writing quiz 1

Question 1

What is the origin of the word ‘pizza’?

Answer 1

Italian

‘Pizza’ is derived from Italian cuisine.

Question 2

Name a word borrowed from Latin.

Answer 2

agenda

Other examples include ‘data’ and ‘campus’.

Question 3

Which language contributed the word ‘chaos’ to English?

Answer 3

Greek

Other Greek examples include ‘alphabet’ and ‘technology’.

Question 4

What influenced English vocabulary after the Norman conquest in 1066?

Answer 4

French language

This led to words like ‘beef’, ‘mansion’, and ‘justice’.

Question 5

What is a key impact of the Viking Age on English?

Answer 5

Introduction of words like anger, egg, and skirt from Norse languages.

Question 6

True or False: ‘Algebra’ is borrowed from Arabic.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The word ‘guitar’ comes from _______.

Answer 7

Spanish

Question 8

What is the significance of trade routes in language development?

Answer 8

They facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and words.

Question 9

Define ‘cliché’.

Answer 9

An overused phrase that has lost its impact.

Question 10

What is ‘jargon’?

Answer 10

Specialized language used by a particular profession or group.

Question 11

Why should clichés be avoided in writing?

Answer 11

They weaken writing by lacking originality and precision.

Question 12

Provide a clearer alternative to the cliché ‘at the end of the day’.

Answer 12

Finally, In conclusion, Ultimately

Question 13

What is the role of formal English?

Answer 13

Used in school, work, and professional settings.

Question 14

When should informal English be used?

Answer 14

In casual conversations with friends and family.

Question 15

What does ‘robust’ imply when describing someone?

Answer 15

Strength and health.

Question 16

What is an example of a borrowed word from Japanese?

Answer 16

karaoke

Question 17

What is the impact of the Roman invasion on English?

Answer 17

Introduction of Latin vocabulary.

Question 18

True or False: ‘Mosquito’ is borrowed from Spanish.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

List three borrowed words from Arabic.

Answer 19

• algebra
• alcohol
• coffee

Question 20

What kind of words were heavily influenced by Norman French?

Answer 20

Words related to law, government, food, and high society.

Question 21

In what context would you use ‘formal English’?

Answer 21

School essays, job applications, or speaking to unfamiliar people.

Question 22

Provide an example of slang.

Answer 22

dope

Formal equivalent: excellent or outstanding.

Question 23

What does ‘due diligence’ mean?

Answer 23

Careful review

Due diligence often refers to the investigation or audit of a potential investment or product to confirm all facts.

Question 24

Define ‘core competencies’.

Answer 24

Key strengths

Core competencies are the unique capabilities that give a company a competitive advantage.

Question 25

What are 'actionable insights'?

Answer 25

Useful information ## Footnote Actionable insights are conclusions drawn from data that can inform decisions and actions.

Question 26

What does the phrase 'boil the ocean' mean?

Answer 26

Try to do too much ## Footnote This phrase suggests attempting an impossible or overly ambitious task.

Question 27

What does 'reach out' refer to?

Answer 27

Contact ## Footnote It typically means to initiate communication with someone.

Question 28

What does 'going forward' imply?

Answer 28

In the future ## Footnote This phrase is often used to indicate future actions or considerations.

Question 29

What does 'at this juncture' mean?

Answer 29

At this point ## Footnote It refers to a specific moment in time, often in the context of a discussion or decision.

Question 30

Rewrite 'It's raining cats and dogs' in a clearer way.

Answer 30

It's raining heavily outside. ## Footnote This avoids the cliché and uses straightforward language.

Question 31

How can you express 'At the end of the day' more clearly?

Answer 31

Finally, we need to consider new perspectives. ## Footnote This replaces the cliché with a more direct phrase.

Question 32

Rewrite 'He's as busy as a bee'.

Answer 32

He's very busy. ## Footnote This simplifies the expression to clear language.

Question 33

What is a simpler way to say 'That test was a piece of cake'?

Answer 33

That test was easy. ## Footnote This removes the idiom for clarity.

Question 34

What does 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' mean?

Answer 34

Don't rely on something that hasn't happened yet. ## Footnote This advises against assuming outcomes before they occur.

Question 35

Rewrite 'We need to optimize resource allocation for this project'.

Answer 35

We need to use our resources efficiently for this project. ## Footnote This replaces jargon with clearer language.

Question 36

What is a simpler way to say 'Let's leverage synergies to achieve our goals'?

Answer 36

Let's work together effectively to achieve our goals. ## Footnote This avoids jargon and communicates the concept clearly.

Question 37

But why do you think English has so many words from other languages?

Answer 37

-Latin Influence When the Romans invaded Britain, they introduced words like agenda, radius, and data -Germanic & Norse Influence "Vikings also left their mark! Words like anger, egg, and skirt come from their languages -French Influence After the Norman conquest in 1066, the French language influenced English. That’s why we have words like beef, mansion, and justice -

Question 38

what is plump

Answer 38

It often carries a connotation of pleasantly roundedness, and is less harsh than the other options.

Question 39

what is robust

Answer 39

This word suggests strength and health, but it can also imply a larger size. It's generally considered neutral

Question 40

what is rotund

Answer 40

This word is more direct and can be perceived as less polite.

Question 41

When should you use formal English?

Answer 41

- professional emails, school writing, job applications

Question 42

When is it appropriate to use informal English?

Answer 42

texting friends, casual conversations

Question 43

what is cliche

Answer 43

An overused phrase that has lost its impact. (e.g., "Better late than never.")

Question 44

what is jargon

Answer 44

Specialized language used by a particular profession or group. (e.g., "Let's touch base later.")

Question 45

why cliches and jargon make writing weak

Answer 45

Lack Freshness obscure meaning sound unprofessional