AP Lang: Word Smart Quiz 14

Pages 135-143 in the Word Smart book. Revisit this set throughout the year to prepare yourself for the exam in May.

Flippant (adj.)

frivolously disrespectful; saucy; pert; flip

I like to make ________ remarks in church to see how many old ladies will turn around and glare at me.

Folly (n.)

foolishness; insanity; imprudence

You don’t seem to understand what _____ it would be to design a paper raincoat.

Foray (n.)

a quick raid or attack; an initial venture

The minute Shelly left for the party, her younger sisters made a _____ on her makeup; they ended up smearing her lipstick all over their faces.

Forestall (v.)

to thwart, prevent, or hinder something from happening; to head off

To _________ embarrassing questions about her haircut, Ann decided to wear a bag over her head until the hair grew in.

Forte (n.)

a person’s strong point, special talent, or specialty

Lulu doesn’t have a _____; she doesn’t do anything particularly well.

Fulminate (v.)

to denounce vigorously; to protest vehemently against something

The old man never actually went after any of his numerous enemies; he just sat in his room ________ing.

Gaffe (n.)

a social blunder; an embarrassing mistake; a faux pas

In some cultures, burping after you eat is considered a sign that you liked the meal. In our culture, it’s considered a _____.

Galvanize (v.)

to startle into sudden activity; to revitalize

The student council president hoped his speech would _________ the student body into rebelling against standardized tests. But his speech was not as _______c as he would have liked, and his listeners continued to doze in their seats.

Gamut (n.)

the full range (of something)

Charlotte’s professor said that her essay covered the _____ of literary mistakes, from bad spelling to outright plagiarism.

Garner (v.)

to gather; to acquire; to earn

Steve continues to ______ varsity letters, a fact that will no doubt garner him a reputation as a great athlete.