Strong Verbs

Verbs-Lesson Four Assignment



ASSIGNMENT – Read the following piece. It is peppered with static, weak verb choices. Revise the piece choosing precise and clear verb choices.



James saw (1) the old house first. Holes showed (2) in its thatched roof and weeds covered (3) the garden. To hide the fear that went (4) through their bodies, the boys kept up a steady stream of chatter.



With a show of bravado, they walked (5) through a gap in the wall and worked (6) through the tangle of weeds until they stood before the enormous front door. James raised his hand tentatively and pulled (7) on the handle. Slowly the door swung (8) open.



With the other boys close on his heels, James stepped over the threshold into a large hall. The boys looked (9) at the room, not quite sure what to make of it. Instead of the dust they expected to see covering (10) the floor, or the cobwebs they imagined would be hanging (11) from the ceiling, the room was spotlessly clean.





1. spied

2. peeped

3. engulfed

4. shot

5. slipped

6. clamored

7. tugged

8. creaked

9. examined

10. veiling

11. weeping