, Noun, Past Tense of the Verb (Adjective).
Option D:
Not applicable as option B is correct.
4.
Identify the word-formation process for each highlighted word.SMOG
A) Blended word.
B) Affixed word.
C) Compound word.
D) Clipped word.
Show Answer
Explanations:
SMOG is a blended word, formed by combining the first two letters of "smoke" and the last three letters of "fog". This process of creating a new word from parts of existing words is known as blending.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. SMOG is created through blending.
Option B:
Incorrect. Affixation involves adding prefixes or suffixes, which is not the case with SMOG.
Option C:
Incorrect. Compound words consist of two or more free-standing words combined, whereas SMOG is a single word formed by blending parts of other words.
Option D:
Incorrect. Clipping involves shortening a word but typically removes the end rather than combining parts from different words as in SMOG.
5.
Fill in the gap:The story is set in an ..... world.
A) Imagination.
B) Imagery.
C) Imaginary.
D) Imaginating.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Imaginary.
The term "imaginary" accurately describes a world that exists only in the realm of imagination, fitting well with the context of the story being set in a made-up or created environment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Imagination - This is a noun and does not fit grammatically as it would require an article (e.g., "an imaginative world").
Option B:
Imagery - While related to visual representations, it typically refers to descriptive language rather than the setting itself.
Option C:
Imaginary - This adjective correctly describes a world that is created in one's imagination or is fictional.
Option D:
Imaginating - This verb form does not fit grammatically as it would require an object (e.g., "imagining a world").
6.
He felt ..... in his new job, so he left it. (ADEQUACY)
A) INADEQUATE.
B) UNADEQUATE.
C) ADEQUATE.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence indicates that the person felt unsatisfied with his new job and consequently left it. The word "inadequate" means not sufficient, insufficient, or lacking in quality or quantity to meet a need or requirement. Therefore, feeling inadequate is consistent with leaving the job due to dissatisfaction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Inadequate" fits the context of feeling unsatisfied and leaving the job.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Unadequate" is not a valid English word.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Adequate" means sufficient or suitable, which does not fit the context of dissatisfaction leading to leaving the job.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
A Cakes that has various shapes and can be eaten is called an ..... cake.
A) Edit.
B) Editor.
C) Editable.
D) Edible.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Edible.
The term "edible" refers to something that can be eaten, which fits the description of a cake that has various shapes and can be consumed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant to the context of describing a cake's eatability.
Option B:
Not related to the ability to consume something.
Option C:
Does not describe the eatability of an object.
Option D:
Correctly describes a cake that can be eaten.
8.
Gigil is actually found in the Oxford English Dictionary.
A) TRUE.
B) FALSE.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gigil is indeed found in the Oxford English Dictionary, which includes a wide range of words from various languages and dialects. This term refers to a feeling of intense desire to pinch or squeeze someone you love, often associated with cute behavior.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Gigil is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Option B:
Incorrect. The statement is true.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is valid.
9.
The farmer was accused of his ..... to animals.
A) Cruel.
B) Cruelty.
C) Cruelly.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Cruelty.
In this context, "cruelty" functions as a noun and refers to the farmer's treatment of animals, which is being accused of. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically in this sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Cruel" is an adjective that describes actions or behavior, but it does not form a complete noun phrase with "to animals."
Option B:
"Cruelty" as a noun correctly completes the sentence by describing the farmer's treatment of animals.
Option C:
"Cruelly" is an adverb that modifies verbs, not nouns, and thus does not fit in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since option B is valid.
10.
Choose the adjective that is formed from the word 'misery':
A) Miserable.
B) Happy.
C) Exciting.
D) Joyful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective formed from the word 'misery' is
miserable
. This term directly describes a state of great unhappiness and distress, which aligns with the meaning derived from 'misery'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Miserable is formed by adding the suffix -able to misery.
Option B:
Incorrect. Happy does not relate to misery in any form.
Option C:
Incorrect. Exciting has no relation to misery or its derivatives.
Option D:
Incorrect. Joyful is the opposite of what misery implies and thus cannot be derived from it.
11.
Which prefix is used to denote the antonym of the word: "fortunate"
A) "Mis".
B) "In".
C) "Un".
D) "Dis".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" is commonly used in English to form antonyms, such as "unfortunate." This prefix negates the meaning of the word it precedes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mis- typically indicates a mistake or incorrectness, not necessarily an antonym. For example, "misfortune" means bad luck but is not the direct opposite of fortunate.
Option B:
In- can be used to form negative meanings in some words like "incorrect," but it's not the standard prefix for forming antonyms of positive words like "fortunate."
Option C:
Un- is correct as it forms the word "unfortunate," which means the opposite of fortunate.
Option D:
Dis- usually indicates a separation or negation, such as in "dislike" (not liking), but not typically used for forming antonyms of positive words like "fortunate."
12.
The school offers free after-school ..... for its students to participate.
A) Activity.
B) Active.
C) Act.
D) Action.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Activity.
The word "activity" fits grammatically and contextually in the sentence, making it a suitable noun to complete the phrase "free after-school activity." This term implies that the school provides various activities for students to engage in during their free time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Activity" is a noun that fits the context and grammar of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Active" is an adjective, not a noun, and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Act" is a noun but does not make sense in the context of providing free after-school services to students.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Action" is a noun, but it typically implies a specific event or deed and does not fit as well as "activity" in this context.
13.
There was a huge ..... at the concert.
A) Crowd.
B) Crowded.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Crowd.
In this context, "Crowd" functions as a noun and fits naturally into the sentence to describe the large number of people at the concert. The word "huge" modifies "crowd," indicating the size or magnitude of the crowd present.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Crowd" is a noun that properly completes the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Crowded" is an adjective and does not fit grammatically in this context as it would require a different structure, such as "There was a huge crowd at the concert." or "The concert was very crowded."
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option (A) fits correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence can be completed with a correct word, so this option is not applicable.
14.
Divers went down to a ..... of over 30 metres.
A) Deeper.
B) Deep.
C) Deepest.
D) Depth.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Depth.
In this context, "depth" refers to the measure of how far down something is, which fits perfectly with the phrase "a ... of over 30 metres." The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically: "Deeper" and "Deep" are adjectives that would require a different structure in the sentence, while " Deepest" implies a superlative form that isn't necessary here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Deeper" is an adjective and cannot be used as a noun to describe the measure of depth.
Option B:
"Deep" is also an adjective, not a noun that can stand alone in this context.
Option C:
" Deepest" suggests the superlative form which is unnecessary for stating a specific measurement.
Option D:
"Depth" is the correct noun used to describe the measure of how far down something is, making it the appropriate choice.
15.
The ..... effects of losing a job can be very serious. (PSYCHOLOGY)
A) Psychological.
B) Psycho.
C) Psychologist.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "psychological" correctly describes the effects of losing a job, as it pertains to mental and emotional aspects which are significant in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Psychological. Correct. This term accurately reflects the mental and emotional impacts of job loss.
Option B:
Psycho. Incorrect. While related, "psycho" is not a standard term used in this context.
Option C:
Psychologist. Incorrect. A psychologist is a professional, not an adjective describing the effects.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect. Option A is correct.
16.
Has anybody seen my bag? It totally ..... ( to appear)
A) Unappear.
B) Appear.
C) Appearless.
D) Disappear.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Has anybody seen my bag? It totally ..... (to appear)" requires a word that describes the current state of the bag, which is not visible to others at the moment. The correct answer,
D) Disappear.
, fits this context because it indicates that the bag was previously present but is now no longer in sight.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unappear - This word does not exist and cannot be used to describe a state of disappearance.
Option B:
Appear - This means to come into view, which is the opposite of what the sentence requires.
Option C:
Appearless - This term is not commonly used and does not accurately convey the idea of something disappearing.
Option D:
Disappear - This correctly describes the action of the bag becoming invisible to others, fitting the context of the sentence.
17.
What verb goes with the ending-ment and turns into a noun?
A) Friend.
B) Achieve.
C) Consider.
D) Leader.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "Achieve" correctly forms the noun "achievement" when added with the ending "-ment". This is a common pattern in English where verbs ending in -ive, -able, or -ible can be transformed into nouns by adding the suffix -ment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Friend does not form a noun with -ment as it is already a noun.
Option B:
Achieve forms "achievement" which is a valid noun.
Option C:
Consider does not typically form a noun with -ment; the correct formation would be "consideration".
Option D:
Leader does not form a noun with -ment as it is already a noun.
18.
That was a ..... story (hate)
A) Hated.
B) Hater.
C) Hateful.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Hateful.
The phrase "That was a hateful story" implies that the story itself had negative qualities, making it appropriate to use an adjective form here rather than a noun or verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Hated" is a past participle and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Hater" refers to someone who hates, which is not suitable here.
Option C:
Correct as "Hateful" describes the story's nature appropriately.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
I don't want to be fired . Being ..... is the worst thing that can happen to me now.
A) Unemployment.
B) Employed.
C) Employer.
D) Unemployed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Unemployment is the state of being without a job, which directly correlates with the statement "I don't want to be fired." Being unemployed is indeed the worst thing that can happen in this context as it aligns with the fear of losing one's employment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unemployment - Correct. The sentence implies a strong aversion to job loss, and unemployment represents the ultimate consequence of being fired.
Option B:
Employed - Incorrect. Being employed is the opposite of what the speaker fears.
Option C:
Employer - Incorrect. An employer is someone who hires employees; this term does not fit the context of personal job security.
Option D:
Unemployed - Incorrect. This option describes a state after being fired, but it's not what the speaker fears most in the immediate sense.
20.
I've never had ..... problems. (medicine)
A) Medicine.
B) Medical.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Medical.
In the given sentence, "I've never had..... problems," the appropriate word to fill in the blank should be a noun that relates to health issues or conditions. The term "medical" functions as an adjective here, modifying "problems." Therefore, option B fits best.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Medicine" is a noun and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
"Medical" correctly modifies "problems," making it the appropriate choice.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because only option B fits the sentence structure.
Option D:
"None of the above" is also incorrect as option B is correct.
21.
We're amateurs and they're professionals, so we're not .....
A) COMPARABLE.
B) COMPARATIVE.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "We're amateurs and they're professionals, so we're not comparable" suggests that the amateur group cannot be measured against the professional group due to significant differences in experience and ability. This is why Option A (COMPARABLE) is correct; it indicates that the groups are not on an equal footing for comparison.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase implies that amateurs cannot be compared to professionals due to their differing levels of expertise.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Comparative" is a term used in the process of comparison, not indicating that no comparison can be made.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct; both B and C are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the meaning of the phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
22.
Which prefix is used to denote the antonym of the word: "happy"
A) "Dis".
B) "In".
C) "Mis".
D) "Un".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" is commonly used in English to form antonyms, such as "unhappy." This prefix negates the meaning of the word it precedes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dis- typically indicates separation or removal but not necessarily negation. Examples include "dislike" (not like) rather than a direct opposite.
Option B:
In- is often used as a prefix to indicate within, such as "inside," and does not denote antonyms.
Option C:
Mis- usually indicates incorrect or wrong, such as "misunderstand" (not understand correctly), rather than forming direct opposites.
Option D:
Un- is the correct prefix for forming antonyms like "unhappy," indicating the opposite of happiness.
23.
What verb goes with the ending-cy and turns into a noun?
A) Revive.
B) Resist.
C) Exist.
D) Bankrupt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Bankrupt.
The word "bankrupt" can be formed from the verb "to bankrupt," which means to declare someone insolvent or unable to pay their debts. When this verb undergoes a process of conversion, it becomes a noun referring to a person who has been declared insolvent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Revive" does not typically form a noun ending in -cy.
Option B:
"Resist" also does not commonly form a noun with this suffix.
Option C:
"Exist" forms the noun "existence," but it is not derived from a verb that ends in -cy.
Option D:
"Bankrupt" correctly forms from the verb "to bankrupt."
24.
If you plan your journey carefully you will have an ..... time in India. (FORGET)
A) Unforget.
B) Forgetting.
C) Unforgettable.
D) Forget.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Unforgettable.
The word "unforgettable" means something that cannot be forgotten, and it fits well in the context of a journey where careful planning would result in an experience that one remembers vividly. This option maintains the positive connotation implied by the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Unforget" is not a valid English word, making it incorrect.
Option B:
"Forgetting" refers to the act of forgetting and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option C:
"Unforgettable" means something that cannot be forgotten, fitting well with the positive outcome of a carefully planned journey. Correct.
Option D:
"Forget" is a verb and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence as it would imply a negative experience rather than a positive one.
25.
Verb for INFORMATION
A) Inform.
B) Informative.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb form of "INFORMATION" is "inform." This means to give information to someone, which directly corresponds with the action implied by the noun "information."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb for "information" is "inform."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Informative" describes something that provides information, not an action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both options A and B are incorrect individually; only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is the correct answer.
26.
Athens is FAMOUS for its ancient buildings
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) Noun.
D) Verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "famous" in the sentence "Athens is famous for its ancient buildings" functions as an adjective because it describes the noun "Athens." Adjectives modify nouns by providing more information about their qualities or characteristics.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Famous" modifies "Athens," describing its quality.
Option B:
Incorrect. An adverb would describe a verb, not modify a noun directly.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Famous" is not the main subject or object of the sentence; it describes "Athens."
Option D:
Incorrect. A verb performs an action, which "famous" does not do in this context.
27.
The weatherman said there is a strong ..... of rain today.
A) Possible.
B) Possibly.
C) Possibility.
D) Impossible.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Possibility.
In this context, "possibility" functions as a noun and fits naturally in the sentence to indicate that rain is likely but not certain. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically: "Possible" (A) is an adjective; "Possibly" (B) is an adverb; and "Impossible" (D) contradicts the weatherman's prediction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Possible - Incorrect. It should be a noun, not an adjective.
Option B:
Possibly - Incorrect. It is an adverb and does not fit in this sentence structure.
Option C:
Possibility - Correct. It fits as the subject of the sentence indicating likelihood.
Option D:
Impossible - Incorrect. It contradicts the weatherman's prediction of rain.
28.
Which prefix is used to denote the antonym of the word: "polite"
A) "Non".
B) "Un".
C) "Dis".
D) "Im".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prefix "un-" is commonly used in English to form antonyms, such as "unpolite" which means impolite. This prefix negates the meaning of the word it precedes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Non- is not typically used for forming direct antonyms; it often indicates a lack or absence.
Option B:
Un- correctly forms the antonym "unpolite" meaning impolite.
Option C:
Dis- usually means to separate or negate but not always directly form an antonym, e.g., dislike, disbelieve.
Option D:
Im- is rarely used for forming direct antonyms; it often indicates impossibility, e.g., impossible.
29.
The ..... of free-diving is any underwater activity which people do by holding their breath for a long time
A) Define.
B) Definity.
C) Definition.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Definition.
The word "Definition" fits grammatically and contextually as it introduces the explanation of what free-diving is, which involves underwater activities where people hold their breath for a long time without using breathing apparatus.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Define - Incorrect. While similar to "Definition," this option lacks the necessary article and capitalization.
Option B:
Definity - Incorrect. This is not a valid English word.
Option C:
Definition - Correct. It properly introduces the explanation of free-diving as an underwater activity involving breath-holding.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Since "Definition" is correct, this option is not applicable.
30.
I didn't tell him the whole .....
A) TRUTH.
B) TRUTHY.
C) TRUTHLESS.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) TRUTH.
The phrase "I didn't tell him the whole truth" is a common idiom used to indicate that one has not disclosed all relevant information. This fits seamlessly into the context of the sentence, making it the most appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "The whole truth" means complete and accurate information.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Truthy" is not a standard English word or phrase in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Truthless" implies the absence of truth, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists (A).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is word formation in academic writing?
Word formation in academic writing refers to the processes of creating new words or terms by combining existing ones, modifying them, or using specific rules. This technique helps in expressing complex ideas more precisely and concisely.
How does word formation contribute to vocabulary building?
Word formation contributes to vocabulary building by allowing writers to create new terms from existing ones, thus expanding the range of expressions available. This process is particularly useful in academic writing where precise and specialized language is required.
Why is understanding word formation important for students?
Understanding word formation is crucial for students as it enhances their ability to construct clear, precise, and sophisticated sentences. This skill aids in effective communication and academic success by enabling them to use a wider range of vocabulary.
Can word formation be applied in idioms?
Yes, word formation can be applied in the creation and understanding of idioms. Idioms often involve combining or modifying words to convey meanings that are not literal, making them a fascinating aspect of language where word formation processes play a significant role.
What is the difference between adjective function and noun formation in word formation?
Adjective function involves creating adjectives from nouns or other parts of speech, while noun formation focuses on generating new nouns. Both processes are part of word formation but serve different linguistic purposes, enhancing the descriptive and conceptual capabilities of language.