Uncertainties vs. risks

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
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Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #117 [color=blue]“Synonyms for threat and danger”, question 10

These are the usual … of the desert — scorpions, snakes, heat, lack of water, etc.

(a) risks
(b) harms
(c) uncertainties
(d) crises

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #117 [color=blue]“Synonyms for threat and danger”, answer 10

These are the usual risks of the desert — scorpions, snakes, heat, lack of water, etc.

Correct answer: (a) risks

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
These are the usual uncertainties of the desert — scorpions, snakes, heat, lack of water, etc.
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what is wrong with uncertainty?

vague

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These last two items, at least, are not uncertainties of the desert-- they are its basic characteristics. Scorpions and snakes-- and taratulas and cacti-- are also rather certain to be found there.
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