1100 Words You Need to Know PDF

© Copyright 2013, 2008, 2000, 1993, 1987, 1971 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner. All inquiries should be addressed to: Barron’s Educati...

© Copyright 2013, 2008, 2000, 1993, 1987, 1971 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner. All inquiries should be addressed to: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Boulevard Hauppauge, NY 11788 www.barronseduc.com Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 2012938495 eISBN: 978-1-4380-9205-8 CONTENTS Full Pronunciation Key WEEKS 1 WEEKS 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS 5 WEEKS 6 WEEKS 7 WEEKS 8 WEEKS 9 WEEKS 10 WEEKS 11 WEEKS 12 WEEKS 13 WEEKS 14 WEEKS 15 WEEKS 16 WEEKS 17 WEEKS 18 WEEKS 19 WEEKS 20 WEEKS 21 WEEKS 22 WEEKS 23 WEEKS 24 WEEKS 25 WEEKS 26 WEEKS 27 WEEKS 28 WEEKS 29 WEEKS 30 WEEKS 31 WEEKS 32 WEEKS 33 WEEKS 34 WEEKS 35 WEEKS 36 WEEKS 37 WEEKS 38 WEEKS 39 WEEKS 40 WEEKS 41 WEEKS 42 WEEKS 43 WEEKS 44 WEEKS 45 WEEKS 46 Buried Words Words in Context Answers Final Review Test Panorama of Words Bonus Weeks VOC/QUOTE The Lighter Touch 100 PANORAMA OF WORDS INTRODUCTION The study of the English language has spread all over the world, and high school and college students everywhere have come to realize that language mastery depends on the possession of a comprehensive vocabulary. This is just what 1100 Words You Need to Know has been offering through the five earlier editions and continuing on this sixth one. We are proud that Amazon.com has rated this book as the number one best seller in its category. In addition to the various exercises that help readers learn challenging vocabulary, we have now added a section called “The Lighter Touch 100,” which shows that vocabulary can be taught with a sense of humor. By investing a mere 15 minutes with this new book, you will soon see a dramatic improvement in your vocabulary. Murray Bromberg Melvin Gordon www.languagecentre.ir FULL PRONUNCIATION KEY a bat, trap j just, enjoy bull, pull ā rage, lace k kin, talk ü dual, sue ä jar, farther l lose, hurl m mice, cram v vast, have b bag, sob n not, into w wish, wood ch chill, such ng song, ring y youth, yes d done, said z zoo, zest o rot, cot zh pleasure, treasure e met, rest ō tow, blow ē ease, see ô cord, lord ə stands for: er fern, learn oi toil, boil a in around ou mouse, bout e in waken f feel, stiff i in cupid g gone, big p pest, cap o in demon h him, hold r red, art u in brush s see, best i inch, pin sh crush, crash ī ivy, hive t time, act th this, math they, booth Since this is an eBook, please record all your Answers separately. * All questions contain a link to their Answers/Explanations. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS voracious və rā´ shəs indiscriminate in´ dis krim´ ə nit eminent em´ ə nənt steeped stēpt replete ri´ plēt´ W EEK 1 D AY 1 READING WISELY The youngster who reads voraciously, though indiscriminately, does not necessarily gain in wisdom over the teenager who is more selective in his reading choices. A young man who has read the life story of every eminent athlete of the twentieth century, or a coed who has steeped herself in every social-protest novel she can get her hands on, may very well be learning all there is to know in a very limited area. But books are replete with so many wonders that it is often discouraging to see bright young people limit their own experiences. Sample Sentences On the basis of the above paragraph, try to use your new words in the following sentences. Occasionally it may be necessary to change the ending of a word; e.g., indiscriminate to indiscriminately. 1.The football game was ________________ with excitement and great plays. 2.The ________________ author received the Nobel Prize for literature. 3.My cousin is so ________________ in schoolwork that his friends call him a bookworm. 4.After skiing, I find that I have a ________________ appetite. 5.Modern warfare often results in the ________________ killing of combatants and innocent civilians alike. Definitions Now that you have seen and used the new words in sentences, and have the definitions “on the tip of your tongue,” try to pair the words with their meanings. 6.voracious a. of high reputation, outstanding 7.indiscriminate b. completely filled or supplied with 8.eminent c. choosing at random without careful selection 9.steeped d. desiring or consuming great quantities 10.replete e. soaked, drenched, saturated T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to eat humble pie—to admit your error and apologize After his candidate had lost the election, the boastful campaign manager had to eat humble pie. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS abound ə bound´ technology tek nol´ ə jē prognosticate prog nos´ tə kāt automaton ô tom´ ə ton matron mā´ trən W EEK 1 D AY 2 SOLVING THE SERVANT PROBLEM The worlds of science-fiction abound with wonders. Yet modern technology progresses so rapidly that what may be today’s wild dream may be next year ’s kitchen appliance. A British scientist has prognosticated that within ten years every suburban matron will have her own robot servant. One task this domesticated automaton will not have to contend with will be scouring the oven because even today the newest ranges can be “programmed” to reduce their own baked-on grime to easily disposed of ashes. Sample Sentences Now that you’ve seen the words used in context, and—hopefully—have an idea of their meanings, try to use them in the following sentences. Remember that a word- ending may have to be changed. 1.The mayor refused to ________________ as to his margin of victory in the election. 2.The time is approaching when human workers may be replaced by ________________. 3.A clever salesman will always ask a ________________ if her mother is at home. 4.The western plains used to ________________ with bison before those animals were slaughtered by settlers. 5.Man may be freed from backbreaking labor by the products of scientific ________________. Definitions Test yourself now by matching the new words with the definitions. If you are not sure of yourself, cover the top half of this page before you begin. 6.abound a. an older married woman b. branch of knowledge dealing with engineering, applied science, 7.technology etc. 8.prognosticate c. a robot; a mechanical “person” 9.automaton d. to exist in great numbers 10.matron e. to predict or foretell a future event T ’ I ODAY S DIOM a pig in a poke—an item you purchase without having seen; a disappointment The mail order bicycle that my nephew bought turned out to be a pig in a poke, and he is now trying to get his money back. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS paradox par´ ə doks realm relm annals an´ nəlz compound kom pound´ tinge tinj W EEK 1 D AY 3 IT’S A MAN’S WORLD How paradoxical that the world’s greatest chefs have all been men! Cooking would clearly seem to be a field that lies exclusively within women’s realm, yet the annals of cookery are replete* with masculine names: Brillat Savarin, Ritz, Diat, Larousse. To compound the puzzle, there has rarely been a tinge of rumor or scandal casting doubts on the masculinity of these heroes of cuisine. (*replete—if you’ve forgotten the meaning, click here) Sample Sentences Try your hand now at using your new words by writing them in their correct form (change endings if necessary) in these sentences: 1.His gloom was now ________________ by the failing mark on his geometry test. 2.The ________________ of sports are replete* with the names of great black athletes. 3.One of the great ________________ of American life is that though minority groups have suffered injustices, nowhere in the world have so many varied groups lived together so harmoniously. 4.A ________________ of garlic is all that’s necessary in most recipes. 5.The cruel king would not allow the prince to enter his ________________ , restricting him to the forest, which abounded* with wild animals. (*abounded—studied previously, click here) Definitions If you are having trouble in picking the right definitions, it may be best not to do them in the order given, but to do the ones you are surest of first. 6.paradox a. a trace, smattering, or slight degree b. a statement that at first seems to be absurd or self-contradictory but 7.realm which may in fact turn out to be true 8.annals c. to increase or add to 9.compound d. historical records (v.) 10.tinge (n.) e. special field of something or someone; kingdom T ’ I ODAY S DIOM a flash in the pan—promising at the start but then disappointing The rookie hit many home runs in spring training, but once the season began he proved to be a flash in the pan. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS badger baj´ər implore im plôr´ drudgery druj´ ər ē interminable in ter´ mə nə bəl perceive pər sēv´ W EEK 1 D AY 4 HOW NOT TO GET YOUR WAY It is difficult to change someone’s opinion by badgering him. The child who begs his mother to “get off his back” when she implores him for some assistance with the household drudgery, may very well plead interminably for some special privilege when he wants something for himself. How paradoxical* that neither is able to perceive that no one likes being nagged. (*paradoxical—studied previously, click here) Sample Sentences Getting the hang of it? Now go on to use the five new words in the following sentences—remember, past tenses may be required. 1.She does her homework on Fridays to save herself from the ________________ of having to do it during the weekend. 2.The teacher continually ________________ the pupil for the missing assignments. 3.The eminent scientist ________________ difficulties in putting the invention into practice. 4.The sick child’s mother ________________ the doctor to come immediately. 5.I listened to the boring lecture for what seemed an ________________ fifty minutes. Definitions Pick the letter of the definition that matches your new word.  6.badger (v.) a. unpleasant, dull, or hard work 7.implore b. unending 8.drudgery c. to plead urgently for aid or mercy 9.interminable d. to understand, know, become aware of 10.perceive e. to pester, nag, annoy persistently T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to pour oil on troubled waters—to make peace, to calm someone down When I tried to pour oil on troubled waters, both the angry husband and his wife stopped their quarrel and began to attack me. www.languagecentre.ir W EEK 1 D AY 5 REVIEW You have accomplished something worthwhile this week. In learning twenty useful words and four idioms, you have taken a step toward a greater mastery of our language. As a result of today’s lesson, you will become aware of those words that require greater study on your part for complete success in these first lessons. Take the following quiz by matching the best possible definition with the word you have studied. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.abound a. to be completely soaked in something 2.annals b. to be able to tell what will happen in the future 3.automaton c. someone’s special field 4.badger d. to continually nag 5.compound e. carelessly chosen 6.drudgery f. related to science of engineering 7.eminent g. to add to 8.implore h. beg for assistance 9.indiscriminate i. of outstanding reputation 10.interminable j. a mature woman 11.matron k. small amount of 12.paradox l. dull, difficult work 13.perceive m. desiring huge amount 14.prognosticate n. existing in great number 15.realm o. historical records 16.replete p. to come to have an understanding of 17.steeped q. completely filled with 18.technology r. machine that behaves like a person 19.tinge s. seemingly self-contradictory situation 20.voracious t. unending IDIOMS 21.to eat humble pie u. a blind item; poor purchase 22.a pig in a poke v. admit to defeat 23.a flash in the pan w. a star today, a flop tomorrow 24.to pour oil on troubled waters x. to try to make peace Make a record of those words you missed. You can learn them successfully by studying them and by using them in your own original sentences. If you neglect them, then the effort you have put into your vocabulary building campaign up to this point will have been wasted. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. ________________________ ________________________ 2. ________________________ ________________________ 3. ________________________ ________________________ www.languagecentre.ir SENSIBLE SENTENCES? (From Week 1) Choose the word that makes sense in each of the sentences below. 1.The huge football player had a (voracious, replete) appetite. 2.After a seemingly (interminable, indiscriminate) wait, the surgeon came to give us the news. 3.Without a (paradox, tinge) of evidence, the coroner could not solve the murder. 4.In the (realm, annals) of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. 5.We invited the (eminent, steeped) engineer to address our club. 6.In the Catskill Mountains, the woods (abound, implore) with deer. 7.I cannot (perceive, prognosticate) why people voted for the corrupt senator. 8.Night and day my kid brother (badgers, compounds) me for money. 9.Science fiction movies usually feature (annals, automatons). 10.With his expertise in (drudgery, technology), my uncle is able to earn a good salary. Do these sentences make sense? Explain why. 11.The rookie was amazing during spring training but he turned out to be a flash in the pan. 12.I complained to the salesperson because he had sold me a pig in a poke. 13.When I tried to pour oil on troubled waters, I only made matters worse. 14.After the election, when my candidate conceded his loss, I had to eat humble pie. WORDSEARCH 1 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 2nd Day 4th Day 4th Day Reggie the Con Man In the of crime, there are few scoundrels who could match the exploits of Reggie Hayes, who also used the names of Reginald Haven, Ricardo Hermosa, Father Harris, and dozens of other aliases. Reggie’s police record, principally in Chicago and Baltimore, is with scams that he perpetrated upon gullible people. Generally, his favorite target was a who should have known better. Dressed as a priest (“Father Harris”), he was most convincing, however. His method of operation was to “find” a wallet stuffed with hundred dollar bills outside a supermarket and then an unsuspecting woman to share his good fortune, since there was no identification in the wallet. But first, to establish her credibility, his victim had to put up a sum of money as a testimonial to her good faith. Mrs. Emma Schultz, age 72, tearfully told the police that she had withdrawn $14,000 from her bank and placed it in a shopping bag supplied by the helpful priest. He told her to hold onto the bag while he went next door to a lawyer ’s office to make the sharing of their good fortune legal. After a seemingly wait, Mrs. Schultz discovered to her chagrin that the heartless thief had skipped out the back way, leaving her “holding the bag”—a switched bag containing shredded newspaper—while he made his getaway with her life savings. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS laconic lə kon´ ik throng thrông intrepid in trep´ id accost ə kôst´ reticent ret´ ə sənt W EEK 2 D AY 1 TO THE POINT Calvin Coolidge, our thirtieth president, was named “Silent Cal” by reporters because of his laconic speech. One Sunday, after Mr. Coolidge had listened to an interminable* sermon, a throng of newsmen gathered around him. An intrepid reporter accosted the Chief Executive: “Mr. President, we know that the sermon was on the topic of sin. What did the minister say?” “He was against it,” the reticent Coolidge replied. (*interminable—click here.) Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences: 1.His speech was usually rambling, but this time I found it brief and ________________. 2.If a surly panhandler should ________________ you, keep on walking. 3.Even under repeated questioning, the witness remained ________________. 4.A howling ________________ of teenage girls surrounded the rap artists. 5.The corporal received the Silver Star for his ________________ deeds in combat. Definitions Match the new words with their dictionary meanings. 6.laconic a. expressing much in few words 7.throng b. brave  8.intrepid c. to approach and speak to 9.accost d. crowd 10.reticent e. silent T ’ I ODAY S DIOM the sword of Damocles—any imminent danger (a king seated one of his subjects underneath a sword that was hanging by a hair, in order to teach him the dangers a king faces) Although the president of the company seemed quite secure, he always complained that there was a sword of Damocles hanging over his head. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS furtive fėr´ tiv felon fel´ ən plethora pleth´ ə rə hapless hap´ lis irate ī´ rāt or ī rāt´ W EEK 2 D AY 2 IF I HAD THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL Casting a furtive glance over his shoulder, the felon slipped out the main prison gate to be swallowed up in the British fog. A plethora of escapes from supposedly secure prisons embarrassed the hapless wardens. To compound* their problems, the officials were badgered* by irate citizens who accused the guards of accepting bribes from convicts whose motto was: “Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage.” (*compound—click here; *badgered—click here) Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The ________________ contest winner was unable to locate the lucky ticket. 2.My uncle was ________________ when the drunken driver swerved in front of us. 3.In a ________________ manner she removed her shoes and tiptoed up to her room. 4.When the teacher asked why the homework had not been done, he was greeted by a ________________ of incredible alibis. 5.Since the boss learned that Bob associated with a known ________________ , he fired him. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.furtive a. angry, incensed 7.felon b. a person guilty of a major crime 8.plethora c. unfortunate 9.hapless d. excess 10.irate e. secret, stealthy T ’ I ODAY S DIOM Pyrrhic victory—a too costly victory (King Pyrrhus defeated the Romans but his losses were extremely heavy) In heavy fighting the troops managed to recapture the hill, but it could only be considered a Pyrrhic victory. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS pretext prē´ tekst fabricate fab´ rə kāt adroit ə droit´ gesticulate je stik´ yə lāt vigilant vij´ ə lənt W EEK 2 D AY 3 DR. JEKYLL OR MR. HYDE? Under the pretext of being a surgeon he gained entry to the hospital. When interviewed by the director, he had to fabricate a tale of his medical experience, but he was so adroit at lying that he got away with it. It was not until the phony “doctor” began to gesticulate wildly with his scalpel, that a vigilant nurse was able to detect the fraud. In the annals* of medical history there have been a number of such cases. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The shootings at Columbine High School made educators much more ________________ , 2.My nephew is quite ________________ at making model airplanes. 3.Most fishermen can ________________ a story about the size of the one that got away. 4.Her ________________ of being tired did not fool us for an instant. 5.I often marvel as I watch the traffic officer ________________ at the onrushing cars. Definitions Pick the letter of the definition that matches your new word. 6.pretext a. to lie; to construct 7.fabricate b. skillful  8.adroit c. an excuse 9.gesticulate d. watchful 10.vigilant e. move the arms energetically T ’ I ODAY S DIOM a wet blanket—one who spoils the fun Everyone wanted the party to go on, but Ronnie, the wet blanket, decided to go home to bed. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS avid av´ id cajole kə jōl´ rudimentary rü´ də men´ tə rē enhance in hans´ nuance nü äns´ W EEK 2 D AY 4 YOU’VE GOT TO BE A FOOTBALL EXPERT As an avid football fan, I try to see every game the Jets play. Whenever I can cajole my father into accompanying me, I try to do so. He has only a rudimentary knowledge of the game, and since I am steeped* in it, I enjoy explaining its intricate details to him. It certainly does enhance your appreciation of football when you are aware of every nuance of the sport. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. You may have to change the ending of a word. 1.Since my grasp of algebra is ________________ , I cannot solve the problem. 2.The parakeet refused to be ________________ into entering her cage. 3.It will ________________ your enjoyment of an opera if you know what the plot is about in advance. 4.In reading the satires of Jonathan Swift, one must be vigilant* in order to catch each ________________. 5.Bill Clinton is an ________________ student of the social media and is listed on Facebook. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.avid a. eager  7.cajole b. slight variation in meaning, tone, etc. 8.rudimentary c. coax 9.enhance d. intensify, heighten 10.nuance e. elementary T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to beard the lion in his den—to visit and oppose a person on his own grounds Having decided to beard the lion, I stormed into the manager ’s office to ask for a raise. www.languagecentre.ir W EEK 2 D AY 5 REVIEW Keep adding to your vocabulary, as it is one of the most useful tools a student can possess. Let’s go over the twenty new words and four idioms you studied during this week. In the following quiz, match the best possible definition with the word you have studied. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.accost a. uncommunicative 2.adroit b. enthusiastic 3.avid c. alert 4.cajole d. overabundance 5.enhance e. courageous 6.fabricate f. to greet first 7.felon g. an excuse 8.furtive h. unlucky 9.gesticulate i. angry 10.hapless j. criminal 11.intrepid k. basic, elementary 12.irate l. clever 13.laconic m. to make up a lie 14.nuance n. great number of people 15.plethora o. concise, pithy 16.pretext p. to use lively gestures 17.reticent q. shade of difference 18.rudimentary r. sly 19.throng s. coax, wheedle 20.vigilant t. to make greater IDIOMS 21.the sword of Damocles u. an expensive conquest 22.Pyrrhic victory v. spoilsport 23.a wet blanket w. defy an opponent in his home 24.to beard the lion x. any threatening danger Make a record of those words you missed. You can learn them successfully by studying them and using them in your own original sentences. If you neglect them, then the effort you have expended in building up your vocabulary may be wasted. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ www.languagecentre.ir WORDSEARCH 2 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 4th Day 3rd Day 3rd Day The Best Laid Plans Gloria Rogers overslept and then had to sprint to catch the same Greyhound Bus that she boarded on the last Thursday of every month. After a three-hour uneventful ride, she finally arrived at the bus terminal where a courtesy van was ready to transport bus passengers to Visitors Day at the State Penitentiary. Although Gloria tried to act casual, she was more than a little nervous. Her boyfriend, Art, a convicted , had managed to gain admittance to the prison’s hospital on the of having a gall bladder attack. Under her own slacks and bulky sweater, Gloria was wearing a set of clothes that she removed in the hospital bathroom and passed on to Art. He planned to use them after making his escape in the back of the prison ambulance that was parked outside his ward. Art had spelled out his escape plan during Gloria’s last visit, spending an hour trying to her into being his accomplice. All that she had to do was appear to have a seizure. Then she would a story about her epilepsy while Art, with the smuggled clothes concealed under his prison bathrobe, would slip out of the ward during the excitement. Unfortunately for the schemers, a hospital guard spotted Art climbing into the rear of the ambulance and quickly foiled the escape attempt. The result was that Art had three years added to his sentence and Gloria was imprisoned for her role in the misadventure. N W EW ORDS loathe lōth reprimand rep´ rə mand lackluster lak´ lus´ tər caustic kô´ stik wrest rest W EEK 3 D AY 1 THE PEP TALK “If there’s one thing I loathe,” the coach said, “it’s a quitter.” He had good reason to reprimand us at half-time, because the scoreboard revealed that we were losing, 45–20. Our lackluster performance indicated to him that we had forgotten the rudimentary* aspects of basketball. His caustic remarks fired us up, however, and we dashed out, determined to wrest control of the game from our rivals. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.With the help of his brothers he was able to ________________ the leadership of the company from his partner. 2.Speaking in a monotone, the politician was booed for his ________________ address. 3.In a ________________ article, the drama critic slaughtered the hapless* actors. 4.I ________________ spinach but I love other green vegetables. 5.When Ed arrived late, he knew that the grocer would ________________ him. Definitions Match the new words with their dictionary definitions. 6.loathe a. dull 7.reprimand (v.) b. to hate www.languagecentre.ir  8.lackluster c. sarcastic, biting 9.caustic d. take by force 10.wrest e. to show sharp disapproval T ’ I ODAY S DIOM crocodile tears—insincere tears (crocodiles were said to cry while eating their prey) When the football player broke his leg, his substitute wept crocodile tears. N W EW ORDS infamous in´ fə məs jostle jos´ əl dupe düp incipient in sip´ ē ənt inadvertent in əd vërt´ nt W EEK 3 D AY 2 THE HANDCUFF IS QUICKER THAN THE EYE Slippery Eddie, the infamous pickpocket, was back at work, and every detective had to be especially vigilant.* Eddie’s technique was to jostle a victim toward a confederate who would then slip the man’s wallet out of his back pocket while Eddie was stammering an apology to the confused dupe. Within a week the incipient crimewave came to an end when Slippery Eddie inadvertently chose the chief of police for his victim. Although Eddie loathes* Sing Sing, it’s his permanent address now. Sample Sentences Can you put the new words in the right sentences? 1.By telling the truth, we stopped the ________________ rumor from spreading. 2.The bombing of Pearl Harbor was referred to as an ________________ deed. 3.The wealthy ________________ consented to buy the often-sold Brooklyn Bridge. 4.When he attempted to ________________ the old lady, she struck him with her umbrella. 5.Through an ________________ error, the guided missile sped out of control. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.infamous a. having a bad reputation 7.jostle b. just beginning to exist www.languagecentre.ir  8.dupe (n.) c. to shove hard 9.incipient d. a person easily tricked 10.inadvertent e. heedless, not attentive T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to carry the day—to win the approval of the majority The secretary’s motion that we adjourn for lunch carried the day, and we headed for the restaurant N W EW ORDS ominous om´ ə nəs tremulous trem´ yə ləs repudiate ri pyü´ dē āt cessation se sā´ shən bristle bris´ əl W EEK 3 D AY 3 COURTROOM DRAMA There was an ominous silence when the jittery defendant rose in court. He explained in a tremulous voice what had led him to repudiate his confession made at the police station on the night of the crime. The audience began to buzz excitedly until the judge demanded a cessation of the noise. Although the district attorney bristled with anger, the defendant kept insisting that his rights had been violated because he had not been told that he could see a lawyer before confessing. Sample Sentences In which blanks do the new word belong? 1.After the weatherman had seen the ________________ clouds, he prognosticated* rain. 2.The general attempted to ________________ the testimony of the lieutenant, claiming that the young officer was not an authority on low level bombing. 3.Upon seeing the snake, the cat began to ________________ with fear. 4.The widow’s ________________ hands revealed her nervousness. 5.The ________________ of the bombing in Iraq was urged by the United Nations. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.ominous a. a stopping www.languagecentre.ir  7.tremulous b. to reject, decline 8.repudiate c. stiffen with fear or anger 9.cessation d. threatening 10.bristle (v.) e. quivering T ’ I ODAY S DIOM Skid Row—disreputable part of town, inhabited by derelicts and people “on the skid” The presence of so many bars has turned our neighborhood into another Skid Row. N W EW ORDS euphemism yü´ fə miz əm mundane mun´ dān incongruous in kong´ grü əs condolence kən dō´ ləns stipulate stip´ ū lāt W EEK 3 D AY 4 CALL ME BY MY RIGHT NAME My cousin refers to himself as a “sanitary engineer”—a euphemism for garbage collector. There are any number of people who try to find more respectable or glamorous titles for the mundane jobs they hold. It may seem incongruous to call an undertaker a “condolence counselor,” or to refer to a taxi driver as a “transportation expediter,” but some prefer those titles. As a matter of fact, our butcher has stipulated that from now on he wants to be known as a “meat coordinator.” He became irate* when I inadvertently* called him “Butch.” Sample Sentences In which blanks do the new words belong? 1.We repudiated* the contract because it did not ________________ a cost of living bonus. 2.The word “expired” is a ________________ for “died.” 3.When my neighbor ’s dog was run over, we sent a ________________ card. 4.The philosopher dealt with spiritual things, ignorning the ________________ ones. 5.The play was so ________________ that it seemed to be the work of several authors. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.euphemism a. worldly www.languagecentre.ir  7.mundane b. a less offensive term 8.incongruous c. to specify a condition 9.condolence d. inappropriate 10.stipulate e. pity T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to go up in smoke—to come to no practical result (kindling smokes but it will not light a fire) The mayor ’s plans to get the gubernatorial nomination went up in smoke when he couldn’t end the costly strike. W EEK 3 D AY 5 REVIEW The word “review” means “to view again” and that is the purpose of our weekly review. You will have noticed, of course, that many of the words that appear as new words are repeated in subsequent lessons. Sometimes they are in the paragraph, sometimes in the sample sentences, and occasionally in the idioms or directions. This continued emphasis on “viewing again” will help you to become familiar with the vocabulary. In the following quiz, match the best possible definition with the word you have studied. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.bristle a. despise 2.caustic b. menacing 3.cessation c. evil 4.condolence d. a pause 5.dupe e. just starting 6.euphemism f. trembling 7.inadvertent g. to have one’s hair stand up 8.incipient h. stinging 9.incongruous i. earthly 10.infamous j. due to an oversight, negligent 11.jostle k. make a specific demand 12.lackluster l. to push, to elbow 13.loathe m. an easily fooled person 14.mundane n. expression of sympathy 15.ominous o. to scold severely 16.reprimand p. seize 17.repudiate q. having inconsistent elements 18.stipulate r. disown, refuse to accept 19.tremulous s. lacking brightness 20.wrest t. saying something in a less direct way IDIOMS 21.crocodile tears u. run down district www.languagecentre.ir 22.to carry the day v. hypocritical sympathy 23.Skid Row w. to win the honors 24.to go up in smoke x. end fruitlessly Make a record of those words you missed. You can learn them successfully by studying them and using them regularly in speech and in your writing. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ WORDSEARCH 3 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 2nd Day 3rd Day 1st Day Desert Storm Decision In the 1991 Persian Gulf War, where the United Nations forces, led by Americans, ousted the invading Iraqi army from Kuwait’s soil, the of combat took place in short order after the Allies were able to control of the skies from the Saddam Hussein’s air force. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the U.S. field commander, tended to when asked by the media why he hadn’t pursued the enemy all the way to Baghdad, saying: “It would have been foolhardy for us to try to occupy that capital city and pile up American casualties from sniper attacks by Iraq’s guerillas. That may be hard for you Monday morning quarterbacks to understand but I thoroughly agreed with the president who was convinced that such an action would have sent a bad message to the Arab world and would have splintered the Allied partnership.” Schwarzkopf reiterated that it was his mission to hurl back the invaders with a minimum of bloodshed but not, he added in a tone, “to splatter Saddam over the desert sands. That dictator ’s days are numbered,” the general concluded, “but I expect his end is likely to come at the hands of his own people.” www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS alacrity ə lak´ rə tē disdain disdān´ belligerent bə lij´ ər ənt intimidate in tim´ ə dāt feint fānt W EEK 4 D AY 1 MULLINS A K.O. VICTIM When the bell sounded, K.O. Mullins responded with alacrity. He sprang from his stool and charged across the ring, showing disdain for the champion’s strength. Although this belligerent attitude impressed the referee, it failed to intimidate the champ. That intrepid* battler laid the hapless* Mullins low with an adroit* feint and an uppercut. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.Y2K concerns of the problems with computers failed to ________________ our company. 2.The Germans were duped* by the Allies’ ________________ toward the south, leaving the way open for the Normandy invasion. 3.The waiter moved with ________________ because he perceived* they were big tippers. 4.His ________________ manner caused him to lose one friend after another. 5.When the curtain came down, the critic’s face registered the ________________ she felt for the lackluster* play. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.alacrity a. contempt 7.disdain (n.) b. a false attack 8.belligerent c. warlike 9.intimidate d. to overawe 10.feint e. briskness, lively action T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to throw down the gauntlet—to challenge someone (when the gauntlet, or medieval glove, was thrown down, the challenged one was required to pick it up) The principal of our rival school threw down the gauntlet, and we had no choice but to accept the challenge. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS pugnacious pug nā´ shəs promulgate prom´ əl gāt brash brash scoff skof belittle bi lit´ l W EEK 4 D AY 2 MULLINS THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET* The pugnacious K.O. Mullins demanded a rematch. He took a full-page newspaper advertisement to promulgate his challenge. When the champ’s manager saw the brash announcement, he accosted* Mullins, who was surrounded by a throng* of newsmen. The manager openly scoffed at Mullins and belittled his fighting ability. Mullins then lost his temper and fearlessly punched the manager, knocking him off of his crutches. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.We implored* the faculty advisor to ________________ the requirements for the presidency of the club. 2.My mother liked the salesman’s ________________ personality, but he irritated most people. 3.I don’t understand modern art, but I neither loathe* nor ________________ at it. 4.Since everyone can outpunch my cousin, he cannot afford to be ________________. 5.Although Ralph can’t play, he doesn’t hesitate to ________________ the efforts of our football team. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.pugnacious a. quarrelsome 7.promulgate b. to make seem less important 8.brash c. to sneer at 9.scoff d. impudent 10.belittle e. to make known officially T ’ I ODAY S DIOM feeling no pain—drunk Although the party had just begun, after his first drink he was feeling no pain. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS tangible tan´ jə bəl laceration las ə rā´ shən castigate kas´ tə gāt sordid sôr´ did octogenarian ok´ tə jə nār´ i ən W EEK 4 D AY 3 MULLINS FORCED TO EAT HUMBLE PIE* The irate* 80-year-old manager pressed charges against K.O. Mullins, suing him for assault. As tangible evidence of the attack, he pointed to a deep laceration over his eyebrow that had required ten stitches. When the case was brought before the court, the judge castigated Mullins for the sordid incident. In addition to a costly financial settlement, Mullins was required to make a public apology to the octogenarian. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The medic reached into his kit to find a bandage for the ugly ________________. 2.Mr. Dixon belittled* our request for ________________ proof of his loyalty. 3.The kindly foreman was too reticent* to openly ________________ the clumsy new worker. 4.When the teenager announced her engagement to the ________________ , the public suspected it to be a publicity stunt. 5.Stories of their ________________ youth poured forth from the unhappy felons.* Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.tangible a. having actual form  7.laceration b. to correct by punishing 8.castigate c. jagged wound 9.sordid d. dirty, base 10.octogenarian e. person in his or her eighties T ’ I ODAY S DIOM Hobson’s choice—to have no choice at all (Mr. Hobson owned a livery stable but he did not allow the customers to pick their own horses) Despite all the talk about democracy in my family, my father usually gives the rest of us Hobson’s choice. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS solace sol´ is aspirant əspī´ rənt dregs dregz frenzy fren´ zē scurrilous skėr´ ə ləs W EEK 4 D AY 4 THE DECLINE OF MULLINS Mullins sought solace in whiskey. Once a highly respected aspirant for the lightweight crown, he now found himself associating with the dregs of Skid Row.* He would work himself into an alcoholic frenzy in which he would trumpet scurrilous attacks on the champ, the old manager, and the judge. One avid* fight fan attributed Mullins’ absence from the ring to sickness, saying that he was “recovering from a bad case of—SCOTCH.” Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.Vigilant* censors protect the public from listening to ________________ language on television. 2.The publisher scoffed* at the reports that he was an ________________ for the job of Secretary of State. 3.In a ________________ , the teenager overturned every drawer while searching for the car keys. 4.At the bottom of the beautiful wine bottle, only the ________________ remained. 5.In trying to offer ________________ to the deceased’s wife, the reporter inadvertently* made the situation worse. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.solace a. most worthless part 7.aspirant b. coarse 8.dregs c. easing of grief 9.frenzy d. wild fit 10.scurrilous e. candidate for high position T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to rule the roost—to be in charge, to be master (a roost is a perch where domestic birds can sleep) Although he is a lowly private in the army, at home he rules the roost. www.languagecentre.ir W EEK 4 D AY 5 REVIEW Let’s see how many of the new words studied during the course of this week you remember. Incidentally, try to keep a record of the many times you find your new words in magazines, newspapers, and books. Before you knew the meanings of those words you probably skipped right over them. In the following quiz, match the best possible definition with the word you have studied. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.alacrity a. scorn 2.aspirant b. to make afraid 3.belligerent c. frantic outburst 4.belittle d. person of eighty 5.brash e. to mock 6.castigate f. make public, proclaim 7.disdain g. pretense, sham 8.dregs h. combative 9.feint i. candidate for better job 10.frenzy j. seeking war, hostile 11.intimidate k. speak of as unimportant 12.laceration l. vulgar, using indecent language 13.octogenarian m. insolent 14.promulgate n. punish, chastise 15.pugnacious o. comfort 16.scoff p. most worthless part 17.scurrilous q. able to be touched 18.solace r. rough cut 19.sordid s. filthy, ignoble 20.tangible t. quick willingness IDIOMS 21.to throw down the gauntlet u. be the boss, lay down the laws 22.feeling no pain v. under the influence of alcohol 23.Hobson’s choice w. to offer a challenge 24.to rule the roost x. to have no say in a matter Make a record of those words you missed. You can master them with additional review. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ www.languagecentre.ir SENSIBLE SENTENCES? (From Week 4) Choose the word that makes sense in each of the sentences below. 1.We were impressed with the new maid because she cleaned the house with (alacrity, solace). 2.All (aspirants, lacerations) for the basketball team must come to practice today. 3.Once he was a millionaire, but today he can be found among the (dregs, octogenarians) of society. 4.The newspaper specialized in printing the (sordid, brash) details of crime in the city. 5.After finding the (pugnacious, tangible) evidence in his drawer, Roger took it to the police. 6.The normally (scurrilous, belligerent) police dog was unusually quiet this morning. 7.Bobby, who was extremely modest, always (belittled, castigated) his own achievements. 8.Treated with (frenzy, disdain) by his stepfather, Artie grew closer to his natural father. 9.When the results of the bar exam were (intimidated, promulgated) Adele saw that she had passed handsomely. 10.I used to (scoff, feint) at Hank’s stories of the fish he had caught, but he made a believer out of me. WORDSEARCH 4 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 4th Day 3rd Day 2nd Day 4th Day 4th Day Want to Run for Office? In recent years, we have seen the phenomenon of incumbent politicians retiring in record numbers. When interviewed, many of them admitted that they had lost their taste for the job because of the abuse to which an for office is subjected. “My last campaign was a affair in which my opponents did everything to my record and air charges about my private life,” said one congressman. “I don’t have to stand still for such treatment,” he added, “which was terribly embarrassing to me and my entire family.” Citizen groups, appalled by the candidates’ mudslinging, have sought to do something about the situation. Committees have been formed in a number of states to study ways to elevate the tone of the process, reduce the emotionalism, and eliminate the of name calling that is generated as election day draws near. “Unless we clean up this mess,” said the chairman of an Illinois caucus, “we will lose the best and the brightest from the political arena. After all, who but a masochist wants to be a punching bag, the subject of daily vilification in the media, and a target for every malcontent in town?” www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS rampant ram´ pənt inane in ān´ ethics eth´ iks concur kən kėr´ clandestine klan des´ tən W EEK 5 D AY 1 CHEATING During my first weeks at the new school I observed that cheating was rampant. I had always considered it rather inane to cheat on a test because of my code of ethics, and because so much was at stake. Apparently the other students didn’t concur. In fact, even the presence of a proctor did not intimidate* them. Far from being a clandestine activity, the cheating was open and obvious. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.When the plague was ________________ on the island, Dr. Arrowsmith’s wife died. 2.The spies thought their meeting was a ________________ one, but a throng* of F.B.I. agents gathered outside the building. 3.A special management committee was asked to investigate business ________________. 4.Orville Wright was criticized for his ________________ desire to fly. 5.If I can get my parents to ________________ , I’ll join the Peace Corps. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.rampant a. secret, undercover 7.inane b. code of principles  8.ethics c. foolish 9.concur d. agree 10.clandestine e. going unchecked, widespread T ’ I ODAY S DIOM stock in trade—the goods, tools, and other requisites of a profession A quick wit and a warm smile were the salesman’s stock in trade. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS flagrant flā´ grənt admonish ad mon´ ish duress d res´ culprit kul´ prit inexorable in ek´ sər ə bəl W EEK 5 D AY 2 CRACKING DOWN Mr. Dorsey, our new principal, determined to do something about the flagrant cheating at our high school. He issued bulletins and began to admonish those teachers who did not proctor alertly. Under duress, the faculty reported the names of the culprits. Several crib sheets were turned in as tangible* evidence of the cheating. Mr. Dorsey’s inexorable campaign against the wrong-doers seemed to be paying off. Sample Sentences Into which sentences do the new words fit best? 1.The ________________ was caught with his fingers in the cookie jar. 2.Television sleuths are ________________ in their pursuit of lawbreakers. 3.The confession was signed under ________________ , the attorney claimed. 4.I suspect that my father will ________________ me for coming home late. 5.Parking in front of a hydrant is a ________________ violation of the city’s law. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.flagrant a. inflexible, unrelenting 7.admonish b. compulsion, force 8.duress c. outrageous, glaringly bad  9.culprit d. the guilty person 10.inexorable e. to warn, to reprove T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to take down a peg—to take the conceit out of a braggart (ship’s colors used to be raised or lowered by pegs— the higher the colors, the greater the honor) The alumni thought they had a great basketball team, but our varsity took them down a peg. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS egregious i grē´ jəs distraught dis trôt´ duplicity dü plis´ ə tē acrimonious ak´ rə mō´ nē əs paucity pô´ sə tē W EEK 5 D AY 3 STAR PLAYER IS CAUGHT The cheating scandal came to a head when Art Krause, our football captain, made the egregious mistake of getting caught cheating on a midterm exam. If Art were suspended for his part in that sordid* affair, our chances for winning the city championship would go up in smoke.* The distraught coach asked the principal to overlook Art’s duplicity, but Mr. Dorsey replied in an acrimonious fashion that the players had been given “a plethora”* of athletic instruction but a paucity of moral guidance.” Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The bank teller ’s ________________ error was difficult to correct. 2.We tried to ignore her ________________ comments, but that took considerable restraint. 3.________________ is the stock in trade of all adroit* counterspies. 4.Although it was a creative writing class, the teacher complained about the ________________ of talent there. 5.The soldiers were ________________ to learn that their furloughs had been canceled. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.egregious a. scarcity  7.distraught b. cunning, trickery 8.duplicity c. mentally confused, crazed 9.acrimonious d. remarkably bad 10.paucity e. bitter T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to pass the buck—to evade responsibility (the “buck” may have been a piece of buckshot passed from one poker player to another to keep track of whose turn it was to deal) He always gives me a straight answer and never tries to pass the buck. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS elicit i lis´ it pernicious pər nish´ əs tolerate tol´ ər āt construe kən strü´ impunity im pyū´ nə tē W EEK 5 D AY 4 OUR PYRRHIC VICTORY* Mr. Dorsey summoned a representative group of teachers and student leaders to his office in order to elicit their reactions to the suspension of the football captain. He told them that cheating was a pernicious disease that could not be tolerated at our school. He loathed* having to discipline Art Krause so severely, but unless strict measures were taken, the student body would construe the incident as an open invitation to cheat with impunity. “We may lose a football game,” the principal said, “but we can salvage our self-respect.” Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The border guards allowed the doctor to cross the frontier with ________________. 2.It isn’t easy to ________________ answers from a sleepy class on Monday morning. 3.Dentists appreciate patients who can ________________ pain. 4.She hoped that we would not ________________ her decision to run for office as a thirst for power. 5.The dictator ’s ________________ rules failed to intimidate* the leaders of the underground. Definitions Match the new word with their meanings. 6.elicit a. freedom from punishment  7.pernicious b. to make a deduction, to infer 8.tolerate c. to put up with, to bear 9.construe d. to draw forth 10.impunity e. harmful, causing injury T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to lionize a person—to make a big fuss over someone (the lions at the Tower of London were considered its main attraction) When the famous poet Dylan Thomas visited the United States, he was lionized wherever he lectured. www.languagecentre.ir W EEK 5 D AY 5 REVIEW Congratulations! You have covered the first one hundred words in the book. With the same diligence you should be able to tackle the remaining work and to master most of the challenging words. Take the following quiz by matching the best possible definition with the word you have studied. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.acrimonious a. double-dealing 2.admonish b. cannot be moved by persuasion, inflexible 3.clandestine c. silly 4.concur d. flourishing 5.construe e. to scold, warn 6.culprit f. harassed 7.distraught g. to permit, to put up with 8.duplicity h. extract 9.duress i. damaging, harmful 10.egregious j. outstanding for undesirable quality 11.elicit k. notorious 12.ethics l. force, coercion 13.flagrant m. exemption 14.impunity n. moral philosophy 15.inane o. agree 16.inexorable p. hidden, secret 17.paucity q. to interpret 18.pernicious r. one who commits a crime 19.rampant s. shortage 20.tolerate t. caustic, bitter IDIOMS 21.stock in trade u. to idolize 22.to take down a peg v. to humiliate 23.pass the buck w. the necessary equipment 24.to lionize a person x. to refuse to take responsibility Make a record of those words you missed. You can learn them successfully by studying them and by using them in original sentences. Use a word three times and it is yours forever, a wise man once said. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ www.languagecentre.ir WORDSEARCH 5 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 4th Day 3rd Day 2nd Day 2nd Day Driving While Drunk Throughout literature we find recurring tales of forthright people who are outspoken in condemning illegal practices only to be brought low themselves when they, or members of their families, commit such acts. Since literature reflects life, we can expect to find similar instances in which a person’s are compromised, and he falls prey to the evil that he had publicly denounced. Take the story of Barry Vernon (not his real name), an aggressive Ohio district attorney. Vernon could be counted upon to make remarks about anyone who was driving while intoxicated. On numerous speaking engagements, he railed against drunkenness and swore that any such who was found behind the wheel of a car would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. As fate would have it, Vernon’s own son smashed into several cars, injuring four people seriously, and then failed a sobriety test. Following that violation of the law, Vernon resigned from office, saying that as a private citizen he would continue his crusade against those who drive under the influence of alcohol. Meanwhile, he wished to spend more time with his son to try to understand the young man’s behavior. N W EW ORDS affluent af´ lü ənt feasible fē´ zə bəl discern də zėrn´ or də sėrn´ sally sal´ ē consternation kon´ stər nā´ shən W EEK 6 D AY 1 THE NEWSPAPER UMBRELLA Our neighbor is an affluent inventor whose latest brainstorm, a feasible umbrella substitute, has been featured in many magazines. As simply as the eye can discern, it is a hard plastic strip, about the size of a ruler, which fits comfortably into a woman’s handbag or a man’s suit jacket. If a person is caught in a sudden rainstorm, he swings the plastic open in the shape of a cross. Attached to each arm is a clip-like device. Next, he takes the newspaper he is carrying and slides it under each of the four clips. Now, equipped with a rigid head covering he can sally forth to face the elements. To the consternation of the umbrella manufacturers, it has been enjoying a brisk sale, especially among commuters. If it continues to do well, it could have a pernicious* effect upon the umbrella industry. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.Some prisoners planned a disturbance while others would ________________ toward the gate. 2.Under duress* from the tax officer, the beggar admitted that he was truly ________________. 3.To the ________________ of the sergeant, there was a paucity* of volunteers for the dangerous mission. 4.It’s ________________ to build an electric auto, but wouldn’t you need a terribly long extension cord? 5.When we could ________________ the city lights, we knew we were safe at last. www.languagecentre.ir Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.affluent a. suddenly rush forth 7.feasible b. possible 8.discern c. dismay 9.sally (v.) d. rich 10.consternation e. perceive* T ’ I ODAY S DIOM I’m from Missouri—a skeptic, one who is not easily convinced You might swallow his promises, but I’m from Missouri. N W EW ORDS precocious pri kō´ shəs perfunctory pər fungk´ tər ē chagrin shə grin´ perverse pər vers´ deride di rīd´ W EEK 6 D AY 2 PATENT PENDING My buddy Verne, a precocious automotive wizard, and I were inspired to do some inventing on our own. We thought it might be feasible* to park a car parallel to a space on the street. Then, by pressing a button, we could raise the four tires off the ground slightly, while dropping two special wheels perpendicular to the curb. It would then be child’s play to roll into the narrowest of parking spaces. We took the idea to Ed Greene who runs the Ford agency in order to elicit* his reaction. After a perfunctory glance at our plans, to our chagrin Ed snorted that our idea was inane,* but we decided that he was just jealous of our brilliance. Tomorrow we are going to start on a computer that will enable us to measure the intelligence of perverse automobile dealers who like to deride the efforts of junior geniuses. Sample Sentences Use the clues above to help find the proper words. 1.The children in Shakespeare’s plays are so ________________ that they all sound like grandparents. 2.Edith gave only ________________ attention to the new millennium, skipping our New Year ’s Eve party. 3.The Wright brothers didn’t become distraught* when a skeptic would ________________ their work. 4.When I correct my kid brother ’s math errors, he is ________________ enough to insist that he is right. 5.To the ________________ of many taxpayers, some citizens seem to cheat the www.languagecentre.ir  government with impunity.* Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.precocious a. done without care, superficial 7.perfunctory b. reaching maturity early 8.chagrin c. feeling of disappointment, humiliation 9.perverse d. contrary, persisting in error 10.deride e. to ridicule, scoff* at T ’ I ODAY S DIOM red-letter day—day of happiness, time for rejoicing (holidays are red-letter days on our calendars) My red-letter day came when I was chosen as senior class president. N W EW ORDS disparage dis par´ ij laudable lôd´ ə bəl fiasco fē as´ kō masticate mas´ tə kāt eschew es chü´ W EEK 6 D AY 3 HOLD THAT NOBEL PRIZE! Speaking of inventions and discoveries, I just learned that an eminent* scientist in Ohio has developed a pill that contains all the nutritive value of three complete meals. In addition to providing us with the vitamins and minerals we need daily, this pill also gives a feeling of fullness. According to its sponsors, the pill will nourish and satisfy. I hate to disparage such a laudable achievement, but to me it seems like a most objectionable discovery. Rather than a scientific triumph, I’d be inclined to label it as an egregious* blunder, a scientific disaster, a laboratory fiasco. Is there anyone in his right mind who thinks that a pill can replace the pleasures of devouring hot corn bread, masticating on a thick steak, biting into crisp french fries, or attacking a chocolate sundae? I’m afraid that this is one pill I’ll have to eschew from chewing. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The paradox* is that Javert’s inexorable* pursuit of Jean Valjean was both ________________ and despicable. 2.The affluent* storeowner ________________ the efforts of his small competitor, saying that he could always tolerate* that kind of rivalry. 3.To aid in digestion, you must ________________ each piece of meat one dozen times. 4.In an acrimonious* letter, her father described the project as a complete ________________. 5.Once he sought the limelight, but now he ________________ all interviews. www.languagecentre.ir Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.disparage a. to discredit, belittle* 7.laudable b. avoid 8.fiasco c. to chew up 9.masticate d. praiseworthy 10.eschew e. complete failure T ’ IODAY S DIOM to let sleeping dogs lie—to let well enough alone, to avoid stirring up old hostilities The lawyer wanted to open up the old case, but his partner advised him to let sleeping dogs lie. N W EW ORDS quell kwel voluble vol´ ū bəl confidant(e) kon´ fə dant´ obsolescence ob´ sə les´ ns dubious dü´ bē əs W EEK 6 D AY 4 PERFECT PRODUCTS I guess we’ll never be able to quell those persistent rumors about the invention of auto tires that will never wear out, stockings that cannot tear, and pens that won’t run dry. A voluble economist informed me that such products will never be marketed. “Can you imagine,” he asked, “a manufacturer cutting his own throat? Why would he sell you an item that you will never have to replace? No,” my confidant whispered, “it’s part of their scheme of planned obsolescence to sell you merchandise with a limited life span in order to keep you coming back for more.” I am dubious about the existence of those perfect products, but then I’m from Missouri.* Sample Sentences Use the new words in the proper blanks. 1.When the duplicity* was revealed, the jury became ________________ about Ed’s innocence. 2.In order to ________________ the riot, the police sallied* forth with tear gas. 3.A teenage boy’s father should be his true ________________. 4.The ________________ built into many products could be regarded as a flagrant* insult toward the duped* consumer. 5.I could not doze in the chair because of the ________________ barber. Definitions Play the familiar matching game. www.languagecentre.ir  6.quell a. one to whom you confide your secrets 7.voluble b. talkative 8.confidant(e) c. process of wearing out 9.obsolescence d. put an end to 10.dubious e. doubtful T ’ I ODAY S DIOM thumb’s down—signal of rejection (Roman emperors could condemn a gladiator who fought poorly by turning their thumbs down) My father turned thumbs down on our plan to hitchhike to Florida during Easter. W EEK 6 D AY 5 REVIEW After reading about these new ideas, you should be inventive enough to handle this review. If there is a necessity for it, you may turn back to the original lesson to check on the meaning of a word. As someone once remarked, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Match the twenty words with their meanings. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.affluent a. careless 2.chagrin b. dread, dismay 3.confidant(e) c. to chew 4.consternation d. complete failure 5.deride e. reaching maturity early 6.discern f. talkative 7.disparage g. practicable 8.dubious h. to make fun of 9.eschew i. contrary 10.feasible j. wealthy 11.fiasco k. keep away from 12.laudable l. recognize 13.masticate m. crush, stop 14.obsolescence n. to discredit 15.perfunctory o. person you tell your secrets to 16.perverse p. disappointment 17.precocious q. uncertain 18.quell r. commendable 19.sally s. sudden rushing forth 20.voluble t. process of wearing out IDIOMS 21.I’m from Missouri u. occasion for rejoicing 22.red-letter day v. I have to be convinced 23.let sleeping dogs lie w. don’t rake up old grievances www.languagecentre.ir 24.thumbs down x. to signal rejection Make a record of those words you missed. Study them, work on them, use them in original sentences. Amaze your friends at parties! *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ WORDSEARCH 6 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 4th Day 1st Day 3rd Day 1st Day 3rd Day Trouble at Truman High It was a quiet morning at Harry S Truman High School. “Too quiet,” Principal Edna Suarez remarked to her secretary. “It’s just when things are this serene that I start to get an uneasy feeling.” Mrs. Suarez’s sensitivity to life among 3,000 teenagers quickly proved to be accurate. The first evidence of trouble came with a phone call from the teacher in charge of the cafeteria who needed help to a disturbance. When Mrs. Suarez arrived on the scene, much to her , students were pounding on their tables, throwing food on the lunchroom floor, and making a complete of school regulations. It took the principal only a moment to who the two ringleaders were and to summon them to her office. Vincent, 16, and Elena, 15, admitted to having stirred up the protest. They gave as their reasons the poor quality of food served and the dirty environment. “It’s like a pigsty down there,” Elena declared, “and the food is fit only for animals!” What they had done, Mrs. Suarez told them, was inexcusable, and she ticked off a list of reasons that made their conduct dangerous and subject to school discipline. “What you were trying to do,” Mrs. Suarez explained, “might be considered by some but you could have come to me, alone or with a committee, to register your complaints. I would have investigated and, if there was merit to your charges, would have taken the necessary action. Now I’ll have to ask you to bring your parents to see me on Monday and to stay home until then.” Vincent and Elena seemed to be chastened by Mrs. Suarez’s lecture. However, on leaving her office, Elena told an assistant principal that in a similar incident on a television show she learned that direct, dramatic action usually gets quicker results than lengthy debate. He advised her to bring that question up in her social studies class when she returned from suspension. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS implacable im plā´ ke bəl paroxysm par´ ək siz əm reprehensible rep´ ri hen´ sə bəl jurisdiction jür´ is dik´ shən skirmish sker´ mish W EEK 7 D AY 1 MUCH ADO ABOUT A HAIRCUT Perhaps you read about our school in the newspapers? We were one of the first to have a showdown on the topic of long hair for boys. Two honor students, Ron Harris and Len Chester, were sent to the principal by their French teacher, an implacable foe of nonconformists, who went into a paroxysm of anger when she spied the boys in the hall. At first it seemed like a simple case. The school would reprimand* the boys for their reprehensible appearance and order them to cut their hair or be suspended. But the boys’ parents decided that the school had overstepped its jurisdiction; they took their case to the newspapers. What had started as a local skirmish now began to take on the appearance of a full-scale war. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The detective was ________________ in his search for the murder weapon. 2.Saying that it was beyond his ________________ , Judge Klein refused to rule on the case. 3.In a ________________ of rage, the tenant stormed out of the landlord’s office. 4.The precocious* boy enjoyed an intellectual ________________ with his elders. 5.The brash* student was forced to apologize for her ________________ conduct. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.implacable a. a fit, sudden outburst 7.paroxysm b. cannot be pacified, inexorable* 8.reprehensible c. small fight, brief encounter 9.jurisdiction d. worthy of blame 10.skirmish e. power, range of authority T ’ I ODAY S DIOM cause célèbre—a famous law case or controversy It was a minor dispute, but the ambitious lawyer sought to turn it into a cause célèbre. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS harass har´ əs or hə rəs´ monolithic mä nə´ li thik arbitrary är´ bə trer´ ē indigent in´ də jənt fray frā W EEK 7 D AY 2 THE TEMPEST SPILLS OUT OF THE TEAPOT Once the newspapers got the story, the case of the longhairs became a cause célèbre.* Ron and Len were interviewed, seen on TV, and regarded by their fellow students as heroes. “These are not delinquents or hoods,” one reporter wrote, “but clean-cut American boys who are being harassed by a monolithic school system.” A caustic* editorial referred to the school’s decision as arbitrary and inane.* A false story even circulated about the boys being rock-’n- roll performers whose indigent families needed their salaries. Finally, the Civil Liberties Union jumped into the fray with a court order stipulating* that the principal be required to show cause why the boys should not be allowed to return to class. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.After the ________________ , the feuding families agreed to patch up their differences. 2.The ________________ client was surprised when she was accosted* by her social worker in the elegant restaurant. 3.To my mind the decision was unreasonable and ________________. 4.George Orwell’s 1984 depicts a frightening, ________________ government. 5.If anonymous telephone callers ________________ you, the phone company will give you an unlisted number. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.harass a. based on whim, dictatorial 7.monolithic b. poor, needy 8.indigent c. massively solid 9.arbitrary d. a fight 10.fray e. to trouble, torment T ’ I ODAY S DIOM one swallow does not make a summer—don’t jump to conclusions based on incomplete evidence “Sure, the Yankees won their opening game, but one swallow does not make a summer.” www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS stymie stī´ mē effigy ef´ ə jē flout flout cognizant kog´ nə zənt turbulent tėr´ byə lənt W EEK 7 D AY 3 HAIRCUT DILEMMA The school authorities were stymied. Public opinion had been marshaled against them. No longer was it a simple case of disciplining two wayward lads. Suddenly it had taken on the appearance of a nightmare in which the principal was either hanged in effigy or pictured in cartoons making a villainous swipe at the two innocent Samsons. But the officials could not allow Ron and Len to flout their authority with impunity.* Members of the school board concurred* with the principal’s action but they were cognizant of the popular support for the boys. Clearly a compromise was called for to resolve the turbulent situation. Sample Sentences In which of the following newspaper headlines do the new words belong? 1.“COACH OF LOSING TEAM HANGED IN ________________ ” 2.“CAUSE OF CANCER CONTINUES TO ________________ DOCTORS” 3.“F.B.I. ________________ OF CLANDESTINE* GANGLAND MEETING” 4.“MANY MOTORISTS ________________ TRAFFIC LAWS, STUDY REVEALS” 5.“________________ ATMOSPHERE IN ANGRY SENATE CHAMBER” Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.stymie a. unruly, agitated 7.effigy b. to hinder, impede  8.flout c. show contempt, scoff* 9.cognizant d. aware 10.turbulent e. a likeness (usually of a hated person) T ’ I ODAY S DIOM a bitter pill to swallow—a humiliating defeat It was a bitter pill to swallow for the famous billiard player to be overwhelmed by the 12-year-old girl. www.languagecentre.ir N W EW ORDS terminate ter´ mə nāt forthwith fôrth´ with´ exacerbate eg zas´ ər bāt revert ri vėrt´ oust oust W EEK 7 D AY 4 HAPPY ENDING? Following an executive session, the school board ordered the principal to terminate the suspension and to send the boys back to class forthwith. Unless it could be shown that their presence disrupted the learning process, there was no reason to bar the boys. It was a bitter pill to swallow* for the principal whose irritation was exacerbated by the ruling. But some of the sting was taken out of the victory when the boys appeared in school the next day with their hair clipped to a respectable length. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Just as things were about to revert to normalcy, however, the same French teacher then demanded that a girl be ousted from school for wearing a mini skirt. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.It seemed incongruous* to ________________ his employment just when he was so successful. 2.Upon seeing the show, he called the TV studio ________________ to protest. 3.The ushers moved with alacrity* to ________________ the disorderly patrons. 4.After taking the drug, she began to ________________ to the days of her childhood. 5.The arrest of the spy did much to ________________ relations between the two countries. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.  6.terminate a. to drive out, eject 7.forthwith b. return 8.exacerbate c. to end 9.revert d. immediately 10.oust e. to irritate, make worse T ’ I ODAY S DIOM an ax to grind—having a selfish motive in the background I am always dubious* about the motives of a man who tells me that he has no ax to grind. www.languagecentre.ir W EEK 7 D AY 5 REVIEW Pupils want to be individuals these days, and many of them refuse to conform to regulations unless there are good reasons for such rules. In the area of vocabulary study, however, the only rule that makes sense to all is that true mastery derives from continuous practice. Match the twenty words with their meanings. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. (Which two review words are almost synonymous?) REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.arbitrary a. having a massive structure 2.cognizant b. to hinder 3.effigy c. a conflict, fight 4.exacerbate d. relentless, unappeasable 5.flout e. immediately 6.forthwith f. blameworthy 7.fray g. range of authority 8.harass h. to show contempt 9.implacable i. poverty-stricken 10.indigent j. to irritate 11.jurisdiction k. violent outburst 12.monolithic l. to end 13.oust m. a likeness 14.paroxysm n. go back 15.reprehensible o. to torment 16.revert p. riotous 17.skirmish q. eject 18.stymie r. small battle 19.terminate s. aware 20.turbulent t. based on whim IDIOMS 21.cause célèbre u. having a selfish motive 22.one swallow doesn’t make a summer v. a humiliating defeat 23.bitter pill to swallow w. don’t jump to conclusions 24.an ax to grind x. famous law case Make a record of those words you missed. Note: fray and skirmish are almost synonymous. *For reference only WORDS FOR MEANINGS FURTHER STUDY 1. _________________________ _________________________ 2. _________________________ _________________________ 3. _________________________ _________________________ www.languagecentre.ir WORDSEARCH 7 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 3rd Day 3rd Day 2nd Day 1st Day The Reading of the Will One full week after the funeral, the immediate family of millionaire Charles Hudson was gathered in a law office to hear the reading of the deceased’s will. Mr. Hudson’s wife, thirty years his junior, was prepared for a bitter with his former wife and her son. The lawyer, Don Rollins, anticipated a session because he was the only one who was of the contents of the revised will that Hudson had ordered drawn up six months prior to his death. The current Mrs. Hudson, attired in her smart widow’s weeds, expected that she would receive the lion’s share of the estate. The former Mrs. Hudson felt that she was entitled to most of the estate since she was practically at the present time, despite her substantial alimony payments. Lawyer Rollins cleared his throat and began to read: “To my present spouse I leave my town house where she can continue to store the jewels, shoes, dresses, and furs she accumulated in two years of shopping and marriage. “To my son, who has put off finding a career until my estate would enrich him, I leave the sum of ten dollars for cab fare to the unemployment office. “To my former wife whose behavior I tolerated for three decades, I leave my beach house where she can continue to work on her tan, something that she prized above our happiness. “To the Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals I leave the remainder of my entire estate, knowing they will put it to better use than anyone in this room.” The lawyer was wrong. No outcries. Silence, supreme silence, reigned among the shocked audience. N W EW ORDS emaciated i mā´ shē ā tid surge sėrj tranquil trang´ kwəl sanctuary sangk´ chü er´ i ascend ə send´ W EEK 8 D AY 1 ENTER DR. THOMAS A. DOOLEY In 1956, Look Magazine named Thomas Dooley as one of the year ’s ten most outstanding men. Just under thirty years of age at the time, Dr. Dooley had already distinguished himself by caring for a half-million sick and emaciated Vietnamese refugees. When fighting broke out in the divided country of Viet Nam, the northern Communist Viet Minh forces surged southward, scattering thousands of refugees before them. At the time, Dr. Dooley was a lieutenant, assigned to a tranquil naval hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. Forthwith* he volunteered for duty on a navy ship that had been chosen to transport the refugees to sanctuary in Saigon. The curtain was beginning to ascend on Dooley’s real career. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The ________________ residents of the Warsaw Ghetto managed to win several skirmishes* from the Nazis. 2.A firecracker terminated* the ________________ climate of the neighborhood. 3.When Richard III violated the ________________ of the church to seize the princes, he exceeded his jurisdiction.* 4.Chicago put its heaviest players up front, but they were helpless as the Giants’ line ________________ toward them. 5.Inexorably* the determined climber began to ________________ the Himalayan peak. www.languagecentre.ir Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.emaciated a. to rush suddenly 7.surge b. shelter 8.tranquil c. quiet 9.sanctuary d. abnormally thin, wasted away 10.ascend e. to rise T ’ I ODAY S DIOM sour grapes—to disparage* something that you cannot have (from Aesop’s fable about the fox who called the grapes sour because he could not reach them) Marcia said that she didn’t want to be on the Principal’s Honor Roll anyway, but we knew that it was just sour grapes on her part. N W EW ORDS malnutrition mal´ nü trish´ ən afflict ə flikt´ besiege bi sēj´ privation prī vā´ shən sinister sin´ ə stər W EEK 8 D AY 2 DOOLEY’S MISSION Aboard the refugee ship, Dooley’s destiny took shape. He became painfully cognizant* of the malnutrition, disease, ignorance, and fear that afflicted the natives. In addition, he discerned* how active the Communists had been in spreading their anti-American propaganda. Tom Dooley pitched in to build shelters in Haiphong, and to comfort the poor Vietnamese there before that besieged city fell to the powerful Viet Minh forces. He was seemingly unconcerned by the many privations he had to endure. For his services, Dooley received the U.S. Navy’s Legion of Merit. He told the story of this exciting experience in Deliver Us from Evil, a best seller that alerted America to the plight of the Vietnamese as well as to the sinister menace of communism. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.The stool pigeon, the detective’s confidant,* told him about the ________________ plot. 2.By running up a white flag, the ________________ troops indicated their desire to withdraw from the fray.* 3.Citizens of several Kentucky mountain communities are ________________ by the worst poverty in the nation. 4.The emaciated* prisoners were obviously suffering from advanced ________________. 5.Albert Schweitzer endured considerable ________________ as a jungle doctor. www.languagecentre.ir Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.malnutrition a. lack of necessities 7.afflict b. faulty or inadequate diet 8.besiege c. evil, ominous 9.privation d. to surround, hem in 10.sinister e. to trouble greatly, to distress T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to swap horses in midstream—to vote against a candidate running for reelection, to change one’s mind The mayor asked for our support, pointing out how foolish it would be to swap horses in midstream. N W EW ORDS ubiquitous yü bik´ wə təs remote ri mōt´ thwart thwôrt harbinger här´ bən jər malignant mə lig´ nənt W EEK 8 D AY 3 STYMIED* BY PERSONAL SICKNESS After an extensive lecture tour in 1956, Dr. Dooley returned to Laos to set up a mobile medical unit. Because the Geneva Agreement barred the entrance of military personnel to the country, he resigned from the Navy and went to work as a civilian. That story is told in The Edge of Tomorrow. Next year, despite a growing illness, the ubiquitous Dooley turned up in the remote village of Muong Sing, attempting to thwart his traditional enemies—disease, dirt, ignorance, starvation—and hoping to quell* the spread of communism. But his trained medical eye soon told him that the pain in his chest and back was a harbinger of a malignant cancer. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.Sprinting all over the court, the ________________ referee called one foul after another. 2.Ben’s reprehensible* table manners led his fraternity brothers to seat him in a ________________ corner of the dining room. 3.The excellent soup was a ________________ of the delicious meal to follow. 4.In an attempt to ________________ the voracious* ants, he surrounded his house with a moat of burning oil. 5.The surgeon finally located the ________________ tumor that had afflicted* his patient for many months. www.languagecentre.ir Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.ubiquitous a. distant, hidden away 7.remote b. being everywhere at the same time 8.thwart c. likely to cause death 9.harbinger d. to hinder, defeat 10.malignant e. a forerunner, advance notice T ’ I ODAY S DIOM to cool one’s heels—to be kept waiting The shrewd mayor made the angry delegates cool their heels in his outer office. N W EW ORDS excruciating ek skrü´ shē ā ting respite res´ pit reverberating ri vėr´ bə rāt´ ing fretful fret´ fəl succumb sə kum´ W EEK 8 D AY 4 “PROMISES TO KEEP” From August, 1959 until his death in January, 1961, Dooley suffered almost continuous, excruciating pain. His normal weight of 180 was cut in half, and even the pain-killing drugs could no longer bring relief. Knowing that he did not have long to live, Dr. Dooley worked without respite on behalf of MEDICO, the organization he had founded to bring medical aid and hope to the world’s sick and needy. The lines of Robert Frost kept reverberating in his mind during those fretful days: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep/ But I have promises to keep/ And miles to go before I sleep.” When he finally succumbed, millions throughout the world were stunned and grief-stricken by the tragedy. Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences. 1.With ________________ slowness, the minute hand inched its way around the clock. 2.The rescue team heard the miner ’s voice ________________ through the caves. 3.Around income tax time ________________ faces are ubiquitous.* 4.The voluble* insurance salesman gave my father no ________________. 5.Besieged* by debts, the corporation finally had to ________________ to bankruptcy. Definitions Match the new words with their meanings. 6.excruciating a. an interval of relief, delay www.languagecentre.ir  7.respite b. worrisome, irritable 8.reverberating c. reechoing, resounding 9.fretful d. agonizing, torturing 10.succumb e. to give way, yield T ’ I ODAY S DIOM a red herring—something that diverts attention from the main issue (a red herring drawn across a fox’s path destroys the scent) We felt that the introduction of his war record was a red herring to keep us from inquiring into his graft. W EEK 8 D AY 5 REVIEW Shortly before his death, Dr. Dooley was selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s ten most outstanding young men. There may be no connection between success of that type and an expanded vocabulary—but one never knows. Match the twenty words with their meanings. *Reminder: Record answers on a sheet of paper. REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1.afflict a. lack of necessities 2.ascend b. inadequate diet 3.besiege c. being everywhere at once 4.emaciated d. to trouble greatly 5.excruciating e. agonizing 6.fretful f. wasted away 7.harbinger g. distant 8.malignant h. evil 9.malnutrition i. to rush suddenly 10.privation j. place of protection 11.remote k. forerunner 12.respite l. to rise 13.reverberating m. to hinder 14.sanctuary n. yield 15.sinister o. postponement 16.succumb p. to surround 17.surge q.