Troublesome English 7-1

Homonyms: desert and dessert

Do not confuse these two words which sound alike and look very similar: desert and dessert.
Desert - with stress on the 1st syllable (DES ert), is a noun referring to a very dry, barren land.
Desert - with stress on the 2nd syllable (de SERT), is a verb meaning to abandon.
Dessert - with stress on the 2nd syllable (des SERT), is a noun referring to a sweet dish served after a meal.
Examples:

It very seldom rains in the desert, and there are frequent sandstorms there.
The soldiers who deserted their post during the battle were put in prison.
I usually eat fruit for dessert, but I prefer chocolate cake!

EXERCISE: Circle the best answer: a or b

1. Many camels live in the ________________.
a. desert
b. dessert
2. Um Ali is one of my favorite _______________.
a. deserts
b. desserts
3. Do not __________ your post during a time of war.
a. desert
b. dessert