9th Grade Essentials - Clovis North Educational Center
advertisement
Clovis North Educational Center English Department th 9 Grade Essentials Kinds/Types of Writing Expository Persuasive Analysis Research Descriptive Narrative Summary Technical/Business Letter explain/inform argue for or against something provide analysis (response to literature, author's purpose, AP/SAT essays) expository or persuasive show/describe tells story/event 1/3 original text directions, resume, proposal, manual personal, business, complaint Essay Terminology Introduction Attention Getter Curb appeal Hook Identify title and author (if applies) Body Conclusion Thesis Statement Controlling Idea Subject + Position Proposition Topic Sentence Mini-thesis Argument Evidence Supporting Details Quotation Fact or Example Paraphrase Concrete Detail Analysis Commentary Interpretation Opinion Evaluation Insight Inference Final Commentary "Tell'em what you already told'em" Re-state thesis Highlight Close ESSAY TEMPLATE The Introduction Attention-Getter (1-2 sentences) Funnel this idea to thesis statement (1-2 sentences) Thesis The Body Paragraph (2+) Topic Sentence Concrete Detail/ Evidence Commentary/Analysis Commentary/Analysis Concrete Detail/ Evidence Commentary/Analysis Commentary/Analysis Concluding Sentence The Conclusion 3+ sentences CLOVIS NORTH ESSAY RUBRIC Essay Requirements: Components of an Essay Prompt: Describes/outlines what is required of the essay writer. Good writers take time to fully understand the prompt before they begin reading or writing. Thesis addresses prompt and guides the paper by stating the position of the author in direct response to the prompt 6 Clearly superior, excellent in 5 Displays a developing all respects • • Addresses all aspects of the prompt very well. Makes an insightful connection to the prompt. 4 Adequate • • Essay is not legible • No thesis • Thesis is simple and general, is mostly plot summary • An attempt is made to create a thesis, but it summarizes plot Demonstrates ability to reasonably organize and develop ideas by having definite separation of paragraphs from introduction to bodies to conclusion Introduction orients the reader to the situation, however briefly. Thesis appears in introduction of essay and is reasonably connected. • Organized minimally, probably has an introduction and body paragraphs but paragraphs themselves may be disorganized • • • Introduction limited and fails to orient the reader to the situation • • Connection of introduction to thesis is disjointed There is very little attempt to separate different thoughts. The paper appears to be written without any attempt at pre-writing or drafting. Demonstrates very weak organization or very little development of ideas There is no attempt to separate different thoughts. The paper appears to be written without any attempt at pre-writing or drafting. Essay far too brief (skeletal development, can be one or two paragraphs) • No thesis evident Topic sentences support thesis but lack insight and/or connection to thesis. • Thesis may not appear in the introduction True topic sentence not present (see definition). • True topic sentence not present (see definition). • Thesis statement guides development of ideas in support of a position strong thesis that is proved throughout all or most of the essay • Thesis statement guides the essay but lacks depth Thesis statement guides development of ideas in support of a position - strong thesis that is repeatedly proved throughout the entire essay Introduction: • Introduction orients the reader to the situation. • • Introduction orients the reader to the situation in an engaging manner Thesis appears in introduction of essay and is well- connected. • Commences the paper with some kind of background familiarize the reader to the subject of the paper and includes a thesis (typically at the end). • Thesis appears in introduction of essay and is well- connected. Topic sentences guide paragraphs with strong opinion and clarify connections to thesis seamlessly. Neglects prompt, or demonstrates inability to interpret and/or develop necessary aspects of the prompt Addresses most aspects of the prompt. • • • • Creates an organization and structure appropriate to purpose and paragraphs are effectively argued. The first sentence of a body paragraph (b.p.) that has an argument/opinion that supports/connects to thesis which guides the entire paragraph. minimal standards for an essay Addresses all aspects of the prompt efficiently. • Topic Sentences: 1 Does not meet assignment, but the essay is seriously flawed • Organization and structure appropriate to purpose and paragraphs are well developed and logical. The paper should include evidence that the author took time to structure the paper in a logical way to outline an idea that addresses the prompt. 2 Attempts the developing competence but is flawed achievement • Organization: 3 Demonstrates sense of style with some precision and insight • Topic sentences guide paragraphs with strong opinions and connect to thesis. • • Topic sentences are mostly plot summary or quoted text and no connection to thesis. • • Indicates serious confusion/gross misread of the text/prompt or neglects important aspects of the prompt • 6 Clearly superior, excellent in all respects Components of an Essay continued: Writing Style: sentence structure, elevated diction and a sense of voice is established in the paper and is interesting to read. Helps the audience understand the argument of the essay. Concrete Details: Support the topic sentence with direct quotations and/or paraphrases from the prompt or text. Synonyms for concrete detail: evidence, facts Commentary: • • • • • Analyzes the evidence as it relates to the argument. Conclusion: final paragraph of an essay • Demonstrates sophistication of style, insightful analysis, with a seamless flow of ideas by using elements of creative writing such as extended metaphors, sophisticated lead-in to thesis, keen sense of audience, varied sentence structures, precise language/excellent use of diction and virtually error free (e.g. mechanics, punctuation). 5 Displays a developing sense of style with some precision and insight 4 Good, adequate achievement 3 Demonstrates developing competence but is flawed 2 Attempts the assignment, but the essay is seriously flawed 1 Does not meet minimal standards for an essay • Presents ideas clearly and a develops a sense of style and creativity. • • Expresses ideas in an unclear and confusing manner. • • • • Uses precise language/good use of diction . Demonstrates a minimal sense of organization and/or lack of sentence control. Shows inadequate sentence control and diction Shows inadequate or no sentence control and extremely limited diction • Diction is elementary. • Errors confuse the reader, interrupts the presentation of thought and/or detract from meaning (e.g. mechanics, punctuation) Uses some evidence but relies too much on paraphrasing and can be repetitious Evidence does not consistently connect to topic sentence • Uses little or no evidence that is often irrelevant; mostly plot summary • Appears to not understand text Writes commentary/analysis that is primarily paraphrase, repetitive Commentary does not connect or support the argument • Writes minimal analysis/comm entary –almost all summary • Little or no commentary Restates or rewrites thesis/introduction • Uses no conclusion Uses a one sentence conclusion • No conclusion • Uses impressive, compelling and relevant supporting details, examples, evidence, facts Uses logical and fluent transitions and lead ins to orient the reader to the evidence • Writes commentary/Analysis that is plentiful, insightful, persuasive, and original • Creatively and/or sophisticatedly reinforces arguments and main idea of essay • • • Contains few errors that do not detract from meaning (e.g. mechanics, punctuation). Ideas are reasonably presented but lack a sense of style and creativity. Minimal awareness of audience. Demonstrates adequate sentence control, but uses mostly simple sentences and average diction and/or misuses of effective diction. • Contains few errors that do not detract from meaning (e.g. mechanics, punctuation) Uses effective and relevant details/evidence/examples /facts Uses effective transitions and lead ins to orient the reader to the evidence • Uses sufficient general/adequate textual evidence/concret e details/examples /facts Lacking or inconsistent transitions and lead ins • Writes commentary/analysis that is plentiful, insightful, and persuasive • Writes Commentary/an alysis that can be plentiful, but also repetitive and/or commonplace • Effectively reinforces arguments and main idea of essay • • Adequately reinforces arguments and main idea of essay • • • BEYOND THE FORMULA Now that you are in high school and are in the process of elevating your writing, please consider omitting the following words from your essays: 1. Stuff 2. Thing 3. Every + thing, one, body, etc. (absolutes) 4. So 5. First, Second, Third… 6. In the beginning, in the middle, in the end… 7. Personal pronouns (I, you, etc. ) 8. Contractions 9. Slang (uber, texting language 10. Should of, could of, would of 11. Symbols 12. Excessing ending punctuation 13. This shows that/this also shows 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. DURING READING Annotation of a Text – Leaving Tracks of Thinking Annotating is recording what a reader is thinking while reading—it helps a reader remember what s/he has read. Annotation also provides an opportunity for a reader to wrestle with the meaning of the text. Nothing matters more than THINKING while reading. Throw away the highlighter—underline and make notes with a pen or pencil. Highlighting can actually distract from the business of learning and dilute your comprehension. Highlighting only seems like an active reading strategy, but it can actually lull you into passivity rather than thinking about the text. Mark up the margins of your text with WORDS or ILLUSTRATIONS. These are ideas that occur to you, notes about things that seem important to you, reminders of how issues in a text may connect with class discussion or course themes. This kind of interaction keeps you conscious of the reason you are reading and the purposes your instructor has in mind. Later in the term, when you are reviewing for a test or project, your margin notes may become useful memory triggers. Make a list of your ideas, write phrases or complete sentences—it is up to you! Just interact with the text by writing and marking it up! (Post-it notes work too!) Get in the habit of hearing yourself ASK QUESTIONS. What does this mean? Why is the author drawing that conclusion? Why is the class reading this text? How would this happen? Where have I heard of this idea before? When will it happen? Who would it affect? Write the questions down in your margins, at the beginning or end of the reading, in a notebook, or elsewhere. WHEN READING, STOP-THINK-REACT. (STRategy) I wonder… Develop your own symbol system. Asterisk a key idea in the text, for example, or use an exclamation point for the surprising, absurd, bizarre, or question marks for unclear passages or straight lines or crooked lines beside certain passages… Like your margin notes, your hieroglyphs can help you reconstruct the important observations that you made at an earlier time, and they will be indispensable when you return to a text later in the term, in search of a passage, an idea for a topic, or while preparing for an exam or project. Some annotation ideas: When I annotate, what do I write? Sometimes I… Record a REACTION to the reading. Ask a QUESTION of the reading. What do I WONDER about? Give an OPINION of the reading. Make a CONNECTION to my own experiences, or local, national, or global situations, or other readings. PARAPHRASE or SUMMARIZE sections of the reading—a line or two of summary per paragraph, perhaps. Respond to how I would RELATE if I were in that situation. Record the “WHAT and WHERE and HOW and WHY and WHEN and WHO.” Describe what is significant about the process and what conditions make the event or situation possible, where it happens, how it happens, where else it could happen, and speculate about why it happens… Record an ANALOGY. Compare the reading to something that is already understood. (For example, lines of military defense compared to the lines of the immunity system’s defense) Circle WORDS that I need to define. Keep a list of new words. Text Code Ideas: L ? for something known for new learning for a question ?? for confusion R for a connection (reminds me…) for important information ! for exciting or surprising information Ideas adapted from Harvey Daniels, Stephanie Harvey, and Cris Tovani 9th Grade Vocabulary Unit 1 bewail destitute detract emancipate extol flamboyant impetus intermittent maxim obligatory plumb vagabond visage wheedle Unit 2 alacrity array deduce encumber fraught haphazard incontrovertible inexplicable ingenious laggard sustenance torrid traverse ubiquitous zenith Unit 3 allude consecrate disseminate dote exhort feckless implicate lament monetary pensive pomp stilted subjugate trauma wanton Unit 4 adage camaraderie contend extraneous hubbub meander odoriferous paraphernalia punctilious recuperate regale sedentary Spartan temporal wry Unit 5 callow contemporary cynical despot enunciate impediment impoverish indolent sagacious secular speculate strife venerate voracious wane Unit 6 apropos ascendancy assess aver concede deficient dogma embody impart oratory propagate proponent rudimentary sojourn vociferous Unit 7 amorous belittle censure deem divulge exorbitant expostulate fateful ingrate injunction moribund motif subsidize sumptuous voluble Unit 8 adroit affront avocation crusade definitive demeanor erudite induct lapse militant pariah prodigy protégé tacit Unit 9 allure antiquity appraise cleave depreciate facsimile impervious nondescript quandary repose scintillate scrutinize synthetic transmute Unit 10 amputate aptitude beneficiary boon commiserate garner gratis incapacitate inception magnanimous myriad practicable remunerate solicit trite Unit 9 homi homo hydr hydro Unit 10 inter intra intro Roots a ab abs Unit 1 tra tran trans Unit 2 un uni Unit 3 alt alti Unit 4 tri trio Unit 5 ped pede pedi pod Unit 6 Unit 7 cent centi centu fore gee geo Unit 8 Unit 11 amenity averse complacent decompose defray emanate envisage facetious fallacy furor idyll paucity porous supersede tangible Unit 12 adversity cardinal credible empathize faculty harrowing impair infer intuition manifest nuance pernicious solace treatise vogue Unit 13 blandishment deprecate discomfit meteoric overbearing precocious proffer remonstrate rift solicitous succinct sylvan trepidation untoward virtuoso Unit 14 amass articulate decimate dexterity garb gregarious inherent maternal nurture obtrusive parody pugnacious reprehensible tractable zany Unit 15 accentuate aficionado antecedent centrifugal convoluted decapitate disingenuous indubitable jaded masochistic momentum obsolescent potential viscera volition Unit 16 belated caliber chagrin contravene default doldrums emblazon eminent expend expire exponent novice spry tenuous truism Unit 17 blight cite clemency eccentric farce foray glean nominal ostracize posthumous quash ribald suffrage verve Unit 18 adhere aplomb brandish broach devotee diffident extravaganza plaintive plaudit regalia resplendent subordinate surmount tenable Unit 19 apex collusion facet incinerate indict judicial martyr multitude rescind revere scion sordid suave travesty vindicate vitriolic Unit 20 bogus demise devise enshrine evince irrevocable martial memorabilia mundane patronize querulous quirk refute sanction tome Unit 12 mon mono Unit 13 oct octa octo Unit 14 poly port Unit 15 quinqu quinque quint quintu Unit 16 son sex sext sextu Unit 17 sym syn super Unit 18 acr acro Unit 19 chron chrono Unit 20 duce duct e ex Roots Unit 11 man mani manu 9th Grade Vocabulary Roots Unit 1 a ab abs Definition away from off Words avert abnormal abstain Unit 11 Unit 2 tra tran trans across beyond through traversable translucent Unit 3 un uni one or single one or single unanmous unicorn oct octa octo Unit 4 alt alti high height alter altitude poly port Unit 5 tri trio three or three times group of three triangle trio man mani manu Unit 12 mon mono Definition the hand the hand the hands Words manage manicure manual one or single alone monarch monopoly eight or eighth part eight or eighth part eight or eighth part octagon octapus October many or much to carry door or gate polygamy portable five, a fifth part, or five times five, a fifth part, or five times five, a fifth part, or five times five, a fifth part, or five times quintet quintuplet Unit 13 Unit 14 Unit 15 quinqu quinque quint quintu Unit 6 ped pede pedi pod foot, feet, of footed foot, feet, of footed foot, feet, of footed foot, feet, of footed pedal centipede pedicure podiatrist son sex sext sextu Unit 16 Unit 7 cent centi centu a hundred a hundredth part a hundredth part centennial centigrade sym syn super Unit 8 fore gee geo before in time or place the earth the earth forecast acr acro Unit 9 homi homo hydr hydro man man water water homicide Homo sapiens hydrant hydrometer sound six, or a sixth part, or six times six, or a sixth part, or six times six, or a sixth part, or six times sonic sextant sextuplet at the same time together, like on, above, over, or more than symmetry synthetic supernatural high topmost acrobat acrophobia time time chronic chronology Unit 17 Unit 18 geology Unit 19 chron chrono Unit 10 inter intra intro Unit 20 between or among inside or within inside or within intersect intramural introspect duce duct e ex to lead to lead out or out of from or former produce erupt export English 9 Vocabulary Lesson 1 bewail v. To express deep regret or sorrow over. Many football fans bewailed the replacement of real grass by Astroturf when the new stadium was built. destitute adj. Lacking; devoid of. Staring at the blank sheet of paper on which I was supposed to write a poem, I found myself destitute of ideas. detract v. To take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of. The addition of a modern family room detracted from the cozy style of the bungalow. emancipate v. To set free from slavery; to liberate. Some teenagers feel emancipated when they get a driver’s license. extol v. To praise highly. The scout leader extolled the virtues of truth and honor. flamboyant adj. excessively showy; unrestrained. My conservative aunt considered her husband’s brightly colored, boldly patterned necktie too flamboyant for the governor’s reception. impetus n. A driving force; anything that causes an action. Her hope of winning an athletic scholarship provided the impetus for years of grueling training on the swim team. insuperable adj. Incapable of being overcome or defeated. During my senior year, passing Greek seemed an insuperable obstacle to graduating with my class. intermittent adj. Not continuous; happening at intervals. Showers were intermittent throughout the day, although the forecast had promised sunshine. maxim n. A general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying. Remember the maxim “Haste makes waster” and slow down! obligatory adj. Required or demanded. Physical education is obligatory unless you have a medical excuse for skipping gym class. plumb v. To measure the depth of the water. The lake was too deep for us to plumb. vagabond n. A person who wanders from place to place. He spent a few years as a vagabond before settling in a city and getting a job in a factory. visage n. A face, especially one that expresses feelings. The smiling visage of a young girl looked out from the portrait. wheedle v. To coax by using sly persuasion or insincere praise. He tried to wheedle his father into lending him a new sports car. Lesson 2 alacrity n. Eagerness. At the beginning of recess, the children ran to the playground with alacrity. array n. A large group of people or things. The ship’s cabin contained an array of charts and maps. deduce v. To draw a conclusion from given facts. Your carrying an umbrella caused me to deduce that you expect it to rain. encumber v. To weigh down or burden. I stumbled through the terminal door, encumbered by my two heavy suitcases. fraught adj. Full of or accompanied by. We abandoned our idea of traveling up the Amazon River when we learned that such a trip would be fraught with danger. haphazard adj. Marked by lack of plan, order, or direction. He described in humorous detail his haphazard travels around Europe. incontrovertible adj. Impossible to dispute; unquestionable. His statement that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing is incontrovertible. inexplicable adj. Hard to explain or impossible to understand. The disappearance of many ships and planes within the Atlantic Ocean’s Bermuda Triangle is inexplicable to me. ingenious adj. Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness. Disposing of garbage by converting it into energy is an ingenious idea. laggard n. One who falls behind others because of moving slowly or loitering. The laggards crossed the finish line long after the winner had broken the tape. sustenance n. Something that provides nourishment; food needed to live. Roots and berries provided sustenance for the sailors when the storm forced them to abandon ship and take refuge on the island. torrid adj. Intensely hot and dry. It was impossible to walk barefoot on the torrid dessert sand. traverse v. To travel over, across, or through. Route 66, which traverses the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is sometime called “The Mother Road” because in 1932 it opened the West to the automobile. ubiquitous adj. Appearing to be present in large numbers or in many different places. Tourists with cameras are ubiquitous in Europe every summer. zenith n. The highest point; the peak. Winning the Nobel prize for literature is, for some writers, the zenith of their career. Lesson 3 allude consecrate v. To refer to in an indirect way (used with to). “I made a mistake that day,” he said, alluding to the way he lost his temper. v. To set apart as holy. Hagia Sophia, in Constantinople (today Istanbul), was consecrate as a church on 537 and is now a museum. disseminate v. To scatter or spread widely. The wind disseminates the spores from the milkweed pods. dote v. To show excessive fondness for (used with on or upon). She dotes on her grandson and indulges his every whim. exhort v. To urge strongly; to worn or appeal. His wife exhorted him to ignore the urgings of the salesman at the boatyard. feckless adj. Careless or irresponsible. Pip’s feckless ways in London left him devoid of cash. implicate v. To show to be involved with something, especially something dishonest or illegal. The defense attorney insisted that her client could not be implicated in the theft. lament v. To feel or express grief. Untouchable mourners lined the streets to lament the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Wales. monetary adj. Of or relating to money or currency. The basic monetary unit of Mexico in the peso. pensive adj. Deep in thought; dreamily thought. Lying on my back, I grew pensive as I watched the drifting summer clouds. pomp n. A showy or dignified display. The commencement exercises at major universities are usually marked by pomp and ceremony. stilted adj. Artificially stiff or formal in manner. His stilted conversation reflected his unease at the gathering of artists in the gallery. subjugate v. To bring under control; to conquer. In the late eighteenth century, Russia subjugate the country of Georgia, in western Asia, and made it part of the Russian empire. trauma n. A severe bodily injury. The accident victims who suffered trauma were airlifted to major hospitals for emergency services. wanton adj. Ignoring what is right. In refusing to remove asbestos from the ceilings, the company showed a wanton disregard for its employees’ health and safety. Lesson 4 adage n. An old saying that has come to be accepted as truth; a proverb. Preparing to move again, I comforted myself with an adage “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” camaraderie n. Good will and warm feelings among friends. A spirit of camaraderie filled the room where the group gathered for its highschool reunion. contend v. To struggle with. Mail carriers sometimes have to contend with bothersome dogs. extraneous adj. Not necessary; irrelevant. When you revise your written instructions, eliminate any extraneous details. hubbub n. Noisy confusion; uproar. Fans thronged onto the field in a hubbub of excitement when the Boston Red Sox won the pennant. meander v. To follow a winding course. The Mississippi River meanders from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. odoriferous adj. Having or giving off a smell. Odoriferous perfumes spewed from the truck’s exhaust. paraphernalia n. Personal belongings. We accumulated so much paraphernalia that the closets couldn’t hold it all. punctilious adj. Careful of and attentive to details. A punctilious host tries to leave nothing to chance when preparing for guests. recuperate v. To regain health or strength. Her surgeon expects Amanda to recuperate quickly. regale v. To entertain or delight. Charlie regaled the guests with his funny stories. sedentary adj. Doing or requiring a lot of sitting. Spartan adj. Marked by simplicity and lack of luxury. The Marine sergeant described the Spartan way of life at the recruits’ training camp. temporal adj. Relating to the everyday world as opposed to that which is spiritual or eternal. Medieval kings were the temporal rulers of their states, but in religious matters they accepted the Pope’s authority. wry adj. Turned or bent to one side in distaste or humor. He gave a wry smile as he admitted believing such a far-fetched tale. Lesson 5 callow adj. Young and inexperienced; immature. The student was too callow to know he was being fooled. contemporary n. A person living during the same period as another. Martha Jane Canary, known as “Calamity Jane,” and Annie Oakley were contemporaries. cynical adj. Doubtful of the sincerity of others’ motives; skeptical. People become cynical about diet programs when lost weight is soon regained. despot n. A ruler with absolute power or tyrannical control over a group of people. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, thousands fled Haiti seeking refuge from the despot Jean Claude Duvalier. enunciate n. I. To pronounce clearly. In speech class we learn to enunciate our words. impediment v. I. Anything that gets in the way; an obstacle. After the hurricane, fallen trees were impediments to traffic in our neighborhood. impoverish v. I. To make poor. Uncontrolled gambling can impoverish a person. indolent adj. Indulging in ease; avoiding exertion; lazy. Being in the torrid heat of the tropical sun makes one feel indolent. sagacious adj. Showing sound judgment; wise. My grandmother’s sagacious advice has guided me many times over the years. secular adj. Worldly; not connected with a church or religion. The choir included a few secular songs on the memorial service. speculate v. I. To think about or make guesses. As we waited, we speculated about whether he’d keep his promise and show up. strife n. Conflict or struggle. The strife between the two families has existed for a few years now. venerate v. To show great respect for. Asian cultures venerate their ancestors long after they have died. voracious adj. I. Ravenous; desiring and eating a large amount of food. We arrived back from our hike with voracious appetites wane v. To get smaller, dimmer, or weaker; to near an end. When interest in sitcoms waned, the television networks switched reality shows. Lesson 6 apropos adj. Fitting the occasion; suitable or apt. The governor’s red, white, and blue blouse seemed quite apropos for her postelection celebration. ascendancy n. Controlling influence; domination. The ascendancy of the United States as a world power coincided with the decline of the British Empire. assess v. To analyze and determine the nature, value, or importance of. After I assessed the difficulties we faced in repairing the storm damage, I proposed a three-part plan. aver v. To declare positively; to state as the truth. The lawyer averred that her client was innocent. concede v. I. To admit to be true, often reluctantly. Bungee jumpers concede that the sport can be dangerous. deficient adj. Lacking. A diet deficient in fruits and vegetables won’t provide enough vitamins for good nutrition dogma n. An unproven principle or belief held to be true. The economic theory that the wealth of large companies will trickle down to others in the society was dogma to many in the 1980s. ` embody v. To put an idea into a form that can be seen. The Bill of Rights embodies the basic freedoms of all Americans. impart v. To make known; disclose. He imparted his views in such a humorous manner that we were unsure whether to take them seriously. Oratory n. The art of public speaking. Ms. Wade’s inspired oratory made her address the high point of the convention. propagate v. To foster the spread of. The professor wrote several articles to propagate his theory. proponent n. Someone who proposes or supports an idea; an advocate. The bill passed easily since its proponents were in the majority. rudimentary adj. Not yet fully developed. The rudimentary train system of the United States developed rapidly during the second half of the nineteenth century. sojourn n. A visit or temporary stay. Our summer sojourn ended after six wonderful weeks in Puerto Rico. vociferous adj. Making one’s feelings known in a loud way. The community’s vociferous opposition to a stadium led the governor to abandon the plan. Lesson 7 amorous adj. Expressing love or the state of being in love. The couple exchanged amorous glances as they sat across the dinner table. belittle v. To present or speak of as unimportant or of little value. Don’t try to make your efforts seem more important be trying to belittle mine! censure v. To blame or find fault with. The judge censured the lawyer for failing to file the papers on time. deem v. To consider; to believe. Hearing about the train derailment, the mayor deemed it prudent to call up emergency crews. divulge v. To make known something secret; to reveal. Blackbeard divulged the location of the buried treasure to no one. exorbitant adj. Exceeding normal bounds; greater or more than seems reasonable. Two hundred dollars seems an exorbitant price for a man’s shirt. expostulate v. To argue earnestly in an attempt to dissuade or show strong disapproval. My friends expostulated with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey. fateful adj. Having great or significant consequences. The article examines President Truman’s fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. ingrate n. An ungrateful person. I felt like an ingrate for forgetting to thank my mother for carrying in the food and drink for my party. injunction n. A court order prohibiting someone from doing something. The injunction stated that the company could not hire permanent replacement workers during the strike. moribund adj. Close to death; in a dying state. It is incontrovertible that the company was moribund when we took it over last year. motif n. A theme or idea in a work of art or literature that is developed or repeated. Throughout the novel, the author explores the motif of separation. subsidize v. To support by giving financial aid. The government has subsidized countless arts projects. sumptuous adj. Extravagantly splendid or costly; luxurious. After the wedding we enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the hotel dining room. voluble adj. Characterized be a ready flow of words; talkative. The voluble host scarcely gave his guests a chance to speak. Lesson 8 adroit adj. Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful. Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from going in the rocks. affront n. A deliberate insult or offensive act. We will not ignore the affront to our family expressed in this letter. avocation n. An activity pursued for pleasure; a hobby. Serious artists say that painting is both their profession and their avocation. crusade n. A prolonged, impassioned struggle for what is believed to be a just cause. John Brown’s crusade to emancipate the slaves led to his execution in 1859. definitive adj. Supplying a final answer; conclusive. Some scholars believe that the definitive biography of Sylvia Plath has not yet been written. demeanor n. Behavior; bearing. She must have been in shock, because her demeanor didn’t change in the slightest as she watched her home go up in flames. erudite adj. Having or demonstrating extensive knowledge; learned. In her first book, the author provided an erudite account of the looting of artworks during World War II. induct v. To install in office, sometimes with a formal ceremony. The president of the university was inducted into office in the morning. lapse n. A minor mistake; a slip. A lapse of memory caused me to miss our tennis engagement last week. militant n. One who is ready to fight for a cause. Militants occupied the president’s office, demanding change in the college curriculum. pariah n. A social outcast. Her classmates treated Mariah like a pariah when she told the principal that drugs were being sold. prodigy n. A person who shows remarkable talent at an early age. Mozart was a musical prodigy who began composing at age five. protégé masc. n; protégé fem. n. One whose training or career is helped along by another. Margaret Thatcher was a protégée of Edward Heath, whom she eventually replaced as British prime minister. tacit adj. Expressed without words; implied. You gave your tacit approval by not raising any objections to our plan. Lesson 9 allure n. The power to attract or charm. For many travelers the canals and winding streets of Venice have a particular allure. antiquity n. The quality of great age. Only an expert can establish the antiquity of these jeweled brooches. appraise v. To estimate the value of. A realtor appraised the house across the street. cleave v. To split with force or a sharp instrument. I cleaved a chunk of ice from the block with an ice axe. depreciate v. To make or become less in value. Real estate in a good location can be a wise investment because it seldom depreciates. facet n. One of many sides or aspects of something. We examined every facet of the scheduling problem before proposing a solution. facsimile n. An exact copy. “Since this document appears to be a facsimile, we will have to wait until I receive the original will,” the lawyer said. impervious adj. Incapable of being penetrated. We stayed dry in the downpour because our tent is impervious to rain. nondescript adj. Hard to describe because of a lack of distinctive qualities or features. Encumbered with a backpack and other paraphernalia, I walked along the endless rows of nondescript houses looking for number 136. quandary n. A state of being in doubt about what to do. The lawyers were in a quandary about whether or not controversial material on the Internet is protected by the First Amendment. repose n. A state of rest or relaxation. Juliet’s visage in repose was startlingly beautiful. scintillate v. To flash or sparkle. The mirrors on the revolving ball suspended from the ceiling scintillated above the dancers. scrutinize v. To examine with great care. The Internal Revenue Service inspector scrutinized every expenditure on my tax returns for the past four years. synthetic adj. Not naturally produced; made by artificial processes. Most cloth today is colored with synthetic dyes. transmute v. To change the form or appearance of. In the fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin,” the foolish miller claimed that his daughter could transmute straw into gold. Lesson 10 amputate v. To cut off a body part, especially by surgery. The doctor had to amputate the mountain climber’s frostbitten toes. aptitude n. A natural talent. My sister has an aptitude for math that has always made me envious. beneficiary n. One who benefits or gains an advantage from something. Impoverished families will be the beneficiaries of those low-rent apartments. boon n. A welcome gift or blessing. After a long dry spell, the rain was a boon to the Iowa farmers. commiserate v. To feel or express sorrow or compassion for; to sympathize. If I’m upset about something it helps me feel better if someone commiserates with me. garner v. To collect or gather; to acquire or obtain. The candidate garnered support by going from door to door throughout the district to meet people. gratis adj. Without payment; free of charge. Admission to the museum is gratis on Mondays. incapacitate v. To make helpless or incapable. Keiko was incapacitated for six weeks while her leg was in a cast. inception n. The beginning of an action or process. I continue to extol the visiting artist program because it has been a success from the day of its inception. magnanimous adj. Generous, unselfish, or forgiving. Nelson Mandela was too magnanimous to seek revenge on his persecutors. myriad n. A myriad of mosquitoes swarmed around us as we traversed the swampy area. practicable adj. Usable. Motor boats are not practicable in the waters of the Florida Everglades. remunerate v. To pay or reward. Were you remunerated for the work you did for the school’s book sale or was it voluntary? solicit v. To ask in a formal way. Ms. Vargas came to our apartment to solicit contributions to her husband’s campaign for attorney general. trite adj. Used so much that it is no longer fresh or new. “Fresh as a daisy” is a trite expression, but I use it anyway. Lesson 11 amenity n. A feature that increases the attractiveness or value of a location. The freshwater lake on the edge of town was an amenity all residents enjoyed. averse adj. Having a feeling of opposition or distaste. My parents are averse to our watching television during dinner. complacent adj. So self-satisfied that one sees no need for change. “I don’t need to study,” was Barry’s complacent answer when reminded of tomorrow’s test. decompose v. To decay or break down into basic elements. If we add these kitchen scraps to the grass cuttings, over time they will decompose into a rich garden mulch. defray v. To supply the money for; to pay. Our school has money in the budget to defray the cost of the class’s trip. emanate v. To come out from a source. As the boys crept down the basement stairs, a low humming noise emanated from the furnace. envisage v. To picture in one’s mind, to imagine from the future. Few of the colonists or Native Americans living in New England in the 1600s could have envisaged that the forests surrounding them would be gone in a few hundred years. facetious adj. Playfully or inappropriately humorous. Linda was just being facetious when she asked if your new ring was a prize from the bubble gum machine. fallacy n. A false or mistaken idea. Uncle Walter argues that it is a fallacy to think that the federal government is less efficient than state governments. furor n. An uproar; a state of great anger or excitement. When the surprise witness for the prosecution turned out to be the best friend of the accused, the courtroom was thrown into a furor. idyll n. An episode or experience that is calm and carefree. Our summer idyll ended when the boat came to take us off the island. paucity n. Scarcity; smallness in number or amount. The paucity of the harvest became clear when we looked at the half-empty corn crib. porous adj. Full of tiny holes or spaces; easily penetrated by gas or liquid. The amount of clay in our yard prevents it from being porous, so rainwater often accumulates in large pools. supersede v. To replace; to cause to be set aside because of superiority. By the 1960s, airplanes had superseded ships as the most common means for long-distance travel. tangible adj. Real; able to be touched. The curator pointed to a small stamp on the bottom of the vase as tangible proof of its antiquity. Lesson 12 adversity n. Misfortune; hardship. In Dicken’s novels, the heroine usually triumphs over adversity. cardinal adj. Most important; chief. A cardinal rule for investors is “don’t put your eggs all in one basket.” credible adj. Believable; reliable. The lawyer asserted that he was not a credible witness because he already changed his statement twice. empathize v. To show or feel understanding of another’s feelings or problems. People all over the country empathized with the grieving relatives of those who died in the plane crash. faculty n. Any of the natural powers of the mind and body, such as sight and hearing. Despite his eighty-five years, he retained all his faculties. harrowing adj. Very distressing or acutely painful. Some of the war scenes in the movie were so harrowing I almost left the theater. impair v. To damage, weaken, lessen. Even one alcoholic drink impairs a person’s ability to drive. infer v. To reach a conclusion through reasoning. Because you never return my phone calls, I infer that you are ending our friendship. intuition n. Knowing or sensing something without the use of reason; an insight. Following his intuition, Robert chose the path to the left and was rewarded by a glimpse of the pond. manifest v. To make clear; to reveal. Depression often manifests itself as puzzling fatigue and apathy. nuance n. A very slight change in feeling or meaning. Juliet’s violin teacher congratulated her on bringing out the nuances of the Schubert sonata. pernicious adj. Very destructive or harmful. Even long-term smokers are beginning to acknowledge the pernicious effects of smoking on health. solace n. Having comfort or relief in sorrow or distress; consolation. Having an energetic puppy to play with gave the children solace after their cocker spaniel died of old age. treatise n. A methodically and thoroughly written discussion of a topic. Dr. Yi’s treatise on poisonous toads garnered much praise. vogue n. The popular fashion of the time, wide acceptance or favor. Beehive hairdos, while quite in vogue in the 1950s, are rarely seen today. Lesson 13 blandishment n. That which is intended to coax or persuade, such as flattery. The agent promised to make her a star, but the actress was impervious to his blandishments. deprecate v. To criticize or express disapproval of. Nutritionists deprecate the excessive use of saturated fats in the American diet. discomfit v. To make uneasy by confusing or embarrassing a person. The reporter’s questions about a bank account that showed a secret campaign fund discomfited the mayoral candidate. meteoric adj. Coming into existence swiftly, suddenly, brightly. If Stacey envisaged a meteoric rise to fame after her first starring role on Broadway, she was naïve. overbearing adj. Acting in an arrogant, domineering way. The leading man’s overbearing manner caused his popularity to wane quickly. precocious adj. Showing exceptionally early development of abilities. The precocious child spoke three languages by the time she was seven. proffer v. To offer for acceptance or consideration. The family proffered their spare room to an exchange student from China. remonstrate v. To say in protest; to raise an objection. Ms. Newhouse remonstrated with Darryl for teasing his classmate Eric. rift n. A split or crack. The rift in the rock was too wide for me to jump across. solicitous adj. Showing interest and care; concerned. After her appendix was removed, Emily welcomed the solicitous calls of her friends. succinct adj. Expressed clearly and in few words; concise. For someone who is usually so voluble, Clark’s answers to the principal’s questions were remarkably succinct. sylvan adj. Having to do with trees or wooded areas. Our drama group chose the sylvan setting of Manor Park for our presentation of A Midsummer-Night’s Dream. trepidation n. Apprehension; dread. The thought that they might be blamed for the accident filled the children with trepidation. untoward adj. Not favorable; unlucky. Despite our fears, nothing untoward happened during our climb up Mount Fuji. virtuoso n. A person with great skill in some art, especially music. The late pianist Rudolf Serkin was not only a virtuoso, but also a performer much loved by audiences for his gentle manner. Lesson 14 amass v. To gather or collect for one’s use or profit; to accumulate. Karen’s aptitude for business enabled her to amass a small fortune before she was thirty. articulate v. To pronounce distinctly. Children usually articulate words before they are two years old. decimate v. To kill or destroy a large portion of a group. Cholera swept through the town, decimating the population. dexterous adj. Skillful in use of hands or mind. Her dexterous handling of the horse won her a blue ribbon. garb n. A style of clothing; costume. Queen Victoria’s black garb and solemn demeanor were constant reminders of her widow’s state. gregarious adj. Enjoying the company of others; sociable. A gregarious nature is a boon for anyone seeking a political career. inherent adj. Existing as a natural part of something. Believing her shyness is inherent, Roseanne does nothing to try to overcome it. maternal adj. Motherly. Ranji had maternal feelings when she saw a child standing alone at the bus stop. nurture v. To care for and give sustenance to. Parents nurture their children physically, mentally, and psychologically. obtrusive adj. Tending to push oneself forward in an unwelcome manner. The reporters at the house were so obtrusive that Belle slammed the door in their face. parody n. An imitation that exaggerates for comic effect. His parody of Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” that began, “I believe it was about eighty years ago…” showed poor taste. pugnacious adj. Aggressive; eager to fight or quarrel. The pugnacious basketball player challenged the referee with insulting words. reprehensible adj. Deserving blame or rebuke. Denying sustenance to those in need is reprehensible. tractable adj. Easily managed or controlled. The stable manager gave Jennifer a tractable horse when she first began riding. zany adj. Comical because of strangeness; clownish. The zany illustrations made the book very popular. Lesson 15 accentuate v. To emphasize or stress. The tall crown of that hat accentuates Becky’s height. aficionado n. An enthusiastic follower; a supporter or fan. “ Star Trek” aficionado eagerly awaited the next episode. antecedent n. A thing or event that precedes another. Robert Fulton’s 1801 submersible craft was the antecedent of the modern submarine. centrifugal adj. Moving or tending away from the center. If the string snaps on the toy that you are swinging, centrifugal force will send it flying away from you. convoluted adj. Having numerous coils or folds. That flexible wire can be twisted into convoluted shapes. decapitate v. To kill by cutting off the head. During the French Revolution those marked for execution were decapitated by the guillotine. disingenuous adj. Not straightforward; insincere. “I would be disingenuous if I told you there were only a few things wrong with your teeth,” the dentist said. indubitable adj. Too evident to be doubted; unquestionable. Your signature on this paper is indubitable proof that you are a co-owner of the cabin. jaded adj. Dulled or wearied by excess or overindulgence. Jaded fans of special effects in movies seem to need ever more spectacular sights in order to be thrilled. masochistic adj. Deriving pleasure from being mistreated mentally or physically. The Boston bathers who enter the frigid waters annually on New Year’s Day denied they were masochistic, but claimed instead simply to enjoy the experience. momentum n. Force or speed of movement; force or energy that keeps something moving. Senator Clay’s presidential campaign lost momentum because she was late entering the New Hampshire primary. obsolescent adj. Going out of use; becoming obsolete. Typewriters are obsolescent now that personal computers are so common. potential adj. Having possibility or capability. Light and heat from the sun are potential sources of energy that could be a boon to humanity. viscera n. The internal organs of the body. The viscera include the liver, pancreas, and intestines. volition n. An act of consciously choosing or deciding. Dan, of his own volition, helped us clean up the table and wash dinner dishes. Lesson 16 belated adj. Done too late; having been delayed beyond the usual time. Kofi’s belated birthday card arrived one month after my birthday. caliber n. Degree of importance or excellence. The college faculty is of the highest caliber and includes several Nobel Prize winners. chagrin n. A feeling of embarrassment or annoyance caused by having failed or being disappointed. To my chagrin I twisted my ankle as I attempted to make a jump while skating. contravene v. To act against or be counter to. The personnel director reprimanded the employee for contravening the company policy of no smoking. default n. Failure to do what is required by duty or law. When her opponent failed to appear, Nora won the chess game by default. doldrums n. The condition of feeling sad, bored, or sluggish. I was in the doldrums about my career until I received an exciting job offer in Costa Rica. emblazon v. To inscribe or decorate conspicuously. The team sponsor ‘s name was emblazoned across the backs of the players’ jerseys. eminent adj. Standing above others in worth, rank, or fame. In the late 1700s, eminent inventor Eli Whitney constructed the cotton gin. expend v. To use up; consume. Sedentary office workers do not expend much physical energy on the job. expire v. To come to an end. Unless I renew it, my fishing license will expire next month. exponent n. A person who explains, interprets, or works to make something popular. Alvin Ailey, who founded the American Dance Theater, was an exponent of a kind of modern dance that often incorporated African elements. novice n. A person new at something; a beginner. Although I am only a novice at downhill skiing, I find the sport exhilarating. spry adj. Moving with quickness and ease; lively. The lethargic cat lay curled up in front of the fire while the spry kitten leaped from chair to chair. tenuous adj. Lacking substance, flimsy. His argument that demolishing the historic building would enhance the appearance of the street is tenuous. truism n. A truth that is so well known that it is almost unnecessary to say it. “You only live once,” is a truism. Lesson 17 blight n. Something that harms or destroys. Dilapidated housing contributes to urban blight. cite v. To mention or quote as an example or authority. My mother always cites Pride and Prejudice as a book you can read and enjoy over and over again. clemency n. Mercy shown in punishing or judging someone. When the governor granted his appeal for clemency, the ailing prisoner was released from jail. eccentric n. One who behaves in an odd or peculiar way. Hetty Green was an eccentric; although quite rich, she lived as if she were destitute. farce n. An absurd or ridiculous event or situation; a mockery. The meeting turned into a farce when every person on the building committee refused to testify and resigned in protest. foray n. A sudden raid or advance into enemy territory. The guerillas left the hills for occasional forays into the town to get food. glean v. To gather bit by bit. President Nelson Mandela’s farewell speech to the South African parliament was four and one-half hours long, but I could glean its major points from the newspaper the next day. nominal adj. Very small. The museum charged only a nominal entrance fee of fifty cents to attract visitors. ostracize v. To exclude from a group; to banish. When the newspaper columnist began writing about the Bavarian town’s Nazi past, many of its citizens ostracized her. posthumous adj. Occurring after a person has died. Former slave Johnson Whittaker, expelled from West Point in 1880, was given a posthumous commission in the Army 115 years later. quash v. To put down by force. British troops tried to quash the rebellion of the colonists, but they failed. recipient n. One who receives. Dustin Hoffman has twice been the recipient of an Academy Award. ribald adj. Funny in a crude way. Baccaccio was a fourteenth-century Italian writer whose masterpiece, Decameron, contained ten ribald stories. suffrage n. The right to vote. The twenty-sixth amendment to the Constitution extended suffrage to eighteen-year-olds. verve n. Enthusiasm; vivacity. English author Fay Weldon has been writing comic novels with undiminished verve for over twenty-five years. Lesson 18 adhere v. To stick to; stay attached. I had to use tape to make sure the stamp adhered to the envelope. aplomb n. Complete self-confidence and poise. Although she was nervous, the thirteen-year-old gymnast shook hands with the president with the aplomb of a diplomat. brandish v. To shake or wave in a threatening way. Even though she would never hurt her brother, Katherine would brandish her fist at him in an attempt to intimidate him. broach v. To bring up for discussion; to begin to talk about. Rosa decided to wait until after dinner to broach the subject of an increase in her allowance. devotee n. An ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast. Julius is a devotee of Gilbert and Sullivan; his favorite opera is “Ruddigore.” diffident adj. Unsure of one’s self; shy. Even though he was a world-renowned pianist, Rudolf Serkin had a diffident manner. extravaganza n. An elaborate and spectacular display or event. The opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games was an extravaganza watched on television by millions all over the world. integrity n. Honesty; trustworthiness. People may not have agreed with the governor’s political views, but no one questioned her integrity. plaintive adj. Expressing sorrow; mournful. We finally brought in the dog because his plaintive whining made us feel bad. plaudit n. A demonstration of strong approval or praise. The ice skater Nancy Kerrigan raised her arms and bowed slightly to acknowledge the plaudits of the crowd. regalia n. The symbols, objects, or special costumes worn by or associated with a group. The guards at Buckingham Palace are in full regalia as they march back and forth. resplendent adj. Dazzling in appearance. My grandmother was resplendent in a dress of burgundy velvet. subordinate adj. Less important; secondary. The actress said she would take a subordinate role in a play if she found the character interesting. surmount v. To defeat or overcome. With the help of Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller was able to surmount devastating physical problems. tenable adj. Capable of being defended or believed. Sebastian was such an effective debater that he could argue a position that at first did not seem at all tenable, then be utterly convincing. Lesson 19 apex n. The highest point of something. Visitors can climb to the apex of the temple of the sun, a pyramid in Mexico. collusion n. A secret agreement between parties for a criminal or deceitful purpose. The four companies were cited for acting in collusion to fix prices illegally. incinerate v. To burn ashes. Before recycling became the norm, we used to incinerate all our old newspapers in the furnace. indict v. To charge with a crime. After a preliminary hearing, the defendant was indicted for shoplifting. judicial adj. Having to do with judges, the law, or the courts. Standard judicial attire in the United States is a long black robe. martyr n. One who chooses to suffer or die rather than give up beliefs or principles. Joan of Arc was the French martyr burned at the stake in 1431. multitude n. A large number of people or things. This report on global warming covers a multitude of topics. rescind v. To do away with; to cancel. The Citadel rescinded its ban on admitting women following a court order in 1995. revere v. To have great respect and affection for. His contemporaries revered George Washington for his character and leadership. scion n. A descendant or heir. Britain’s Prince Charles is a scion of the House of Windsor. sordid adj. Dirty or disgusting. The sordid details of the senator’s bribe-taking were revealed in his diary. suave adj. Smoothly polite; blandly pleasing. She had such a suave demeanor that she charmed almost everyone she met. travesty n. A distorted example or imitation. Some news stations turn the reporting of world events into a travesty of responsible journalism. vindicate v. To free from blame, guilt, or suspicion. The suspect was released when an eyewitness came forward with testimony to vindicate him. vitriolic adj. Having a sharp, biting quality; bitterly sarcastic. I concluded from the vitriolic Boston reviews that he play would not make it to Broadway. Lesson 20 bogus adj. Counterfeit or fake. The art historian discovered a bogus Rembrandt hanging in the museum. demise n. The end of existence or activity; death. Mark Twain wryly observed that reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated. devise v. To form or arrange in the mind. The personnel manager had to devise a training program for all the new workers. enshrine v. To cherish as precious or sacred. The Vietnam Memorial helps enshrine the memory of those who died in the Vietnam War. evince v. To show clearly; to express. Julio evinces his talent for baking with his delicious cookies. irrevocable adj. Impossible to change. Your birthday is an irrevocable fact of life. martial adj. Having to do with war, armies, or fighting. Karate and judo are two of the martial arts. memorabilia n. Objects collected over a period of time that recall particular events. Thomas Edison’s memorabilia can be seen at his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. mundane adj. Of or relating to ordinary, everyday matters. Checking a report for spelling errors is a mundane but necessary task. patronize v. To treat in a condescending way. “I am not your dear young lady,” she remonstrated, “and please don’t patronize me by addressing me that way.” querulous adj. Apt to find fault; complaining. I commiserated with him for having to put up with his visiting uncle’s querulous demands. quirk n. A peculiar or eccentric mannerism. Signing his letters “Your obedient servant” is one of his quirks. refute v. To prove to be false; to disprove. I refuted her claim that taking vitamins was a waste of time by showing her the latest research from the medical group. sanction n. Approval or permission from an authority. The principal gave her sanction for the establishment of a student council. tome n. A book, especially one that is large. I admired the tome’s sumptuous satiny jacket, but had trouble wading through its twelve-hundred pages.
