Question

1. Use the passage to answer the question. Analyze the author’s use of the words precipitous and embittered. What tone do these words convey?

A. a foreboding tone
B. a nostalgic tone
C. a humorous tone
D. an enthusiastic tone
2. If a writer wanted to replace the word dark with one that created a greater sense of dread, what word might the writer use?
A. Dim
B. Shadowy
C. Opaque
D. Ebony
3. How are similes and metaphors similar?
A. Both compare two unlike things.
B. Both say something is something else.
C. Both are denotations.
D. Both say something is like something else.
4. Describe the meaning of the French phrase bon appétit, which literally translates to “good appetite.”
A. Bon appétit means that someone is hoping the other person is hungry.
B. Bon appétit is a phrase that expresses that food has been made to one’s satisfaction.
C. Bon appétit expresses that more will be supplied to satisfy someone’s appetite.
D. Bon appétit is a way of telling someone to enjoy their meal.
5. Compare the etymologies and current English meanings of tête-à-tête and vis-à-vis.
A. The meanings of tête-à-tête in French and vis-à-vis in Latin were similar, but the English meaning of tête-à-tête has not changed much from the French, while vis-à-vis has taken on a different meaning in English.
B. The meanings of tête-à-tête in French and vis-à-vis in Latin were opposite, but the English meaning of vis-à-vis is different today, making it similar to tête-à-tête.
C. The meanings of tête-à-tête in French and vis-à-vis in Latin were similar in the past, and today their literal meanings English are the same as they always were in French and Latin.
D. The meanings of tête-à-tête in French and vis-à-vis in Latin were similar in the past. In English today, the meanings of tête-à-tête and vis-à-vis are much different from their French and Latin meanings.

Answer 1

Answer: The author’s use of the words “precipitous” and “embittered” in the passage conveys a foreboding tone. The word “precipitous” is used to describe a cliff, which is a steep and dangerous drop. This word choice creates a sense of danger and unease. The word “embittered” is used to describe the feelings of a character, which implies that they are resentful and unhappy. This word choice creates a sense of negativity and pessimism.

If a writer wanted to replace the word “dark” with one that created a greater sense of dread, they might use the word “shadowy”. While “dark” can simply mean the absence of light, “shadowy” implies that there is something lurking in the darkness, waiting to pounce. This word choice creates a sense of fear and uncertainty.

Similes and metaphors are similar in that both compare two unlike things. However, they differ in how they make the comparison. A simile uses “like” or “as” to compare two things, while a metaphor states that one thing is another thing.

The French phrase “bon appétit”, which literally translates to “good appetite”, is a way of telling someone to enjoy their meal. It is often used as an expression of good wishes before someone begins eating .

The meanings of tête-à-tête and vis-à-vis have evolved over time in English. Tête-à-tête originally meant “head-to-head” in French and referred to a private conversation between two people. In English today, it still means a private conversation between two people, but it can also refer to a type of sofa where two people can sit facing each other. Vis-à-vis originally meant “face-to-face” in Latin and referred to a little horse-drawn carriage where two people sat opposite each other. In English today, it can mean “in relation to” or “compared with”, as well as “face-to-face”.

Answer 2

The words 'precipitous' and 'embittered' convey a foreboding tone (option A). 'Shadowy' is a word that could replace 'dark' to create a greater sense of dread (option B). Both similes and metaphors compare two unlike things (option A), while 'bon appétit' tells someone to enjoy their meal (option D). The etymology of tête-à-tête and vis-à-vis shows that while the former has retained its meaning in English, the latter has grown to encompass broader relational meanings (option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's use of the words 'precipitous' and 'embittered' convey a sense of urgency or danger and a deep-seated resentment or sourness, respectively. These words together contribute to a foreboding tone, which is option A. In terms of replacing the word 'dark' with one that intensifies the sense of dread, 'shadowy' reflects a sense of darkness and unknown threats, which could evoke more fear than merely being 'dark'. Thus, option B, 'shadowy' is a suitable choice.

Both similes and metaphors are methods of comparing two unlike entities, but they do so differently. Similes explicitly use words such as 'like' or 'as' to compare, while metaphors imply the comparison more directly by saying something is something else. Therefore, option A is correct in stating that both compare two unlike things.

The phrase bon appétit is commonly used before eating, wishing diners an enjoyable meal. It does not refer to the food being made to one's satisfaction or the quantity of food, nor does it comment on the diner's level of hunger. Thus, option D is correct as bon appétit is simply a way of telling someone to enjoy their meal.

Tête-à-tête literally means 'head to head' in French and is used to describe an intimate conversation between two people. Vis-à-vis means 'face to face' in French and is used in English to denote contrast or comparison between two things. In English, tête-à-tête often retains its original meaning, while vis-à-vis has evolved to include 'in relation to'. Thus, option A is correct, highlighting that the English meaning of tête-à-tête has not changed much from the French, while vis-à-vis has taken on a broader meaning.