Vocabulary & Spelling - British Tradition

British
Tradition
000i-00vi_Gr12_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 1
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling, British Tradition

Care has been taken to verify the accuracy of information presented in this book. However, the authors, editors, and
publisher cannot accept responsibility for Web, e-mail, newsgroup, or chat room subject matter or content, or for
consequences from application of the information in this book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with
respect to its content.
Trademarks: Some of the product names and company names included in this book have been used for identification
purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trade names of their respective manufacturers and sellers.
The authors, editors, and publisher disclaim any affiliation, association, or connection with, or sponsorship or
endorsement by, such owners.
Cover Image Credits: Scene, John Kelly/Getty Images; plaque art, Rolin Graphics, Inc.
ISBN 978-0-82194-373-1
2009 by EMC Publishing, LLC
875 Montreal Way
St. Paul, MN 55102
E-mail: educate@emcp.com
Web site: www.emcp.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be adapted, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written
permission from the publisher. Teachers using Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature, British Tradition may
photocopy complete pages in sufficient quantities for classroom use only and not for resale.
Printed in the United States of America
18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Unit 1: Word Study Skills and Word Origins
Lesson 1: Word Study Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lesson 2: Word Study Skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lesson 3: PAVEPredict Associate, Verify, Evaluate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Lesson 4: Anglo-Saxon Word Origins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lesson 5: Old English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Time Out for Test Practice: Words of Anglo-Saxon Origin. . . . . . . . . . . 11
Unit 2: Word Origins
Lesson 6: Middle English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Lesson 7: Greek and Latin Root Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lesson 8: British English vs. American English. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Time Out for Test Practice: Words of French, Latin,
and Greek Origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Unit 3: Word Parts and Spelling
Lesson 9: Word Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Lesson 10: High-Frequency Spelling Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lesson 11: Pronunciation and Spelling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Time Out for Test Practice: Recognizing Word Parts and
Spelling Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Unit 4: Context Clues and Syntax
Lesson 12: Inferential Context Clues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Lesson 13: Using Context Clues in Your Own Writing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lesson 14: Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Time Out for Test Practice: Context Clues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Unit 5: Evolution of Language
Lesson 15: Current Events Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Lesson 16: Compound Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lesson 17: Allusions and Eponyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Time Out for Test Practice: Compound Words and Eponyms. . . . . . . . 42
EMC Publishing, LLC
Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling
Br Tradition
iii
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Unit 6: Word Usage
Lesson 18: Common Acronyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Lesson 19: Clichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lesson 20: Contractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Time Out for Test Practice: Vocabulary Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Unit 7: Determining Meaning
Lesson 21: Homophones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Lesson 22: Synonyms and Antonyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Lesson 23: Connotation and Denotation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Lesson 24: Literal versus Figurative Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Time Out for Test Practice: Idioms, Colloquialisms,
and Hyperbolic Expressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Unit 8: Classifying Words and Semantic Families
Lesson 25: Classifying Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Lesson 26: Civics ConnectionEconomic Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Lesson 27: Political and Historical Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Lesson 28: Civics ConnectionLegal Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Time Out for Test Practice: Economic, Political, and Legal Words. . . . 66
Unit 9: Semantic Families and Expanding Word Knowledge
Lesson 29: Math and Science Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Lesson 30: Technology Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Lesson 31: Weird Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Lesson 32: Expanding Word Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Time Out for Test Practice: Math, Science, and Technology Words
and Using Context Clues to Unlock Weird Words. . . . . . . . . 75
Answer Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
iv
Br Tradition
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Introduction
The Exceeding the Standards resource books provide in-depth language arts instruction to enrich
students skills development beyond the level of meeting the standards. Exceeding the Standards:
Vocabulary & Spelling offers meaningful ways to incorporate word study into the language arts
classroom.
Vocabulary & Spelling presents thirty-two lessons, designed to be used weekly, that cover a broad
range of topics from etymology to context clues to spelling patterns. These lessons are aligned with
the units of the Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature program and may be used alone or as
supplements to the Vocabulary & Spelling workshops in the Student Edition. Each lesson incorporates
words from selections in the corresponding unit of the textbook. By using these lessons in
conjunction with the literature program, you will help your students become better readers, writers,
speakers, and spellers.
Each lesson in Vocabulary & Spelling includes the following components:
A Word of the Week, selected from the corresponding textbook unit, highlights a word that
students may find particularly meaningful or interesting.
Grammar instruction on one or more topics is followed by a Try It Yourself section that allows
students to practice what they are learning.
Just For Fun activities encourage students to play with words, reminding them that language can be
fun and interesting.
Tip boxes in the margin throughout the lesson clarify definitions, offer additional information, and
give helpful suggestions.
A Time Out for Test Practice at the end of each unit provides students with the opportunity to
assess what they have learned and to practice test-taking skills by answering sample standardized
test questions in a multiple-choice format.
It is essential that vocabulary instructions include a variety of strategies to develop students
word-study skills. Lessons in Vocabulary & Spelling provide many different ways of exploring and
studying words, word parts, semantic families, and spelling patterns and rules. Activating students
prior knowledge of words and of essential concepts related to words helps students make associations
between new terms and words they already know.
The activities in Vocabulary & Spelling will help you actively engage students in working with
words. As their curiosity about word exploration grows, your students will become increasingly
confident in their ability to attack, learn, and experiment with new words.
Related Program Resources
For more vocabulary and spelling instruction, including charts of common prefixes, suffixes, and
word roots, refer to the Mirrors & Windows Student Edition Language Arts Handbook, Section 2:
Vocabulary & Spelling. Additional vocabulary development activities integrated with the literature
selections are included in the Meeting the Standards unit resource books and in Differentiated
Instruction for English Language Learners.
Teaching Tips
Word study encompasses not only vocabulary and spelling, but also the strategies language users
employ to unlock meanings and internalize spellings. Effective instruction in word study gives students
tools for learning new vocabulary and spelling independently in the long term. The following teaching
tips can help you ensure that your students get the most from the lessons in Vocabulary & Spelling.
EMC Publishing, LLC
Br Tradition
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Teach Word Attack Strategies

There are a number of strategies good readers employ when they are confronted with an unfamiliar
word. These strategies include:
using the context as a clue
gleaning hints from pictures, charts, graphs, and other text support
examining word parts: prefixes, suffixes, and roots
combing through memories for associations with the word
consulting dictionaries and other reference materials
asking an authority, such as a teacher or other expert in the field
For many of us, these strategies have become second nature, and we are hardly conscious of using
them. To students, however, they are not so obvious; strategic word decoding takes place mostly
internally and silently, word attack strategies are largely invisible, and uninitiated students may never
witness them in action. Research suggests that students need explicit instruction in these strategies to
become proficient readers and effective writers. The lessons in Vocabulary & Spelling provide such
explicit instruction.
Create a Word-Rich Environment
The essential backdrop to an effective word study program is a classroom where words are clearly
valued. The following are some ideas for creating such a classroom.
Word Wall Post a variety of vocabulary words and/or words of the week in your classroom to
provide students with repetition and recycling of the terms you want them to internalize. Use it
as the basis of word games such as bingo, Jeopardy, and twenty questions, as well as collaborative
storytelling.
Class Dictionary Have students keep a class dictionary by taking turns entering words studied in
class, providing definitions, illustrating terms, writing contextual sentences, and searching for realworld uses of the words.
Classroom Library Provide a broad range of reading materials, giving students time for sustained
silent reading, and modeling avid reading yourself, to build students vocabularies.
Word Processing Language Tools Encourage students to make use of language features built into
word processing programs, such as dictionaries and thesauruses.
Online Word Games Schedule time for your students to learn new vocabulary with online word
games and other technology tools.
Language Mentor Share your own interest in words by drawing students attention to interesting
words in the news or in pop culture and by modeling how you approach words that are new to you.
Foster Curiosity
The key to incorporating meaningful word study into your language arts classroom is to encourage
dialogue with your students about how words create meaning. Your own curiosity about language
is infectious and will encourage your students to become inquisitive word detectives motivated to
solve the mystery of word meanings.
About Spelling Rules
Some students benefit from memorizing what are sometimes called spelling rules; others are
frustrated by the number of exceptions to each rule. To reflect the prevalence of exceptions, the term
spelling pattern has been used instead of spelling rule in this resource. In addition to introducing
students to spelling patterns, you can help them become stronger spellers by following the same
teaching tips mentioned above: modeling the use of strategies, creating a word-rich classroom, and
fostering curiosity.
vi
Br Tradition
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:27:51 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 1
Word study Notebook

Understand the Concept
With more than a million wordsand more added every dayEnglish
has the largest vocabulary of any language in the world. Most of us
know only a small percentage of those words and use even fewer of
them in our daily life, so, no matter how literate you are, you are bound
to run into unfamiliar words from time to time. Keeping track of these
words and their definitions can help you enrich your vocabulary and
therefore become a better reader, speaker, and writer.
A good way to collect new words is to keep a word study notebook.
In it, you can record each new word with its definition, pronunciation,
and origins, along with an example sentence or drawing to help you
remember it.
Here is a sample page from a word study notebook.
Word of the Week

imploring (im> pl0r i4) v.,
begging, pleading
While Jason was imploring his
mother to let him go to the Mall
of America, he could see his
friends drive off without him in the
direction of the mall.
Synonyms for implore include
beg, beseech, plead, entreat,
demand, and press. The word
implore is derived from the Latin
word implorare, which means to
weep. Note that when adding the
suffix -ing to implore, the silent e
is dropped.
Word: penurious
Pronunciation: \p@ ny1> r7 @s\
Origins: from penury, meaning poverty or extreme
frugality; derived from Latin penuria or paenuria,
meaning want
Definition: 1) marked by or suffering from penury, or
severe poverty 2) given to extreme frugality: stingy
EMC Publishing, LLC
0001-0076_Gr12_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 1
A word study notebook

helps you actively increase
the words you use in your daily
writing and speech, making your
communication more precise
and effective. Why say something
smelled bad when you could say
it was rank, stinking, rancid, foul,
fetid, reeking, or rotten? Why call a
shoe a shoe when you could call
it a sneaker, loafer, pump, running
shoe, mule, sandal, ballet slipper,
or hightop?
Tip
Br TradiTion, uniT 1
5/26/09 4:28:35 PM
Draw a picture or make

up a catchy saying to help
you remember the meaning of a
word.
Tip
The origins of a word

are known as its
etymology. Many words in
English come from Latin and
Greek. In a good dictionary, you
will find the etymology of each
word along with its meaning and
pronunciation.
Tip
Try It Yourself
Fill in this sample page of a word study notebook.
word: vacuous
Pronunciation:
Origins:
Definition:
Sentence using the word:
To write the pronunciation

of a word, you need to use
special phonetic symbols such as
the following:
Tip
\5\ (as in star)

\7\ (as in me)
\8\ (as in my)
\0\ (as in paw)
\1\ (as in foot) and
\@\ (as in extra and civil)
You can find these and many
other symbols in a dictionary or
glossary.
Books, newspapers, and

magazines are an obvious
starting point to find new words,
but dont stop there! Look for new
words on signs, in directions, and
on packaging materials. You may
hear unfamiliar words in songs,
on the radio, in speeches, or on
television. Wherever you find
them, add them to your word
study notebook.
Tip
Drawing:
Skim the newspaper until you find a word you dont know. On
your own paper, create a word study notebook entry like the one
shown above. Use a dictionary to find the correct pronunciation and
definition. If there is more than one definition, use context clues to
decide which definition makes the most sense in the article where it is
used. You might also include another definition if there is one and write
a contextual sentence using the second meaning.
Just for Fun

Do you know what a flibbertigibbet is? What does it mean to bloviate?
What is the weirdest word you know? You can add strange or unusual
words to your word study notebook, too. In your word study notebook,
create an entry for the following words:
flibbertigibbet
bloviate
gurning
mudlark
pettifogging
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:36 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 2
Word study skills

Part of the beauty of literature is the wide variety and richness of
language writers can use. When reading, you will often encounter
words that are new to you. These unfamiliar words should not stop you
from understanding and enjoying what you read. Use the following
strategies to figure out the meaning of unknown words.
Use Context Clues

Context clues are other words or information in the passage that hint
at the meaning of the word. Look at the following passage:
The criminal adumbrated his plans in a videotaped report and
sent it to the police. He taunted them to figure out what he was
going to do in time to stop him. The detectives followed up on
every clue they could pick up from his hints.
You may not know the word adumbrated, but, by looking at some of
the clues in the passage, you can figure out what the word means. The
word adumbrated is a verb that describes what the criminal did with
his plans. Later in the passage, you learn that the criminal wanted the
police to figure out what he was going to do, so you know he did not
state his plans outright. The next sentence refers to the mans hints.
From these clues, you can guess that adumbrated means hinted or
partially described.
Word of the Week

secular (se kye l@r) adj., not
bound by religious guidelines or
influence
Although the lawsuit involved
two religious groups, the judge
insisted that her decision would
involve a secular interpretation of
the law.
Secular describes actions or ideas
that are free of the influence of
religion. For example, in some
countries laws must conform to
the principles and ideals of the
dominant religion. In a secular
country, however, laws may
be passed even if they are not
consistent with the beliefs of
the dominant religion. A secular
person is a nonreligious person.
Try It Yourself
Tip
ExErCIsE A
Look at the following passage. Use context clues to figure out the
meaning of the word chimerical.
Mayor Loretti denounced her opponents chimerical plans,
saying, The programs Mr. Lassiter mentions are lovely
daydreams, but my office must deal with the realities of the
budget. Well never see these programs functioning.
Try these strategies to

attack new words:
Context clues
Text support
Word parts
Dictionary
Teacher, adult, or friend
If one strategy doesnt work, try a

different one.
1. What word other than chimerical describes the plans? What else
do you learn about the plans?
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:36 PM
Record unfamiliar words

from these lessons in your
word study notebook.
Tip
2. What do you think chimerical means?
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Many words appear in the
dictionary as main entries
more than once. Often these
entries represent different parts of
speech, such as break, the noun,
and break, the verb. Other times,
entries have completely unrelated
meanings. Use context clues to
determine which meaning makes
the most sense.
Tip
Use your knowledge of word parts to define each of the following

words. Record your reasoning on the lines provided.
1. indefatigable
2. postlude
3. malodorous
4. presage
5. concordant
Ask for Help

Try the preceding strategies first. Then, if you are still unsure of a
words meaning, ask someone for help. Your teacher, a parent, a
librarian, or another knowledgeable person may be able to help you.
When you discover the meaning of the word, write it in your word
study notebook.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:36 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 3
PAVEPredict, Associate, Verify, Evaluate

PAVE is a good way to help yourself remember the meaning of a new
word. PAVE stands for Predict, Associate, Verify, and Evaluate. When
you encounter a new word, try the following process:
Predict
Try to predict the meaning of the word based on context

and on your prior knowledge of the word or its parts.
Associate Then, write a sentence using the word.

Verify
Next, check the meaning of the word by using a dictionary

or glossary. If you find more than one definition, write
down the most appropriate definition.
Evaluate
Finally, assess the sentence you wrote using the word. If

necessary, rewrite the sentence to reflect the meaning you
found.
Try It Yourself
Use PAVE to learn the underlined words in the sentences below.
Word of the Week

literal (li t@ r@l) adj., actual
Although Paul had used the
phrase to describe other days,
he believed that the day he was
accepted to college was the literal
best day of his life.
Literal is derived from the Latin
word litteralis, which means of
a letter. It is most commonly
used to indicate that something
means exactly what it describes.
Literally is frequently confused
with figuratively, which means
metaphorically. For example, if
Joe says I busted a gut laughing,
he is speaking figuratively. If he
said this phrase literally, however,
it would mean that his stomach
and intestines actually exploded
from laughing!
1. Michela took umbrage with Trevors suggestion that her ideas were
unoriginal.
Tip
Predict
Associate
Use this process to

remember new words:
Predict
Associate
Verify
Verify
Evaluate
2. The sun had a soporific effect on Raoul, and he soon found himself
dozing.
Evaluate
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:37 PM
Use context clues or your

knowledge of word parts
to predict the meaning of the
word. Context clues are words
and phrases in the surrounding
text that hint at the meaning
of a word. Comparison clues
help show the meaning of the
word through restatement,
apposition (the use of a noun
or noun phrase to rename the
noun that comes just before it),
and examples. Contrast clues
help show the meaning of a
word through giving its opposite,
or antonym. (Hint: Question 4
contains a contrast clue.)
Tip
3. Grow up! Olu shouted, sick of Rens puerile behavior.

Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
4. Many of Lukes statements are fallacious, although they sound
true.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
5. Youve got me. Im flummoxed, Carl said, looking puzzled.
Predict
Use your knowledge

of word parts to predict
the meaning of the word.
(Hint: fallac is a word root
from the Latin fallere, meaning
deceitful.)
Tip
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
Just for Fun

What is the weirdest word you know? Write a sentence using the word.
Switch sentences with a partner and try PAVE on your partners word.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:37 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 4
Anglo-saxon Word Origins

Many different languages and cultures have influenced English, but
most English words come from Anglo-Saxon, a Germanic language,
and Norman French, a Latinate language.
The Anglo-Saxon period in Britain lasted from roughly 449,
when a Germanic people that spoke Anglo-Saxon invaded England
and dominated the Celts living there, to 1066. In 1066, the Normans
invaded England, overtaking the Anglo-Saxons so thoroughly that,
until the mid-1200s, the aristocratic class spoke French almost
exclusively.
The Anglo-Saxon impact on the English language has lasted much
longer. Many of the most frequently used words in English come from
Anglo-Saxon, or Old English, origins.
Words with Anglo-Saxon Origins
black
body
bone
cow
dog
door
drink
eye
fish
foot
floor
fly
go
good
have
help
hill
home
land
live
love
meal
moon
see
sun
white
wood
year
Word of the Week

temporal (t@m p[@] r@l) adj.,
relating to time
In solving crimes, the detective
uses clues to establish the
temporal relationship between
different events and people; that
is, he produces a timeline.
Temporal is derived from the Latin
word for timetempus. Synonyms
of temporal include chronological
and sequential. Temporal also
means of or related to earthly
life, as opposed to life after
death. Also, the parts of the skull
just above the ears are called the
temporal bones, and the parts of
the brain under these bones are
called the temporal lobes.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
1. How many syllables are in most of the Anglo-Saxon words listed

above?
2. How would you describe Anglo-Saxon words? Are they
sophisticated or simple? Concrete or abstract? Explain what
you notice.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:38 PM
The word diction, when

applied to writing, refers
to word choice. Choosing words
of either Latinate or Anglo-Saxon
origin still contributes to high
or low diction today. Latinate
words connote a more refined,
intellectual world, indicating status
and education, while Anglo-Saxon
words reflect the physical, basic,
common world.
Tip
After William the Conqueror, a French duke, invaded England in

1066 in what became known as the Norman Conquest, Norman
French became the official language of government, business, and the
aristocracy. Old English, or Anglo-Saxon, remained as the everyday
language of the common people. In time, the languages melded into
Middle English and became further influenced by Latin and Latininfluenced languages, such as Italian, which were prized during the
Renaissance.
Look at the following comparison of words from Anglo-Saxon,
French, and Latin. These word groups are similar in meaning, although
you may notice some slight variations. In many cases, the Anglo-Saxon
word is simpler or less formal than the French or Latin word.
Old English
ask
guts
happiness
holy
kingly
rise
Use Anglo-Saxon
words when you want
your writing to be plain, direct,
and effective. Using many Latinate
words together may sound
sophisticated, but it will make your
writing more complex and less
powerful.
Tip
Use Latinate words to convey

subtle shades of meaning. For
example, the Latinates confer,
discuss, and converse have more
specific meanings than the AngloSaxon talk.
French
question
courage
sacred
royal
mount
Latin
interrogate
valor
felicity
consecrated
regal
ascend
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Write a contextual sentence using two of the word sets from the chart.
Keep in mind the connotations, or emotional associations, of each word.
1. A.
B.
C.
2. A.
B.
C.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:38 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 5
Old English
The Old English that the Anglo-Saxons used over a thousand years ago
barely resembles todays English. In fact, Old English used a different
alphabet from ours. If you look closely at Old English, you can see some
words that look familiar because they have been borrowed and adapted
in Modern English, but they now have a different meaning. Looking for
familiar words is one way, however, to see how the English language
has evolved.
The chart below shows some examples of Old English words and
the Modern English words derived from them.
Old English
earm
cuman
daed
eare
folc
halig
cyning
lufu
monn
mynd
seon
sittan
weorc
hwaet
Modern English
arm
come
deed
ear
folk
holy
king
love
man
mind
see
sit
work
what
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Look at each of the following Old English words. For each word, write
what you think the modern English equivalent is. Look up the word
you guessed in a dictionary and see if the Old English word is part of its
etymology.
Word of the Week

blithe (bl8th) adj., cheerful;
carefree
While most of the students still felt
the pressure of studying for final
exams, the blithe young woman,
who had already completed the
semester, skipped merrily around
campus.
Blithe is an Old English word that
is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin.
It is used in a positive sense to
describe people who are happy,
merry, and dont have a care in
the world. It can also be used
negatively to describe those who,
while happy, are selfish, heedless,
or careless as to how their actions
affect others.
Notice the similarities

and differences between
Old English and Modern English
words. The influence of Latin and
Norman French brought about
huge changes in the language. In
fact, at one time, the Scandinavian
languages (Swedish, Norwegian,
Danish, Icelandic) and English
were mutually understandable.
Scandinavians can still understand
each others languages, but
English has become largely
unrecognizable to them.
Tip
1. weall
2. fyr
3. scield
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:39 PM
4. ondswardrede
5. eower
Tip
Many words in Old English use prefixes and suffixes. For example,
the word ingang adds the prefix in to the base word gang, which
means go to create a word meaning go in. Compound words are
also common. A compound word is created by combining two words
to make a new word. The word aeftergengness is a compound word
meaning succession. You can see the word after and the word geng,
which you know means go.
The word domdg or domesdg is a compound word meaning
judgment day. The word dom means judgment and the word dg
means day. It is also interesting to note that domesdg sounds like the
modern English word doomsday.
Figurative compounds called kennings are common in Old English
literature. The word banhus means bone-house. This kenning refers
figuratively to the human body. A large number of kennings found in
Old English literature deal with the sea. Some examples are seolbaep
meaning seal bath, hronrad meaning whale road, and waeterflod
meaning water flood.
Just for Fun
Try It Yourself
A kenning is a figurative
compound word, such
as swan-road for ocean or battleflame for sword. In the epic poem
Beowulf, the heros name itself is
a kenning: bee-wolf is a kenning
for bear.
Make three kennings using the

Old English words in the lesson.
Explain what each compound
means.
ExErCIsE B
1. Make a list of ten Modern English compound words.
2. Write a Modern English kenning that could be used figuratively to

mean sea.
10
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:39 PM
Name: Date:
Time Out for Test Practice

Words of Anglo-saxon Origin
Use your knowledge of words to select the correct definition for the following
English words that have roots in the Anglo-Saxon language.
1. misdeed
A. crime
B. missed opportunity
C. missed meeting
D. middle
8. quell
A. align
B. the quiet after a storm
C. a room in a cathedral
D. to subdue
2. naught
A. nighttime
B. midnight
C. nothing
D. a full moon
9. haven
A. a type of sandwich
B. a cold beverage
C. a safe place
D. a large village
3. goad
A. a male goat
B. positive
C. scoring area in some games
D. to prod
10. heathen
A. pagan
B. a type of bush
C. a type of house
D. the area in front of a fireplace
4. loathsome
A. likable
B. lighthearted
C. detestable
D. deadly
11. seethe
A. to leak
B. to go to sea
C. to bleed
D. to boil or churn
5. offspring
A. a river or well
B. children
C. an offering to a god
D. a body of water meant for
swimming
12. site
A. to reference
B. to recline
C. a location
D. a lasso
6. pall
A. a dark covering
B. palatable
C. potable
D. porcine
7. ilk
A. a type of thread derived from
worms
B. anger or malice
C. a rope fiber derived from a plant
D. type or kind
EMC Publishing, LLC
13. steadfast
A. a girlfriend or boyfriend
B. unwavering
C. muscular
D. a four-legged stool
14. ire
A. anger
B. frozen water
C. method
D. town
11
5/26/09 4:28:39 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 6
Word of the Week

mortified (m0r t@ f8d) v.,
extremely embarrassed; subdued;
deadened
Mark was mortified when Vicki
publicly rejected his invitation to
the dance; after she walked away
he could barely move or speak.
Mortify is derived from the Latin
word mort, which means death.
Although mortify has several
meanings, it is most commonly
used to express extreme
embarrassment, as demonstrated
in the sample sentence above.
When a person is mortified, he or
she can temporarily lose the ability
to function.
Middle English
From 1066, the time of the Norman Conquest, to the mid-1200s,
French was the main language of the ruling class of England, while
Anglo-Saxon remained the everyday language of the common people.
This was followed by a period when many aristocrats were bilingual,
speaking both French and English, until the late 1300s. During this later
period, English speakers borrowed heavily from French vocabulary,
pronunciation, and grammar. Because of this, many English words
have French origins.
Words Borrowed from French
account
accuse
allegiance
apparel
arrest
assault
assembly
assets
attire
attorney
authority
balcony
banquet
bargain
budget
cathedral
conquer
conscience
convict
costume
council
courteous
crime
crown
customer
dangerous
defendant
dignity
estate
evangelist
evidence
fashion
feat
felony
frank
garment
government
gracious
harmony
heir
innocent
judgment
jury
justice
legal
leisure
lieutenant
noble
obey
oppress
ornament
palace
pastry
peace
perjury
plaintiff
pleasure
property
ransom
receipt
reign
siege
sovereign
summons
tax
tournament
turret
tyrant
valor
value
vanquish
verdict
vice
village
virtue
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Circle any words in the list above that you do not know, or choose five
you would like to know better. Write a definition and a contextual
sentence for each word. Use a dictionary if needed to determine the
meaning.
1.
12
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:40 PM
2.
3.
4.
5.
Words used to describe
farm animals (calf,
ox) have Anglo-Saxon origins,
since native English people, not
the aristocrats in that society,
tended them. Words describing
prepared meats (veal, beef) are
French, since the French-speaking
Normans were wealthy enough to
eat prepared meat.
Tip
Comparing Origins
For many words that were incorporated into English from French,
there is a synonymous term with Old English origins. The following
chart shows some of these pairs. In many cases, the connotations of the
French words are more formal or sophisticated than those of the Old
English words.
Old English Origins
begin
calf
freedom
happiness
help
hide
meal
ox
stench
theft
French Origins
commence
veal
liberty
felicity
aid
conceal
repast
beef
aroma
burglary
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Write a dialogue between a Norman aristocrat and a commoner. In the

dialogue, include the words each speaker would have been most likely
to use.
EMC Publishing, LLC
Just for Fun

Based on what you learned about
word pairs, try to guess a word
with a French origin that would
pair with deer, sheep, and pig.
Check your guesses by checking
the etymology for each guess in
the dictionary.
13
5/26/09 4:28:40 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 7
Word of the Week

prevarication (pri ver @ k6<
sh@n) n., bending the truth; a lie
When the baseball player was
asked if he had ever taken illegal
performance-enhancing drugs,
his response was a classic case of
prevarication.
Prevarication is derived from the
Latin word praevaricatus, which
means to walk a crooked line. It
is an example of a word that has
changed little in the two thousand
years since its creation. Its
synonyms include equivocation,
fabrication, distortion, and
deception.
Many English words were

derived from ancient
Greek or Roman words.
Tip
Greek and Latin Word roots

Many common words in English owe their origins to ancient Greek
or Latin. These words were used in Greece or the Roman Empire two
thousand years ago. By becoming familiar with as many of these word
roots as possible, youll be able to better recognize and remember new
words.
Common Greek Word roots

Word Root
Meaning
life
earth
blood
water
too much
measure
eight
far/end
heat
three
bio
geo
hemo
hydro
hyper
meter
oct
tel
therm
tri
Examples
biography, biology
geopolitical, geology
hemoglobin, hemophilia
hydroplane, hydrogen
hyperactive, hyperextend
thermometer, kilometer
octogenarian, octopus
telephone, television
thermos, thermometer
triad, triathlon
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Think of five other words that contain the Greek word roots in the
chart above. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
14
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:41 PM
Common Latin Word roots

Word Root
aqu
aud
bene
brev
cept
claim/clam
jur/just
mult/multi
scrib/script
struct
uni/un
vac
val
viv
While many English words

are derived from Latin,
some Latin phrases are also used
in everyday English. One example
is status quo, which means the
existing state of affairs.
Tip
Meaning
water
sound/hearing
good/well
short
to take, seize
to cry out
law
many
write
build
one
empty
worthy
to live
Examples
aquatic, aqueduct
auditorium, audible
benefit, benevolent
abbreviation, brevity
intercept, receptive
declaim, proclamation
jury, justice
multiply, multiplex
inscribe, scripture
structure, construction
union, university
vacant, vacuum, vacation
valuable, valiant
vivid, revive
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Think of five other words that contain the Latin word roots in the chart
above. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
EMC Publishing, LLC
15
5/26/09 4:28:41 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 8
Word of the Week

abominably (@ b5 m@ n@ bl7)
adv., detestably; hatefully
She thought he acted abominably
at the partyhe grabbed food
with his bare hands, pushed into
people without apologizing, and
yelled at the waiters.
Abominable, an adjective, is used
to describe something that is
both disgusting and loathsome.
Abominably, an adverb, is used
to describe repugnant behavior.
The noun, abomination, is used
to reference something that is
disgraceful or scandalous.
Words that occur in both

British and American
English can differ in pronunciation,
spelling, and even meaning.
Tip
British English vs. American English

Language is constantly evolving, differing not only from age to age but
also from place to place. There are many variations of English around
the world. Distinct differences exist, for example, between British
English and American Englishdifferences in pronunciation, spelling,
and word meaning. These differences can sometimes be confusing,
but they also provide fascinating insight into two cultures across the
pondthe Atlantic Oceanfrom each other.
Pronunciation
If you are listening to British English, you may notice some variations
in pronunciation. These differences may include a difference in vowel
pronunciation or a difference in stressed syllables. Generally these
differences will not hinder your ability to understand. If you learn
words from listening to a British source, you may wish to check the
American pronunciation.
Examples
advertisement
aluminum
fillet
garage
herb
leisure
privacy
schedule
semi
American Pronunciation
British Pronunciation
ad v@r t8z> m@nt

a l99> mi n@m
fi l6>
g5 r5j>
erb
l7> zh@r
pr8> v5 s7
ske> j@l
se> m8
ad v@r> tiz m@nt

a lu mi> n7 @m
fil> it
g6r> 5j
herb
le> zh@r
pri> v5 s7
she> j@l
se> m7
spelling
From spelling alone, you may be able to tell if a document is written
in British or American English. Look at the following chart for some
examples of differences in British and American spelling.
American Spelling
airplane
appall
check
connection
defense
draft
jail
gray
16
British Spelling
aeroplane
appal
cheque
connexion
defence
draught
gaol
grey
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:42 PM
American Spelling
jeweler
maneuver
mold
offense
paralyze
plow
program
traveler
tire
British Spelling
jeweller
maneouvre
mould
offence
paralyse
plough
programme
traveller
tyre
Some common differences include British spelling that uses ough

instead of ow, doubling the l in words ending in ler, using a c instead of
an s in words ending ence, and using an s instead of a z in words ending
with an /z/ sound.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Change the spelling in the following sentences to standard American

English spellings.
1. The traveller was happy to finally be home after the paralysing trip
on the aeroplane.
Just for Fun

Watch a British film or television
show and make a list of words
used in British English that are
not commonly used in American
English.
2. What kind of defence do you plan to mount in connexion with the

other teams soccer maneouvres?
3. It will appal you to know that you cant write a cheque for your
purchase.
4. The room was cold and draughty, and she found grey mould in the
shower.
5. Morgan made a pretence of getting ready to speak to the gaoller.
EMC Publishing, LLC
17
5/26/09 4:28:42 PM
Name: Date:

Words of French, Latin, and Greek Origin
Use your knowledge of words to select the correct definition for the following
English words that have roots in French, Greek, or Latin.
French-derived words
1. nuisance
A. excitement
B. negativity
C. discrepancy
D. annoyance
5. lozenge
A. tablet
B. pork dinner
C. goose feather
D. mink stole
2. porous
A. purple
B. permeable
C. skinny
D. underprivileged
6. monologue
A. type of viral disease
B. type of surgery
C. type of speech
D. single piece of firewood
3. jargon
A. large jar
B. field of grass
C. thick branch
D. slang
7. plumage
A. plumbers tool
B. spillway
C. teeth
D. feathers
4. liaison
A. massage table
B. intermediary
C. bank loan
D. hockey player
8. tenant
A. sailor
B. group of ten
C. renter
D. camping tent
Latin-derived words
9. vehement
A. car or truck
B. stomach muscle
C. passionate
D. part of a cathedral
11. habituate
A. to become accustomed
B. to eat healthily
C. a bears den
D. part of a fort
10. virile
A. disease caused by a virus
B. green vegetable
C. modern communication strategy
D. masculine
12. hospice
A. candy
B. handgun
C. place to rest
D. prisoner
18
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:42 PM
13. garrulous
A. talkative
B. ugly
C. fancy
D. strong
15. machination
A. engine
B. marching band formation
C. chewing motion
D. evil scheme or plot
14. gradient
A. high test score
B. inclined surface
C. spherical object
D. airplane motor
16. commodious
A. outhouse
B. loud
C. spacious
D. pretty
Greek-derived words
17. antagonize
A. feed
B. sing
C. dance
D. provoke
21. theism
A. theater design
B. religious belief
C. accounting practice
D. business strategy
18. eon
A. subatomic particle
B. digestive juice
C. long period of time
D. newspaper edition
22. dilemma
A. two performers
B. pair of rodents
C. predicament
D. solution
19. autonomy
A. study of the body
B. independence
C. political speech
D. type of walk
23. monolithic
A. massive
B. unmarried
C. boring
D. ill
20. kinetic
A. energetic
B. bilingual
C. kind
D. immature
24. homogenous
A. very intelligent
B. extinct; irrelevant
C. uniform; well-mixed
D. very large; significant
EMC Publishing, LLC
19
5/26/09 4:28:43 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 9
Word of the Week

abdication (ab< di k6 sh@n) n.,
a formal relinquishing of power
The abdication of Englands King
Edward VIII in 1936 occurred
because he insisted on marrying
a woman who was not of royal
blood.
The word abdication comes
from the Latin root dicare, to
proclaim, the prefix ab-, away
from, and -tion, the result of.
Although abdication is generally
used in reference to a monarch or
someone who has formal power,
it can also be used informally.
For example, a person might
abdicate his or her responsibility
in organizing a birthday party or
round of golf.
Word Parts
Many words consist of a central part, called either a word root or a base
word, and a prefix or a suffix (or both a prefix and a suffix). If you are
familiar with common roots, prefixes, and suffixes, it will be much
easier to figure out the meaning of words that are new to you.
The word root or base word is a group of letters to which a prefix
or suffix is attached. A prefix is a letter or group of letters added to
the beginning of a word root or base word, whereas a suffix is a letter
or group of letters added to the end. Adding a prefix or suffix almost
always changes the meaning of a word.
Try It Yourself
Use a dictionary to identify the prefixes, roots, and suffixes in each of
the following words. Note that all words do not have both a prefix and a
suffix, and some words have more than one prefix or suffix.
1. contemplation
2. covetousness
3. excommunication
Most English words

consist of a word root or
base word and a prefix, suffix, or
both a prefix and a suffix.
Tip
4. immortalize
5. reprove
6. transgress
7. tribulation
8. undiscerning
20
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:43 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 10
High-Frequency spelling rules

Spelling and vocabulary are closely connected. To use new words
in your writing, you need to know how to spell them. Learning the
following spelling patterns will help you improve your spelling and
your ability to proofread for spelling errors.
Adding Affixes
Adding affixes, or prefixes and suffixes, often causes spelling errors.
When adding a prefix, do not change the spelling of the word itself.
examples
un- + natural = unnatural

re- + act = react
The spelling of most words is not changed when the suffix -ment,
-ness, or -ly is added.
examples
abate + -ment = abatement

sudden + -ness = suddenness
sullen + -ly = sullenly
If you are adding a suffix to a word that ends with y, and that y follows
a vowel, you should usually leave the y in place. If the y follows a
consonant, you should change the y to i.
examples
coy + -ly = coyly

giddy + -ness = giddiness
If you are adding a suffix that begins with a vowel to a word that ends
with a silent e, you should usually drop the e. If you are adding a suffix
that begins with a consonant to a word that ends with a silent e, you
should usually leave the e in place.
examples
emote + -ive = emotive

trite + -ly = tritely
Word of the Week

righteousness (r8 ch@s n@s) n.,
the state of being morally right
Outraged at the skimpy new
outfits the schools cheerleaders
wore, members of the church
group marched into the
principals office with a sense of
righteousness.
The adjective righteous, the
adverb righteously, and the noun
righteousness imply thought or
action based on higher morality,
perhaps derived from divine law.
These words all present difficulties
in spelling. In the first syllable, the
gh is silent. In the second syllable,
the t does not make a t sound;
rather it combines with eou to
produce a ch sound.
Do not change the

spelling of the word itself
when you add a prefix.
Tip
The spelling of most

words is not changed
when the suffix -ment, -ness, or -ly
is added.
Tip
Every rule has exceptions,

but knowing the rules
will help you spell most words
correctly.
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Rewrite each sentence, correcting any spelling errors.

1. Igor sighed morosly.
2. Tayas remarks went unoticed by the rest of the class.
EMC Publishing, LLC
21
5/26/09 4:28:44 PM
3. I sincerly hope youll ask for help if you need it.

4. Malesha was heavyly favored to win.
5. Our ideas were summaryly dismissed.
The following rhyme may

help you remember when
to spell words ei and when to
spell them ie.
Tip
Write I before E
Except after C
Or when it sounds like an A as in
neighbor and weigh.
More spelling Patterns

I Before E
When a word is spelled with the letters i and e and has the long e sound,
it is spelled ie except after the letter c.
examples
chief, achieve, field

receive, deceit, ceiling
Unfortunately, there are many exceptions to this rule. A few of them

are the words seize, either, neither, weird, and height. However, the rule
does hold true for most words that have the long e sound, as in shriek
and ceiling.
seed Words
Supersede is the only word in the English language that ends in -sede.
Three words end in -ceed: exceed, proceed, and succeed. Every other
word that ends with the seed sound is spelled -cede.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Correct any spelling errors in the sentences below.

1. The tide comes in and receeds.
2. You exceded my expectations.
3. Put down your sheild and admit defeat.
4. A short ceremony will presede the party.
5. What a releif!
22
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:44 PM
Common Errors
Below is a list of some words that high school students often misspell.
Studying these words can help you avoid common errors.
Commonly Misspelled Words
absence
environment
academically
fascinating
accessible
finally
accidentally
hypocrite
acknowledgment
independent
anonymous
influential
answer
irrelevant
beautiful
irresistible
beginning
judgment
business
leisure
calendar
license
catastrophe
manageable
changeable
mediocre
committee
millennium
conscientious
mischievous
disastrous
misspell
discipline
naive (also nave)
efficiency
necessity
embarrass
noticeable
nuisance
occasionally
occurrence
parallel
pastime
persistent
privilege
receipt
referred
relieve
schedule
separate
succeed
tomorrow
undoubtedly
vengeance
withhold
There are probably some words that you commonly misspell. Keep a
list of these words in your word study notebook. Practice these words
until you know how to spell them correctly. You may also wish to make
up devices to help you remember correct spellings. For example, say
Page the antits time for the pageant to help you remember how to
spell pageant.
Try It Yourself
E x e r ci s e C
Choose ten words from the list above or from your own list of difficult
spelling words. Make up a saying or image to help you remember the
correct spelling. Write or draw your ideas in the space below. Continue
on your own paper if necessary.
EMC Publishing, LLC
Br Tradition, unit 3
23
5/26/09 4:28:44 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 11
Word of the Week

obliquely (9 bl7k l7) adj.,
neither perpendicular nor parallel
in nature; indirectly
The track coach explained that
unlike a pole vaulter, who runs
directly at the pit, a high jumper
approaches the bar obliquely
that is, at an intermediate angle.
In a geometric or spatial sense,
oblique refers to the relationship
between two items that are
neither parallel nor perpendicular
to one another. For example,
ocean waves almost always
approach a shoreline obliquely.
In everyday speech, an indirect,
secretive, or underhanded action
by a person can be called oblique.
Pronunciation and spelling

As you learn new words, you will want to know their meaning, their
spelling, and also their pronunciation. If you pick up new words from
listening to television, lectures, or other sources, you will know the
pronunciation right away. If you learn new words from reading, you
will want to make sure you check the pronunciation before you add
the word to your speaking vocabulary. Use the following system to
determine the pronunciation of a new word.
Use Pronunciation rules
First, use rules of pronunciation to come up with a reasonable guess

about how to pronounce the word. Sound out the word using what
you know about letter sounds. Remember there are exceptions to every
rule, so some words may not be pronounced the way they look. Keep in
mind the following trouble spots.
gh
The letters gh are often silent, as in sigh and fraught.

Sometimes this combination has an f sound, as in cough.
ough
Tip For effective

communication, the
words of a language need to be
pronounced consistently. Early
in the Medieval Period, Middle
English was spoken with many
different dialects, making it hard
for people in different regions to
understand each other. Toward
the end of the Medieval Period,
a London dialect became widely
used while other regional dialects
were seen as inferior, reflecting a
lack of education and social status.
Words that contain the Anglo-Saxon combination ough are tricky. In

each of the following examples, the ough combination is pronounced
differently.
through
bought
drought
dough
tough
cough
rhymes with threw

rhymes with taught
rhymes with out
rhymes with show
rhymes with stuff
rhymes with off
You can see that in some of the words the gh is silent, while in others
it has the f sound. The ou can have several different sounds.
ate/ite
These suffixes can be pronounced with a long vowel or short vowel

sound. In some cases, the pronunciation indicates a difference in
part of speech. For example, the word duplicate is pronounced with a
long a when it is used as a verb. It is pronounced with a schwa sound
(short u denoted by the @ symbol) when it is used as an adjective.
Other words may vary in pronunciation, including which syllable is
stressed, based on how the word is being used.
24
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:45 PM
Use a Dictionary
After you have estimated the pronunciation, use a dictionary to verify
it. Use the pronunciation key in the dictionary and pay attention to
which syllables are stressed. Here is a sample pronunciation key.
Vowel Sounds
a
6
5
a1
e
pan, sap
may, sail
lot, star
out, cow
bet, sell
7
i
8
9
0
bee, deep
kit, lip
my, ice
grow, boat
paw, raw
0i
u
2
1
@
boy, coil
up, scrub
crew, blue
soot, foot
extra, summer
b
ch
d
f
g
h
j
k
but, cub
child, patch
doll, cod
fall, cuff
girl, hug
hole, ham
jam, fudge
kid, pick
l
m
n
4
p
r
s
sh
lip, pull
man, lamb
not, can
sing, wrong
pull, up
ram, core
sip, miss
ship, push
t
th
th
v
w
y
z
tip, cut
thank, forth
there, that
very, cove
wet, twin
your, yard
zip, puzzle
Some words will have more than one pronunciation. Check to see
if the pronunciation varies based on usage. If not, use the preferred
pronunciation. Recognize that some pronunciations vary by region.
Ask for Help

If you are still unsure about how to pronounce a word, ask somebody to
say the word for you.
Try it Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Write a phonetic spelling to show how each of the following words

is pronounced. Check your answer using a dictionary. Then practice
pronouncing the words with a partner.
1. furlough
If you know another

language, you might
have noticed that vowels in
other European languages are
pronounced differently from
vowels in English. Vowels in
Middle English were much
more like the vowels in other
languages. As Middle English
evolved into Modern English
between 1400 and 1600,
however, it underwent what
linguists call the Great Vowel
Shift. With this phenomenon,
many of the long vowel sounds
were pronounced higher in the
mouth than they had been before.
Thus the word name, which was
pronounced in Chaucers day as
/n5 m@/ became, in Modern
English, /n6m/. The word bete,
pronounced /b7 t@/, became /
b7t/. The sound that used to
be pronounced like the long e in
beet became a long i like in sign.
The long i sound combines two
sounds: /5/ and /7/. Thus, blind,
which once rhymed with cleaned,
is now /bl8nd/. The word mus,
once pronounced /m99s/,
became mouse, pronounced /
mous/. The vowel sound in
mouse combines /5 /with /99/.
Notice that in both name and
bete, as in many other words,
the final e was pronounced in
Middle English but became silent
or was dropped altogether in
Modern English.
Tip
2. cathedral
3. melancholy
4. hyperbole
5. puerile
EMC Publishing, LLC
25
5/26/09 4:28:45 PM
Name: Date:

recognizing Word Parts
Use your knowledge of word parts to choose the word that best completes each sentence.
1. The city of Blaine is celebrating its
, or one hundred and fiftieth
anniversary.
A. centennial
B. bicentennial
C. sesquicentennial
D. semicentennial
7. The school has recently been

evaluated, and it met the standards
for .
A. discrediting
B. accreditation
C. excredition
D. undercreditation
2. Myrna is usually outgoing, but lately

she has been .
A. extroverted
B. introspective
C. reverted
D. diverted
8. Unfortunately, the tumor is .

A. inoperable
B. benign
C. cooperative
D. unnoticeable
3. Are you left-handed, right-handed, or

?
A. monodextrous
B. ambidextrous
C. semidextrous
D. antidextrous
4. are rare; seven babies is a lot to
have at once.
A. quadruplets
B. quintuplets
C. sextuplets
D. septuplets
5. Fang is a for the dog, who
simply wags his tail and licks anyone
who enters the house.
A. renomer
B. misnomer
C. multinomer
D. prenomer
6. The tied up a few loose ends
and explained what happened to all
the characters in the future.
A. prelude
B. introduction
C. postlude
D. interlude
26
9. Before laying the parquet, we put

down a .
A. superfloor
B. transfloor
C. subfloor
D. overfloor
10. The once busy area is now .
A. depopulated
B. repopulated
C. popular
D. populous
11. The results were ; they didnt
fall into the usual range.
A. atypical
B. semitypical
C. supertypical
D. polytypical
12. The problem was so difficult it
seemed .
A. underwhelming
B. insurmountable
C. semisufferable
D. transient
13. A dog is a .
A. biped
B. triped
C. quadruped
D. bivalve
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:46 PM
spelling Patterns
Write the letter of the correctly spelled word on the line.
1. Do not information; tell us
everything you know.
A. withold
B. withhold
C. whithold
D. with hold
2. Our meal at the four-star restaurant
was only .
A. mediocer
B. medeocre
C. medieocer
D. mediocre
3. Is the mark on my face ?
A. noticeable
B. noticible
C. noticeible
D. notisable
4. We watched the tide .
A. reseed
B. recede
C. resede
D. receed
5. Claude fell behind at the of
the race.
A. begining
B. begginning
C. beggining
D. beginning
6. The will vote on the new rules
tomorrow.
A. comittey
B. comittee
C. committee
D. commitee
7. Dont be a .
A. hippocrite
B. hypocrite
C. hipocrite
D. hypocryte
EMC Publishing, LLC
8. Lime green hair is .

A. unatural
B. unnaturel
C. unnatural
D. unaturel
9. If you break the rules, your
will be revoked.
A. priveldges
B. privileges
C. priveleges
D. priviledges
10. Missy was by her error.
A. embarassed
B. embarrased
C. embarrassed
D. imbarressed
11. Drea didnt her invitation yet.
A. reseive
B. recieve
C. receive
D. reseve
12. When you edit your writing, cut out
any information.
A. irrelevant
B. irelevant
C. irrellevant
D. irreleveant
13. I try to eat right, but I splurge .
A. occasionally
B. occasionnally
C. ocasionally
D. ocaisonally
14. Did you any words on the test?
A. mispel
B. mispell
C. misspell
D. misspel
27
5/26/09 4:28:46 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 12
Word of the Week

harbinger (h5r b@n j@r) n.,
indication of what is to come in
the future
Mrs. Jones knew that Samanthas
ability to easily solve the first
question on the calculus exam
was a harbinger of a good test
performance.
Harbinger can be traced to the
Middle English word herbergere,
which means host. Originally,
harbinger referred to someone
who was sent ahead to establish
lodgings with a host. Other
synonyms of harbinger include
forerunner, omen, indication,
portent, and herald.
Inferential Context Clues

If you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, you can often
use context clues to figure out the meaning of the word. Context clues
provide hints about unfamiliar words.
Some context clues are quite direct. They simply restate the word
in different terms. Using restatement or apposition, the author may
tell you the meaning of the word you do not knoweither in the same
sentence or in the following sentence.
examples
Stop that sniggering! You are laughing at me!

Other times you will have to infer the meaning of a word from the
surrounding text. Sometimes you will not get an exact definition, but
you will know enough about the meaning of the word to continue
reading. You may infer the meaning from examples or from other
information in the text. When you do this, you are using inferential
context clues.
Examples used in a sentence can help illustrate a term you do not
know.
example
Context clues often

compare or contrast the
word you do not know to other
words you do know.
Tip
The three revelers died because of their cupidity, or greed.
Pouting or throwing a tantrum to get your way is

puerile behavior.
What kind of behavior is pouting or throwing a tantrum? Its childish

behavior. From the examples, you can infer that puerile means
childish.
Sometimes you will have to look beyond the sentence in which a
word is found to estimate its meaning. Read the following passage:
My neighbor and I had been involved in a bitter feud for several
months. My husband Lawrence counseled me to forgive her.
He said that my hatred hurt me more than it did her. He warned
that my rancor would eventually poison my own happiness. He
was right; I spent most of my waking hours fuming or plotting.
First look for context clues

in the sentence in which
the word appears. Then consider
clues in the surrounding text.
Tip
28
If you did not know the word rancor, what would you learn about it
from this paragraph? You can tell it is a negative feeling. It is related
to a bitter feud and to hatred, and it has the power to poison
happiness. From these clues, you could infer that rancor means
something like bitterness or ill will.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:46 PM
When you are reading, you dont always need to know the exact
dictionary definition of a word. It is often enough to get a general sense
of the meaning. Of course, if the word seems crucial to the passage,
you might want to check your inferences by looking the word up in a
dictionary.
Try It Yourself
The following passage contains a number of words that you probably
dont know. Read the passage, and see if you can answer the questions
that follow.
Jorgen used to have some self-respect, but since the movie
company came to town, hes turned into a spineless sycophant.
At first, his interest seemed innocuous. I mean, a lot of people
are starstruck, right? Then he met the director and became her
lackey. He agrees with and praises everything she says. If she
asks for something, he runs to get it. His only interest is in the
movie. Everything he has to do off the set is done perfunctorily.
When I complain that hes not paying attention to our life, he
says Im just jealous, but really I just want him to go back to
being himself instead of the obsequious toady hes become.
1. How had Jorgen changed?
2. How does he behave on the set? Off the set?
3. How does the narrator feel about the changes in Jorgen?
EMC Publishing, LLC
29
5/26/09 4:28:46 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 13
Word of the Week

surmise (s@r m8z) v., infer;
guess
When Jennifer noticed that
several of her books had been
moved off her desk, she surmised
that her little brother had been
poking around in her room again.
Surmise refers to drawing
conclusions that are not based on
direct observation or an abundance
of facts. Surmise can also be a
noun that means conjecture, as
in His surmise turned out to be
wrong. Surmise is derived from
a conjugation of the Old French
verb surmettre, which comes from
sur, meaning upon, and mettre,
meaning to put.
Restatement,
apposition, examples,
contrast, and cause and effect
are five common types of context
clues.
Tip
Using Context Clues in Your Own Writing

As you know, a context clue is information in a text that tells you
something about an unknown word. You use context clues when you
write contextual sentences in your word study notebooksomething
in your sentence hints at the meaning of the word. You can use similar
clues in other writing to help your reader understand your meaning.
Context clues allow you to compare or contrast an unfamiliar word
to something familiar. Comparison clues help show similarities between
things. Three types of comparison clues are restatement, apposition,
and examples. Contrast clues show differences between things. See if
you can guess the meaning of each of the underlined words below.
examples
restatement
The tension in the room was palpable. You could

feel it in every corner.
apposition
Im in the mood for a weekend jaunt, a trip that is

both quick and fun.
examples
The highwaymen engaged in robbery, assault, rape,

and other pernicious behaviors.
contrast
At first glance, the argument seemed logical, but it

turned out to be specious.
Another type of context clues involve cause and effect.

example
Because Denises behavior was so incorrigible, the teacher could not
deal with her in class and sent her to the principals office.
When speaking, use

elements of verbal
communication, such
as volume, pitch, pace, and
tone, and elements of nonverbal
communication, such as gestures
and facial expressions, to help
convey your meaning.
Tip
Why should you use context clues in your writing? Context clues help
your audience understand your meaning. When you use a recently
coined word, a piece of jargon, or another term you think may be
unclear, context clues are especially important.
Try It Yourself
Write a sentence using context clues for each of the following words.
Use a dictionary if necessary to understand the meaning of the word.
1. factitious
30
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:47 PM
2. shirk
Just for Fun

Make up four or five words
and use them in sentences.
Use context clues to show the
meaning of your made-up words.
3. blandish
4. complicit
5. ignominious
Choose five words from your word study notebook. Use these words in
context as well.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
EMC Publishing, LLC
31
5/26/09 4:28:47 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 14
Word of the Week

palpable (pal p@ b@l) adj.,
capable of being felt
This was the first family function
since the divorce and the tension
in the room was palpable.
Palpable is derived from the Latin
word palpare, which means to
stroke or caress. Palpable refers
to something that is capable
of being felt, either literally or
figuratively. For example, if you fall
and scrape your knee, your pain
is palpable. In contrast, emotions
can be figuratively palpable, as
with the tension in the sample
sentence above.
syntax
Syntax refers to the order of words in sentences. The English language
has rules regarding the correct or preferred syntax. When words are not
presented in the right order, the resulting sentences can be awkward
or ambiguous. It is important to understand the rules of syntax so that
your writing will be as clear and concise as possible.
In general, English sentences use the pattern subject-verb-object. In
other words, the sentences first explain who the subject is and then tell
what that subject is doing.
The lion (subject) is chasing (verb) the young zebra (object).
George Washington (subject) crossed (verb) the Delaware River
(object).
Changing the order of these words can produce very different

meanings.
The young zebra is chasing the lion.
Sometimes writers use

strange, awkward, or
unclear syntax on purpose. This is
common in poetry, where it may
be used to maintain rhythm or
create a rhyme.
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Rewrite the following sentences, altering the syntax of each to create a

different meaning.
1. The climber walked up the mountain.
2. When the pot was placed over the fire, the water began to boil.
3. The flood filled the basement of the house.
32
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:48 PM
4. The three dogs barked loudly as the jogger ran past them.
5. We set the table after we finished cooking the chicken.
Avoiding Ambiguities
Sometimes, rearranging the syntax of a sentence can make its meaning

clearer. Compare the following sentences:
Leave a note if you want to play volleyball in my mailbox.
If you want to play volleyball, leave a note in my mailbox.
You can probably figure out that the speaker in both of the sentences
above is attempting to tell those interested in playing volleyball to leave
a note in his or her mailbox. However, because of the syntax of the first
sentence, it seems to suggest the possibility of playing volleyball within
the confines of a mailbox! The syntax of the second sentence makes its
meaning much clearer.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
In each of the following pairs of sentences, one sentence has a clear

meaning and the other is ambiguous. Choose the clear sentence and
write the corresponding letter on the line provided.
1. A. He gave her cat food.
B. He gave food to her cat.
2. A. She hit the man carrying the umbrella.
B. She hit the man with the umbrella.
3. A. I think that kids make nutritious snacks.
B. I think that kids prepare nutritious snacks.
4. A. After the accident, I was found in a ditch by some stray
cows.
B. After the accident, I was found in a ditch near some stray
cows.
5. A. I said I would have dinner with you on Tuesday.
B. I said on Tuesday that I would have dinner with you.
EMC Publishing, LLC
33
5/26/09 4:28:48 PM
Name: Date:

Context Clues
Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the underlined word.
Write the letter of the correct answer on the line provided.
1. The different factions slowly
coalesced into a cohesive group.
A. fought
B. united
C. struggled
D. worked
2. Thomas followed the instructions
carefully, while Ivan took a desultory
approach.
A. detailed
B. unsatisfactory
C. haphazard
D. systematic
3. No matter what life throws at
Sheila, she remains sanguine and
unperturbed.
A. bloody
B. clever
C. worried
D. optimistic
4. The mouse helped extricate the lion
from the net.
A. trap
B. save
C. free
D. entangle
5. After Leon left, we puzzled over his
enigmatic comments.
A. inexplicable
B. witty
C. delightful
D. outrageous
6. Flights of fancy never enter Ugeths
pragmatic mind.
A. ingenious
B. dreamy
C. intellectual
D. practical
34
7. Ever timorous, Yves barely raised his

voice above a whisper when he had to
speak in public.
A. loud
B. hardy
C. polite
D. timid
8. The voluble speaker had no trouble
engaging the audience and filling
in gaps in the program with witty
anecdotes.
A. loud
B. annoying
C. expressive
D. glib
9. Climbing Mt. Everest is an arduous
and impressive feat.
A. worthless
B. enjoyable
C. difficult
D. amazing
10. Jorge had a reputation for parsimony;
nobody knew he gave thousands of
dollars to charity each year.
A. generosity
B. heartlessness
C. stinginess
D. kindness
11. I dont think Ben is capable of
pulling off a scheme of this degree;
Ive always found him to be rather
ingenuous.
A. clever
B. deceptive
C. nave
D. malicious
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:49 PM
12. Despite the childs remonstrances,

her mother insisted she go to bed on
time.
A. scolding
B. protests
C. repetitions
D. demonstrations
17. This substitute is only transitory;

soon, another permanent teacher will
take over the class.
A. minor
B. temporary
C. timely
D. transporting
13. Oh, stamp-collecting is just a

dalliance for Mildred; Mabel is a
much more committed collector.
A. hobby; avocation
B. flirtation; trifle
C. career
D. dance
18. One letter to the editor has already

appeared on this topic, but additional
letters will just amplify the point; it
doesnt hurt to reinforce our position
on the issue.
A. contradict
B. turn up
C. increase
D. distort
14. Josh is such a staunch advocate

of gun control that nothing could
change his mind on the topic.
A. strong
B. steady
C. stiff
D. ambivalent
15. Mrs. Hunter is known for her strict
classroom policies; in contrast, Mrs.
Jackson is known for lenity.
A. demands
B. honesty
C. mildness
D. stringency
16. The student of Buddhism, a religion
that reveres masters, venerates his or
her teacher and the ancestors from
which the teacher descended.
A. questions
B. respects
C. rebels against
D. challenges
EMC Publishing, LLC
19. The last thing Serena wants to do is

sit at a computer at home after being
fettered to a desk all day at work.
A. flung
B. shackled
C. stroked
D. reduced
20. Do you think having a pink flamingo
in the yard adds to or detracts from
the visual appeal of our house?
A. takes away
B. increases
C. changes
D. slanders
35
5/26/09 4:28:49 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 15
Word of the Week
Current Events Words
prudent (pr2 d?nt) adj., practical

Jordan wanted to take another
course in Italian, but because he
was a chemistry major he knew
it was prudent to devote his time
to additional science and math
courses.
Prudence (the noun form of
prudent) refers to being sensible,
practical, careful, cautious, or
even wise. It implies an ability
to think ahead and consider
consequences, as opposed
to simply acting on impulses.
Prudent is derived from the Latin
word prudens, which is a form of
the word providere, meaning to
foresee.
Neologisms are newly

created words. Some
of these will be popular briefly;
others will last.
Tip
Buzz words are faddish

or trendy words or
phrases that are popular for a
time.
Tip
36

New words are coined, or created, all the time. These newly created
words are called neologisms.
Neologisms originate in many ways, but they are often spread
through the media. What words do the media use? This will depend on
what is happening at the moment. Some high-profile words are related
to recent inventions, medical breakthroughs, current events, and
cultural developments. Others focus on environmental or social issues
that are gaining attention.
Around the year 2000, words such as Y2K, chad, information
superhighway, millennium bug, dotcom, clicks-and-mortar, and SARS
rose to prominence. Some have remained a part of our common
vocabulary, but many have fallen into relative disuse since then.
All of the following words have entered the language in the last fifty
years:
ATM
bar code
cellular phone
codependent
debit card
disinformation
docudrama
empty-nester
gazillion
gridlock
homophobia
intrapreneur
makeover
meltdown
netizen
political correctness
quark
reality check
soccer mom
sound byte
spin doctor
telemarketing
triathlete
voicemail
yuppie
Faddish or trendy words or phrases that are popular for a time are
sometimes called buzz words. Additional examples include downsize,
synergy, and outsource. If these words are overused for a long time, they
become clichs, words or phrases that have lost their power.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
What words have been dominating the media lately? With a partner
or small group, brainstorm a list of words you have heard or read
frequently in the past few months.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:49 PM
Euphemisms and Doublespeak

Euphemisms are inoffensive words or phrases that are substituted for
words or phrases that may be considered offensive. Many euphemisms
exist for death, body parts and functions, and abnormalities. The word
misspeak is a euphemism for lie; this term is often used by people in
government or other positions of authority when they dont want to
admit they have lied.
The use of euphemisms to obscure meaning, protect oneself, or
mislead people is called doublespeak. Doublespeak is language that
does not really communicate, makes the negative seem positive, and
avoids responsibility. Replacing the word casualties with the phrase
collateral damage is an example of doublespeak. Other examples
include regime change to refer to overthrow of a government and
conflict or operation to refer to war.
Governments and corporations use doublespeak in an effort
to avoid responsibility. As you read or listen to news reports,
advertisements, and political speeches, watch for examples of
doublespeak. Take time to interpret what is really being said.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Skim newspapers and Internet pages or listen to news reports and

speeches. In the left column below, make a list of doublespeak terms
you find. In the right column, translate the doublespeak into more
direct language.
EMC Publishing, LLC
37
5/26/09 4:28:49 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 16
Word of the Week

redress (ri dr@s) v., to remedy
or compensate
In order to redress the shop
owners financial losses, the
judge ordered the boys to pay to
replace the window that they had
broken.
Redress is a Middle English
word of French origin. Its original
meaning, to set upright or
restore, is similar to its meaning
today. Synonyms of redress
include avenge, rectify, and
equalize. Redress is commonly
used in the legal sensefor
example, citizens with grievances
can seek redress through the court
system.
Compound nouns and

adjectives that are written
as one word, such as baseball
and waterproof, are called closed
compounds.
Tip
38
Compound Words
As the English language evolves, new combinations of words are formed
and become common in everyday speech. Sometimes these combinations
are formally joined together as new terms, or compound words. For
example, in the early days of the Internet, one could go on line. As this
term was used more frequently, it was hyphenated as on-line. Now it
is acceptable to omit the hyphen and simply write online. Knowing the
correct way to write a compound word (as two words, with a hyphen, or
combined into one word) can be a confusing part of writing. A recent
edition of a dictionary should be used to check the correct forms of
compound words. A style guide such as The Chicago Manual of Style can
also provide helpful guidelines for words you cannot find in the dictionary.
For many compound words, the meaning of the combined word is
similar to the meaning of the separate words. For example, something
essentially means the same as the words some and thing. Another
example is the word toothpaste, which is a paste for teeth. With other
compound words, however, the definition has changed over time to
mean something distinct from the words that comprise it. For example,
the word cupboard has a different meaning than the combination of the
words cup and board. A more complicated example is bootstrap, which
literally means a strap or lace for a boot, but also has another more
figurative meaning: unaided or independent efforts. This meaning is
usually used in the phrase by ones own bootstraps.
Try It Yourself
For each of the following compound words, indicate if the meaning
is similar to or different from that of the two separate words. Briefly
explain each of your responses.
1. goldfish
similar
different
2. homework
similar
different
3. supermarket
similar
different
4. without
similar
different
5. backbone
similar
different
6. popcorn
similar
different
7. stonewall
similar
different
8. brainwash
similar
different
9. shoemaker
similar
different
10. tenderfoot
similar
different
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:50 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 17
Allusions and Eponyms

An allusion is a figure of speech in which a reference is made to a
person, event, object, or work from history, literature, or art. Allusions
forge connections that enrich and illuminate the contexts in which they
occur. For example, if you call your neighbor a scrooge, you are making
an allusion to Charles Dickenss A Christmas Carol. You are also saying
something about your neighbors personality, that he or she is stingy,
miserly, or grouchy about holidays.
Allusions are common in literature. Look at the following lines
from Seamus Heaneys poem A Call, which is about hearing the
ticking of clocks in the background as he waits for his father to come to
the telephone:
Word of the Week

vex (veks) v., to annoy; baffle
Although Mrs. Witherspoon
adored her husband, she found
his habit of chewing with his
mouth open most vexing.
Vex is derived from the Latin word
vexare, which means to agitate.
Other synonyms of vex include
displease, irk, irritate, aggravate,
and exasperate.
And found myself then thinking: if it were nowadays,

This is how Death would summon Everyman.
The allusion is to the medieval drama Everyman, in which a character

named Everyman is forced to face the end of his life. The allusion shows
that the speaker is thinking about his fathers mortality.
If you have read Everyman or are familiar with the subject of
the play, you will recognize and understand the allusion. If you were
not familiar with Everyman, what would you do? You might simply
notice the word Death and understand that the clocks are reminding
the speaker of mortality. You might consult a footnote, if one is
available. Dictionaries and literary guides might also be helpful. By
looking up Everyman in one of these resources, you would gain a better
understanding of the significance of the allusion.
An allusion is a figure
of speech in which a
reference is made to a person,
event, object, or work from history
or literature.
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Read each of the following sentences, and try to determine the meaning
of the underlined allusion. Also note the source of the allusion, if you
know it. You might want to work with a partner to pool your knowledge.
1. Dereks proposal seems to be an expression of generosity and
friendship, but Im afraid it might be a Trojan horse.
2. Josh has never paid that much attention to girls, but meeting
Bridget has turned him into a real Romeo!
EMC Publishing, LLC
39
5/26/09 4:28:51 PM
An eponym is a word
formed from the name of
a person, character, or place.
Tip
3. Skeptics compare our attempt to find a workable solution to high

health-care costs to knights out searching for a nonexistent grail.
4. All of these catastrophes at once make me feel like Job.
In your study of
literature, you might
have encountered the term
alexandrine, which refers to a
line containing six metrical feet
or twelve syllables. This poetical
term is an eponym based on the
French poet Alexandre de Bernai
who wrote a popular verse about
Alexander the Great. The poem
was written in lines of six feet.
Tip
A proprietary eponym
is a brand name that
has evolved into a more widely
used term. For example, the word
Kleenex is often used to refer to
any tissue, and a moving staircase
is called an escalator whether
or not it is manufactured by the
Escalator company.
Tip
A malapropism is the
opposite of an eponym; it
is an inappropriate name given to
something.
Tip
Just for Fun

Think about a character you
have read about recently. If
this characters name were an
eponym, what would it mean?
Imagine your name is an eponym.

Write a definition for the word.
40
5. When his little brother sided with his parents, Chris cried, Et tu,
Brute?
Eponyms
Words that are formed from proper names are called eponyms.
Whether or not you realize it, you are probably familiar with many
eponyms. Here are some examples of eponyms, their meanings, and
their sources.
Eponym
Meaning
Cinderella one lifted from obscurity to honor
scrooge
stingy person
sherlock
detective
nemesis
odyssey
spartan
formidable opponent
long voyage marked by many
changes in fortune
marked by simplicity or self-denial
maverick
independent individual
pasteurize partial sterilization of food using

radiation
Source
fairy tale character
character from Dickenss A
Christmas Carol
Sherlock Holmes, detective created
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Greek goddess of revenge
Homers epic the Odyssey
Sparta, ancient Greek city-state
known for its rejection of comforts
Samuel Maverick, a pioneer who
broke with convention by not
branding his cattle
Louis Pasteur, inventor of the
pasteurization process
There are many sources of eponyms. From the list above, you can
see that eponyms come from the names of characters in literature
and mythology, ancient places or peoples, and people from history.
Inventors often give their names to inventions, and botanists often give
their names to plants, flowers, or fruits.
If you know something about the source of an eponym, it will help
you determine the meaning of the eponym. Otherwise, rely on word
study skills you have already learned, such as using context clues or a
dictionary.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:51 PM
Try It Yourself
E x e r ci s e B
Use a dictionary to find the meaning of the following eponyms. Then

use each word in a contextual sentence.
1. draconian
2. tantalize
3. Rubicon
4. Waterloo
5. quisling
6. bowdlerize
7. stentorian
8. Ugly American
9. hector
10. Pandoras box
11. boycott
12. Pyrrhic victory
13. martial
14. narcissistic
15. platonic
EMC Publishing, LLC
41
5/26/09 4:28:51 PM
Name: Date:

Compound Words and Eponyms
Choose the best definition for each of the following words. Write the
corresponding letter on the blank provided.
1. chauvinism
A. an intense need to be accepted
B. an excessive sense of superiority
C. a desire for the finer things
D. the belief that women are equal to
men
2. washout
A. a weatherproof shed
B. an unhealthy child
C. a cleaning solution
D. a failure
3. underbelly
A. intestines
B. a rarely seen area
C. a productive action
D. a thief
4. herculean
A. hairy
B. good spirited
C. careful
D. exceptional
5. stentorian
A. extremely loud
B. easy to understand
C. sinister
D. planetary
42
6. whitecap
A. a blonde woman
B. an elderly man
C. the crest of a breaking wave
D. the edge of a snow-covered street
7. ritzy
A. swanky
B. dirty
C. rapid
D. loving
8. fishnet
A. a type of dock
B. a type of fabric
C. a type of oceanic habitat
D. a type of restaurant
9. titanic
A. untrustworthy
B. expensive
C. metallic
D. immense
10. quixotic
A. quiet
B. mountainous
C. idealistic
D. spellbinding
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:52 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 18
Common Acronyms
An acronym is a word made from the initial letters of the main parts of
a compound term. For example, the acronym PIN stands for personal
identification number. Initialisms are like acronyms, but each letter
is pronounced as a letter. TV is an example of an initialism. Some
initialisms and acronyms, such as RSVP and radar, are well known
and can stand on their own. Others, such as NHTSA are not so clear.
When using an acronym or initialism that may not be recognized by
your audience, spell out the word and write the acronym or initialism in
parenthesis the first time you use it. Look at the following example:
Information about child safety seats is available from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The next time you want to reference the agency in your document, you
can just use the acronym.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
You may be familiar with the meanings of many of the following

acronyms. Try to guess what each stands for. Then explain what that is.
example
VIP
Stands for: very important person
Meaning: someone who is considered by many to be
important
1. TBA
Word of the Week

posh (p5sh) adj., elegant;
intended for the upper class
At the ball, Cinderella noticed
the fine drapery, the ornate
chandeliers, and all the expensive
gowns and jewel-encrusted
necklacesit was quite a posh
affair.
The origin of posh is unknown,
although it is commonly believed
to be an acronym for port-out,
starboard home, which referred
to the ocean-liner cabins given
to high paying customers as they
sailed from Britain to India and
back during the days of the British
Empire. Posh may also be derived
from the British street slang for a
large sum of money. Either way,
posh refers to things associated
with an elegant, expensive, or
lavish lifestyle.
An acronym is a word
made from the initial
letters of the main parts of a
compound term.
Tip
Stands for:
Initialisms are like
acronyms, but each letter
is pronounced as a letter.
Tip
Meaning:
2. TLC
Stands for:
Meaning:
3. DOB
Stands for:
Meaning:
EMC Publishing, LLC
43
5/26/09 4:28:52 PM
Just for Fun

LOL is a very common chat room
acronym that stands for laughing
out loud. Other chat room
acronyms include TY for thank you
and WB for welcome back. Make
your own glossary of chat room
acronyms. You may wish to include
smileys or emoticons, too. : -)
4. FEMA
Stands for:
Meaning:
5. NASCAR
Stands for:
Meaning:
6. FAQ
Stands for:
Meaning:
7. DPI
Stands for:
Meaning:
8. UFO
Stands for:
Meaning:
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Use a dictionary or the Internet to find the meaning of each of the

following acronyms.
1. START (a United States/USSR treaty)
2. NATO
3. EPCOT
4. radar
5. scuba
44
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:52 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 19
Clichs
If your friend is complaining about something you consider unimportant, do you tell him hes making a mountain out of a molehill? If your
little brother cannot sit still, do you ask if he has ants in his pants?
Or are you more original in your language? The familiar phrases above
are known as clichs. Originally, these statements were metaphors that
likened some situation to a familiar action or experience. However, they
have been used so frequently that they have become tiresome and trite,
so they are called clichs.
Try It Yourself
Word of the Week

puerile (py1r @l) adj., immature
When Jakes father heard about
Jakes childish prank, he proudly
proclaimed that Jake was a chip
off the old block, which prompted
his mother to scold Jake for his
puerile behavior and her husband
for use of a foolish clich.
Puerile is derived from the Latin
word for boy, puer. It refers to silly,
childish behavior. Synonyms of
puerile include juvenile, infantile,
and babyish.
ExErCIsE A
In each of the following sentences, determine the meaning of the

italicized clich. Then rewrite the sentence so that it retains the same
meaning but does not use a clich.
1. When Joe saw the companys newly designed logo, he said it was a
horse of a different color.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
In good writing, one should

avoid clichs and try to be
more originalafter all, variety is
the spice of life!
Tip
2. Accomplishing everything necessary to complete medical school

is a long row to hoe.
Meaning:
Watch for clichs when
you are reading for school
or for pleasure. Notice how these
phrases make the writing sound,
and try to think of ways to revise
them to make the writing more
original and interesting.
Tip
Rewrite:
3. The wrestling coach gave the first-year starter a real tongue-lashing
for surrendering the losing takedown with five seconds remaining
in the match.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
4. When all is said and done, Chief Justice Roberts surely hopes that
no one will remember his bumbling of the presidential oath of
office.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
EMC Publishing, LLC
45
5/26/09 4:28:53 PM
In formal writing, such as

school papers or work
reports, one should take extra care
to avoid using clichs. In general,
the more direct and specific your
writing, the greater the chance
your audience will understand
what you are saying and remain
interested in your topic.
Tip
5. The investigator found that the warnings had been swept under the
rug by the firms management team.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
6. The art instructor had such a bad temper that all her students had
to walk on eggshells around her.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
7. Now that she was famous, the actress complained that her life was
under a microscope.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
8. After watching Morgan do several foolish things, the boys all
decided that he was not playing with a full deck.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
Sports metaphors are

often overused by
politicians. The next time you are
reading a newspaper or magazine
article about politics, look for
examples of this. Why do you
think politicians might choose to
use this type of clich?
Tip
sports Metaphors
Sports metaphors are perhaps the most overused type of clich. How many
times have you heard an occurrence or accomplishment described as a
slam dunk, home run, or grand slam? While these events are exciting and
interesting when they occur in a baseball or basketball game, using them to
describe outside events usually ends up sounding tiresome and lackluster.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
In each of the following sentences, determine the meaning of the

italicized sports metaphor. Then rewrite the sentence so that it retains
the same meaning but does not use a sports metaphor.
1. The judges ruling is a real knockout blow to environmental groups,
who are trying to halt construction of the dam across the Columbia
River.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
2. Now that Ms. Hastings has caught Congressman Jones in the polls,
this campaign has become a real ballgame.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
3. When asked about the likelihood that Iraq was hiding weapons of mass
destruction, the head of the CIA answered that it was a slam dunk.
Meaning:
Rewrite:
46
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:53 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 20
Contractions
In English, as well as other languages, words or groups of words
are commonly shortened, either in speech, in writing, or both.
Contractions are words formed by the combination of two words, the
elimination of one or more letters, and the insertion of an apostrophe.
For example, did not is often spoken and written as didnt. Contractions
are common in spoken English as well as in informal written English.
In general, contractions should be avoided in formal written English,
such as in school papers or business reports.
Common Contractions
Many commonly used contractions are formed from the pronouns

I, you, we, he, she, and they with the verbs have, will, and are. These
include:
Im (I am)
Ive (I have)
Ill (I will)
Id (I would)
youre (you are)
youve (you have)
youll (you will)
were (we are)
weve (we have)

well (we will)
hell (he will)
shell (she will)
theyre (they are)
theyve (they have)
theyll (they will)
Word of the Week

impetuous (im pech w@s or
im pe ch2 w@s) adj., marked by
impulsive, passionate behavior
Georgiana loved shoes and was
most impetuous at mallsshe was
always buying new pairs, whether
she could afford them or not.
Impetuous is derived directly from
the Latin word impetus, which
means to attack or rush, and
is closely related to the English
word impetus, which means a
compelling force. People who act
impetuously often have difficulty
controlling their urges and may
give into their desires regardless of
the consequences.
Other common contractions that are formed from verb phrases and not
include:
isnt (is not)
wasnt (was not)
wont (will not)
dont (do not)
didnt (did not)

doesnt (does not)
cant (can not or cannot)
shouldnt (should not)
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Rewrite the following sentences so that they do not include contractions.
Contractions are
words formed by the
combination of two words, the
elimination of one or more
letters, and the insertion of an
apostrophe.
Tip
1. I wont have time to visit her and I hope that shell not be too
disappointed.
2. Youll have all of the tools weve had.
EMC Publishing, LLC
47
5/26/09 4:28:54 PM
3. Im sure that theyre a fine group of accountants.

4. We cant fix the rocket ship unless were given the right tools.
5. This result doesnt mean that youre going to have to take summer
school.
Contractions versus Possessives
Contractions are sometimes mistakenly used as possessives to show

ownership. Look at the following two sentences and consider which one
uses possessives correctly.
example
The horse romped in its favorite field of clover.

The horse romped in its favorite field of clover.
When in doubt, break the contraction into its separate words. If you do
this for the example sentence above, you will discover that the first line
does not make sense. The second sentence is correct. Other commonly
confused contractions and possessives include:
Possessive Form
its
their
your
whose
Many different kinds of
contractions that were
once considered acceptable
are now considered archaic
or obsolete. For example,
Shakespeare often formed the
past tense of verbs by adding d,
as in the phrase For Banquos
issues have I fild my mind.
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
In each of the following sentences, circle the correct form of the word.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
48
Contraction
its (it is)
theyre (they are)
youre (you are)
whos (who is)
Please hand me your/youre book.

Everyone agrees that your/youre the best dancer in the class.
I told him its/its going to be cold when we get to Minnesota.
The dog drank from its/its water dish.
Despite the long climb, there/their/theyre walking up to the top of
the Empire State Building.
Are there/their/theyre many recreational opportunities for boaters
in the summer?
The frightened children ran to there/their/theyre parents.
If you are uncertain, ask whose/whos turn it is.
I want to know whose/whos the wise guy that put gum on my
chair!
Its/Its rude not to call your mother back.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:54 PM
Name: Date:

Vocabulary Practice
Choose the correct definition for each of the underlined words. Write the
corresponding letter on the blank.
1. After years of war, pestilence led to
the deaths of many additional people.
A. cavalry attacks
B. bombardment by artillery
C. draught
D. disease
2. I am incensed that you would
insinuate that I am responsible for
the stolen money.
A. lie
B. announce
C. imply
D. pretend
3. The beautiful azure sky served as
a striking backdrop to the colorful
trees.
A. dark
B. blue
C. sun-drenched
D. cloudy
4. Since it was such a nice day, the
group decided to meander around
the estate.
A. wander casually
B. stroll briskly
C. lounge
D. race
5. Many of the pharaohs of ancient
Egypt were interred in their own
private sepulchers.
A. cemeteries
B. gardens
C. palaces
D. tombs
EMC Publishing, LLC
6. The plaintive cries of the families

of the fallen soldiers could be heard
after the battle.
A. angry
B. desperate
C. mournful
D. joyful
7. The publication of his compendium
of North American woodpeckers was
the zenith of his research career.
A. final step
B. turning point
C. worst moment
D. high point
8. At first, Richard Nixon claimed that
the accusations against him were
specious.
A. inaccurate
B. appalling
C. natural
D. malicious
9. At the top of the slope, the boys were
hiding behind the copse.
A. low building
B. water fountain
C. grove of trees
D. dead body
10. He wore a brightly colored
tie because he enjoyed being
ostentatious.
A. friendly
B. showy
C. unpleasant
D. different
49
5/26/09 4:28:55 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 21
Word of the Week
Homophones
vapid (va p@d) adj., dull

The politicians vapid responses
to questions at the town hall
meeting were further evidence
that he did not interact well with
people.
Vapid is derived from the Latin
word vapidus, which was used to
describe flat-tasting wine. Vapid
is used to describe things that
are boring or that lack interest
and dimension. It is often used
in reference to people who are
narcissistic or self-obsessed.
Synonyms of vapid include bland,
insipid, stale, and vacant.

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different
spellings and meanings. The name comes from homo-, meaning
same, and phon, meaning sound. Here are some examples:
fair and fare
ball and bawl
course and coarse
The misuse of homophones accounts for many errors in writing. Study
the meanings and usage of some commonly confused homophones.
airs: affected manner
heirs: people who inherit property
cent: unit of money
scent: smell
sent: past tense of send
cereal: food made of grain
serial: appearing in parts
Homophones are words

that sound the same
but have different spellings and
meanings.
Tip
complement: something that completes, counterpart

compliment: praise
council: assembly or group
counsel: advice; lawyer
feet: plural of foot
feat: accomplishment
pare: trim excess or outer part of
pair: two things that go together
pear: type of fruit
Tip Learn when to use

commonly confused
homophones. If you are unsure
which word to use, look up both
words in a dictionary.
50
peace: state of tranquillity or concord

piece: part
weather: state of atmospheric conditions
whether: indicates alternatives
weak: lacking strenth
week: a period of seven consecutive days
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:55 PM
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Circle the homophone that correctly completes each of the following

sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
A spell-check program
will not find most errors
in homophone usage. Always
proofread your work in addition to
running a spell check.
Tip
Roger (complemented complimented) Johnna on her dress.

Use this knife to (pare pair pear) the apples.
Mara gave Franz a (peace piece) of her mind.
I know you are upset and hope you will soon find some (peace
piece) of mind.
I dont know (weather whether) to go to the party.
Did you have (cereal serial) for breakfast?
Roland used to be modest, but he has been putting on (airs heirs)
lately.
I need a new (pare pair pear) of shoes.
Gordon (cent scent sent) the letter yesterday.
The cat jumped from the window and landed on its (feat feet).
Proofreading for Common Errors

To avoid errors with homophones, first make sure you understand
when and how to use each word. Memorizing the meaning of the
homophones listed above and learning other sets will help. If you are
unsure about which homophone to use, check a dictionary. Always
proofread carefully to make sure you have used the correct word. Even
if you know which word to use, it is easy to write the wrong word by
mistake.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Proofread the following passage for errors in homophone usage.

Correct any errors you find.
I complemented Amy on her dessert. She baked a pie. It was
quite a feet, considering she had never maid one before. First
she had to pear the apples. Then she had to role out the dough.
She sprinkled flower on the table to keep it from sticking. When
the pie was in the oven, the cent of cinnamon filled the heir.
It was hard to weight until the pie was cool enough to eat. We
didnt waist any. We eight the hole thing.
EMC Publishing, LLC
51
5/26/09 4:28:55 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 22
Word of the Week

unscrupulous (@n skr2 py@
l@s) adj., unprincipled
The unscrupulous businessman
had no misgivings when it came
to distorting the truth about his
products or the terms of the loan
agreement that he offered his
customers.
Unscrupulous is an antonym of
scrupulous; the latter implies
taking care to do things honestly
and correctly. Some unscrupulous
actions are clearly illegal, such as
embezzling money from business
partners, but often unscrupulous
behavior is simply rude or
discourteous. Synonyms of
unscrupulous include dishonest,
corrupt, deceitful, and devious.
synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meanings,
such as peaceful and tranquil. Although synonyms have very similar
definitions, they can vary slightly in meaning or connotation.
For example, both frugal and miserly refer to being cautious and
discriminating when it comes to spending money. However, frugal
connotes making wise financial decisions, whereas miserly is more
negative and implies penny-pinching. When you are trying to find an
appropriate synonym of a word, it is important to know exactly what
that word means.
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings, such as shy
and outgoing. As with synonyms, it is important to understand the
exact meaning and connotation of a word when you are trying to find
an antonym for it. If you are unsure, look the word up in a dictionary.
Some dictionaries also provide synonyms and antonyms, but a
thesaurus is usually the most comprehensive tool for finding these
kinds of words. When you are familiar with many different synonyms
and antonyms, as well as their meanings and connotations, you will be
able make your writing as interesting and as accurate as possible.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
If you need to find
synonyms or antonyms
and do not have a thesaurus
on hand, many computer wordprocessing programs have one
built in.
Tip
Use your knowledge, and a thesaurus if necessary, to identify three

synonyms for each of the words below.
1. hot
2. tiny
3. intelligent
4. sorrow
5. tune
ExErCIsE B
Use your knowledge, and a thesaurus if necessary, to identify two

antonyms for each of the following words.
1. smooth
2. careful
3. slowness
52
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:56 PM
4. talkative
5. weak
Forming Antonyms with Prefixes

Many antonyms are formed by adding prefixes such as un-, a-, dis, or
anti- to a word. An example is the words typical and atypical.
The following prefixes mean not. Adding one of these to a word
creates a word with the opposite meaning.
Prefix
a-, anantidisiliminirun-
Knowing synonyms
and antonyms is
also important when you are
conducting research for school
or workit can help you to
paraphrase, or rewrite in your own
words, what you have read and
learned.
Tip
Example
amoral
antisocial
disappear
illogical
impolite
insecure
irrational
unbelievable
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE C
Use an appropriate prefix to create an antonym for each word.

1. forgettable
2. permeable
3. healthy
4. exact
5. regular
6. connect
7. climactic
8. literate
9. equal
10. agree
EMC Publishing, LLC
53
5/26/09 4:28:56 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 23
Word of the Week

alacrity (@ la kr@ t7) n.,
eagerness and promptness in
response
At work Penelope always
completed her tasks with alacrity,
a characteristic that impressed
her supervisor.
Alacrity is derived from the Latin
word alacritas, which means
lively or eager. In general, alacrity
connotes accomplishing things
quickly and cheerfully.
While connotations are

often positive or negative,
they can also convey degrees
of intensity. Consider the words
sluggish, sleepy, tired, weary, and
exhausteddo some of these
words seem more intense or
extreme than others?
Tip
Connotation and Denotation

The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition. In contrast, the
connotation of a word is its implied meaning in addition to its literal
definition. For example, the words cheap and economical both denote
inexpensive, but cheap connotes shoddy and inferior whereas
economical connotes a good value for the money.
The words scrawny, gaunt, slender, lanky, lean, skinny, and bony
essentially all mean thin. While all those words have the same
denotation, each word has a slightly different connotation. Which
of the words have negative connotations? Which have positive
connotations? Which seem neutral?
When you are writing or speaking, be aware of the connotations as
well as the denotations of the words you use. If you do not understand
a words connotation, looking up its synonyms in a thesaurus can help.
When you fully understand both denotation and connotation, you will
be able to communicate as accurately and specifically as possible.
Try It Yourself
The words in each word pair below are synonyms or near synonyms.
That is, they have the same denotation but different connotations.
In your notebook, use each word in a sentence that demonstrates its
connotation.
example
lean
scrawny
The runners on the Bellville track team were lean, strong, and ready
to win.
The scrawny old woman slowly stood to shake her fist at Sam as he
pedaled his bike across the corner of her lawn.
1. enthusiastic
zealous
2. celebrated
notorious
3. save
hoard
4. cut
gash
5. confident
arrogant
54
6. cage
enclosure
7. juvenile
youthful
8. smile
smirk
9. fib
lie
10. plump
fat
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:57 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 24
Literal versus Figurative Language

Literal language is language that means exactly what it says. In
contrast, figurative language is writing or speech that is meant to be
understood imaginatively. Consider the following examples:
Literal: The gymnast performed back flips as part of her tumbling
routine.
Figurative: He thought his parents were going to do back flips when
he told them he won the college scholarship.
In the first example, back flips is used literally; that is, the gymnast
really did back flips during her routine. In the second example, the
phrase back flips is used figuratively; it explains that the parents were
very excited. Although your parents may be capable of acrobatics, odds
are they dont truly tumble across the lawn whenever you tell them
good news. In this example, the phrase is used figuratively to make the
statement more descriptive.
Word of the Week

encumber (in k@m b@r) v.,
burden; hinder
The leader of the expedition was
concerned that the inexperienced
climbers would encumber his
ascent of the Matterhorn.
Encumber is derived from the
Middle French word cumbre,
which referred to nets or dams
placed across a stream for
the purpose of catching fish.
Something that encumbers is
known as an encumbrance.
You may be familiar with the
antonym of encumbered
unencumberedwhich means
not burdened.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Identify each of the following sentences as literal (L) or figurative (F).

1. L F I thought the coach was going to bite off Joes head after he
fumbled.
2. L F After a period of declining health, Franklin Roosevelt died in
1945.
3. L F When she got nervous, her heart beat very rapidly.
4. L F When the young boy jumped into the pool, the water proved
too deep and he was in over his head.
5. L F The couple got their wires crossed and ended up at two
different restaurants.
6. L F When the seat of his trousers split open, Josh thought he
would die of embarrassment.
EMC Publishing, LLC
A simile is a comparison
using like or as, such as
the rain was as light as a feather.
A metaphor is a comparison in
which one thing is spoken of or
written about as if it were another,
such as the rain was a feather.
Similes and metaphors are two
common types of figurative
language.
Tip
55
5/26/09 4:28:57 PM
An understatement is an
ironic statement in which
something important is spoken
of or written about as though it
were unimportant. This type of
figurative language is the opposite
of hyperbole.
Tip
Hyperbole and Idiomatic Language

In writing or speech, when exaggeration is used to emphasize a point, it
is called hyperbole. For example, if you toss a wadded up piece of paper
into a wastebasket and then claim to be the greatest free-throw shooter
in the world, you are using hyperbole. Idiomatic speech is the use of
phrases that are not meant to be interpreted literally. For example, after
a romantic relationship ends, one person may feel as though he or she
has a broken heart. In reality, his or her heart is not broken; this phrase,
or idiom, is just a way of expressing extreme sadness. Use of hyperbole
and idioms can add interest to writing and speech; however, one
should try to avoid using clichs, or tiresome, trite phrases. For more
information on clichs, see Lesson 19.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Identify the language in each of the following sentences as hyperbolic

(H) or idiomatic (I).
1. H I Brittany was on cloud nine after hearing the good news.
2. H I The algebra test was easy as pie.
3. H I It looked like Jeremiah was running a hundred miles per
hour!
4. H I We won the basketball game by the skin of our teeth.
5. H I Benjamin said he would walk a million miles to get
autographs from his favorite band.
6. H I Bill said that the information about cancellation of the field
trip came straight from the horses mouth.
7. H I When he got frustrated at school, Anthonys father reminded
him to keep his eye on the ball.
8. H I When the car horn startled him, Jim jumped a mile into the
air.
56
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:58 PM
Name: Date:

Idioms, Colloquialisms, and Hyperbolic Expressions
Choose the response that best describes the meaning of the underlined phrase.
Write the corresponding letter on the blank provided.
1. If you open up that can of worms,
well be arguing all night.
A. bring up a touchy subject
B. make a mess
C. state strong opinions
D. tell a lie
6. The salespeople came to the meeting

with a real dog and pony show.
A. large group of people
B. elaborate, showy presentation
C. unorganized mess
D. effective sales techniques
2. Uncle Horace and Granny Mildred

love to sit around all day and chew
the fat.
A. eat snacks
B. converse; gossip
C. complain; grumble
D. make plans
7. Claras boss told her she needed to

get rid of the chip on her shoulder.
A. bad attitude
B. tendency to fail
C. sense of entitlement
D. low self-esteem
3. Harold, the chow hound, helped

himself to four plates at the buffet
dinner.
A. starved person
B. finicky eater
C. food expert
D. hearty eater; glutton
8. Well, that idea didnt work, so lets go

back to square one.
A. skip some steps
B. start all over again
C. ask for help
D. forget it
4. Calvin wondered if he would ever

be able to earn more than chump
change.
A. respect from ones peers
B. meager responsibilities
C. a small amount of money
D. small gifts or tokens
9. The trophy case in the front lobby

may well be in poor taste, but it is sort
of a sacred cow around here.
A. object held above criticism or
question
B. religious icon
C. item that is useful to some but not
to others
D. joke shared by an entire group
5. Bertha, the senior associate, agreed to

show me the ropes at my new job.
A. explain how things are done
B. introduce me to the boss
C. point out the exit
D. order my supplies
10. Dont pick a fight with Jakehe has a

short fuse.
A. bad memory
B. quick temper
C. strong uppercut
D. tendency to shout
EMC Publishing, LLC
57
5/26/09 4:28:58 PM
11. Lets not jump the gunwe dont have

all the facts.
A. take drastic measures
B. ignore important evidence
C. think too much
D. act hastily
12. You may think you are the only one
who feels cheated, but we are all in
the same boat.
A. cheering for someone
B. suffering
C. in the same predicament
D. cheated
13. Jenna seems out to lunch today;
her quietness and distant stare are
beginning to make me wonder whats
wrong.
A. removed from reality
B. intensely focused
C. deeply mournful
D. exhausted
14. Jay has gotten away with having
Garrett do his homework for weeks,
but someday he will pay the piper.
A. be grateful
B. face the consequences
C. change the situation
D. return the favor
58
15. I look forward to graduating, but I

want to make sure I have a career I
enjoy instead of simply joining the rat
race.
A. unemployed people
B. struggle to make ends meet
C. fierce struggle for success
D. traffic jam
16. Carl is usually a very careful and
thoughtful person, but lately, hes
been skating on thin ice.
A. ignoring important signs
B. trying new things
C. showing extreme caution
D. living dangerously
17. Georgia is shy, but her sister Ginger is
a social butterfly.
A. busy, popular person
B. great dancer
C. good leader
D. flighty, silly person
18. Henry was eager to accept Jacks gifts,
though his friends kept warning him
theres no such thing as a free lunch.
A. everyone has to pay at least some
of the time
B. too many gifts can cause a rift in a
friendship
C. be wary of things that seem too
good to be true
D. dont expect too much
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:28:58 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 25
Word of the Week
Classifying Words
As you read novels, news reports, sports stories, or other specific types
of written communication, you will probably come across new words.
These words may seem very different from one another, but their
meanings may have something in common, such as the topic of the
written material. When you learn the meanings of new words, it can
help to list them in categories based on their similarities. That way, if
you encounter one of the words in the future and cannot remember its
exact definition, you can infer what it means, based on its category. For
example, books in the Master and Commander series by modern British
novelist Patrick OBrian, which are about the adventures of the British
navy during the Napoleonic wars, use words such as abeam, dunnage,
lanyard, keelhauling, and yardarm, which are nautical terms. Grouping
these words together in a list can help you remember what they refer to
when you encounter them in the future.
Try It Yourself
Categorize each of the words below by writing it in the proper space in
the chart. If you do not know a word, look it up in a dictionary.
anticline
birdie
bogey
bumptious
bunker
dogleg
extensor
Adjectives
Describing
People or
Behaviors
EMC Publishing, LLC
fluvial
homeostasis
integumentary
metamorphism
mulligan
obsequious
olfactory
Earth Science
and Geology
patella
peristalsis
pugnacious
pyroclastic
subduction
supercilious
Golf
ostensible (5 sten(t) s@ b@l)

adj., intended for display; open to
view
Sherlock Holmess ostensible
reason for taking a walk in Hyde
Park was to enjoy the fresh air,
but he really wanted to see who
Mr. Moriarity was meeting.
Ostensible comes from French
and is derived from the Latin
word ostendere, to show, which
is of Greek origin. Synonyms
of ostensible include apparent,
perceivable, and alleged.
Ostensible is generally used to
describe an action that covers up
or disguises another action. For
example, if you go to the library
to see the attractive girl that works
there, but tell people you are
going there to study, then studying
is your ostensible reason for going
to the library.
To classify new words you

encounter in a piece of
writing, first make a list of all the
words and their definitions, then
review it to make notes about the
relationships between them.
Tip
Physiology and
Anatomy
59
5/26/09 4:28:59 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 26
Word of the Week

pecuniary (pi ky2> n7 er 7)
adj., relating to money
If you are unable to budget your
money, you are likely to have
pecuniary problems in the future.
The Latin word for cattle or
livestock is pecu. Because people
originally got what they needed
by bartering, often with animals,
pecu became associated with
wealth and then with money. The
word peculiar also derives from
this root; it originally referred to
livestock that was peculiarly, or
especially, ones own.
A dictionary provides
general definitions of
economic terms, but for more
specific information, consult an
economics textbook.
Tip
60
Civics ConnectionEconomic Terms

The word economy comes from Greek roots meaning household
management. The economy of a country is household management on
a grander scale, encompassing the system of production, distribution,
and consumption of goods and services. The state of the economy is
frequently in the news. Here are some words you might hear:
budget: a plan for the coordination of resources with expenses
finances: money; the study or science of money management; the
process of obtaining money for a project
fiscal: financial
recession: a reduction in economic activity
revenue: total income before expenses are taken out
tariffs: fees imposed on imported or exported goods
taxes: fees levied by the government on its people in order to fund
public programs
Word Pairs
The following terms are easiest to learn in related pairs. In some cases,
the words are opposites; in others, they are just closely related.
bull market / bear market
A bull market is a prolonged period of rising stock market prices, while
a bear market is a prolonged period of falling stock prices.
deficit / surplus
A deficit is a shortage while a surplus is an excess.
gross / net
Gross refers to the overall amount, while net refers to what remains after
deductions or loss. Your gross income is the total amount you make.
Your net income is what you make after taxes.
appreciation / depreciation
An appreciation is an increase in value; a depreciation is the
oppositea decrease in value. For example, the value of most cars
depreciates over time because they become more prone to breakdowns
and costly repairs.
in the black / in the red
Operating in the black means you have enough resources to cover
all expenses; in the red means you have a debt you cant pay off
immediately. These terms originate from the accounting process of
recording negative balances in red ink.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:00 PM
Acronyms and Initialisms

Here are just a few acronyms or initialisms you may see in financial writing.
APR
annual percentage rate
CFO
chief financial officer
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FY
fiscal year
GNP
gross national product
IPO
initial public offering
Just for Fun

A mnemonic device is a striking
image or catchy phrase that helps
you remember information. Create
a mnemonic device that will help
you remember the meanings
of the words in one of the word
pairs.
Economic Policies
Laissez-faire is a French phrase meaning let it be. In economics, it
refers to a policy in which the government tries not to get involved in
the business affairs of the country.
Trickle-down theory is the economic belief that providing benefits
to big business will eventually trickle down to middle- and lowerincome people, causing them to prosper as well. This theory remains
very controversial.
The suffix -nomics has been attached to the names of people and
groups, as in Reaganomics, to suggest a certain economic plan
promoted by that person or group.
Try It Yourself
The more you read about

economics, the easier it
will be for you to make sense of
economic terms. You will absorb
context clues that will help you
understand the terms the next
time you encounter them.
Tip
ExErCIsE A
Answer the following questions, making sure that your answer

demonstrates your understanding of the italicized terms.
1. What would it mean to budget your time?
2. Which is greater, gross income or net income? Why?
3. Would you rather be in the black or in the red? Why?
4. Is todays United States economy a bull market or a bear

market? Explain.
EMC Publishing, LLC
61
5/26/09 4:29:00 PM
For more information

on money and financial
matters, type the terms Federal
Reserve into an Internet search
engine.
Tip
5. Describe the economic system you would devise if you were

inventing one that would be named [your name] + -nomics.
The following are some additional common economic terms:

accounting
assets
audit
bankruptcy
capital
commodity
corporation
cost-benefit analysis
debt
diversification
embezzlement
expenditure
income
inflation
investment
monopoly
national debt
revenue
subsidy
supply and demand
unemployment
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Circle any words in the list above that you do not recognize or do not
know in an economic sense. Use a dictionary to find the economic
meaning of each word you circled. Write contextual sentences for five
of the words you circled. If you recognize all of the words, choose any
five words and write contextual sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
62
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:00 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 27
Political and Historical Terms

No matter what type of government exists in a country, political
thought and terminology pervades everyday life. After all, important
aspects of a society, such as what citizens can or cannot say or do,
whether they have healthcare and other social services, and whether
a country is at war or peace, in many ways are determined by way the
country is governed. Furthermore, the types and styles of governments
change over time, sometimes by democratic elections, other times due
to violent overthrow. Also, because political events occur over time and
often make a major impact on history, political words are intricately
linked with historical words.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Use a dictionary to look up the origin and definition of each of the

following political and historical terms; then use each word in a
sentence. Write your work in your notebook.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
monarchy
republic
liberty
senate
democratic
whip
filibuster
empire
vote
mayor
Word of the Week

subside (s@b s8d) v., to drop or
decrease
Even before Hurricane Katrina
ravaged New Orleans, many
scientists had warned that much
of the city was prone to flooding
because southern Louisiana had
subsided nearly one meter since
its levees were first built in the
early 20th century.
Subside is derived from the Latin
word subsidere, which means
to sit down or sink. Subside can
refer to a physical process, such
as the subsidence of the surface
level of a lake or stream, or to
an emotional response, such as
the subsidence of angry feelings.
Synonyms of subside include
settle, fall, and abate.
Political and historical

words are common
in everyday speech. You may
encounter them in the news, in
historical texts or novels, and in
movies or television shows.
Tip
ExErCIsE B
Listen to the news on the radio or watch it on television. In your

notebook, list five political and/or historical terms that are used on the
broadcast and define or briefly explain what each one means.
EMC Publishing, LLC
63
5/26/09 4:29:00 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 28
Word of the Week

prosaic (pr9 z6 ik) adj.,
ordinary; dull
While Giselles interests included
ballet and French art, Susan
preferred more prosaic pursuits,
such as dancing at clubs and
collecting posters.
Prosaic is derived from the Latin
word prosa, which means prose.
The meaning of prosaic stems
from the classical concept that
poetry is a higher art form and
prose, in contrast, is much more
ordinary. Prosaic can be used in
a relatively neutral way to mean
ordinary or average, or in a more
demeaning way to mean boring
or unsophisticated. Additional
synonyms of prosaic include
commonplace, pedestrian,
colorless, unimaginative,
mundane, and banal.
Civics ConnectionLegal Terms

You are probably familiar with some of the common legal terms in the
list below. Use a dictionary to determine the meaning of any word you
do not already know, and add the unfamiliar words to your word study
notebook.
accuse
acquit
affidavit
alibi
appeal
arraignment
arrest
attorney
bail
convict
defendant
detain
evidence
indict
judge
jury
law
lawyer
objection
overrule
perpetrator
prosecutor
statute
sustain
Word Parts
There are several word roots related to law. Learning these word parts
will help you identify and understand some legal terms.
The word legal uses the Latin root leg, which means law. The
following chart shows some other words with the root leg.
Word
alleged
legality
legislate
legitimate
illegal
Meaning
accused but not yet convicted or proven
quality of being legal
enact a law
legal; accepted by law
not legal
The root jus or jur also means law or right. The following chart
shows some other words with this root.
Word
jurisdiction
jurisprudence
juror
justice
perjury
64
Meaning
power or right to interpret and apply the law
system or body of law
person who serves on a jury
administration of the law
violation of an oath
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:01 PM
The Latin root culp means guilt. The following chart shows some
other words with the root culp.
Word
culpable
culprit
exculpate
Meaning
deserving to be condemned or blamed
someone who is guilty of a crime
clear from accusations
Tip
Remember these roots

related to law.
leg means law

jus or jur means law or right
culp means guilt
crim means fault or crime
The word crime uses the Latin root crim, which means fault or
crime. The following chart shows some other words with the root
crim.
Word
criminal
criminology
decriminalize
incriminate
Meaning
person who commits a crime
study of crime, criminals, or law enforcement
remove the criminal status of something
show evidence of involvement in a crime
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Identify another word using each of the following roots related to law.
1. leg
Note that the word
legitimate is pronounced
two different ways depending
on how it is used. Pronounced
/l@ ji> t@ met/, it is an adjective
meaning accepted by law, and
pronounced /l@g ji> t@ m6t/, it
is a verb meaning to give legal
status or to show to be justified.
Tip
2. jur or jus
3. culp
Write a contextual sentence using a word that uses the given root.
4. leg
5. jur or jus
6. culp
EMC Publishing, LLC
65
5/26/09 4:29:01 PM
Name: Date:

Economic, Political, and Legal Words
Write the letter of the word that best completes each sentence on the line.
1. Clarks include a house and a
few stocks.
A. assets
B. GNP
C. deficits
D. subsidies
7. Many people worry that we are

entering a(n) .
A. bull market
B. budget
C. boondoggle
D. recession
2. An oligarchy is government by
.
A. the people
B. the rich
C. a few
D. religious leaders
8. The senators vote reflected the

wishes of his .
A. audit
B. legislature
C. constituency
D. bipartisan
3. The United States Congress is

; it consists of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
A. judicial
B. bicameral
C. bipartisan
D. unified
9. Mr. Jones answered some of the

questions, but, upon the advice of his
lawyer, he on others.
A. was mirandized
B. cited corpus delicti
C. pled the fifth
D. opted for quid pro quo
4. A defendant faces his or her charges

at a(n) .
A. affidavit
B. arraignment
C. indictment
D. subpoena
10. The candidate had dreams of

revolutionizing health care as leader
of her state.
A. mayoral
B. gubernatorial
C. municipal
D. executive
5. The national, or , government

consists of three branches.
A. executive
B. municipal
C. federal
D. legislative
6. A twelve-month financial period may
be referred to as FY or .
A. financial year
B. fiduciary yen
C. fiscal year
D. fund year
66
11. Claude absconded with millions of

dollars before he was caught and tried
for .
A. inflation
B. capital
C. embezzlement
D. bankruptcy
12. New DNA tests the convict,
proving that she had been justified in
asserting her innocence.
A. perjured
B. inculpated
C. exculpated
D. alleged
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:02 PM
13. A high rate is generally a sign

of a poor economy.
A. capital
B. audit
C. revenue
D. unemployment
14. Susan B. Anthony is famous for
fighting for womens .
A. disenfranchisement
B. electorate
C. suffrage
D. candidacy
15. A(n) law is one passed after

the fact; you cant be tried for having
broken it.
A. de facto
B. de jure
C. ex post facto
D. prima facie
Write the letter of the correct answer on the line.

16. What does APR stand for?
A. American political review
B. annual percentage rate
C. alleged perpetrator recalled
D. anticipated primary revenue
21. Which is a synonym for law?

A. jurisdiction
B. statute
C. legate
D. culprit
17. Which name is given to a politician

who is finishing a term in an office
to which somebody else has been
elected?
A. lame dog
B. sitting duck
C. lame duck
D. roosting hen
22. Who is the counterpart to the

defendant in a legal case?
A. judge
B. jury
C. perpetrator
D. plaintiff
18. Which adjective does not describe a

buzz word?
A. trendy
B. lasting
C. faddish
D. topical
19. Which word is most closely related in
meaning to tyranny?
A. oligarchy
B. plutocracy
C. dictatorship
D. monarchy
20. What word is used to describe a jury
that cannot reach a verdict by the
degree required?
A. divided
B. grand
C. hung
D. split
EMC Publishing, LLC
23. Why is gross income generally larger

than net income?
A. Gross income includes money
you do not report for purposes of
taxation.
B. Gross income is inflated.
C. Net income is what is left after
costs or losses are deducted.
D. Net income is what you have
saved over a given period.
24. Which word root means guilt?
A. leg
B. jus
C. culp
D. crim
25. What can you tell about the meaning
of the word Promgate based on the
suffix?
A. It refers to an entryway.
B. It refers to something successful.
C. It refers to a fundraiser.
D. It refers to a scandal.
67
5/26/09 4:29:02 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 29
Word of the Week

intrinsic (in trin zik) adj.,
related to causes of internal origin;
inherent
Although some blamed the
economy for the Midwest Auto
Corporations failure, many
experts believed that intrinsic
problems within the company led
to its collapse.
Intrinsic is derived from the
Latin word intrinsicus, and has
several meanings. It can refer to
something that originates or is
located internally (as opposed
to externally), or it can describe
a fundamental or essential part
or piece. Synonyms of intrinsic
include essential, basic, and
built-in. An antonym of intrinsic is
extrinsic.
Use these forms to

recognize different
branches of math and science:
Tip
-logy
-metry
-nomy
Just for Fun

Make up fields of science or
knowledge that appeal to you
by adding the suffixes -logy and
-nomy. For example pizzalogy
might be the study of the best
pizza in town, and socceronomy
might refer to a broad knowledge
of world soccer teams.
68
Math and science Words

Like all fields, math and science have special terminology. You can use
the word study skills you already know to approach math and science
terms. For example, use what you know about word parts. Here are
some affixes and roots that may be helpful when examining terms from
the mathematical and scientific fields.
Numbers and Quantities

Word Part
mono-, unidi-, duo-, bi-, bintriquadr-, tessar-, tetrpent-, quinthex-, sexhept-, septoctnovdeccent-, hectomilli-, kilodemi-, hemi-, semipolyFields of study
Word Part
astrobiochem-, chemogeoecoheliohydro-logy
-metry
-nomy
Number or Amount
one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
nine
ten
hundred, hundredth
thousand, thousandth
half
many
Meaning
star, space
life
chemical
earth
habitat or environment
sun
water
science
process or science of measuring
system of laws or sum of
knowledge of a specific field
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:03 PM
Try It Yourself
Use all your word study

skills to determine the
meanings of mathematics and
scientific terms.
Tip
ExErCIsE A
Use word parts to define each term.

1. geometry
2. chemistry
3. polygon
4. quadrilateral
word parts
context clues
text support
glossaries and dictionaries
ask for help
5. millimeter
6. trigonometry
7. deciliter
8. astronomy
9. kilogram
10. geology
Try It Yourself
Remember, some words

that look familiar may
have a specialized meaning in
particular fields.
Tip
ExErCIsE B
Use your word study skills to define each underlined term. Use a
dictionary to check your response.
1. To determine the perimeter of the quadrilateral, find the sum of all
of the sides.
2. Thirty percent of 270 is 81.
3. What is the diameter of a circle?
diameter
= 4 cm
4. Imogene designed an experiment to test her hypothesis.
EMC Publishing, LLC
69
5/26/09 4:29:03 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 30
Word of the Week

marquee (m5r k7) n., a
prominent advertising sign, or
adj., having the recognition of
one whose name appears on a
marquee
Jim, the marquee player on the
basketball team, noticed that
the big game was prominently
publicized on the marquee
outside the schools sports arena.
The word marquee is derived
from the French word marquise,
which means canopy. Its
meaning in English has evolved
over the last few centuries.
Originally, marquee referred
to the kind of large tent that is
often set up for an outdoor party
or exhibition. Later it meant the
tent-shaped sign above theater
doorways that listed the shows
or top-billed performers. Now, it
is any prominent advertising sign.
It has also been used since the
1940s as a superlative to refer
to the best-known member of a
team or performance.
Technology Terms
One of the sources of constant change in the English language is the
need to identify or describe devices, actions, and processes related to
new technology. From cyberspace to telecommute, new technologies
have demanded new language with which to talk about them and the
worlds they create.
To unlock the meaning of technology terms, use the same word study
tools that you would use for any other words:
context clues
word parts
text support
the dictionary
help from others
Technological Word Parts

The following prefixes and combining forms will help you understand a
number of technology terms.
Word Part
Meaning
Example
cyber-
network
cyberspace
digi-
digital
digitocracy
e-
electronic
e-mail
net-
related to the Internet
netiquette
tech-
technical, technological
technophile
tele-
distance
teleconference
web-
related to or of the Internet
website
Consider the word teleconference. This word adds the prefix tele to
the root word conference and means conference from a distance using
technology such as telephones or webcast. Similarly, by understanding
the meaning of techno and phile, you can determine that a
technophile is a person who loves technology.
Remember that many new words are coined by combining parts of
existing words. This process happens frequently and rapidly in the quickly
evolving technological world. For example, the word webcast is a blend
of website and broadcast and refers to a means of transmitting video and
audio over long distances via the Internet, or World Wide Web.
70
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:03 PM
Try It Yourself
Tip
ExErCIsE A
Define each of the following words based on your knowledge of word

parts.
1. e-zine
2. cybersquat
3. digispeak
ecyberdigiinettechnotele-
Know technology-related
prefixes.
electronic
cybernetic
digital
technical, technological
distance
4. technostress
5. netco
Words with More Than One Meaning

Words may gain new meanings over time as people use them in
different ways. Many words that are now used in a technological way
have other meanings in English. Some examples include bug, host, surf,
and flame.
Just for Fun
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Brainstorm a list of words that have gained a new meaning related to

technology. Define at least five such words below.
EMC Publishing, LLC
Make up your own technologyrelated words using technological

prefixes.
71
5/26/09 4:29:03 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 31
Word of the Week

oblivious (@ bli v7 @s) adj.,
unaware
While it was obvious to everyone
that Judy was interested in
Greg, Greg was oblivious to her
flirtations.
Oblivious is derived from Latin
oblivisci, to forget. Oblivious
can be used in a positive way
(blocking out distractions to be
able to focus), a light-hearted
way (being so unaware of
things as to lead to humorous
misunderstandings), or in a
negative way (ignoring or refusing
to acknowledge things).
World Wide Words is an

Internet site devoted to
the English language. One section
of the site is devoted to weird
words.
Tip
Weird Words
There are many words you should know because they are used
frequently and will help you communicate with others. They will make
your writing and speech more precise and clear to your audience, and
they will help you understand what you read and hear.
There are other words you will want to know even though they
arent widely used. These words may have unusual spellings, be fun to
pronounce, or have unique features. See the list below and use your
word study notebook to track weird or wacky words you uncover.
Word
balderdash
blatherskite
bruxer
defenestrate
floccinaucinihilipilification
gastrocnemious
humdudgeon
jactitation
jiffle
mulligurbs
pollincter
snollygoster
Meaning
senseless talk or writing; nonsense
nonsense or foolish talk
person who frequently grinds teeth
fringed or having a border
act of judging something to be worthless
largest muscle in the calf
imaginary illness
restless tossing of a body during illness
fidget; shuffle
depression
person who prepares a dead body for
cremation or embalming
unprincipled person, especially a
politician
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Choose five of the words from the list above and use them in contextual
sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
72
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:04 PM
Antagonyms
Some words have two meanings that are opposite or nearly opposite
each other. These words have been called antagonyms or contranyms.
Consider the following:
belie
to give a false impression
to show something to be false
bound
moving toward
tied; unable to move
cleave
to adhere tightly
to cut apart
The slang use of the word

bad to mean good
makes bad another example of an
antagonym or contranym.
Tip
oversight
careful supervision
omission or error
sanction
to approve or support
to impose a penalty
transparent
see-through
obvious
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Can you think of two contradictory meanings for the following words?
1. apparent
Meaning 1:
Meaning 2:
2. fast
Meaning 1:
Meaning 2:
3. clip
Meaning 1:
Meaning 2:
Onomatopoeic Words
Onomatopoeia is the use of words or phrases that sound like the things
to which they refer, such as buzz, pop, and honk.
Try it Yourself
ExErCIsE C
Name or describe who or what makes each of the following sounds.

1. sizzle
2. shush
3. vroom
4. susurrus
EMC Publishing, LLC
A certain number of
onomatopoeic words fall
into a category called reduplicative
words. Reduplicative words are
compound words in which the
second word somehow duplicates
the first. Onomatopoeic examples
include ding-dong, flip-flop,
bow-wow, and ping-pong. Many
more reduplicative words are not
onomatopoeic, including dillydally, wishy-washy, ship-shape,
blue blood, and artsy-fartsy, to
name just a few.
Tip
Onomatopoeic words are

often fun to pronounce,
which may make them worth
recording in your word study
notebook.
Tip
73
5/26/09 4:29:04 PM
Name: Date:
LEssON 32
Word of the Week

incredulous (in kre j@ l@s) adj.,
doubtful; skeptical
When John Colter first described
the wonders of Yellowstone in
1808, many people remained
incredulous that colored rocks,
bubbling mud pots, fumaroles,
and geysers actually existed.
Incredulous is an antonym
of credulous, which means
believable (from the Latin
credulous). When people tell you
things that you find unbelievable,
you may consider their story to
be incredulous, or you may feel
incredulous about it. Synonyms of
incredulous include disbelieving,
dubious, and unconvinced.
To determine the
meaning of a word, first
Use context clues
Use what you know about word
parts
Use text support
Tip
Then
Look up the word in a dictionary
Ask for help
Expanding Word Knowledge

You can become a better reader and improve your vocabulary by
keeping track of new words you discover and their definitions. These
words may be found in your reading of literature, the newspaper,
instructions, signs, and many other printed pieces. New words will also
present themselves if you listen actively to reports on the television or
radio and to speeches, movies, and songs.
You have learned several techniques for building your vocabulary.
Use these as you continue to expand your word knowledge:
Use a word study notebook to track new words.
Use PAVE (Predict, Associate, Verify, and Evaluate) to learn and
practice using new words.
Use context clues to determine word meaning.
Use what you know about word parts to determine meaning.
Use text support to understand the meaning of new words.
Look up words in a dictionary, carefully choosing the meaning that
best fits the context.
Ask for help when you need it.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Use one or more of the strategies above to determine the meaning of

the underlined word below. Then, on a separate sheet of paper, set up a
word study notebook page using PAVE for the word.
Three major networks used to dominate television; now with
hundreds of stations available via cable and satellite, the old
triumvirate does not have the same sway it once did.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Just for Fun

Many suffixes indicate the function
of the word. Learn variations of
words you know already.
Choose ten words from your word study notebook. Write an article or
essay using these words. Use a separate sheet of paper. When you have
finished, practice speaking the words by reading your article or essay
aloud to a partner.
Example: adore (verb), adoration

(noun), adoring or adorable
(adjectives), adoringly (adverb)
74
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:05 PM
Name: Date:

Math, science, and Technology Words
Write the letter of the word that best completes each sentence.
1. In , some people assume a new
persona, an identity quite different
from who they are in real life.
A. chemistry
B. telemetry
C. cyberspace
D. technorealism
7. Another word for someone who

spends time on the Internet is
A. technophobe
B. cyberpunk
C. netizen
D. e-card
2. are quickly replacing

videotapes.
A. CDs
B. PDAs
C. HDTVs
D. DVDs
8. The appeared to be a funny,

animated greeting, but the program
was really destroying the hard drive.
A. e-business
B. spam
C. Trojan horse
D. URL
3. is the study of the

interrelationships among living
things in an environment.
A. geology
B. biology
C. ecology
D. heliology
9. My dad doesnt even like to look at

the computer, never mind doing
anything on it. Hes such a .
A. geek
B. technophobe
C. cyberphile
D. hacker
4. We need a thousandth of a liter, so

measure out a .
A. centiliter
B. deciliter
C. milliliter
D. kiloliter
10. You can download for

nothing.
A. malware
B. software
C. freeware
D. shareware
5. A has four sides.

A. pentagon
B. polygon
C. quadrilateral
D. triangle
11. Using all caps implies screaming and

is considered poor .
A. netiquette
B. e-business
C. technosavvy
D. netware
6. The prefix refers to the sun.

A. geo
B. helio
C. bio
D. astro
EMC Publishing, LLC
12. focuses on water.

A. Chemistry
B. Ecology
C. Heliometry
D. Hydrology
75
5/26/09 4:29:05 PM
Using Context Clues to Unlock Weird Words

Use context clues and other word attack skills to help you unlock the meaning
of each underlined word. Write the letter of the correct answer on the line.
1. Sally, a chronic hypochondriac,
is suffering from another of her
humdudgeons.
A. rambunctious pets
B. bad moods
C. fake illnesses
D. leg injuries
2. Jules is such a cruciverbalist; have you
ever known anyone to love puzzles so
much?
A. talkative person
B. person who collects crucifixes
C. nighttime walker
D. lover of crossword puzzles
3. What blatherskite! Ive never heard
such balderdash!
A. skateboarder
B. snobbery
C. foolishness
D. good sense
4. Chloe has many unusual edacious
habits; for example, she wont allow
different kinds of food to touch on
her plate, and she will only eat one
thing at a time.
A. having to do with eating
B. having to do with biking
C. related to an edifice
D. annoying or odd
5. Cacography is such a problem among
doctors that many of them have
to have the receptionist type their
prescriptions.
A. exhaustion
B. poor handwriting
C. irritability
D. susceptibility to illness
76
6. The katzenjammer in the room made

it impossible to hear myself think.
A. animal
B. excitement
C. clamor
D. dismay
7. Cautious by nature, Kent is too much
of a mugwump to get involved in
debates about religion or politics.
A. outspoken individual
B. politician
C. dullard
D. avoider of controversial issues
8. Although Jared always seems to be
happy and optimistic, Ive heard he
used to suffer from occasional bouts
of the mulligrubs.
A. giggling fits
B. undiagnosed illness
C. depression
D. the common cold
9. After a huge breakfast of pancakes
and sausage, we were hardly hungry
for tiffin when noon rolled around.
A. lunch
B. salad
C. eggs
D. supper
10. Charlies jactitation resulted in all
the blankets landing on the floor by
morning.
A. thumb-sucking
B. high fever
C. tossing of the body
D. depression
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:29:06 PM
Answer Key
Lesson 1: Word Study Notebook, page 1
Lesson 5: Old English, page 9
Try It Yourself
Try It Yourself
word: vacuous
pronunciation: \vak> y2 @s\
definition: stupid, lacking ideas
contextual sentence: Reponses will vary.
Students should set up a sample page for another
word from the newspaper.
Lesson 2: Word Study Skills, page 3

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. wall
2. fir
3. shield
4. answered
5. your
E x e r c ise B
12. Responses will vary.
Time Out for Test Practice, page 11
E x e r c ise A
1. daydreams; they are not realistic

2. existing in the imagination; improbable
E x e r c ise B
Reasoning will vary; definitions are given.

1. untiring
2. closing phase
3. smelling
4. foretell
5. congruent; in accord with
Lesson 3: PAVE, page 5

Try It Yourself
Students predictions and contextual sentences
will vary. Definitions are provided for each word.
1. offense
2. causing one to become sleepy
3. childish
4. false
5. baffled
Lesson 4: Anglo-Saxon Word Origins,

page 7
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. one
2. Students might say Anglo-Saxon words
are simple and concrete and that they tend
to refer to objects that would have been
common in an agricultural society.
Words of Anglo-Saxon Origin

1. A. crime
2. C. nothing
3. D. prod
4. C. detestable
5. B. children
6. A. a dark covering
7. D. type or kind
8. D. to subdue
9. C. a safe place
10. A. pagan
11. D. to boil or churn
12. C. a location
13. B. unwavering
14. A. anger
Lesson 6: Middle English, page 12

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1.5. Responses will vary. Students should

write definitions and contextual sentences
using five of the words in the list on the
worksheet. Encourage students to add
additional words they dont know to their
word study notebooks.
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary. Students should write

a dialogue using words appropriate to each
speaker.
E x e r c ise B
1.2. Responses will vary.
EMC Publishing, LLC
0077-0088_Gr12_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 77
Br Tradition
77
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
Lesson 7: Greek and Latin Root Words,

page 14
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Responses will vary. Possible answers include:

bio
autobiography, bionic, biosphere
geo
geography, geode, geometry
hemo
hemostat, hematite, hemorrhage
hydro hydrostatic, hydrothermal,
hydroponic
hyper hyperbolic, hyperlink,
hyperglycemia
meter
millimeter, symmetry, geometry
oct
octagon, octave, octane
tel
telescope, telekinesis, telegram
therm thermal, thermostat, thermonuclear
tri
triangle, triple, tricycle
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary. Possible answers include:

aqu
aqualung, aqueous, aquarium
aud
audiotape, audacious, audience
bene
benefactor, benediction, beneficent
brev
brief
jur/just
jurisprudence, justify
mult/multi multimedia, multinational
scrib/script scribe, scribble, scriptwriter
struct
destructive, instruct
uni/un
universe, universal, unity
vac
vacancy, vacuole, vacuous
Lesson 8: British English vs. American

English, page 16
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. traveler, paralyzing, airplane

2. defense, connection, maneuvers
3. appall, check
4. drafty, gray, mold
5. pretense, jailer

Words of French, Latin, and Greek Origin
French-derived words
1. D. annoyance
2. B. permeable
3. D. slang
4. B. intermediary
78
Br Tradition
5. A. tablet
6. C. type of speech
7. D. feathers
8. C. renter
Latin-derived words
9. C. passionate
10. D. masculine
11. A. to become accustomed
12. C. place to rest
13. A. talkative
14. B. inclined surface
15. D. evil scheme or plot
16. C. spacious
Greek-derived words
17. D. provoke
18. C. long period of time
19. B. independence
20. A. energetic
21. B. religious belief
22. C. predicament
23. A. massive
24. C. uniform; well-mixed
Lesson 9: Word Parts, page 20

Try It Yourself
1. contemplation
prefix: con-, with or together
root: templat, to think or observe (from
Latin templum)
suffix: -tion, action or process of
2. covetousness
root: covet, to desire (from Latin cupere)
suffix: -ous, full of
suffix: -ness, state or condition
3. excommunication
prefix: ex-, out or beyond
root: communicate (from Latin
communicare)
4. immortalize
prefix: im-, not
root: mort, death
suffix: -ize, make into
5. reprove
prefix: re-, again; anew
root: prove, to test (from Latin probare)
6. transgress
prefix: trans-, across or beyond
root: gress, to step (from Latin gradi)
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
7. tribulation
root: tribula, to oppress (from Latin
tribulare)
8. undiscerning
prefix: un-, not
prefix:
dis-, apart
root: cern, to sift (from Latin cernere)
suffix: -ing, having the quality of
Lesson 10: High-Frequency Spelling

Rules, page 21
E x e r c ise A
1. morosely
2. unnoticed
3. sincerely
4. heavily
5. summarily
E x e r c ise B
Spelling Patterns
1. B. withhold
2. D. mediocre
3. A. noticeable
4. B. recede
5. D. beginning
6. C. committee
7. B. hypocrite
8. C. unnatural
9. B. privileges
10. C. embarrassed
11. C. receive
12. A. irrelevant
13. A. occasionally
14. C. misspell
Try It Yourself

3. B. ambidextrous
4. D. septuplets
5. B. misnomer
6. C. postlude
7. B. accreditation
8. A. inoperable
9. C. subfloor
10. A. depopulated
11. A. atypical
12. B. insurmountable
13. C. quadruped
1. recedes
2. exceeded
3. shield
4. precede
5. relief
E x e r c ise C
Responses will vary. Students should create

verbal or visual cues to help them remember the
correct spelling of ten words.
Lesson 12: Inferential Context Clues,

page 28
Lesson 11: Pronunciation and Spelling,

page 24
1. He has changed from being his own person,

with self-respect, to being someone who
grovels for attention from the movie crew.
2. On the set, he rushes to do everything the
director asks; off the set, he does only what
is necessary and puts little interest into what
he is doing.
3. The narrator is irritated with Jorgen for
changing and for acting in a way that he or
she finds foolish.
Try it Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Students should write out a phonetic spelling and

practice pronouncing each word and five words
from their word study notebooks.
1. f@r> l9
2. cath 7> dr@l
3. mel> @n k5 l7
4. h8 p@r> b9 l7
5. py2> r@l

Recognizing Word Parts
1. C. sesquicentennial
2. B. introspective
EMC Publishing, LLC
Try It Yourself
Lesson 13: Using Context Clues in Your

Own Writing, page 30
Try it Yourself
write contextual sentences for the words
given in the exercise and five words from
their word study notebooks.
Br Tradition
79
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
Lesson 14: Syntax, page 32
Lesson 16: Compound Words, page 38
Try It Yourself
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. goldfish: students may say the meaning is

similar because the word describes a goldencolored fish; or they may say it is different
because the word describes a specific breed
of fish that may not all be golden in color
2. homework: similar
3. supermarket: similar
4. without: similar
5. backbone: students may say the meaning is
similar because the word describes a bone
in the back, or they may say it is different
because the figurative meaning of the word
refers to strength of character
6. popcorn: similar
7. stonewall: differentthe word stonewall
means to obstruct or be uncooperative,
rather than referring to an actual stone wall
8. brainwash: students may say the meaning is
similar because the word refers to cleansing
the brain, or they may say it is different since
it is impossible to literally wash the brain
9. shoemaker: similar
10. tenderfoot: differentthe word tenderfoot
refers to someone who is inexperienced at or
unaccustomed to the difficulty of something
Responses will vary.

E x e r c ise B
1. B. He gave food to her cat.

2. A. She hit the man carrying the umbrella.
3. B. I think that kids prepare nutritious
snacks.
4. B. After the accident, I was found in a ditch
near some stray cows.
5. B. I said on Tuesday that I would have
dinner with you.

Context Clues
1. B. united
2. C. haphazard
3. D. optimistic
4. C. free
5. A. inexplicable
6. D. practical
7. D. timid
8. D. glib
9. C. difficult
10. C. stinginess
11. C. nave
12. B. protests
13. B. flirtation; trifle
14. A. strong
15. C. mildness
16. B. respects
17. B. temporary
18. C. increase
19. B. shackled
20. A. takes away
Lesson 17: Allusions and Eponyms,

page 39
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Lesson 15: Current Events Words,

page 36
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise B
E x e r c ise A
Responses will vary. Students should identify a

list of words currently common in the media.
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary. Students should list

doublespeak terms they find in news reports,
advertisements, and political speeches and
identify what each means.
80
Br Tradition
1. trick disguised as a gift

2. lover
3. holy cup that may or may not ever have
existed
4. sufferer of calamities designed to test his
faith
5. You, too, Brutus? meaning Are you a
traitor, too?
Meanings are given; sentences will vary.
1. cruel or severe
2. torment by presenting something desirable
but keeping it out of reach
3. line that once crossed commits one
irrevocably
4. decisive defeat
5. traitor or collaborator
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
6. cut objectionable parts

7. extremely loud
8. American in a foreign country whose
behavior is offensive to the people of that
country
9. badger; intimidate, or harrass
10. source of trouble
11. refusal to deal with person or organization
to express disapproval or until certain
conditions are met
12. victory achieved at great cost
13. related to or inclined to war or military life
14. self-absorbed
15. of a relationship free of romance or sex

Compound Words and Eponyms
1. B. an excessive sense of superiority
2. D. a failure
3. B. a rarely seen area
4. D. exceptional
5. A. extremely loud
6. C. the crest of a breaking wave
7. A. swanky
8. B. a type of fabric
9. D. immense
10. C. idealistic
Lesson 18: Common Acronyms, page 42

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. TBA
Stands for: to be announced
Meaning: information will be released at a
later time
2. TLC
Stands for: tender loving care
Meaning: affectionate treatment
3. DOB
Stands for: date of birth
Meaning: when you were born
4. FEMA
Stands for: Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Meaning: government agency that provides
disaster assistance
EMC Publishing, LLC
5. NASCAR
Stands for: National Association for Stock
Car Auto Racing
Meaning: auto racing group
6. FAQ
Stands for: frequently asked questions
Meaning: list of questions and answers
7. DPI
Stands for: dots per inch
Meaning: indicator for print quality
8. UFO
Stands for: unidentified flying object
Meaning: alien spacecraft or something
believed to be one
E x e r c ise B
1. START: Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

2. NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
3. EPCOT: Experimental Prototype
Community of Tomorrow
4. radar: radio detection and ranging
5. scuba: self-contained underwater breathing
apparatus
Lesson 19: Clichs, page 44

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Responses will vary. Definitions and sample

sentences are given.
1. Meaning: original; unique
Rewrite: Joe mentioned that the companys
newly designed logo was unlike anything he
had seen before.
2. Meaning: a big job; a daunting task
Rewrite: Accomplishing everything
necessary to complete medical school takes a
lot of effort.
3. Meaning: rebuke; scolding
Rewrite: The wrestling coach yelled at the
first year starter for surrendering the losing
takedown with five seconds remaining in the
match.
4. Meaning: afterwards; later
Rewrite: When people look back on history,
Chief Justice Roberts surely hopes they
will not remember his bumbling of the
presidential oath of office.
5. Meaning: deliberately ignored
Rewrite: The investigator found that
warnings had been disregarded by the firms
management team.
Br Tradition
81
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
6. Meaning: take extra care not to aggravate

someone
Rewrite: The art instructor had such a bad
temper that all her students diligently tried
not to annoy her.
7. Meaning: being closely watched and
evaluated
Rewrite: Now that she was famous, the
actress complained that she felt a loss of
privacy as her every move was discussed in
the newspapers.
8. Meaning: strange; crazy
Rewrite: After watching Morgan do several
foolish things, the boys all decided that he
was not right in the head.
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary. Definitions and sample

sentences are given.
1. Meaning: terminating event
Rewrite: The judges ruling will make
it very difficultif not impossiblefor
environmental groups to be successful in
their effort at halting construction of the
dam across the Columbia River.
2. Meaning: an interesting and competitive
contest
Rewrite: Now that Ms. Hastings has caught
Congressman Jones in the polls, this
campaign has become very competitive.
3. Meaning: a sure thing
Rewrite: When asked about the likelihood
that Iraq was hiding weapons of mass
destruction, the head of the CIA answered
that it was very probable.
Lesson 20: Contractions, page 46

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. I will not have time to visit her and I hope

that she will not be too disappointed.
2. You will have all of the tools we have had.
3. I am sure that they are a fine group of
accountants.
4. We cannot fix the rocket ship unless we are
given the right tools.
5. This result does not mean that you are going
to have to take summer school.
82
Br Tradition
E x e r c ise B
1. your
2. youre
3. its
4. its
5. theyre
6. there
7. their
8. whose
9. whos
10. Its

Vocabulary Practice
1. D. disease
2. C. imply
3. B. blue
4. A. wander casually
5. D. tombs
6. C. mournful
7. D. high point
8. A. inaccurate
9. C. grove of trees
10. B. showy
Lesson 21: Homophones, page 49

Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. complimented
2. pare
3. piece
4. peace
5. whether
6. cereal
7. airs
8. pair
9. sent
10. feet
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
E x e r c ise B
Students should mark and correct the following

errors:
complimented
feat
made
pare
roll
flour
scent
air
wait
waste
ate
whole
Lesson 22: Synonyms and Antonyms,

page 51
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. hot: burning, scorching, sizzling, roasting,

sweltering
2. tiny: small, miniscule, minute, miniature,
diminutive
3. intelligent: smart, wise, clever, bright, gifted
4. sorrow: grief, mourning, sadness, distress,
heartache
5. tune: song, melody, jingle, ditty, number or
adjust, alter, change, modify, revise
E x e r c ise B
1. smooth: rough, bumpy, awkward, rocky,

coarse
2. careful: careless, sloppy, casual, haphazard,
dangerous
3. slowness: quickness, speed, rapidity,
swiftness, haste
4. talkative: quiet, reserved, restrained,
taciturn, reticent
5. weak: strong, sturdy, brawny, vigorous,
forceful
E x e r c ise C
1. forgettable: unforgettable
2. permeable: impermeable
3. healthy: unhealthy
4. exact: inexact
5. regular: irregular
6. connect: disconnect
7. climactic: anticlimactic
8. literate: illiterate
EMC Publishing, LLC
9. equal: unequal
10. agree: disagree
Lesson 23: Connotation and

Denotation, page 53
Try It Yourself
Responses will vary. Connotations of each word
are given.
1. enthusiastic: excited; eager
zealous: fanatical; obsessive
2. celebrated: well-known; admired
notorious: infamous; disreputable
3. save: set aside; keep
hoard: stockpile; take more than ones fair
share
4. cut: broken skin; wound
gash: a deep cut
5. confident: secure; assured
conceited: arrogant; smug
6. cage: an locked enclosure with bars
enclosure: any entity that surrounds
7. juvenile: immature; unsophisticated
youthful: young; fresh
8. smile: genuine expression of happiness
smirk: a smug or affected smile
9. fib: a minor untruth, often with good
intentions
lie: a more serious untruth, with less noble
intentions
10. plump: robust or ample in a pleasing way
fat: overindulgent; obese
Lesson 24: Literal versus Figurative

Language, page 54
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. F
2. L
3. L
4. L
5. F
6. F
E x e r c ise B
1. I
2. I
3. H
4. I
5. H
Br Tradition
83
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
6. I
7. I
8. H

Idioms, Colloquialisms, and Hyperbolic
Expressions
1. A. bring up a touchy subject
2. B. converse; gossip
3. D. hearty eater; glutton
4. C. a small amount of money
5. A. explain how things are done
6. B. elaborate, showy presentation
7. A. bad attitude
8. B. start all over again
9. A. object held above criticism or question
10. B. quick temper
11. D. act hastily
12. C. in the same predicament
13. A. removed from reality
14. B. face the consequences
15. C. fierce struggle for success
16. D. living dangerously
17. A. busy, popular person
18. C. be wary of things that seem to good to be
true
Lesson 25: Classifying Words, page 58

Try It Yourself
Adjectives Describing People or Behaviors:
bumptious, obseqious, pugnacious, supercilious
Earth Science and Geology: anticline, fluvial,
metamorphism, pyroclastic, subduction
Golf: birdie, bogey, bunker, dogleg, mulligan
Physiology and Anatomy: extensor,
homeostasis, integumentary, olfactory, patella,
peristalsis
Lesson 26: Civics Connection

Economic Terms, page 59
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1. Budgeting ones time means figuring out

how much of the available time to spend on
particular activities.
2. Gross income is greater because taxes and/or
expenses have not yet been taken out.
84
Br Tradition
3. Most people would rather be in the black

than in the red because that would mean
they are not in debt.
4. Responses will vary depending on the
current state of the market.
5. Responses will vary.
E x e r c ise B

write contextual sentences for five words
from the list of economic terms.
Lesson 27: Political and Historical

Terms, page 62
Try it Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Responses will vary. Sample responses are

provided.
1. monarchy
origin: from monarch plus y; Greek
monarchs, from monos, only, and archos,
leader
meaning: a government with a hereditary
head of state with life tenure
sentence: In a monarchy, the oldest son
usually inherits the throne.
2. republic
origin: from Latin rs publica, the public
thing
meaning: a state (nation) where
governmental powers reside in the people
sentence: After the French Revolution and
before the ascension of Napoleon, France
was a republic for several turbulent years.
3. liberty
Origin: Old French liberte and Latin liber,
freedom
meaning: the state or quality of being free
sentence: After the dictator was overthrown,
the people danced in the streets, enjoying
their new freedom.
4. senate
origin: Latin sentus, council of elders,
from senex, old
meaning: an assembly or council that
possesses high deliberative and legislative
functions
sentence: The minority viewpoint is
important in the senate because the
members like to look at the issues from all
possible angles.
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
5. democratic
origin: from Greek prefix demo, people
plus kratia, rule
meaning: adjective that describes a form of
government ruled by citizens
sentence: The governor was selected through
the democratic process.
6. whip
origin: Middle English hwippen or whippen,
Middle Dutch wippen, to move quickly
meaning: a rope used to hit a person or
animal so as to punish or encourage quick
movement; in politics, a whip is a party
member responsible for ensuring that others
vote in a manner dictated by the party
leaders
sentence: The position of whip requires the
ability to use either friendly encouragement
or blustery threats to keep party members in
line.
7. filibuster
origin: Spanish filibustero, pirate, or
French flibustier, freebooter (mercenary
soldier)
meaning: the use of dilatory tactics to delay
the passage of legislation
sentence: In the 1960s, southern
conservative Democrats used the filibuster
to delay passage of civil rights legislation for
several years.
8. empire
origin: Anglo-French empirie, from Latin
imperium, absolute authority, and
imperare, to command
meaning: an extensive territory ruled by a
single sovereign authority
sentence: At the height of its power, the
British Empire ruled one quarter of the land
surface on earth.
9. vote
origin: Latin votum
meaning: v., to cast a ballot; n., a ballot or a
formal expression of opinion or choice
sentence: I will vote for the candidate with
the best plan for the economy.
10. mayor
origin: derived from major, the military
governor of a city during martial law;
ultimately from Latin maior, more; greater
meaning: the leader of a city
sentence: Although a mayor is the political
EMC Publishing, LLC
head of a city, some powerful business

leaders consider themselves the ultimate
decision-makers.
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary.
Lesson 28: Civics ConnectionLegal

Terms, page 63
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Responses will vary. Possible responses are given.

1. leglegislation, legitimize
2. jur or jusadjure, abjure, just, adjust
3. culpinculpate, culpability
4.6. Sentences will vary.

Economic, Political, and Legal Words
1. A. assets
2. C. a few
3. B. bicameral
4. B. arraignment
5. C. federal
6. C. fiscal year
7. D. recession
8. C. constituency
9. C. pled the fifth
10. B. gubernatorial
11. C. embezzlement
12. C. exculpated
13. D. unemployment
14. C. suffrage
15. C. ex post facto
16. B. annual percentage rate
17. C. lame duck
18. B. lasting
19. C. dictatorship
20. C. hung
21. B. statute
22. D. plaintiff
23. C. Net income is what is left after costs or
losses are deducted.
24. C. culp
25. D. It refers to a scandal.
Br Tradition
85
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
Lesson 29: Math and Science Words,

page 67
Lesson 31: Weird Words, page 71
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
1.5. Responses will vary.
E x e r c ise A
Sentences will vary. Definitions are given.

1. branch of mathematics that deals with the
measurement, properties, and relationships
of points, lines, and angles
2. science that deals with chemicals or the
composition, structure, and properties of
substances and the transformations they
undergo
3. multi-sided closed figure bounded by
straight lines
4. polygon of four sides
5. one thousandth of a meter
6. study of triangles and functions such as sine,
cosine, and tangent
7. tenth of a liter
8. study of space
9. one thousand grams
10. science that deals with history of the earth
and its life
E x e r c ise B
1. boundary of a closed plane figure;

measurement of this boundary
2. of a hundred; one part in a hundred
3. length of a straight line through the center of
a circle
4. assumption made in order to test
consequences
Lesson 30: Technology Terms, page 69

Try It Yourself
1. electronic magazine
2. obtain and hold an Internet domain name
that uses a companys registered trademark
name
3. technical talk
4. stress caused by technology
5. Internet company
Responses will vary. Students should brainstorm
a list of technology terms and define five of them.
86
Br Tradition
E x e r c ise B
1. seeming but not definite

obvious
2. quickly
unable to move
3. to attach
to cut apart
E x e r c ise C
1. sizzle: the sound of frying meat or other

foods
2. shush: the sound a person makes to signal
others to be quiet
3. vroom: the roar of a motor when it is
accelerating
4. susurrus: the sound of whispering or
rustling of leaves
Lesson 32: Expanding Your Word

Knowledge, page 73
Try It Yourself
E x e r c ise A
Triumvirate means group of three. PAVE

exercise and word study notebook pages for the
word will vary.
E x e r c ise B
Responses will vary. Students should write and

read aloud an article or essay using ten words
from their word study notebooks.
E x e r c ise A
E x e r c ise B
Try It Yourself
Math, Science, and Technology Words

1. C. cyberspace
2. D. DVDs
3. C. ecology
4. C. milliliter
5. C. quadrilateral
6. B. helio 7. C. netizen
8. C. Trojan horse
9. B. technophobe
10. C. freeware
11. A. netiquette
12. D. Hydrology
EMC Publishing, LLC
5/26/09 4:36:43 PM
Using Context Clues to Unlock Weird

Words
1. C. fake illnesses
2. D. lover of crossword puzzles
3. C. foolishness
4. A. having to do with eating
5. B. poor handwriting
6. C. clamor
7. D. avoider of controversial issues
8. C. depression
9. A. lunch
10. C. tossing of the body
EMC Publishing, LLC
Br Tradition
87
5/26/09 4:36:44 PM
5/26/09 4:36:44 PM

Vocabulary &amp; Spelling - British Tradition

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Vocabulary &amp; Spelling - British Tradition

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

British

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling, British Tradition

Unit 1: Word Study Skills and Word Origins

Lesson 1: Word Study Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Unit 2: Word Origins

Lesson 6: Middle English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Unit 3: Word Parts and Spelling

Lesson 9: Word Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Unit 4: Context Clues and Syntax

Lesson 12: Inferential Context Clues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Unit 5: Evolution of Language

Lesson 15: Current Events Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

EMC Publishing, LLC

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

Unit 6: Word Usage

Lesson 18: Common Acronyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Unit 7: Determining Meaning

Lesson 21: Homophones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Unit 8: Classifying Words and Semantic Families

Lesson 25: Classifying Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Unit 9: Semantic Families and Expanding Word Knowledge

Lesson 29: Math and Science Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

EMC Publishing, LLC

Related Program Resources

EMC Publishing, LLC

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

Teach Word Attack Strategies

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

EMC Publishing, LLC

Word study Notebook

Word of the Week

EMC Publishing, LLC

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

A word study notebook

Draw a picture or make

The origins of a word

To write the pronunciation

\5\ (as in star)

Books, newspapers, and

Just for Fun

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

EMC Publishing, LLC

Word study skills

Use Context Clues

Word of the Week

Try these strategies to

If one strategy doesnt work, try a

EMC Publishing, LLC

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

Record unfamiliar words

2. What do you think chimerical means?

Use your knowledge of word parts to define each of the following

Ask for Help

Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling

EMC Publishing, LLC

PAVEPredict, Associate, Verify, Evaluate

Try to predict the meaning of the word based on context

Associate Then, write a sentence using the word.

Next, check the meaning of the word by using a dictionary

Finally, assess the sentence you wrote using the word. If

Word of the Week

Use this process to

EMC Publishing, LLC

Vocabulary & Spelling - British Tradition

Vocabulary & Spelling - British Tradition