Solution Manual For Reading In Action by Eugene Wintner

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CHAPTER 2 Context and Dictionary
Pre-Reading Exercise for Chapter 2
Directions: Preview the chapter and answer the following questions:
1. What is the chapter about?
Using context clues and the dictionary
2. What is context?
The sentence or paragraph surrounding a word
3. What is a definition clue?
An actual definition of a word found in the context
4. What have you previously learned about using context clues?
Answers will vary.
5. What do you usually do when you encounter an unfamiliar word while reading? How often do you make
use of the dictionary?
Answers will vary.
6. Write two questions about the content of this chapter.
Answers will vary.
EXERCISE 2.1 MULTIPLE MEANINGS
Directions: Each of the sentences below contains a common word, but its meaning may be
unfamiliar in the given context. Determine the meaning of each boldfaced word from the
context and write the meaning in the space provided.
1. After the storm, there was a run on batteries. Many of the local stores were
completely sold out.
Big demand
2. When their car broke down, the Mantilla family had to tap into their savings to buy
another one.
Draw from
3. The burglars knew they could not sell the stolen jewels to a store, so they tried instead
to sell them to a fence.
Person who buys and sells stolen goods
4. No one could tell that the thick black hair on Mr. Jones’s head was actually a rug.
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Toupee, wig
5. The accident left Harry with a game leg that took two months to heal.
Injured
EXERCISE 2.2 MULTIPLE MEANINGS
Directions: Without consulting a dictionary, write three different meanings for each of the
following words. Then write a sentence illustrating each meaning. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper. An example is provided.
EXAMPLE Hit
1. to strike
The fight started when one boy hit the other in the shoulder.
2. a popular movie, song, etc.
Our radio station always plays the latest hits.
3. to apply oneself to
Successful college students learn to hit the books on a regular basis.
1. mark Answers to all will vary.
2. tip Answers to all will vary.
3. fair Answers to all will vary.
4. pound Answers to all will vary.
5. spring Answers to all will vary.
EXERCISE 2.3 IDENTIFYING CONTEXT CLUES
Directions: In this exercise, you will work with five pairs of sentences. Compare each pair
to identify the sentence that provides the stronger context clues, and circle its letter. (You
may find it helpful to underline the context clues in that sentence.) Write the meaning of
the boldfaced word in the line under the sentences. Try this without consulting a
dictionary.
Ex. A. My friend Diego has an unusual surname.
Ex. B. A woman is likely to change her surname when she gets married.
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Last name
1A. Joan Twinkletoes was an obscure actress from the 1950s.
1B. Joan Twinkletoes was an obscure actress until she starred in her first major film.
Unknown
2A. Watching a little television can be a pleasant diversion, but watching too much
television can turn into a bad habit.
2B. Everyone should set aside a small amount of time each day for diversion.
Distraction; entertainment
3A. The program will terminate next week.
3B. Miguel was broken-hearted when his girlfriend told him that she wanted to terminate
their relationship.
End
4A. The pachyderms are the most popular animals at the zoo.
4B. Pachyderms can use their trunks to pick up objects.
Elephants
5A. A tenacious basketball player will never give up until the final buzzer.
5B. Richard is the most tenacious person I know.
Stubborn; persistent
EXERCISE 2.4 DEFINITION CLUES AND SYNONYMS
Directions: Underline the definition clue or synonym for the boldfaced word in each
sentence.
EXAMPLE
Whenever possible, psychologists settle differences by collecting data (facts and
information).
1. Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s words or ideas without an acknowledgement
of that person’s authorship.
2. The mass media, forms of communication directed to large audiences, have a
powerful effect on society.
3. In a troubled society, widespread crime is engulfing —surrounding and swallowing
up —whole neighborhoods.
4. City planners are trying to determine the best site (location) for the new stadium.
5. In most elections, the advantages of incumbency (that is, already being in office) help
a candidate get reelected.
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6. All English majors must take a course in linguistics, the study of language.
7. Drug use by professional athletes has come under close scrutiny —examination —in
recent years.
8. Anthropologists study human culture —the ideas, customs, skills, and arts of a
people or group.
9. Leonardo Da Vinci was called a Renaissance man, meaning a man of the broadest
possible learning and a wide range of interests and achievement.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
10. Many scientists are concerned about the greenhouse effect, the warming of the earth
and its atmosphere caused by trapped solar radiation.
EXERCISE 2.5 CONTRAST CLUES
Directions:
1. Underline the contrast clue within each sentence.
2. Then, in the space provided, write the meaning of the boldfaced word. Do not consult
a dictionary.
EXAMPLE I love volleyball, but I abhor tennis.
Hate
1. If we are to get along better with others, we must learn to focus on our commonalities
more than on our differences.
Similarities
2. As an army doctor, I expected those wounded in the war to be soldiers, but my first
eight patients were civilians.
Ordinary citizens
3. Some teenagers face unwanted parenthood because they are naive about sex and the
responsibilities of parenting. However, those who are more sophisticated and worldly
wise make more mature choices.
Unsophisticated; immature
4. After his injury, the Dodgers’ third baseman was welcomed back by his opponents as
well as his teammates.
Members of the opposing teams
5. Though John is eager to buy a new car, he is somewhat reluctant to part with his old
one.
Hesitant; holding back; unwilling
6. More crimes are committed in urban areas than in the country.
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City
7. An increase in taxes can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the nation’s
economy.
Helpful; good
8. In dreams, hostile acts outnumber friendly acts by more than two to one.
—Daneri, “Neuroscience of Sleep”
Unfriendly; aggressive
9. The committee members reached agreement on their goals, but there was considerable
dissent about the methods that would best achieve those goals.
Disagreement
10. Most of her lectures are carefully planned, but sometimes our history professor
prefers to lecture spontaneously.
Without plan
EXERCISE 2.6 DEFINITION CLUES, SYNONYMS, AND CONTRAST CLUES
Directions:
1. Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the boldfaced word in each
sentence. Write the meaning in the space marked ―meaning.‖
2. In the space marked ―type of clue,‖ indicate which type of clue was used in the
sentence (definition clue, synonym, or contrast clue).
EXAMPLE
I love volleyball, but I abhor tennis.
meaning: Hate
type of clue: Contrast
1. Patronage is a hiring and promotion system based on political reasons rather than on
merit and competence.
—Edwards et al., Government in America, Brief 10th ed.
meaning: A hiring and promotion system based on political reasons rather than
on merit and competence
type of clue: Definition
2. Though Hubert’s math teacher believed his story that he left his homework at his
friend’s house, his English teacher remained skeptical.
meaning: Doubtful; not believing
type of clue: Contrast
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3. A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that comes true because you act on it as if it
were true.
—Devito, The Interpersonal Communication Book, 12th ed.
meaning: A prediction that comes true because you act on it as if it were true
type of clue: Definition
4. Researchers have discovered more than one hundred viruses, called rhinoviruses, that
cause the common cold.
meaning: Viruses that cause the common cold
type of clue: Definition
5. Route 12 is normally a very safe road; however, it can become treacherous under icy
conditions.
meaning: Dangerous
type of clue: Contrast
6. Dreams can express a moral dilemma —a conflict between good and bad; between
immediate impulses and conscience.
meaning: Conflict between good and bad or between immediate impulses and
conscience
type of clue: Definition
7. Inexperienced climbers may find that the descent from the mountain top is more
difficult than the climb up.
meaning: The climb down
type of clue: Contrast
8. Sylvia’s first husband was a philanderer, but her second husband proved to be a
faithful and true companion.
meaning: An unfaithful love partner (or one who has affairs with others)
type of clue: Contrast
9. The convict was incarcerated at a maximum security prison where he was
imprisoned for most of his life.
meaning: Imprisoned
type of clue: Synonym
10. The Fernandez family had hoped to add to their bank account over the winter but
were instead forced to deplete their savings.
meaning: Reduce; use up
type of clue: Contrast
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EXERCISE 2.7 INDIRECT CONTEXT CLUES
Directions: Use the context clues in each sentence to determine the meaning of the
boldfaced word. (You may find it helpful to underline the clues in the sentence.) Write the
meaning in the space provided. Do not consult a dictionary.
1. Personal computers have revolutionized communication and business practices in the
past twenty-five years.
Changed radically
2. Unusual climate conditions trigger frequent thunderstorms in some areas while
causing a lack of rainfall in others.
Cause; set off; initiate
3. A hundred or a thousand years from now, our descendants undoubtedly will draw
conclusions about our era from the names we use for ourselves and our children.
Relatives who follow
4. Our early ancestors must have been baffled by dreams in which they seemed to move
about in distant places and to talk to people long dead.
—Kagan and Havemann, Psychology: An Introduction, 4th ed.
Puzzled; confused
5. Good vocabulary skills are paramount to a college student’s success.
Of great importance
6. During an infant’s first year, total sleep time declines from an average of sixteen
hours to thirteen hours per night.
—Dement, The Sleep Watchers
Goes down; decreases
7. You will have no trouble finding a book about Shakespeare here. Our library is
replete with them.
Filled; plentiful
8. Babe Ruth reached the pinnacle of his career in 1927, the year in which he hit sixty
home runs.
Peak; top
9. The suspect demanded that his lawyer be present while the police interrogated him.
Questioned; examined
10. Smoking cigarettes is detrimental to your health.
Harmful
EXAMPLE
Some people cringe when they see a rat, but Bart Weetjens smiles. A Belgian product designer, Weetjens
devised a way for these often reviled rodents to help solve a global problem: how to locate land mines, some
60 million of which are scattered in 69 countries. Dogs are often deployed to sniff them out, ―But I knew rats
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were easier to train,‖ says Weetjens, who bred them as a boy. Rats are also light, so they don’t detonate the
mines they find; they stay healthy in tropical areas, where many explosives are buried; and they’re cheap to
breed and raise. Weetjens chose the African giant pouched rat, with its very sensitive nose, for training. More
than 30 trained sniffer rats have started sweeping minefields in Mozambique, where they’ve cleared almost a
quarter square mile.
— Mairson, ―Ratted Out,‖ National Geographic
Now, circle the most likely meanings for the boldfaced words as they are used in the
passage.
1. cringe
a. smile
b. attack
c. move back
2. devised
a. studied
b. created
c. solved
3. reviled
a. spoken about positively
b. spoken about negatively
c. treated with respect
4. mines
a. underground explosives
b. places where minerals are found
c. belonging to me
5. deployed
a. prevented
b. preferred
c. used
6. detonate
a. touch
b. discover
c. cause to explode
Analysis
1. We can make a pretty good guess at the meaning of cringe from the first sentence.
Though there are many things people might do when they see a rat, we know that
many people are afraid of rats. We can therefore guess that cringe probably means
something like ―move back.‖ (Note that the contrast clue in the first sentence—―Bart
Weetjens smiles‖—also tells us that cringing must be a negative reaction.)
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2. Since Weetjens is a designer, and the passage is talking about a new use for rats, we
can guess that devised means ―invented‖ or ―created.‖
3. Since we know that most people don’t like rats, we can guess that reviled means
―spoken about negatively.‖
4. Our understanding of the word mines, as used in the context of the passage, is
necessary to our understanding of the passage. If you are unfamiliar with this use of
the word mines, the best context clue may be in the third sentence—―where many
explosives are buried.‖ A mine is a buried explosive—in other words, an underground
bomb.
5. We can guess the meaning of deployed from the context as well. Since the passage
talks about using rats to find mines, we can be confident that it is also talking about
using dogs for this purpose. Deployed, then, means ―used.‖
6. Finally, we can also guess what detonate means from the context clues. We can tell
from the passage that the rats are trained to locate the land mines without causing
them to explode, and we can logically guess that a lighter animal, like a rat, would be
less likely to cause a mine to explode. Therefore, we can guess that detonate means
―cause to explode.‖
In the following exercise, you will practice with short passages. Use the context clues
to choose the best meaning for each boldfaced word. Take advantage of definition
clues, synonyms, and contrast clues when you encounter them. Remember that
sometimes the context clues may be in a sentence that comes before or after the one
that contains the word.
EXERCISE 2.8 CONTEXT CLUES IN SHORT PASSAGES
Directions: Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the boldfaced words in each
of the following passages. Circle the correct meaning for each word from the multiple
choice provided. Do not consult a dictionary.
A. The Manatee
The manatee, or sea cow, is a large, aquatic mammal that can be found in the shallow coastal waters,
rivers, and springs of Florida. Over the past centuries, the number of these unique animals has been
drastically reduced until today the species is considered endangered throughout its range. High mortality
rates, primarily associated with human activity, continue to reduce the number of these gentle creatures.
In response to an increased awareness of the plight of the manatee, governmental agencies, universities,
private conservation groups, and concerned corporations have joined together to promote research and
identify the actions needed to encourage the recovery of manatee populations.
—Van Meter, The West Indian Manatee in Florida
1. manatee a. cow b. sea cow
c. mammal d. coastal water
2. aquatic a. large b. of Florida
c. living in water d. very old
3. drastically a. slightly b. recently
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c. carefully d. severely
4. range a. territory b. waterway
c. life d. difficulty
5. mortality a. transportation b. starvation
c. death d. life span
6. plight a. location b. promise
c. life d. difficult situation
7. conservation a. business b. environmental
c. government d. university
B. Dealing with Bullies
Like teachers, blackboards, and homework, bullies were once considered to be an inevitable fact of
school life. This attitude—that schoolchildren could not avoid bullies—was captured in a Simpsons episode
casting Bart as a victim of Nelson’s daily beatings. An alarmed Marge advises her husband Homer to tell the
principal, only to have an appalled Homer exclaim: ―What? And break the code of the schoolyard? I’d rather
Bart die.‖
To help children deal more effectively with bullies, Denver area psychologists devised a bullyproofing
system now in its fourth year at Highline Elementary School. The only way to neutralize bullies, they
realized, is to diminish their opportunities. The best way to do that is to teach potential victims behavioral
strategies—actions they can take—and to provide them with a supportive school community. The result is
that bullies find themselves in a world where their challenges go unheeded, and their stunts are ineffective.
—Rhodes, ―A Schoolyard Bully No More,‖ USA Weekend
1. inevitable a. pleasant b. educational
c. unavoidable d. unnoticed
2. casting a. portraying b. protecting
c. covering d. throwing
3. appalled a. horrified b. amused
c. frightened d. angry
4. devised a. learned b. created
c. criticized d. financed
5. bullyproofing a. educational b. encouraging bullies
c. proving guilt d. defending against bullies
6. neutralize a. weaken b. support
c. find d. discover
7. diminish a. increase b. learn
c. reduce d. encourage
8. potential a. previous b. possible
c. powerful d. cowardly
9. behavioral strategies a. ideas b. fighting techniques
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c. rules d. actions they can take
10. unheeded a. undefeated b. exposed
c. ignored d. recorded
11. ineffective a. unsuccessful b. successful
c. impossible d. ridiculed
C. Deceiving
We may purposely mislead others by using nonverbal cues to create false impressions or to convey
incorrect information. Among the most common of such deceiving nonverbal behaviors is the poker face that
some use when playing cards. Masking is a form of deceiving. We may try to appear calm when we are really
nervous or upset, and we often act surprised, alert, or happy when in fact we are feeling quite the opposite. In
addition, we consciously try to manage our nonverbal behavior when we give a speech or attend a job
interview in order to disguise our true purpose and emotions.
Detecting which nonverbal cues reveal when others are being truthful and when they are trying to
mislead us is a part of our social behavior. Research indicates that determining whether someone is telling the
truth or not relies heavily on nonverbal cues. In general, we are fairly good at successfully recognizing
deception when we encounter it. We rely on certain cues; for example, fleeting facial expressions lasting only
a few tenths of a second, changes in voice (pitch of voice often rises when a person is lying), pauses or
hesitations, eye shifting or blinking, or hand movement can all help us detect deception. Still, there is no
research to support that these types of cues automatically indicate deception. They simply raise the question as
to whether a person is telling the truth, but they do not prove anything absolutely.
—Seiler and Beall, Communication: Making Connections, 4th ed.
1. convey a. prove b. communicate
c. check d. study
2. poker face a. face showing emotion b. face not showing emotion
c. smiley face d. face that has been poked
3. masking a. hiding feelings b. showing feelings
c. causing pain d. wearing a costume
4. deceiving a. limiting b. showing
c. honesty d. deliberately misleading
5. consciously a. deliberately b. by mistake
c. unknowingly d. honestly
6. detecting a. solving b. searching
c. recognizing d. expecting
7. reveal a. conceal b. change
c. indicate d. influence
8. deception a. recognition b. effort
c. trouble d. dishonesty
9. fleeting a. running b. lasting a short while
c. coming down d. dishonest
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10. absolutely a. definitely b. partially
c. previously d. doubtfully
EXERCISE 2.11 MULTIPLE MEANINGS: DICTIONARY
Directions: Five definitions are shown for each of the following words. Read the
definitions and the sentences that follow them. On the line provided, write the number of
the definition that best fits the context for each sentence.
A. pitch:
1. a throw; fling; toss
2. a point or degree [emotion was at a high pitch]
3. the degree of slope or inclination
4. [Slang] a line of talk, such as a salesman uses to persuade customers
5. Acoustics that element of a tone or sound determined by the frequency of vibration of
the sound waves reaching the ear
1. Effective speakers learn to control the pitch of their voice. 5
2. If you increase the pitch of the roof, it will be less likely to leak in a bad storm. 3
B. round:
1. a series or succession of actions, events, etc., that is completed at, or as if at, the point
where it began
2. [often pl.] a regular, customary course or circuit, as by a watchman of a station, a
doctor of hospital patients, a drinker in a number of bars, etc.
3. a single serving, as of drinks, to each of a group
4. ammunition for a single shot; cartridge, shell, etc.
5. a single outburst, as of applause, cheering, etc.
1. Dr. Santiago did not complete her rounds until well after midnight. 2
2. The next round is on me! 3
C. pinch:
1. to squeeze between a finger and the thumb or between two surfaces, edges, etc.
2. to nip off the end of (a plant shoot), as for controlling bud development
3. [Slang] to steal
4. [Slang] to arrest
5. to cause distress or discomfort to
1. Hunger and thirst pinched the desert wanderers throughout the long day. 5
2. Hugo Sneakyhand was pinched by the police for pinching jewelry from the department
store. 4 3
D. bill:
1. a statement, usually itemized, of charges for goods or services; invoice
2. a statement or list, as a menu, theater program, ship’s roster, etc.
3. the entertainment offered in a theater
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4. a draft of a law proposed to a lawmaking body
5. a bank note or piece of paper money
1. Last month, the Senate failed to pass a bill that would have made it illegal to use a cell
phone while operating a motor vehicle. 4
2. Don’t miss the bill at the jazz club this weekend. 3
E. beat:
1. to hit or strike repeatedly; pound
2. to dash repeatedly against [waves beat the shore]
3. to mix by stirring or striking repeatedly with a utensil; whip (an egg, cream, etc.)
4. to defeat in a race, contest, or struggle; overcome
5. to mark (time or rhythm) by tapping, etc.
1. An old, bad joke suggests that chefs are cruel because they beat eggs and whip
cream. 3
2. Vacationers on the coast of Maine enjoy watching the ocean beat upon the rocky
shoreline. 2
F. cross:
1. to move, pass, or extend from one side to the other side of (a street, river, etc.)
2. to put or draw (a line, lines, etc.) across
3. to cancel by marking with a cross or with a line or lines (often followed by off or out)
4. Biology to cause (members of different species, breeds, varieties) to interbreed
5. to oppose openly; thwart; frustrate
1. If you cross a white rose and a red rose you will get a pink rose. 4
2. ―Don’t cross me,‖ the gangster warned, ―or you’ll be in big trouble.‖ 5
EXERCISE 2.13 MATCHING DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS WITH CONTEXT
Directions: Read each sentence and the definitions that follow it carefully; then place a
check in front of the definition for the boldfaced word that best matches the context of the
sentence.
1. In the army, a corporal is subordinate to a sergeant.
√ subject to or under the authority of a superior
Grammar acting as a modifier
2. Parents should teach their children to discriminate between proper and improper
behavior.
to make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on the basis of
the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than
according to actual merit
√ to recognize the difference between; distinguish
3. Your argument will be stronger if you can cite several examples to support it.
√ to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example
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to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court
4. In the 1950s, the United States Supreme Court ordered public schools in the South to
integrate.
to bring together or incorporate (parts) into a whole
√ to give or cause to give equal opportunity and consideration to (a racial,
religious, or ethnic group or a member of such a group)
5. Maria’s primary reason for attending college was to learn as much as she could.
√ first or highest in rank or importance; chief; principal
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of primary school; the primary grades
Parts of Speech
Using the dictionary’s part of speech labels will often make it easier to find the
definition that best fits the context. The part of speech labels tell you the word’s
grammatical category—whether the word is used as a noun, verb, adjective, and so on.
Many English words can be used as more than one part of speech. For example, the
word walk can be used as a verb or a noun.
Verb usage : My brothers walk to school almost every day.
Noun usage : I like to take a walk in the early evening.
Dictionaries organize definitions according to parts of speech. If a word is used as
more than one part of speech, the dictionary will list all the definitions for the first
part of speech (usually starting with the most common one for the given word) before
showing the definitions for the next part of speech. Take a look at the entry for the
word cardinal :
pronunciation
¯
parts of speech
¯
car•di•nal (kär’dn-əl, kärd’nəl) adj. 1. Of foremost importance; pivotal. 2. Of a dark to deep or vivid red
color. — n. 1. Rom. Cath. Ch. A member of the Sacred College or College of Cardinals who is
appointed by and ranks just below the pope. 2. A dark to deep or vivid red. 3. A North American bird,
Richmondena cardinalis , having a crested head, a short, thick bill, and bright-red plumage in the male.
4. A short, hooded cloak, originally of scarlet cloth, worn by women in the 18th century. 5. A cardinal
number. [ME < Lat. cardinalis , principal, pertaining to a hinge < cardo , hinge.] —car’di•nal•ship’ n.
etymology
­
derived form
­
Look at the first line of the entry. After the entry word car•di•nal and its pronunciation
guide (in parentheses), we see an italicized adj . This is a part of speech label, telling
us that the dictionary entry for cardinal will first list adjective definitions. The
adjective definitions are numbered 1 and 2 . After the second adjective definition, the
italicized n . tells us that noun definitions will come next. How many noun definitions
are listed?
Understanding that dictionary definitions are organized by part of speech helps
you choose the definition that best fits the context. If you can tell that a word is being
used as a noun, for example, you will look at the noun definitions to find the best
meaning.
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Determine the parts of speech for cardinal in the following sentences:
One of the cardinal rules of swimming safety is never swim alone.
Her cardinal slipped off her shoulders as she fell to the ground.
In the first sentence, cardinal is used as an adjective (describing the word rules ).
Adjective definition number 1—―Of foremost importance; pivotal‖—fits the context of
the sentence very nicely (pivotal means ―very important‖). The sentence is telling us
that ―never swim alone‖ is a very important rule of swimming safety.
In the second sentence, cardinal is used as a noun (we can tell from the context
that it is an object, something a woman is wearing on her shoulders). Noun definition
4—―A short hooded cloak . . . worn by women in the 18 th century‖— fits best in the
sentence.
If you are unsure about parts of speech, review the Quick Parts of Speech
Refresher on the following page.
EXERCISE 2.14 USING PARTS OF SPEECH LABELS
Directions: Review the definitions for each word with the associated parts of speech. Then
determine the part of speech for the boldfaced word as used in each sentence. On the line
provided, indicate which part of speech is correct for the sentence.
A. match
noun: any person or thing equal or similar to another in some way
verb: to fit (things) together, make similar or correspond
1. Try to match your shirt and your pants before putting them on. Verb
2. We love our old car; no matter how much we look, we can’t find its match. Noun
B. merit
noun: worth; value; excellence
verb: to deserve; be worthy of
1. Your suggestion has a lot of merit; we’ll give it careful thought. Noun
2. Your hard work merits a pay raise; too bad we can’t afford to give you one. Verb
C. function
noun: the normal or characteristic action of anything
verb: to act in a required or expected manner; work
1. Sometimes the kitchen table functions as a desk for study. Verb
2. The usual function of the kitchen table is to provide a place to eat meals. Noun .
D. ground
noun: the surface of the earth
adjective: of, on, or near the ground
1. There is no ground transportation between the two airports. Adjective
2. You must travel on the ground for three hours to get from one airport to the next.
Noun
E. static
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noun: interference or noises produced by electrical discharges in the atmosphere
adjective: not moving or progressing; at rest; inactive; stationary
1. Until we connected an antenna to our television, static prevented us from enjoying
our favorite shows. Noun
2. The weather hasn’t changed in over a week because of the static weather front in our
region. Adjective
EXERCISE 2.15 CONTEXT AND PARTS OF SPEECH
Directions: Use your dictionary to select the definition for each boldfaced word that best
fits the context of the sentence. Use parts of speech labels to choose the best definitions. In
the spaces provided, write the meanings of the boldfaced words and their parts of speech.
Name of dictionary: Answers will vary.
1. Most of the exploits of Sherlock Holmes are narrated by his friend, Dr. John Watson.
Meaning: Acts remarkable for their brilliance or daring; bold deeds
Part of speech: Noun
2. During the nineteenth century, Chinese laborers were exploited to build railroads
across the American continent.
Meaning: Make profit from the labor of others without providing a just return
Part of speech: Verb
3. Rude behavior will not be countenanced at the Halloween party.
Meaning: Tolerated
Part of speech: Verb
4. A sorrowful expression could be detected on his countenance.
Meaning: Face
Part of speech: Noun
5. Politicians often rely on polls to gauge public opinion.
Meaning: Estimate; judge; appraise
Part of speech: Verb
6. Most railroad tracks use standard gauge.
Meaning: Distance between rails of a railroad track
Part of speech: Noun
7. If you are going to court, make sure you have a skilled advocate to represent your
case.
Meaning: Lawyer
Part of speech: Noun
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8. All of our state representatives advocate equal rights for women in all areas of life.
Meaning: Support, speak, or write in favor of
Part of speech: Verb
9. Was I ever surprised when the bone of a mammoth was discovered in my backyard!
Meaning: Extinct hairy elephant
Part of speech: Noun
10. College students may regard writing their first research paper as a mammoth
undertaking.
Meaning: Enormous
Part of speech: Adjective
EXERCISE 2.16 CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY: SENTENCES
Directions: Use your dictionary to select the definition for each boldfaced word that best
fits the context of the sentence. Use parts of speech labels and subject and usage labels
when possible. Write the meaning of the boldfaced word in the space provided.
1. A work of art sometimes communicates a message that the artist believes is
imperative for the public to understand.
Necessary; urgent
2. The first chapter of the textbook elaborated on strategies that active readers use
before reading an assignment.
State in detail; add more detail _____________________________________
3. Government and politics may impact your life in several important ways.
Affect ____________________________________________________
4. Each survey contains a battery of questions that researchers want to investigate.
A group of similar things; set or series; array ____________________________
5. Many scientists attribute recent changes in climate and weather to global warming.
Think of as resulting from; assign ___________________________________
6. The music professor lectured for fifteen minutes on the importance of the bridge in
classical symphonies.
Connecting passage between two sections of a musical composition______________
7. Mr. Smith was healthy through most of his life, but became an invalid in his seventies
after becoming ill with pneumonia.
A weak, sickly individual ________________________________________
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8. Hal’s English teacher intimated that he would not pass the course if he didn’t submit
his assigned papers.
Hint; imply _________________________________________________
9. Businesses do not make much profit on products sold with a small margin.
The difference between cost and selling price ____________________________
10. Although courts were designed to obtain neutral and nonpolitical judgments on the
application of the law in practice, this has not always been the case.
Not supporting one side or the other in a controversy _______________________
EXERCISE 2.17 CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY: PASSAGES
Directions: Read each passage using context clues, and when necessary, the dictionary, to
determine the meaning of each boldfaced word. Then, from the multiple choices provided
after each passage, circle the meaning that best fits the context.
A. Why We Sleep
Generally speaking, sleep appears to provide a time-out period, so that the body can eliminate waste
products from muscles, repair cells, conserve or replenish energy stores, strengthen the immune system, and
recover abilities lost during the day. When we do not get enough sleep, our bodies operate abnormally. For
example, levels of hormones necessary for normal muscle development and proper immune-system
functioning decline.
Although most people can still get along reasonably well after a day or two of sleeplessness, sleep
deprivation that lasts for four days or longer becomes uncomfortable and soon becomes unbearable. In
animals, forced sleeplessness leads to infections and eventually death, and the same seems to be true for
people. In one tragic case, a 51-year-old man abruptly began to lose sleep. After sinking deeper and deeper
into an exhausted stupor, he developed a lung infection and died. An autopsy showed that he had lost almost
all the large neurons in two areas of the thalamus that have been linked to sleep and hormonal circadian
rhythms.
—Wade and Tavris, Invitation to Psychology, 4th ed.
1. replenish a. keep b. eliminate
c. refill d. decrease
2. functioning a. operating b. playing
c. repairing d. beginning
3. decline a. improve b. stop
c. speed up d. worsen
4. deprivation a. difficulty b. loss
c. irregularity d. interruption
5. abruptly a. suddenly b. slowly
c. intentionally d. as expected
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6. stupor a. inability to sleep b. extreme tiredness
c. loss of communication d. dulled mental state
7. autopsy a. examination of body after death b. cause of death
c. surprising discovery d. doctor who studies illness
8. neurons a. muscles b. nerve cells
c. internal organs d. fatty tissue
9. thalamus a. neck and throat region b. top of the head
c. a part of the brain d. upper body
10. circadian a. human b. animal
c. occasional d. daily
B. What Is Crime?
Crime is a natural phenomenon, because people have different levels of attachment, motivation, and
virtue. If people are to live in society successfully, however, rules are required to make sure they can live
together peacefully with a high degree of order. Of course, there will always be some people who do not obey
the rules. Therefore, the rules must carry penalties to serve both as a warning and as an enforcement
mechanism. Rules that prohibit certain forms of conduct and maintain social order identify a set of behaviors
termed crimes, which form the basis of criminal law. Violations of criminal law are considered crimes against
society because they break rules designed for the common good. That is to say, the rules elevate the good of
the community over the desires of any given individual. Without such a system, anarchy would prevail as
individuals competed to fulfill their own wants and needs without regard for those of others.
The distinction between serious and nonserious crimes is related to the possible sentences that can be
imposed. Serious crimes that are punishable by incarceration for more than one year are called felonies in
most states. Less serious crimes that are punishable by imprisonment for one year or less are called
misdemeanors.
—Albanese, Criminal Justice, 4th ed.
1. phenomenon a. mistake b. occurrence
c. result d. direction
2. mechanism a. rule b. system of government
c. tool d. officer
3. prohibit a. eliminate b. define or describe
c. support d. forbid
4. elevate a. raise b. deny
c. describe d. benefit
5. anarchy a. disorder b. order
c. government d. law
6. prevail a. disappear b. stop
c. exist d. dominate
7. distinction a. honor b. difference
c. definition d. similarity
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8. incarceration a. punishment b. death
c. imprisonment d. the court system
9. felonies a. crimes b. more serious crimes
c. less serious crimes d. harsh punishments
10. misdemeanors a. crimes b. more serious crimes
c. less serious crimes d. mild punishments
EXERCISE 2.19 RECOGNIZING PHONETIC SPELLINGS
Directions: Study the phonetic spelling to recognize each word below and then write the
word, correctly spelled, in the adjoining space. You may use a dictionary or spell check to
check your spelling. Refer to the preceding key as necessary. The first one is done as an
example.
1. mŭn’ē money
2. ə bŭv’ above
3. fâr fair/fare
4. fär far
5. kr
oo
d crude
6. bôt bought
7. sh
oo˘ g’ər sugar
8. kŏl’ĭj college
9. kôrs course
10. ŭn’yən onion
11. pā’shəns patients/patience
12. nŏl’ĭj knowledge
13. mĭs’tə rē mystery
14. mĕzh’ ər measure
15. sī kŏl’ ə jē psychology
EXERCISE 2.20 JOKES IN PHONETIC WRITING
Directions: The following jokes are written phonetically. Rewrite each joke, correctly
spelled, in the space provided. Check the preceding key when you are unsure of a phonetic
symbol.
21
1. ―Ī k
oo˘ d hăv mărēd ĕnēbŏdē ī plēzd.‖
―I could have married anybody I pleased.‖
―Thĕn hwī är y
oo
sĭngəl?‖
―Then why are you single?‖
―Ī nĕvər plēzd ĕnēbŏdē.‖
―I never pleased anybody.‖
2. Kēp smīlĭng. Ĭt māks ĕvrēwŭn wŭnder hwŭt yər ŭp t
oo .
Keep smiling. It makes everyone wonder what you’re up to.
3. ə kŭstəmər wôkd ĭnt
oo
a pĕt shŏp ănd spīd a părət. Hē ămbəld ōvər t
oo
thə bûrd ănd
sĕd, ―Hā, st
oo
pid, kăn y
oo
tôk?‖
A customer walked into a pet shop and spied a parrot. He ambled over to the bird
and said, ―Hey, stupid, can you talk?‖
Thə bûrd ănsərd, ―Yes, dŭmē, kăn y
oo
flī?‖
The bird answered, ―Yes, dummy, can you fly?‖
4. T
oo
dôgz wûr chāsĭng t
oo
răbĭts hwĕn wŭn răbĭt tûrnd t
oo
thē ŭthər ănd sĕd, ―Lĕts
stŏp hîr fôr ə fū mĭnĭts ănd outnŭmbər thĕm.‖
Two dogs were chasing two rabbits when one rabbit turned to the other and said,
―Let’s stop here for a few minutes and outnumber them.‖
5. ―Dŏktər, ī hăv thĭs tĕrəbəl prŏbləm. Ī kănt rĭmĕmbər ə thĭng,‖ ĕksklāmd ăn ănkshəs
lādē t
oo
hûr dŏktər.
―Doctor, I have this terrible problem. I can’t remember a thing,‖ exclaimed an anxious
lady to her doctor.
―Hou lông hăv y
oo
hăd thĭs prŏbləm?‖ the dŏktər ăskd.
―How long have you had this problem?‖ the doctor asked.
―Hwŭt prŏbləm?‖ shē rĭplīd.
―What problem?‖ she replied.
SKILLS ONLINE EXERCISE. USING AN ONLINE DICTIONARY
Directions: Use an online dictionary to determine the meaning, part of speech, and
pronunciation of each of the boldfaced words in the following sentences. If you’ve never
used an online dictionary before, try dictionary.com or yourdictionary.com, which include
links for hearing the words pronounced. Choose the meanings and parts of speech that best
fit the context and write your answers in the spaces provided. Copy the phonetic spelling
22
for the words whose pronunciations are unfamiliar to you, and be prepared to pronounce
them in class.
1. The motion picture, like other arts, is a vehicle of creative expression.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
meaning: A medium of communication, expression, or display
part of speech: Noun
pronunciation: Vē’- ˘i -kəl
2. Film is the most collaborative of the arts.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
meaning: Working together
part of speech: Adjective
pronunciation: Kuh-lab’-er-uh-t˘i v or kə-lǎb’-ə-rə-t˘i v
3. Film, like other genres, has certain conventions or conditions that the audience must
accept.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
meaning: A category of artistic endeavor
part of speech: Noun
pronunciation: Zhän’rə
4. The critical film viewer is acutely aware of what the camera is up to.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
meaning: Involving skilled judgment; characterized by careful, exact evaluation and
judgment
part of speech: Adjective
pronunciation: Krĭt’ ĭ-kəl
5. Some contemporary filmmakers still prefer to film in black and white.
—Janaro and Altshuler, The Art of Being Human, 8th ed.
meaning: Modern; of the present time
part of speech: Adjective
pronunciation: Kən-těm’ pə-rěr-ē
Comments: Now, having practiced using with both print and online dictionaries,
which do you prefer? Why?
Answers will vary.
23
READING 2A
SUCCESS IS A CHOICE (SELF-HELP)
by Rick Pitino
Rick Pitino coached the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team to a national
championship in 1996 and is now coaching at the University of Louisville. In this
selection, you will learn about his philosophy of success.
Pre-Reading Exercise
Directions: Complete this exercise before reading the passage. Preview the passage and answer the following
questions:
1. What is the passage about?
Choosing to succeed
2. What is the author’s philosophy of success?
Success comes to those who work hard to earn it.
3. What have you previously read or learned about success?
Answers will vary.
4. What is your definition of success?
Answers will vary.
5. Name a person you know who you believe is successful. Why do you consider that person a success?
Answers will vary.
6. Write three questions about success.
Answers will vary.
You, the Reader
Interest Rating. Please rate the interest level of the reading on the following scale (circle
one):
5—Very interesting 2—A little boring
4—Fairly interesting 1—Very boring
3—Mildly interesting
Difficulty Rating. Please rate the difficulty level of the reading on the following scale
(circle one):
5—Very difficult 2—Fairly easy
4—Fairly difficult 1—Very easy
3—Moderate
Comments: Explain your ratings and make any other comments you wish about the
reading.
Answers will vary.
24
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Directions: For questions 1–5, choose the answer that best completes the statement. For
questions 6–10, write your response in the space provided. Base all answers on what you
read in the selection. Refer back to the selection as necessary to answer the questions.
b 1. We can tell from the passage that Winston Churchill was:
a. A basketball coach.
b. A British leader.
c. A soldier.
d. A person who did not understand how to succeed.
c 2. The author shares Churchill’s belief that:
a. You need luck in order to succeed.
b. Victory is the result of faith.
c. Success must be deserved.
d. Dreams and goals do not contribute to success.
a 3. The author suggests that the University of Kentucky’s basketball team:
a. Expects to win because of its hard work.
b. Never loses close games because its players are well prepared.
c. Is the hardest-working team in America.
d. Does not perform well except under pressure.
a 4. The author is most critical of athletes who:
a. Don’t make maximum effort.
b. Are not committed to the team concept.
c. Are selfish.
d. Disobey the coach’s advice.
c 5. When the author refers to people looking for ―the quick fix‖ (paragraph 5), he
is suggesting that:
a. Modern society has made it easier for people to succeed in life.
b. Modern society has made it more difficult for people to succeed in life.
c. People expect to find fast, easy ways to succeed.
d. We are fortunate that quick solutions to problems are more available today.
6. Explain the title and last line of the reading. What does the author mean when he says,
―Success is a choice‖?
Success results from choosing to work hard at something.
7. Why does the author believe that shortcuts to success fail?
Nothing meaningful or lasting comes without working hard for it.
8. What does the term ―fool’s gold‖ mean, as used in paragraphs 4 and 5?
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A shortcut or quick fix that looks attractive but doesn’t really work
9. If the author were to give a talk at your college, what advice would he probably give
to students regarding success in their academic programs?
Work hard to achieve your goals.
10. Do you agree with the author that success is a choice? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
WORDS IN CONTEXT
Directions: Choose the meaning for the boldfaced word or phrase that best fits the context.
c 1. Winston Churchill’s rallying cry for the British people during WW II was
simple and succinct: hoping and praying for victory was fine, but deserving it
was what really mattered.
a. Victory
b. Hidden message
c. Call to action
d. A tearful speech
c 2. If you look closely at all great organizations, all great teams, all great people,
the one common denominator that runs through them is a second-to-none
work ethic.
a. Bottom number in a fraction
b. Something unusual or strange
c. Shared quality or characteristic
d. Popular leader
b 3. If you look closely at all great organizations, all great teams, all great people,
the one common denominator that runs through them is a second-to-none
work ethic.
a. Second place
b. Equal to or better than the rest
c. Hard to find
d. Happening very quickly
a 4. In close games, when the pressure intensifies and the margin between who
wins and who loses is as thin as an eggshell . . .
a. Increases
b. Decreases
c. Stays the same
d. Changes
26
d 5. In close games, when the pressure intensifies and the margin between who
wins and who loses is as thin as an eggshell . . .
a. Amount of effort
b. Limit
c. Increase
d. Difference
CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY
Directions: Use context clues and the dictionary to determine the meaning of the
boldfaced word or phrase in each sentence. Write the meaning in the space provided.
1. Winston Churchill’s rallying cry for the British people during WW II was simple and
succinct: hoping and praying for victory was fine, but deserving it was what really
mattered.
Short and to the point
2. This may sound old-fashioned in this age of instant gratification . . .
Satisfaction
3. When it comes to work ethic there can be no compromises.
Standards; principles
4. When it comes to work ethic there can be no compromises.
Halfway efforts; concessions; settlements
5. . . . we believe that all our hard work, all the long hours, and all the perspiration will
enable us to come out on top. . . . We deserve our victory; we feel we’ve sweated
more blood than our opponents.
Sweat; effort
READING 2B
ADAPTING TO TODAY’S JOB MARKET (BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS)
by Courtland Bovee and John Thill
Reading 2B is taken from a business communications textbook. In this excerpt, the authors
provide practical advice for finding a satisfying job and starting a promising career. Read
the selection to discover what advice the authors offer to today’s job seekers.
Pre-Reading Exercise
Directions: Complete this exercise before reading the passage. Preview the passage and answer the following
questions:
1. What is the passage about? What goal question might you raise from the title of the passage?
Finding work suitable to you
How do you adapt to today’s job market?
2. What is listed under the passage’s second subheading (―What Do You Want?‖)?
27
Questions about your values, interests, and preferences
3. What is listed under the passage’s fourth subheading (―How Can You Make Yourself More Valuable?‖)?
Steps toward building a career (or ways to make yourself more valuable)
4. What have you previously learned about developing a career?
Answers will vary.
5. What is your career goal?
Answers will vary.
6. Write three questions about career development.
Answers will vary.
You, the Reader
Interest Rating. Please rate the interest level of the reading on the following scale (circle
one):
5—Very interesting 2—A little boring
4—Fairly interesting 1—Very boring
3—Mildly interesting
Difficulty Rating. Please rate the difficulty level of the reading on the following scale
(circle one):
5—Very difficult 2—Fairly easy
4—Fairly difficult 1—Very easy
3—Moderate
Comments: Explain your ratings and make any other comments you wish about the
reading.
Answers will vary.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Directions: For questions 1–5, choose the answer that best completes the statement. For
questions 6–10, write your response in the space provided. Base all answers on what you
read in the selection. Refer back to the selection as necessary to answer the questions.
b 1. The authors state that developing a career in today’s job market involves
finding a fit between:
a. Your experience and education.
b. Your interests and employer needs.
c. Your ability and your financial needs.
d. Your financial needs and your employer’s financial needs.
28
d 2. The authors advise job seekers to:
a. Accept any job they are offered.
b. Only accept jobs that pay well and will lead to advancement.
c. Only accept jobs that are in your career field.
d. Consider internships and temporary work.
c 3. The main purpose of an employment portfolio is to:
a. Practice your communication skills.
b. Remind you of your accomplishments and boost your confidence.
c. Collect evidence of your skills and experiences.
d. Document your educational credentials.
b 4. After finding a job, you should do all of the following except:
a. Increase your technical knowledge.
b. Work only on tasks that lead to your perfect career path.
c. Improve your social skills.
d. Share what you know and help others to improve.
d 5. The authors believe that:
a. Formal education should end once you have found the right job.
b. You should only take courses related to your career field.
c. Employers should pay for their employees’ courses.
d. Taking courses can contribute to your value as an employee.
6. According to the authors, how should you begin your career search?
Figure out what you want to do, what you have to offer, and how to make yourself more
attractive to employers.
7. What are the advantages of having an e-portfolio?
A portfolio provides tangible evidence of your professionalism. An e-portfolio demonstrates
your abilities in a multimedia format that can be extensive and easily distributed to potential
employers.
8. Why is it important for job seekers to assess their personal characteristics?
Awareness of your personal characteristics will help you understand what you have to
offer and to determine which types of work you are best suited for.
9. What are some strategies for identifying your talents and skills?
Jot down achievements you’re proud of and think about what skills they demonstrate.
Identify a pattern of skills that might be valuable to employers.
10. Which of the authors’ suggestions do you think is most valuable? Why?
Answers will vary.
29
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
WORDS IN CONTEXT
Directions: Choose the meaning for the boldfaced word that best fits the context.
d 1. Start your career quest by figuring out what you want to do . . .
a. Question
b. Information
c. Opportunity
d. Search
b 2. Consider where you’d like to start . . . and the ultimate position you’d like to
attain.
a. First
b. Final
c. Expensive
d. Training
a 3. Consider where you’d like to start . . . and the ultimate position you’d like to
attain.
a. Reach or achieve
b. Study or learn about
c. Apply
d. Imagine
c 4. Do you like or loathe competitive environments?
a. Love
b. Enjoy
c. Hate
d. Experience
a 5. . . . doing so will help you adapt if your ―perfect‖ career path eludes your
grasp.
a. Escapes
b. Finds
c. Comes to
d. Approaches
CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY
Directions: Use context clues and the dictionary to determine the meaning of the
boldfaced word or phrase in each sentence. Write the meaning in the space provided.
1. Economic necessities and the vagaries of the job market will influence much of what
happens in your career . . .
Fluctuations; unpredictable changes
30
2. What specific compensation do you expect?
Reward; pay
3. Do you like the idea of working for a small, entrepreneurial operation or a large
corporation?
Profit-seeking business
4. Are you outgoing, articulate, great with people?
Able to express yourself clearly and easily
5. Your portfolio . . . gives employers tangible evidence of your professionalism.
Concrete; definite; actual
CHAPTER TESTS
TEST 2.1. USING CONTEXT CLUES (SENTENCES)
Directions: Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the boldfaced word in each
sentence and write your answer in the space provided. Do not consult a dictionary.
1. Though we had frequent rainfall in the spring, we have had only sporadic rainfall this
season.
Occasional
2. Proper care of your automobile will prevent unnecessary deterioration of both the
inside and the outside of your car.
Worsening
3. After catching the game-winning pass, the tight end danced gleefully in the end zone.
Happily
4. Anything you do—eating, sleeping, talking, thinking, or sneezing—is a behavior.
Anything you do
5. I love the calm surface of the ocean on a peaceful day, but I also love to watch its
turbulent waves during stormy weather.
Rough; agitated; wild
6. If a scuffle breaks out, the bartender must decide whether to handle the situation alone
or to call the police.
Fight
7. A theory is a general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and
how they work.
A general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work
8. Hypertension is the medical term for abnormally high blood pressure.
Abnormally high blood pressure
31
9. The American crocodile is so rare that conflicts with people rarely occur. American
alligators, on the other hand, are much more abundant than crocodiles.
Plentiful; common
10. The American crocodile is shy of man; American alligators, however, are much less
reclusive.
Shy
TEST 2.2. USING CONTEXT CLUES (PASSAGE)
Directions: Use the context clues to determine the meaning of each boldfaced word in the
following passage. Circle the correct meaning for each word from the multiple choice
provided. Do not consult a dictionary.
AFRICAN BONDAGE
For almost four centuries after Columbus’s voyages to the New World, European colonizers
transported Africans out of their homelands in the largest forced migration in history. Estimates vary
widely, but the number of Africans brought to the New World was probably not less than 12 million. Millions
more perished while being marched from the African interior to coastal trading forts or during the passage
across the Atlantic. Nearly as many were traded across the Sahara to Red Sea and Indian Ocean slave markets
during the centuries from 650 to 1900.
African peoples, fed into the merciless slave trade, were crucially important in building the first
transoceanic European colonial empires. Once the slave trade began, locales for producing desired
commodities such as sugar, coffee, rice, and tobacco moved from the Old World to the Americas. This
gradually shifted Europe’s orientation from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Africa became an
essential part of the Atlantic-basin system of trade and communication by providing Europeans with the
human labor needed to unlock the profits buried in productive American soils. Without African labor, the
overseas colonies of European nations would never have flourished as they did.
—Nash et al., American People, 5th ed.
1. bondage a. connection b. slavery
c. cruelty d. destruction
2. transported a. moved b. kept
c. influenced d. harmed
3. migration a. change b. movement from one place to another
c. destruction d. arrest of a large group of people
4. perished a. stayed behind b. suffered
c. died d. resisted
5. merciless a. unfortunate b. expensive
c. unfamiliar d. cruel
6. crucially a. cruelly b. surprisingly
c. doubtfully d. critically
7. transoceanic a. watery b. across the ocean
c. democratic d. unsuccessful
8. locales a. people b. people who live in a certain area
32
c. places d. reasons
9. commodities a. foods b. precious metals
c. merchandise d. necessities
10. flourished a. succeeded b. troubled
c. failed d. begun
TEST 2.3. CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY (SENTENCES)
Directions: Read each sentence looking for context clues to determine the meaning of the
boldfaced word. When context clues are not sufficient, use your dictionary to select the
definition that best fits the context of the sentence. Write the meaning in the space
provided.
1. The climate in our nation’s capital becomes equatorial by late June.
Like the equator (very warm)
2. We returned to work after a light lunch and a short respite.
A period of rest
3. When Luis came to live with us, we accepted him as an integral part of our family.
Essential; basic
4. Working mothers are hardly a novelty or rarity nowadays.
Something new or unusual
5. The earliest civilizations developed in the fertile areas around long rivers.
Rich; fruitful; producing abundantly
6. By compressing time and distance, technology promotes teamwork and improves
profits.
Making more compact; condensing; reducing
7. The completion of a national transportation and communications network was
intricately linked with economic growth.
Closely; thoroughly; in great detail
8. She was disappointed when she opened the gift box to find a hideous sweater that she
knew she’d never wear.
Very ugly
9. Mandatory sentences are designed to require a certain penalty upon conviction in
order to guarantee that offenders do not escape punishment.
Required; compulsory; obligatory
10. Consuming large amounts of sugar during exercise can have a negative effect on
hydration.
Amount of water (in the body)
33
TEST 2.4. CONTEXT AND DICTIONARY (PASSAGE)
Directions: Read the following passage using context clues and, when necessary, the
dictionary to determine the meaning of each boldfaced word. Then, from the multiple
choices provided after each passage, circle the meaning that best fits the context.
STRESS
Stress! It affects young and old, rich and poor, and people of all racial and ethnic groups. Stress is as
much a part of daily life as is breathing.
Often, stress is insidious, and we don’t even notice things that affect us. As we sleep, it encroaches on
our psyche through noise or incessant worries. While we work at the computer, stress may interfere in the
form of spam on our screens, noise from next door, strain on our eyes, and tension in our backs. The toll stress
exacts from us during a lifetime is unknown, but it is increasingly believed to be much more than an
annoyance. Rather, it is a significant health hazard that can rob the body of needed nutrients, damage the
cardiovascular system, raise blood pressure, and dampen the immune system’s defenses, all of which leave
us vulnerable to infections and a host of diseases. In addition, it can drain our emotional reserves; contribute
to depression, anxiety, and irritability; and cloud social interactions with hostility and anger. Stress is a major
concern in the United States, and it appears to be getting worse.
—Donatelle, Health: The Basics, 5th ed.
1. ethnic a. human b. based on income level
c. different d. cultural
2. insidious a. unfamiliar b. not easily controlled
c. very common d. not easily noticed
3. encroaches a. intrudes b. affects
c. disturbs d. surrounds
4. psyche a. awareness b. mind
c. life d. experience
5. incessant a. not stopping b. extreme
c. most serious d. personal
6. toll a. demand b. tax on a purchase or service
c. cost d. number
7. exacts a. precise b. highly accurate
c. demands d. measures
8. cardiovascular a. digestive b. of the heart and blood vessels
c. of breathing d. of the muscles and nerves
9. dampen a. destroy b. make moist or wet
c. strengthen d. weaken
10. vulnerable a. prepared b. defended against
c. open d. responding