To overcome stiffness between strangers

All after-dinner speakers break the ice by telling a story or joke at the start of their

speeches.

N EW W ORDS

Constrict

kən strikt´

Prodigy

prod´ ə jē

Bereft

bi reft´

Falter

fôl´ tər

Exultation

eg´ zul tā´ shən

W EEK 27 D AY 2

A GIANT COMPOSER

Beethoven was able to free music from the traditions* that had tended to constrict it. He was a

child prodigy who held an important musical post at the age of 14. He was a successful concert

pianist, but when his health began to fail he turned to composing. Even though bereft of

hearing at the age of 49, he did not falter in his work. Some of his later compositions reflect

his sadness with his physical condition, but they also evince* an exultation about man and life.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. The catastrophe* left him ________________ of all his possessions.

2. She was filled with ________________ when she learned her SAT score was near the

maximum.

3. It is imprudent* for a youngster to ________________ her circle of friends so that

there is no opportunity to meet new people.

4. There is universal* wonder when some ________________ appears on the stage to

perform at the age of 4 or 5.

5. Though he knew well the danger involved, the knight did not ________________ as he

entered the dragon’s cave.

Definitions Your personal test follows through matching.

6. constrict a. triumphant joy

7. prodigy b. stumble, hesitate, waver

8. bereft c. deprived of

9. falter d. limit, bind, squeeze

10. exultation e. marvel, phenomenon

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

loaded for bear —to be well prepared

When the enemy finally attacked the positions, the defenders were loaded for bear.

N EW W ORDS

Vitriolic

vit´ rē ol´ ik

Invective

in vek´ tiv

Besmirch

bi smė rch´

Voluminous

və lü mə nəs

Retrospect

ret´ rə spekt

W EEK 27 D AY 3

A WORTHY SUCCESSOR

A successor to Beethoven was Johannes Brahms. Also a prodigy,* he was the object of

vitriolic attacks by other composers because of the individuality of his work. They heaped

invective upon him for the intensely emotional quality and Germanic style of his writings.

However, it was impossible to besmirch his talents for long, and he was soon one of the most

popular composers in Europe. He produced voluminous varieties of compositions. Today, in

retrospect, his originality is appreciated, and he is placed among the top romantic composers.

Sample Sentences Complete the following sentences with the new words.

1. It is difficult to keep ________________ out of our discussion about the enemy.

2. One has to be amazed at the ________________ amount of information that can be

stored on a computer chip.

3. The candidate tried to ________________ his opponent’s record.

4. In the future we will, in ________________, regard today’s bizarre* behavior as quite

ordinary.

5. The ________________ language used by critics of the new play tended to obliterate*

its good qualities.

Definitions Study the paragraph and sample sentences for the meanings.

6. vitriolic a. insulting, abusive speech

7. invective b. bulky, large

8. besmirch c. soil, stain, dim the reputation

9. voluminous d. biting, burning

10. retrospect e. looking backward

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

to bring down the house —to cause great enthusiasm

Popular entertainers can be counted on to bring down the house at every public

performance.

N EW W ORDS

Egotist

ē´ gə tist

Humility

hyü mil´ ə tē

Pungent

pun´ jənt

Inveterate

in vet´ ėr it

Adamant

ad´ ə mant

W EEK 27 D AY 4

GRUFF BUT LIKEABLE

In his private life Brahms was considered by his friends as an egotist. He had an extremely

lofty opinion of himself and his talents. He was not noted for his humility. Along with this

quality, Brahms was known for his pungent sense of humor. While his closest friends could

accept his biting jokes, others found him difficult to warm up to. Brahms was an inveterate

stay-at-home. Cambridge University conferred an honorary degree upon him, but he was

adamant about staying at home and did not go to receive the honor. Despite the ardent* and

romantic nature of his music, Brahms never found the right girl and remained single

throughout his life.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. Doctors agree that it is imperative* that ________________ smokers give up that

imprudent* habit.

2. The ________________ odor of burning leaves marks the autumn season.

3. The umpire was ________________ about his decision to call the runner out.

4. We all expect ________________ from the actors and actresses who win the Academy

Awards.

5. However, we should not be surprised that an award winner is an ________________

about his or her performance.

Definitions Make the new words yours through the match-ups.

6. egotist a. humbleness, modesty, meekness

7. humility b. a vain, conceited person

8. pungent c. unyielding, inflexible

9. inveterate d. sharply stimulating, biting

10. adamant e. habitual, firmly established

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

to pull one’s weight —to do a fair share of the work

Everyone in a pioneer family had to pull his or her own weight.

W EEK 27 D AY 5

REVIEW

Another week to build your vocabulary. Words stand for “things.” The more “things” you can

recognize, the better able you are to deal with the complicated and changing world. New and

unusual situations are more easily handled by those who can utilize the largest number of

“things” we call words.

REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS

1. adamant a. reach the highest point

2. ardent b. inflexible, unyielding

3. array c. triumphant joy

4. bereft d. looking backward

5. besmirch e. peak, crown, summit

6. constrict f. a conceited, vain person

7. culminate g. bind, limit, squeeze

8. egotist h. biting, burning

9. exultation i. insulting, abusive speech

10. falter j. system, arrangement

11. humility k. modesty, meekness, humbleness

12. invective l. phenomenon, marvel

13. inveterate m. stain, soil, dim the reputation

14. obscure n. sharply stimulating

15. pinnacle o. deprived of

16. prodigy p. bulky, large

17. pungent q. hesitate, waver, stumble

18. retrospect r. eager, passionate

19. vitriolic s. firmly established, habitual

20. voluminous t. unclear, unknown, lowly

IDIOMS

21. to break the ice u. to be well prepared

22. to pull one’s own weight v. to cause great enthusiasm

23. to bring down the house w. to make a beginning

24. loaded for bear x. to do a fair share of the work

A word missed can now be made part of your vocabulary quite easily. Review the paragraph,

sample sentence, definition, and then write your own sentence using the word.

*For reference only

WORDS FOR

FURTHER STUDY MEANINGS

1. _________________________ _________________________

2. _________________________ _________________________

3. _________________________ _________________________

WORDSEARCH 27

Using the clues listed below, record separately using one of the new words you learned this

week for each blank in the following story.

Clues

3rd Day

1st Day

1st Day

1st Day

2nd Day

Hot Enough For You?

In the year 1990 was a year of record high temperatures across the United States.

The cause of this problem is complex. There are many proposed explanations, from an

increase of population to the greenhouse effect. If, in fact, temperatures are continuing to rise

as a result of human activity, there should be an search for the causes and the cures.

Scientists are looking into even the most aspects of modern society to determine

what might be the long-range effects of our activities. They hope that investigations will

in a program to change the harmful ways we contribute to a dangerous trend.

A small increase in the earth’s temperature will lead to major difficulties for everyone. We

should not in our efforts to avoid such disasters.

N EW W ORDS

Vulnerable

vul´ nər ə bəl

Bedlam

bed´ ləm

Cacophony

kə kof´ ə ni

Exploit

eks´ ploit

Propinquity

prō ping´ kwə ti

W EEK 28 D AY 1

A DANGEROUS SPORT

Racing car drivers are vulnerable to dangers that other sportsmen seldom face. Drivers agree

that controlling a car at top speeds on a winding course is a singularly* awesome*

experience. There is the bedlam caused by the roaring motors that move the car from a

standing start to 100 miles an hour in eight seconds. One is shaken by the cacophony of the

brakes, larger than the wheels and producing during the course of a 350-mile race enough

heat to warm an eight-room house through a hard winter. The driver needs to be on the alert

to exploit any mistake by an opponent, and he must be constantly aware of the propinquity of

sudden death. All of this makes car racing one of the most demanding games of all.

How was your recall today? Did you spot vulnerable as a reintroduced word?

Sample Sentences Use the new words in the sentences.

1. Astronauts are alert to the ________________ of sudden accidents.

2. The egotist* is ________________ to slights and insults.

3. Electronic music is considered nothing more or less than ________________ by many.

4. Advertisers spend large sums to ________________ the lucrative* teenage market.

5. The winning team’s dressing room was a scene of ________________.

Definitions Match your new words to their definitions.

6. vulnerable a. discord, harsh sound, dissonance

7. bedlam b. open to attack, susceptible

8. cacophony c. profit by, utilize

9. exploit (v.) d. nearness in time or place

10. propinquity e. confusion, uproar

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

a white elephant —a costly and useless possession

When he discovered the 30-volume encyclopedia, dated 1895, in his attic, he knew he had

a white elephant on his hands.

N EW W ORDS

Disgruntled

dis grun´ təld

Infallible

in fal´ ə bəl

Panacea

pan´ ə sē´ ə

Eradicate

i rad´ i kāt

Impede

im pēd´

W EEK 28 D AY 2

THE MYSTERY OF CREATIVITY

In order to create, it is said that a man must be disgruntled. The creative individual is usually

one who is dissatisfied with things as they are; he wants to bring something new into the

world—to make it a different place. There is no infallible way to identify a potentially

creative person. The speed-up in the sciences has forced schools and industry to seek a

panacea for the shortages that they face. The need to discover and develop the creative person

has been the source of much study. The paramount* objectives of the studies are to eradicate

anything that will impede the discovery of creative talent and to exploit* this talent to the limit.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. It is the prevalent* mood for youngsters to be ________________ with the world

situation.

2. Many people hoped that the United Nations would be the ________________ for the

problems of our time.

3. The criminal tried to ________________ all of the witnesses to the bizarre* murder.

4. An ________________ sign of spring is the blooming of the crocus.

5. Nothing could ________________ the bigot* from his vitriolic* verbal attack.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. disgruntled a. exempt from error, right

7. infallible b. unhappy, displeased

8. panacea c. wipe out

9. eradicate d. cure-all

10. impede e. interfere, block, hinder

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

lock, stock, and barrel —entirely, completely

The company moved its operations to another state lock, stock, and barrel.

N EW W ORDS

Sedate

si dāt´

Equanimity

ē´ kwə nim´ ə tē

Compatible

kəm pat´ ə bəl

Serenity

sə ren´ ə tē

Revere

ri vir´

W EEK 28 D AY 3

THE DUTCH

The first impression one gets of Holland is that it is a calm, sedate, and simple land. The slow

rhythm of life is even seen in the barges on the canals and the bicycles on the roads. One

gradually discovers this equanimity of daily existence is not in accord with the intrinsic*

nature of the Dutch. These people are moved by strong feelings that are not compatible with

the serenity of the world around them. There is a conflict between the rigid, traditional* social

rules and the desire for liberty and independence, both of which the Dutch revere.

Sample Sentences Pay attention to the fine differences in meaning.

1. There is something absurd* about a well-dressed, ________________ man throwing

snowballs.

2. The ________________ of the countryside was shattered by the explosion.

3. The speaker lost his ________________ and began to use invective* when the audience

started to laugh.

4. The boy and girl discovered they had many ________________ interests.

5. There are not many people in this world whom one can ________________.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. sedate a. peaceful repose

7. equanimity b. quiet, still, undisturbed, sober

8. compatible c. evenness of mind, composure

9. serenity d. honor, respect, admire

10. revere e. harmonious, well-matched

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

a feather in one’s cap —something to be proud of

If she could get the movie star ’s autograph, she knew it would be a feather in her cap.

N EW W ORDS

Irrational

i rash´ ən əl

Avarice

av´ ər is

Insatiable

in sā´ shə bəl

Nadir

nā´ dər

Moribund

môr´ ə bund

W EEK 28 D AY 4

TULIP FEVER

The tulip reached Holland in 1593 and was, at first, looked upon as a curiosity. There soon

developed an irrational demand for new species. Specimens were sold at awesomely* high

prices. In their avarice, speculators bought and sold the same tulip ten times in one day. The

entire Dutch population suffered from the craze. There was an insatiable desire for each new

color or shape. At one point a man purchased a house for three bulbs! Before long the

inevitable* crash came and the demand for bulbs quickly reached its nadir. A $1,500 bulb

could be bought for $1.50. With the moribund tulip market came financial disaster to

thousands of people.

Sample Sentences Use the new words for the following sentences.

1. Who is not vulnerable* to some measure of ________________?

2. The American consumer appears to have an ________________ need for new products.

3. He looked upon the last-place finish of his team with equanimity;* from this

________________ the only place to go was up.

4. We ought to expect some ________________ behavior from a senile* person.

5. With the expansion of the supermarket, the small, local grocery store is in a

________________ state.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. irrational a. lowest point

7. avarice b. dying, at the point of death

8. insatiable c. unreasonable, absurd

9. nadir d. greed, passion for riches

10. moribund e. cannot be satisfied

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

out on a limb —in a dangerous or exposed position

He went out on a limb and predicted he would win the election by a wide margin.

W EEK 28 D AY 5

REVIEW

You have been learning how to use many new words by seeing them in a natural situation.

Each day’s story is the setting in which you meet the new words. The weekly review enables

you to isolate the word and its many meanings. In this way you can reinforce your

understanding and word power. At this point you have learned almost 600 words. Keep up the

good work.

REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS

1. avarice a. susceptible, open to attack

2. bedlam b. exempt from error, right

3. cacophony c. well-matched, harmonious

4. compatible d. lowest point

5. disgruntled e. at the point of death, dying

6. equanimity f. peaceful repose

7. eradicate g. cure-all

8. exploit h. uproar, confusion

9. impede i. harsh sound, discord, dissonance

10. infallible j. wipe out

11. insatiable k. sober, still, quiet, undisturbed

12. irrational l. nearness in time and place

13. moribund m. displeased, unhappy

14. nadir n. absurd, unreasonable

15. panacea o. cannot be satisfied

16. propinquity p. utilize, profit by

17. revere q. composure, evenness of mind

18. sedate r. passion for riches, greed

19. serenity s. hinder, interfere, block

20. vulnerable t. admire, respect, honor

IDIOMS

21. lock, stock, and barrel u. a costly and useless possession

22. out on a limb v. entirely, completely

23. a feather in one’s cap w. in a dangerous or exposed position

24. a white elephant x. something to be proud of

Consistent study and use of difficult words will work quickly to bring them into your daily

vocabulary.

*For reference only

WORDS FOR

FURTHER STUDY MEANINGS

1. _________________________ _________________________

2. _________________________ _________________________

3. _________________________ _________________________

DOING DOUBLE DUTY

(From Weeks 25–28)

Select seven of the twelve words below that can be used as more than one part of speech (for

example: noun and verb, noun and adjective). Then compose sentences using each word

both ways.

1. hoard 7. sage

2. revere 8. rebuke

3. transient 9. paramount

4. pungent 10. obscure

5. falter 11. exploit

6. sedate 12. senile

Answer

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

WORDSEARCH 28

Using the clues listed below, record separately using one of the new words you learned this

week for each blank in the following story.

Clues

2nd Day

3rd Day

1st Day

4th Day

2nd Day

Read My Lips

For many years it has been the goal of computer specialists to perfect a machine that would

understand human speech. The problem is that the speaker has to be alone and in a quiet room.

Noise will the computer ’s ability. In the of a special room, the computer

works well.

Now, math wizards are trying to develop a computer that will read lips despite any

surrounding. While some of us think it to believe that a computer can read

lips, the experiments go on. And there has been some success.

Progress in all aspects of computer science has been so remarkable that we hesitate to rule out

any possibility. There is one rule about the world of computers: the seemingly

impossible gets done more quickly than we ever imagined.

N EW W ORDS

Lithe

līŦH

Obese

ō bēs´

Adherent

ad hir´ ənt

Bliss

blis

Pathetic

pə thet´ ik

W EEK 29 D AY 1

A SPORT FOR EVERYONE

Of the many highly popular sports in the United States, football must be rated around the top.

This sport allows the speedy and lithe athlete to join with the slower and obese one in a team

effort. The skills and strengths of many men are welded together so that one team may work

as a unit to gain mastery over its opponent. The knowledgeable adherent of a team can follow

action covering many parts of the playing field at the same time. He is in a state of bliss when

his team executes a movement to perfection. However, there is no one more pathetic than the

same fan when the opposition functions to equal perfection.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. The disgruntled* ________________ switched his loyalty to the opposition party.

2. It was a pleasure to watch the ________________ body of the ballet dancer as she

performed the most difficult steps.

3. There is something ________________ about a great athlete who continues to compete

long after he has been bereft* of his talents.

4. His insatiable* hunger for sweets soon made him ________________.

5. Oh, what ________________ could be seen in the eyes of the ardent* couple as they

announced their engagement!

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. lithe a. backer, supporter

7. obese b. very fat

8. adherent c. sad, pitiful, distressing

9. bliss d. graceful

10. pathetic e. happiness, pleasure

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

on the spur of the moment —on impulse, without thinking

On the spur of the moment he turned thumbs down* on the new job.

N EW W ORDS

Exhort

eg zôrt´

Apathy

ap´ ə thē

Fracas

frā´ kəs

Inebriated

in ē´ brē ā tid

Adversary

ad´ vər ser´ ē

W EEK 29 D AY 2

RAH! RAH! RAH!

The spectators at a football game play more than a superficial* role. A spirited cheer from the

stands often gives the player on the field a reason to try even harder. Cheer leaders exhort the

fans, who may be in a state of apathy because their team is losing, to spur on the team. In

particularly close games between rivals of long standing, feelings begin to run high, and

from time to time a fracas may break out in the stands. While the teams compete below, the

fan who is a bit inebriated may seek out a personal adversary. On the whole the enthusiasm of

the spectators is usually constricted* to cheering and shouting for their favorite teams.

Sample Sentences Complete the sentences with the new words.

1. The feeling of ________________ was so prevalent* during the election campaign that

the candidates hardly bothered to make speeches.

2. Doctors ________________ obese* individuals to go on diets.

3. He was usually sedate,* but when ________________ he became hostile.*

4. The ________________ started when he besmirched* my good name.

5. My ________________ became disgruntled* because my arguments were so cogent.*

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. exhort a. opponent, enemy, foe

7. apathy b. drunk, intoxicated

8. fracas c. lack of interest, unconcern

9. inebriated d. urge strongly, advise

10. adversary e. noisy fight, brawl

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

a fly in the ointment —some small thing that spoils or lessens the enjoyment

He was offered a lucrative* position with the firm, but the fly in the ointment was that he

would have to work on Saturday and Sunday.

N EW W ORDS

Indolent

in´ dl ənt

Gusto

gus´ tō

Garrulous

gar´ ə ləs

Banal

bā´ nl

Platitude

plat´ ə tüd

W EEK 29 D AY 3

THE 23-INCH FOOTBALL FIELD

The football fan who cannot attend a contest in person may watch any number of games on

television. This has the great advantage of permitting an indolent fan to sit in the comfort of

his living room and watch two teams play in the most inclement* weather. However, some of

the spirit, the gusto, is missing when one watches a game on a small screen away from the

actual scene of the contest. Also, the viewer is constantly exposed to a garrulous group of

announcers who continue to chatter in an endless way throughout the afternoon. Should the

game be a dull one, the announcers discuss the most banal bits of information. Even in the

poorest game there is constant chatter involving one platitude after another about the

laudable* performances of each and every player.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in the sentences.

1. He began to eat the food served at the sumptuous* feast with ________________.

2. Men believe that women’s conversation is filled with ________________ comments

concerning clothing or food.

3. During the most sultry* days of summer, one often hears the ________________, “Is it

hot enough for you?”

4. The ________________ person goes to great lengths to eschew* work.

5. She was usually so ________________, we considered anything under a five minute

speech as a cryptic* remark.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. indolent a. enthusiasm, enjoyment, zest

7. gusto b. commonplace or trite saying

8. garrulous c. lazy

9. banal d. talkative, wordy

10. platitude e. trivial, meaningless from overuse

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

to take French leave —to go away without permission

The star player was fined $100 when he took French leave from the training camp.

N EW W ORDS

Pique

pēk

Dilettante

dil ə tänt´

Atypical

ā tip´ ə kəl

Nondescript

non´ də skript

Wane

wān

W EEK 29 D AY 4

WHAT’S ON?

One day each week is set aside for college football, and another for the professional brand.

Most fans enjoy both varieties. Nothing can put an avid* viewer into a pique more quickly

than missing an important contest. It is the dilettante who eschews* the amateur variety and

watches only the professional games. The atypical fan will watch only his home team play;

however, enthusiasts will continue to view the most nondescript contests involving teams that

have no connection with their own town or school. Some intrepid* fans have been known to

watch high school games when that was all that was offered. Public interest in football grows

each year, while interest in other sports may be on the wane.

Sample Sentences Complete these sentences with the new words.

1. The ________________ will scoff* at those who admit that they know very little about

modern art.

2. It is the ________________ fisherman who does not embellish* the story about the fish

that got away.

3. The detective had little to go on because of the ________________ nature of the

criminal.

4. Many virulent* diseases are now on the ________________.

5. He showed his ________________ by slamming the door.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. pique a. decrease, decline

7. dilettante b. fit of resentment

8. atypical c. one who has great interest, but little knowledge

9. nondescript d. nonconforming

10. wane (n.) e. undistinguished, difficult to describe

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

in the arms of Morpheus —asleep; Morpheus was the Roman god of dreams

The day’s activities were so enervating, he was soon in the arms of Morpheus.

W EEK 29 D AY 5

REVIEW

The regular, consistent study of these daily stories is the salient* clue to your success.

Sporadic* study tends to disrupt the learning process. Don’t give in to the temptation to put

your work aside and then rush to “catch up.”

REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS

1. adherent a. urge strongly, advise

2. adversary b. enemy, foe, opponent

3. apathy c. graceful

4. atypical d. pitiful, sad, distressing

5. banal e. lazy

6. bliss f. meaningless from overuse, trivial

7. dilettante g. fit of resentment

8. exhort h. difficult to describe, undistinguished

9. fracas i. unconcern, lack of interest

10. garrulous j. intoxicated, drunk

11. gusto k. very fat

12. indolent l. pleasure, happiness

13. inebriated m. zest, enjoyment, enthusiasm

14. lithe n. trite saying

15. nondescript o. one with little knowledge and great interest

16. obese p. nonconforming

17. pathetic q. brawl, noisy fight

18. pique r. supporter, backer

19. platitude s. wordy, talkative

20. wane t. decline, decrease

IDIOMS

21. on the spur of the moment u. asleep

22. in the arms of Morpheus v. something that spoils or lessens the enjoyment

23. to take French leave w. to go away without permission

24. a fly in the ointment x. without thinking, on impulse

Quick reinforcement of words you do not yet know will help you retain them. Right now...

put down the words and meanings. Then, write a sentence using the word correctly.

*For reference only

WORDS FOR

FURTHER STUDY MEANINGS

1. _________________________ _________________________

2. _________________________ _________________________

3. _________________________ _________________________

WORDSEARCH 29

Using the clues listed below, record separately using one of the new words you learned this

week for each blank in the following story.

Clues

2nd Day

1st Day

3rd Day

3rd Day

2nd Day

Each Citizen’s Obligation

Of all the democracies in the world, the United States has the most lackluster record when it

comes to citizen participation in elections. Every four years the experts try to analyze the

reasons for voter. Often the eligible voter turnout at election time falls below 50%.

This, after months of political campaigning, including televised debates, is a

situation.

No matter how hard the candidates woo the voters, the end results are often disappointing. Are

the voters so that they would rather stay home watching television than cast a ballot?

Does the voter feel that the candidates are stating one after another and is therefore

turned off?

The right to vote is so precious that revolutions have taken place where it has been denied.

The civil rights struggles of the past were sparked by those who had been denied this right.

The greatest of democracy in this country is said to be the failure of citizen

participation in the election process.

N EW W ORDS

Extinct

ek stingkt´

Idyllic

ī dil´ ik

Galvanize

gal´ və nīz

Encumbrance

en kum´ brəns

Gaudy

gô´ dē

W EEK 30 D AY 1

IN DAYS GONE BY

The man who best described the now extinct life aboard a steamer on the Mississippi River is

Mark Twain. Having actually worked aboard the river boats, his writing captures the tranquil*

or turbulent* events of those days. In his book about life on the Mississippi, Twain recalls the

idyllic times when man was not in such a great rush to get from one place to another. One

chapter deals with the races conducted between the swiftest of the boats. When a race was set,

the excitement would galvanize activity along the river. Politics and the weather were

forgotten, and people talked with gusto* only of the coming race. The two steamers

“stripped” and got ready; every encumbrance that might slow the passage was removed.

Captains went to extremes to lighten their boats. Twain writes of one captain who scraped the

paint from the gaudy figure that hung between the chimneys of his steamer.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. Today, the trend* is to more and more ________________ dress.

2. It is amazing how lithe* football players can be, despite the ________________ of the

safety features of their uniforms.

3. The dinosaur is an ________________ species.

4. City dwellers often yearn for the ________________ life in the country.

5. A dictator will use any pretext* to ________________ his people into aggressive

actions.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. extinct a. burden, handicap, load

7. idyllic b. showy, flashy

8. galvanize c. simple, peaceful

9. encumbrance d. excite or arouse to activity

10. gaudy e. no longer existing

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

forty winks —a short nap

During the night before the big test, he studied continuously, catching forty winks now

and then.

N EW W ORDS

Condescend

kon´ di send´

Candor

kan´ dər

Mortify

môr´ tə fī

Jocose

jō kōs´

Malign

mə līn´

W EEK 30 D AY 2

THE JOHN J. ROE

Mark Twain’s boat was so slow no other steamer would condescend to race with it. With the

utmost candor, Twain comments that his boat moved at such a pathetic* pace, they used to

forget in what year it was they left port. Nothing would mortify Twain more than the fact that

ferryboats, waiting to cross the river, would lose valuable trips because their passengers grew

senile* and died waiting for his boat, the John J. Roe, to pass. Mark Twain wrote in a jocose

manner about the races his steamer had with islands and rafts. With quiet humor he continued

to malign the riverboat, but his book is replete* with love for this sort of life.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. He had such disdain* for us, he would not ________________ to speak before our

group.

2. It is most common to ________________ the wealthy for their avarice.*

3. It is difficult to be ________________ in the presence of so many doleful* people.

4. When we cannot speak with ________________, we utilize euphemisms.*

5. Good sportsmanship requires that one not ________________ a defeated adversary.*

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. condescend a. humorous, merry

7. candor b. abuse, slander

8. mortify c. stoop, lower oneself

9. jocose d. frankness, honesty

10. malign e. embarrass, humiliate

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

from pillar to post —from one place to another

The company was so large and spread out, he was sent from pillar to post before he

found the proper official.

N EW W ORDS

Omnipotent

om nip´ ə tənt

Zenith

zē´ nith

Fledgling

flej´ ling

Peremptory

pə remp´ tər ē

Precedent

pres´ ə dənt

W EEK 30 D AY 3

THE RIVERBOAT PILOT

The riverboat pilot was a man considered omnipotent by all. Mark Twain once held that high

position. He writes that he felt at the zenith of his life at that time. Starting out as a fledgling

pilot’s apprentice, he could not abjure dreams of the time he would become, “the only

unfettered and entirely independent human being that lived in the earth.” Kings, parliaments,

and newspaper editors, Twain comments, are hampered and restricted. The river pilot issued

peremptory commands as absolute monarch. The captain was powerless to interfere. Even

though the pilot was much younger than the captain, and the steamer seemed to be in

imminent* danger, the older man was helpless. The captain had to behave impeccably,* for

any criticism of the pilot would establish a pernicious* precedent that would have undermined

the pilot’s limitless authority.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. Under the aegis* of an adroit* master, he reached the ________________ of his career.

2. We would scoff* at anyone calling himself ________________.

3. There is no ________________ for voting when there is no quorum.*

4. The ________________ poet lived a frugal* life.

5. No one had the temerity* to disobey the officer ’s ________________ order.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. omnipotent a. summit, top, prime

7. zenith b. little known, newly developed

8. fledgling c. absolute, compulsory, binding

9. peremptory d. custom, model

10. precedent e. almighty, unlimited in power or authority

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

in the lap of the gods —out of one’s own hands

I handed in my application for the job, and now it is in the lap of the gods.

N EW W ORDS

Wheedle

hwē´ dl

Rustic

rus´ tik

Jubilant

jü´ bə lənt

Decorum

di kôr´ əm

Charlatan

shär´ lə tən

W EEK 30 D AY 4

THE DOUBLE CROSS

Many incidents that took place aboard his ship are re-told by Twain. One has to do with a

wealthy cattle man who was approached by three gamblers. The cattle farmer had let it be

known that he had a great deal of money, and the gamblers were trying to wheedle him into a

card game. He protested that he knew nothing about cards. His rustic appearance confirmed

that fact. On the last night before landing the three gamblers got him drunk. When the first

hand was dealt, a jubilant expression came over his face. The betting became furious. All of

the proper decorum was put aside, and ten thousand dollars soon lay on the table. With the last

wager one of the gamblers showed a hand of four kings. His partner was to have dealt the

sucker a hand of four queens. At this point the victim, the charlatan, removed the veneer* of

respectability, and showed a hand of four aces! One of the three professional gamblers was a

clandestine* confederate of the “rich cattle farmer.” They had been planning this duplicity*

for many weeks.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. The child tried to ________________ from her mother the place where the cookies had

been cached.*

2. They could discern* that the faith healer was a ________________.

3. The ________________ life is supposed to be a tranquil* one.

4. Repress* your uncouth manners and act with ________________ at the party.

5. We were ________________ when our indolent* cousin got a job.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

6. wheedle a. coax, persuade, cajole*

7. rustic b. joyful, in high spirits

8. jubilant c. politeness, correct behavior

9. decorum d. pretender, fraud

10. charlatan e. countrified, unpolished

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

Achilles heel —weak spot

He wanted to lead an ascetic* life, but his obsession with liquor was his Achilles heel.

W EEK 30 D AY 5

REVIEW

Because you are learning these new words in context, they will stay with you. It is the natural

method for seeing new words. Your ability to master words as they appear in normal

situations should carry over to your learning many other words as you read.

REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS

1. candor a. arouse or excite to activity

2. charlatan b. humiliate, embarrass

3. condescend c. little known, newly developed

4. decorum d. in high spirits, joyful

5. encumbrance e. peaceful, simple

6. extinct f. honesty, frankness

7. fledgling g. unpolished, countrified

8. galvanize h. top, prime, summit

9. gaudy i. load, handicap, burden

10. idyllic j. merry, humorous

11. jocose k. correct behavior, politeness

12. jubilant l. unlimited in power or authority, almighty

13. malign m. no longer existing

14. mortify n. lower oneself, stoop

15. omnipotent o. persuade, coax, cajole*

16. peremptory p. binding, compulsory, absolute

17. precedent q. showy, flashy

18. rustic r. slander, abuse

19. wheedle s. fraud, pretender

20. zenith t. custom, model

IDIOMS

21. Achilles heel u. a short nap

22. forty winks v. weak spot

23. in the lap of the gods w. from one place to another

24. from pillar to post x. out of one’s own hands

Go right to it. Learn the words you have missed. Make them as much a part of your

vocabulary as the other words you knew correctly.

*For reference only

WORDS FOR

FURTHER STUDY MEANINGS

1. _________________________ _________________________

2. _________________________ _________________________

3. _________________________ _________________________

WORDSEARCH 30

Using the clues listed below, record separately using one of the new words you learned this

week for each blank in the following story.

Clues

1st Day

1st Day

3rd Day

2nd Day

2nd Day

The Environmental Society

A great deal of controversy surrounds the efforts of environmentalists to protect rare species

of animals and birds from becoming. In order to save these creatures from

destruction stemming from a loss of forests or water pollution, environmentalists try to

large numbers of people to pressure politicians into passing conservation

legislation. Often, however, these proposed laws are thought to be a burden placed

upon business, resulting in a loss of employment.

In the 21st century, the energy and food requirements of an increasing population are at odds

with those who would set aside land for birds or animals. There is a great temptation to

the motives of environmental advocates. It will take people of good will and

to resolve the many difficulties that lie ahead.

N EW W ORDS

Heresy

her´ ə sē

Prudent

prüd´ nt

Ostensible

o sten´ sə bəl

Fervid

fėr´ vid

Spurious

spy r´ ē əs

W EEK 31 D AY 1

CHOOSE SAGELY*

Today, the paramount* influence in the forming of public opinion is propaganda. It is not a

heresy to our democratic beliefs to state that pressure groups play an important part in our

lives. Propaganda makes one vulnerable* to the influences of others. The prudent person will

choose between cogent* and specious propaganda efforts. While propaganda has the

ostensible purpose of informing the public, the most fervid propagandists use methods that

must be examined by the thoughtful citizen. The ability to distinguish the spurious from the

true facts requires more than a perfunctory* examination of prevalent* propaganda efforts.

Sample Sentences Use care. The words have many meanings.

1. His ________________ appeal for action threw his adherents* into a frenzy*.

2. He accused the leader of the opposition of political ________________, and the mob

was exhorted* to burn his effigy*.

3. In the bedlam* that followed it was not ________________ to appear too apathetic*.

4. While the ________________ enemy was the opposition leader, the main purpose of

this rash* behavior was the eradication* of all opponents.

5. In the conflagration* that followed, no one questioned whether the original charge had

been ________________.

Definitions Study the fine differences. Be sure how to use them.

6. heresy a. intense, enthusiastic, passionate

7. prudent b. false, counterfeit, specious*

8. ostensible c. unbelief, dissent, lack of faith

9. fervid d. wise, cautious

10. spurious e. outward, pretended, seeming

T ODAY ’ S I DIOM

cold shoulder —to disregard or ignore

She was so piqued* at his uncouth behavior, she gave him the cold shoulder for over a

week.

N EW W ORDS

Propagate

prop´ ə gāt

Anomaly

ə nom´ ə lē

Innocuous

i nok´ yü əs

Surfeit

sėr´ fit

Milieu

mē lyu´

W EEK 31 D AY 2

A FREE SOCIETY

In a free society it is intrinsic* that individuals and groups have the inherent* right to

propagate ideas and try to win converts. We do not look upon an idea different from ours as

an anomaly that should be precluded*. Nor do we permit only innocuous or congenial* beliefs

and forbid those that we believe are dubious* or spurious*. In a country of competing

pressures we are accosted* by a surfeit of propaganda that tends to overwhelm us. Thus, we

live in a milieu of ubiquitous* bombardment from countless, and often unrecognized,

propagandists.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

1. I must inveigh* against your attempt to ________________ the belief that your political

system will result in a panacea* for all problems.

2. It is incongruous* to find an abstemious* person in a ________________ of avarice*

and affluence*.

3. Siamese twins are considered a birth ________________.

4. There appears to be no such thing as an ________________ heresy*.

5. When can we expect a respite* from the ________________ of TV commercials?

Definitions Match the new words with their definit