Navigating Early
Expanding Vocabulary Pages 1 - 34
DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence from ​
Navigating Early​
. Use the context of each sentence, and a dictionary if
necessary, to decide which of the definitions in the box makes the most sense to replace the underlined word.
Write that definition in the blank. Then, complete the final comprehension question or task.
quality of being genuine or real
boats that use oars to move
capable of being touched
art or science of constructing
defensive military works
tending to distract attention
having few or no burdens or
obligations
any award, honor, or laudatory
notice
good fellowship
commanding respect because of
impressive dignity
a drinking cup or goblet
fascination; charm
expression of sympathy
1.
The big beast lurched and rattled the whole way while my father read over some manuals on naval
preparedness and coastal ​
fortification​
. (pg. 3)
From this sentence, ​
fortification​
might mean​
_____________________________________________________________________
What is the root word of fortification that help you remember its meaning? ___________________________________
2.
I gathered from the look on his face and the occasional glance at me that he was expressing his
condolences ​
for the loss of the captain’s wife… (pg. 6)
From this sentence, ​
condolences​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
When you have had to express condolences to someone before? _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
Mixed in were pictures of young men in their team uniforms, smiling with the joy of winning and standing
with arms over each other’s shoulders in a show of ​
camaraderie​
. (pg. 13)
From this sentence, ​
camaraderie​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
Where would you probably not see camaraderie?
a. a family reunion
4.
b. a football game
c. a boxing ring
“We all know from the legend of King Arthur about Sir Galahad and his search for the Holy Grail--that
sacred, mysterious, and oh-so-elusive ​
chalice ​
used at the Last Supper. (pg. 15)
From this sentence, ​
chalice​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
Which of these is not something one might use along with a chalice?
a. paint brush
b. plate
Teacher’s Guide: ​
Navigating Early​
, Clare Vanderpool
Noorman
c. napkin
Todd
5.
Or, might we say, keep its mysterious ​
allure ​
from being evaluated in the light of modern-day knowledge
and skepticism. (pg. 16)
From this sentence, ​
allure​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
What is something that holds allure for you? ____________________________________________________________________
6.
“We’re not here to discuss the ​
authenticity​
of the Grail, but rather the nature and merits of a quest. (pg. 16)
From this sentence, ​
authenticity​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
Which word would be a good antonym for authentic (authenticity’s root word)?
a. original
7.
b. reliable
c. counterfeit
“However, it can also be a search for something less ​
tangible​
. Ever hear of a quest for happiness? Or a
quest for justice?” (pg. 16)
From this sentence, ​
tangible​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
Why is happiness not tangible? ___________________________________________________________________________________
8.
“If pi, the most ​
venerable​
number, can be proven to end, what else are blindly believing that might be put
to the test?” (pg. 18)
From this sentence, ​
venerable​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
Who is a person you might call venerable? _______________________________________________________________________
9.
“Anybody who thinks you can outrun a ​
cutter ​
with a ​
gig ​
is a pinhead.” (pg. 19)
From this sentence, ​
cutter​
and ​
gig​
might mean​
__________________________________________________________________
Where is someplace you would not find a cutter or a gig? _______________________________________________________
10. I was putting up a good front, but my ​
diversionary ​
lines were running out. (pg. 20)
From this sentence, ​
diversionary​
might mean​
____________________________________________________________________
What is a diversionary tactic you might use to get out of trouble? ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. “Do you think he wanted it that way? To let his music live on, with him ​
unencumbered ​
by praise and
accolades​
?” (pg. 27)
From this sentence, ​
unencumbered​
might mean​
________________________________________________________________
From this sentence, ​
accolades​
might mean _______________________________________________________________
What does the fact that Mozart received accolades tell you about his music? __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Guide: ​
Navigating Early​
, Clare Vanderpool
Noorman
Todd