I am stuck on the following from my vocabulary homework:

4. The elm tree_________is causing many of the trees to die.
(a) stagnation (b) havoc (c) blight (d)decomposition

I have ruled out (b) havoc. I am 100% sure that one is not correct. I think the right answer is (a) stagnation. Can someone give me some feedback and just let me know if I am on the right track? Thanks.

The word you want is this:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blight

Check out the definition to see if you think it's the best fit in this sentence.

Ah, blight. Yes, that makes sense now, looking at the definitions in the online dictionary. Thanks very much for the help!

You're very welcome.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the given sentence and eliminate the options that do not fit the context.

First, we can eliminate option (d) decomposition, as it refers to the process of decay or rotting and does not fit the context of a living tree causing harm to others.

Second, you have already ruled out option (b) havoc, which means widespread destruction or chaos. Since the sentence does not imply any destruction or chaos caused by the tree, your elimination is correct.

Now let's consider the remaining options:

(a) Stagnation refers to a lack of movement or progress. In the context of a tree causing other trees to die, stagnation doesn't seem to be the right word. It doesn't accurately convey the idea of harm or negative impact.

(c) Blight typically refers to a plant disease that causes damage or death. In the context of the sentence, where an elm tree is causing harm to other trees, blight seems to be the most fitting option. If the elm tree is affected by a plant disease, it can spread that disease to other trees, leading to their death.

Given this analysis, it appears that option (c) blight is the most appropriate answer for the sentence. It is always a good idea to review the context and definitions of the words when selecting the correct answer.