Of Mice and Men: Vocabulary Mastery Quiz for Chapters 5 & 6

1. What is the definition of the word 'writhed'?

To twist the body about or squirm in pain

To read quickly and with difficulty

To stand still and straight

To jump up and down with excitement

The correct answer 'to twist the body about or squirm in pain' accurately defines the word 'writhed'. The other three incorrect answers do not relate to the meaning of the word 'writhed'.

Explanation

The correct answer 'to twist the body about or squirm in pain' accurately defines the word 'writhed'. The other three incorrect answers do not relate to the meaning of the word 'writhed'.

2. What does the definition of 'contorted' primarily signify?

Smooth and straight

Twisted in a violent mannor

Rotating gently

Bending slightly

The correct answer 'twisted in a violent manner' suggests a harsh and forceful twisting motion, which is the opposite of the other three incorrect answers provided.

Explanation

The correct answer 'twisted in a violent manner' suggests a harsh and forceful twisting motion, which is the opposite of the other three incorrect answers provided.

3. Bewilder

To confuse or puzzle

To clarify

To simplify

To enlighten

Bewilder means to cause someone to become confused or puzzled, so the correct answer is to confuse or puzzle. The incorrect answers, to clarify, to simplify, and to enlighten, all have the opposite meaning of bewilder.

Explanation

Bewilder means to cause someone to become confused or puzzled, so the correct answer is to confuse or puzzle. The incorrect answers, to clarify, to simplify, and to enlighten, all have the opposite meaning of bewilder.

4. What is a periscope?

Optical instrument used for seeing above level of direct sight

A tool used for measuring temperature in cooking.

A type of musical instrument for percussions.

A type of telescope used in submarines for underwater vision.

A periscope is specifically designed for viewing objects from a hidden or over obstacles by using mirrors or prisms to reflect light and allow the viewer to see objects that are out of direct line of sight.

Explanation

A periscope is specifically designed for viewing objects from a hidden or over obstacles by using mirrors or prisms to reflect light and allow the viewer to see objects that are out of direct line of sight.

5. What does it mean to skitter?

To dig underground

To jump high in the air

To skim along a surface: glide

To swim rapidly in water

Skittering refers to moving quickly and lightly along a surface, similar to gliding.

Explanation

Skittering refers to moving quickly and lightly along a surface, similar to gliding.

6. What is gingham?

Yarn dyed, plain cotton fabric

A type of pasta

A style of dance

A type of fruit

Gingham is a type of fabric commonly used for making clothing and textiles, characterized by its checked pattern made from yarn-dyed, plain cotton fabric.

Explanation

Gingham is a type of fabric commonly used for making clothing and textiles, characterized by its checked pattern made from yarn-dyed, plain cotton fabric.

7. What does it mean to retort?

To reply in a sharp of severe way

To ignore completely

To agree silently

To laugh uncontrollably

A retort is a clever or quick response, usually delivered in a sharp or severe manner in response to someone else's comment or question.

Explanation

A retort is a clever or quick response, usually delivered in a sharp or severe manner in response to someone else's comment or question.

8. What does the term 'monotonous' mean?

Colorful

Lacking in variety

Dynamic

Exciting

The correct answer describes 'monotonous' as lacking in variety, while exciting, colorful, and dynamic all suggest the opposite.

Explanation

The correct answer describes 'monotonous' as lacking in variety, while exciting, colorful, and dynamic all suggest the opposite.

9. What is the definition of irony?

An ancient language

A form of humor

Not the outcome that was planned

A type of metal

Irony refers to a situation where the outcome is different from what was originally expected or intended.

Explanation

Irony refers to a situation where the outcome is different from what was originally expected or intended.

10. What is a bindle?

A blanket

A bundle

A basket

A brick

A bindle is a bag or sack containing one's belongings, typically carried by a stick over the shoulder, often associated with migrant workers or hobos.

Explanation

A bindle is a bag or sack containing one's belongings, typically carried by a stick over the shoulder, often associated with migrant workers or hobos.

11. What is the definition of jeering?

To cry or sob loudly

To whisper softly

To speak or shout with mockery

To applaud enthusiastically

Jeering specifically involves speaking or shouting with mockery, not any of the other incorrect options such as applauding, crying, or whispering.

Explanation

Jeering specifically involves speaking or shouting with mockery, not any of the other incorrect options such as applauding, crying, or whispering.

12. What is a manger?

A type of manager in a business setting.

A French pastry filled with cream or fruit.

A box in a barn from witch animals eat

A piece of equipment used in rock climbing to secure ropes.

A manger typically refers to a feeding trough for animals, commonly found in barns or stables.

Explanation

A manger typically refers to a feeding trough for animals, commonly found in barns or stables.

13. What does it mean to cringe?

To sing beautifully

To dance gracefully

To shrink, bend, or crouch in fear

To laugh loudly

The correct definition of cringe is to shrink, bend, or crouch in fear, not to laugh loudly, dance gracefully, or sing beautifully.

Explanation

The correct definition of cringe is to shrink, bend, or crouch in fear, not to laugh loudly, dance gracefully, or sing beautifully.

14. What is the definition of belligerent?

Indifferent and neutral.

Warlike in character

Peaceful and non-aggressive.

Friendly and cooperative.

Belligerent means having a warlike character, so the correct answer is warlike in character. The other options are antonyms of belligerent.

Explanation

Belligerent means having a warlike character, so the correct answer is warlike in character. The other options are antonyms of belligerent.