Understanding Meaning And Tone

1. Which phrase is a euphemism for “died”?

Kicked the bucket

Passed away

Went shopping

Fell asleep

“Passed away” is a polite and gentle way to say someone has died.

Explanation

“Passed away” is a polite and gentle way to say someone has died.

2. “His grandfather moved on last week.” shows:

Soft language about death

A change of address

A promotion at work

A new job

This sentence uses gentle wording to talk about death.

Explanation

This sentence uses gentle wording to talk about death.

3. Euphemisms can hide harsh realities in news or politics.

True

False

Euphemisms are sometimes used to soften or hide harsh facts, especially in news or politics.

Explanation

Euphemisms are sometimes used to soften or hide harsh facts, especially in news or politics.

4. “Correctional facility” is a euphemism that makes the tone sound:

Harsh

Formal and respectful

Scary

Funny

This term sounds more formal and respectful than simply saying jail or prison.

Explanation

This term sounds more formal and respectful than simply saying jail or prison.

5. “Correctional officer” and “custodian” both show tone of:

Respect for the worker’s role

Mockery

Anger

Fear

These terms show respect by using professional job titles.

Explanation

These terms show respect by using professional job titles.

6. Which is the most gentle way to say “the pet died”?

The pet passed away.

The pet is dead.

The pet was gone.

The pet ran away.

“Passed away” is the gentlest and most respectful wording.

Explanation

“Passed away” is the gentlest and most respectful wording.

7. “Negative patient outcome” is a euphemism for:

Patient recovery

Patient death

Patient happiness

Doctor success

This phrase is often used in medical settings to soften the meaning of death.

Explanation

This phrase is often used in medical settings to soften the meaning of death.

8. Euphemisms always make writing less truthful.

True

False

They can soften the tone without completely hiding the truth.

Explanation

They can soften the tone without completely hiding the truth.

9. “Friendly fire” is a euphemism for:

Cooking outdoors

Accidentally harming one’s own troops

Playing games

Building a campfire

This phrase softens the idea of accidental harm caused by one’s own side.

Explanation

This phrase softens the idea of accidental harm caused by one’s own side.

10. “Adult beverage” means:

Milkshake

Soda

Alcoholic drink

Juice

This phrase politely refers to alcohol.

Explanation

This phrase politely refers to alcohol.

11. “Private citizen” is a euphemism for:

Someone not in government or office

A spy

A business owner

A teacher

It politely describes someone who does not hold public office.

Explanation

It politely describes someone who does not hold public office.

12. Euphemisms help people discuss:

Difficult topics with sensitivity

Science terms only

Math answers

Weather

Euphemisms help people talk about sensitive topics in a kinder way.

Explanation

Euphemisms help people talk about sensitive topics in a kinder way.

13. “Collateral damage” is a euphemism for:

Broken furniture

Civilian injury in war

Lost money

Accidental fun

This phrase softens the reality of harm to civilians during war.

Explanation

This phrase softens the reality of harm to civilians during war.

Submit

Understanding Meaning and Tone

1. Which phrase is a euphemism for “died”?

2. “His grandfather moved on last week.” shows:

3. Euphemisms can hide harsh realities in news or politics.

4. “Correctional facility” is a euphemism that makes the tone sound:

5. “Correctional officer” and “custodian” both show tone of:

6. Which is the most gentle way to say “the pet died”?

7. “Negative patient outcome” is a euphemism for:

8. Euphemisms always make writing less truthful.

9. “Friendly fire” is a euphemism for:

10. “Adult beverage” means:

11. “Private citizen” is a euphemism for:

12. Euphemisms help people discuss:

13. “Collateral damage” is a euphemism for:

14. Saying "downsizing" instead of "firing people" makes the tone sound more _____.