UNIT 2s TEST
(The directions and procedures for this test are the same as for the previous tests.)
Save this test on your computer, and complete the questions by marking correct
answers with the “text color” function in WORD ( ) located on the “home” toolbar.
Please attach your completed test to the test submission page.
Section I.
Please identify problems of vagueness, overgenerality and ambiguity (double meaning) in
the following passages. Then explain briefly how/why the passage exemplifies that problem.
Some examples may evince more than one problem.
Example:
Well, our salaries may be low, but the bonuses are generous.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because the words “low” and ”generous” are fuzzy and inexact.
It’s unclear how much you will make or what your bonuses will be.”
1.
"How were your grades this term, Henry?"
"Well, I didn't exactly make the Dean's List.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because it does specify the earned grades
2. School dress code: Clothing that is suggestive, revealing or in poor taste is prohibited.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because of two of meaning and doesn’t specify intent.
3. Ad: Interest up to 7% paid on selected accounts.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Unit 2s Test (Summer 2022) KEY 1
, Explanation: Ambiguous because uncertain of what accounts paid interest.
4. "Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not
worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because of faulty sentence structure.
5. "Where are you going? "Out." "When will you be back?" "Later."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation:. Over general because information provided is broad and unspecific.
6. An X-ray of Henry's head showed nothing whatever.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because what was xray seeking.
7. "Can you tell me where Greenland is?" "”Oh, it’s north of Australia.”
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Over general because information doesn’t specify where in Australia.
8. "Harassment is any language or other acts which degrade, insult, taunt or
challenge another person by any means of communication, so as to provoke a violent
response, fear, intimidation, and includes any other behavior that places another member
of the University Community in a state of anxiety."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because providing more than 2 meanings.
Unit 2s Test (Summer 2022)
(The directions and procedures for this test are the same as for the previous tests.)
Save this test on your computer, and complete the questions by marking correct
answers with the “text color” function in WORD ( ) located on the “home” toolbar.
Please attach your completed test to the test submission page.
Section I.
Please identify problems of vagueness, overgenerality and ambiguity (double meaning) in
the following passages. Then explain briefly how/why the passage exemplifies that problem.
Some examples may evince more than one problem.
Example:
Well, our salaries may be low, but the bonuses are generous.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because the words “low” and ”generous” are fuzzy and inexact.
It’s unclear how much you will make or what your bonuses will be.”
1.
"How were your grades this term, Henry?"
"Well, I didn't exactly make the Dean's List.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because it does specify the earned grades
2. School dress code: Clothing that is suggestive, revealing or in poor taste is prohibited.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because of two of meaning and doesn’t specify intent.
3. Ad: Interest up to 7% paid on selected accounts.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Unit 2s Test (Summer 2022) KEY 1
, Explanation: Ambiguous because uncertain of what accounts paid interest.
4. "Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not
worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because of faulty sentence structure.
5. "Where are you going? "Out." "When will you be back?" "Later."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation:. Over general because information provided is broad and unspecific.
6. An X-ray of Henry's head showed nothing whatever.
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Vague because what was xray seeking.
7. "Can you tell me where Greenland is?" "”Oh, it’s north of Australia.”
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Over general because information doesn’t specify where in Australia.
8. "Harassment is any language or other acts which degrade, insult, taunt or
challenge another person by any means of communication, so as to provoke a violent
response, fear, intimidation, and includes any other behavior that places another member
of the University Community in a state of anxiety."
vague
overgeneral
ambiguous
Explanation: Ambiguous because providing more than 2 meanings.
Unit 2s Test (Summer 2022)
