AP Lit: Word Smart Quiz 10

Pages 97-105 in the Word Smart book. Revisit this set throughout the year to prepare yourself for the exam in May.

Derelict (adj.)

neglectful; delinquent; deserted

The crack-addicted mother was ________ in her duty to her children; they were running around on the city streets in filthy clothes.

Desist (v.)

to stop doing (something)

For several hours, I ______ed from eating any of the pumpkin pie, but then I weakened and ate three pieces.

Diatribe (n.)

a bitter, abusive denunciation (public condemnation of someone or something)

Arnold’s review of Norman Mailer’s new book rapidly turned into a ________ against Mailer’s writing.

Dilapidated (adj.)

broken-down; fallen into ruin

A ___________ house is one that is in such a state of ruin that it appears to have been attacked or pelted with stones.

Diminution (n.)

the act or process of diminishing; reduction

The process was so gradual that Basil didn’t notice the __________ of his eyesight; it seemed to him that he had simply woken up blind one morning.

Dirge (n.)

a funeral song

A _____ is a mournful song played at your funeral with the intention of making everyone who knew you feel terribly sad.

Johann’s new composition was so _____like that it sounded like it ought to be played at a funeral.

Disconcert (v.)

to upset; to ruffle; to perturb

Professor Jones used to __________ his students by scrunching up his face and plugging his ears when one of them would begin to say something.

The jet’s engine was making a __________ing sound that reminded me of the sound of an old boot bouncing around inside a clothes dryer; I was worried that we were going to crash.

Discourse (n.)

spoken or written expression in words; conversation

The company’s imposing president was not one for _________; when he opened his mouth, it was to issue a command.

Discrepancy (n.)

difference; inconsistency

There was a slight ___________ between the amount of money that was supposed to be in the account and the amount of money that actually was; gradually the accountant concluded that Logan had stolen seven million dollars.

Dispassionate (adj.)

unaffected by passion; impartial; calm

The judge had no interest in either side of the dispute; she was a _____________ observer.