CUNY Start
Reading & Writing
Vocabulary
“Superman and Me” – Sherman Alexie
Directions: For each word, read the sentences and try to guess the meaning of the underlined
vocabulary word.
1) Irregular It was difficult for him to sleep because of his irregular schedule.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
2) Avid
He is an avid Yankees fan. He never misses a game.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
3) Prodigy
When she started playing the piano at age two, her parents said she was a musical
prodigy.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
4) Oddity
The New York subway is full of oddities. I once saw a man carry a large snake onboard.
Another time, I saw some people perform a scene from Romeo and Juliet inside the subway car.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
5) Ridiculed He didn’t show anyone his writing because he feared he would be ridiculed.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
6) Subverted
After her she lost a major client, Nikita’s boss subverted her expectations by
promoting her.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
7) Monosyllabic
The teenager answered her parents’ questions with monosyllabic answers.
CUNY Start
Reading & Writing
Vocabulary
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
8) Pitied
He pitied the homeless person that he walked by everyday on his way to work.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
9) Arrogant After making the game winning shot, she decided she no longer needed to practice and
became so arrogant that none of her teammates wanted to play with her anymore.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
10) Sullen
After being punished, the child appeared sullen.
What I think the word means: ___________________________________________________________
Dictionary definition: __________________________________________________________________
CUNY Start
Reading & Writing
Vocabulary
II. Answer the following questions. You must use complete sentences and use the vocabulary word
in your answer.
1) What might make a person appear sullen?
2) Do you believe it’s better to be arrogant or modest? Why?
3) Would you like someone else to pity you? Why or why not?
4) When was a time when you were monosyllabic?
5) When was a time when your expectations were subverted?
6) How might someone feel if they’re being ridiculed? Why would they feel this way?
7) Describe an oddity you have seen.
CUNY Start
Reading & Writing
8) What kind of act might cause someone to be labeled a prodigy?
9) What’s something you are avid about?
10) Would you describe your sleep schedule as regular or irregular? Why?
Vocabulary