Verify Word Meanings Practice Test

You’re about to use the word compose in an essay. You think it means “to calm down,” based on hearing “compose yourself.” To verify, you check a dictionary and see multiple definitions, including: (1) “to create or write (music, a poem, a letter),” (2) “to make up or form,” and (3) “to calm or settle (oneself).” What is the best next step to verify you’ll use the right meaning in your essay sentence: “I will compose a paragraph explaining my claim”?

In a news article you read: “The coach’s sanction of the new training plan surprised some players.” You inferred sanction meant “punishment,” because you’ve heard about “sanctions” between countries. You check a dictionary and see two definitions: (1) “official permission or approval,” and (2) “a penalty for disobeying a law or rule.” Which choice best shows how to verify the meaning in this sentence?