Test on Introduction to English Lexicology

Question 1: The word "sinister," which originally meant "left," is an example of pejoration due to its development into a more negative meaning.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that pejoration refers to a more negative meaning. It provides "sinister" as an example of semantic change resulting in a more negative meaning, explaining that the Latin word "sinistra" originally meant "left" but later took on the meaning of "evil" or "unlucky."

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following are reasons why society strives to find new forms of expressions, leading to politically correct words?

A. To incorporate newly invented technological terms into everyday language.

B. Due to pejorative connotations people might sense in older words.

C. To create neutralising or less identifying connotations.

D. Because the content a word covers no longer accurately reflects reality.

Explanation: The study materials state that 'People strive to find new forms of expressions as the development of society might have changed the perception of reality by them due to: a) pejorative connotations they might sense b) neutralising or less identifying connotations c) the content the word covers'. Option 0 is incorrect because the text links technological terms to the Internet, not as a direct reason for politically correct language based on social sensitivities.

Question 3: The study materials state that 'lion barks' is an example of a noun + verb collocation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials list 'lion roars' as an example of a noun + verb collocation, not 'lion barks'.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which of the following statements accurately describe fixed phrases or common expressions?

A. They are typically learned as whole expressions and have a fixed form that does not change.

B. They can be used to modify or organize what people are saying, such as 'As I was saying...'.

C. They are also known as 'open choice principles' because their grammar is assembled piece by piece at the moment of speaking.

D. They are expressions like 'of course' and 'at least' that are strongly institutionalized and frequently used.

Explanation: The study materials state that fixed phrases have a fixed form which does not change and are learned as whole expressions. They are also described as common expressions that help to modify or organise what people are saying, with 'As I was saying...' as an example. Additionally, Schmitt and McCarthy (2011) are cited as defining fixed phrases as items like 'of course' and 'at least' that are strongly institutionalised, frequently used, and strongly fixed. The 'open choice principle' refers to syntax used occasionally to put lexical chunks together, not to fixed phrases themselves.

Question 5: In prepositional verbs, the main stress is placed on the verb.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Prepositional verbs have the main stress on the verb, and no stress on the particle, as seen in examples like 'laugh at or 'deal with.