AnswersSLAE 26-27 ENGLISH 12.1Word Meaning in the Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language

Word Meaning in the Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language Answers

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Read the excerpt from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.The solution of all difficulties, and the supply of all defects, must be sought in the examples, subjoined to the various senses of each word, and ranged according to the time of their authours.When first I collected these authorities, I was desirous that every quotation should be useful to some other end than the illustration of a word; I therefore extracted from philosophers principles of science; from historians remarkable facts; from chymists complete processes; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions.

A
reflects considerable literary research.
B
includes colorful drawings and illustrations.
C
is used by authorities in many fields of study.
D
explains many scientific principles.
2
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Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.Which statement best describes the use of the underlined word in the excerpts?

Question illustration
A
In excerpt 1, it refers to personal growth, while in excerpt 2, it suggests the physical act of moving.
B
In excerpt 1, it refers to personal growth, while in excerpt 2, it suggests scientific discoveries.
C
In excerpt 1, it refers to societal advancement, while in excerpt 2, it suggests the gradual march of time.
D
In excerpt 1, it refers to societal advancement, while in excerpt 2, it suggests steps toward a particular goal.
3

Which statements describe Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language? Check all that apply.

A
It was published in the late 1800s.
B
It includes over forty thousand definitions.
C
It includes information about word origins.
D
It has a preface written by William Shakespeare.
E
It offers excerpted examples of the words in literature.
4

Which word has a negative connotation?

A
clever
B
astute
C
deceptive
D
ingenious
5

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.Which statement best describes Johnson’s treatment of the underlined word?

Question illustration
A
Johnson uses the word to criticize established publications.
B
Johnson uses the word to express indifference about written material.
C
Johnson uses the word to assert his admiration for published writing.
D
Johnson uses the word to suggest that his writing is worthy of high praise.
6

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.In both excerpts, the word structure refers to the

Question illustration
A
ways a dictionary is assembled.
B
organization of alphabetical entries.
C
components, or parts, of words.
D
places, or institutions, that house books.
7

Read the excerpt from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.But to COLLECT the WORDS of our language was a task of greater difficulty: the deficiency of dictionaries was immediately apparent; and when they were exhausted, what was yet wanting must be sought by fortuitous and unguided excursions into books, and gleaned as industry should find, or chance should offer it, in the boundless chaos of a living speech. My search, however, has been either skilful or lucky; for I have much augmented the vocabulary.

A
changed the format of dictionaries.
B
searched literature and found more words.
C
applied rules to make language less chaotic.
D
selected only the most difficult words to define.
8

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.Thus have I laboured by settling the orthography, displaying the analogy, regulating the structures, and ascertaining the signification of English words, to perform all the parts of a faithful lexicographer: but I have not always executed my own scheme, or satisfied my own expectations.

A
hints at the economic importance of his dictionary.
B
hopes that his dictionary will enlighten the uneducated.
C
seeks literary recognition for his publication.
D
strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required.

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