Vocabulary

Find a way of saying something can’t be measured, admitted, or changed — in just one word.

For each of the actions below, suggest a single adjective you could use to say that it can’t be done. For example, ‘That which cannot be measured’ is immeasurable. You may be able to think of more than one adjective for each action, and you may also be able to think of words not in our list of suggestions.

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Develop your vocabulary and exercise your imagination by conjuring up a mermaid on the shore, or a train waiting at the station.

Choose one of the nouns below, and then collect as many words connected with it as you can. When you have gathered at least three words, see if you can compose an interesting scene or little story from them. You will find this much easier if you remember to include some sort of action.

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Compose sentences about each of these modes of transport, picturing the vehicle, any goods or passengers, and how it all moves.

Make a sentence about each noun in the list below, naming users, occupants or contents, and using a suitable verb of motion.

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Suggest words for a small amount of something, such as water, salt or scandal.

For each word below, suggest words which might be used for a small amount of it, such as a drop of water. Some likely words have been given underneath. Don’t be satisfied with the first word you think of; a ‘drop’ of whisky is not the most elegant answer.

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Suggest suitable adjectives to describe these nouns when they are at their best.

Suggest suitable words of praise (not so general as ‘nice’) for each of the items below. Some suggestions are given underneath.

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Show that you know the difference between glint, twinkle and flash.

Use each word below in a sentence, in such a way as to make its meaning clear and distinguish it from the other words in the list. Some topics have been suggested underneath, though ‘eyes’ will work in almost every case.

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