352 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

MINI-LESSONS FOR SECTION 3

Vocabulary Building

These mini-lessons consist of lists of over 500 words and their synonyms as well as practice exercises.
Although vocabulary is no longer tested in discrete items in Part 3, there are vocabulary-in-context
questions in the Reading Comprehension section. These exercises will improve your ability to use
context to choose the word that best fits into a sentence.

Mini-Lesson 3.1
abandon v. desert, leave behind
able ad). capable, qualified, fit
abolish v. end, eliminate
abrupt a{{;' sudden, hasty, unexpected
acclaim v. applaud, praise, honor
n. praise, applause, honor
acrid ad). bitter, sharp, biting
adapt v. adjust, modify
adept ad). skillful, expert
adhere v. stick, cling
admonish v. warn, caution, advise
adorn v. decorate
advent 11. coming, arrival
adverse ad). hostile, negative, contrary
affluent ad). rich, wealthy, prosperous, well-to-do
aggravate v. (1) annoy, irritate
(2) intensify, worsen
aggregate ad). entire, total, combined
agile ad). graceful, nimble, lively
ailment 11. sickness, illness
allot v. divide, distribute
amazing ad). astonishing, astounding, surprising, startling
amiable adj. agreeable, congenial, pleasant
anticipate v. foresee, expect, predict
anxious ad). (1) worried, nervous, apprehensive
(2) eager, avid
appraise 1.'. evaluate, estimate, assess
apt ad). (1) appropriate, suitable, correct, relevant, proper
(2) likely, prone
arduous ad). difficult, exhausting
arid ad). dry, barren
aroma n. fragrance, smell, odor, scent
artificial adj. synthetic, imitation, manmade
astonishing ad). surprising, amazing, astounding
astute ad). intelligent, clever, perceptive
attain v. accomplish, achieve
augment v. supplement, increase, strengthen, expand
austere ad). strict, harsh, severe, stern
authentic ad). genuine, true
aversion 11. dislike, hostility, fear
awkward ad). clumsy
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 353

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences. The first one is done as an example.
1. Penicillin can have an _-LJA~_ effect on a person who is allergic to it.
(A) adverse (B) anxious (C) awkward
2. Burning rubber produces an smoke.
(A) austere (B) arid (C) acrid
3. Rationing is a system for _ _ _ _ scarce resources.
(A) allotting (B) adapting (C) appraising

4. Anthrax is generally an of sheep and cattle, but may also be transmitted to

humans.
(A) ailment (B) aroma (C) aversion
5. The head of an academic department at a university should be not only a distinguished scholar
but also an administrator.
(A) agile (B) able (C) abrupt
6. Mountain climbing is an ____ sport.
(A) austere (B) arduous (C) anxious
7. Turtles ____ their eggs after they lay them and never see their young.
(A) abandon (B) appraise (C) adorn
8. Scholarships allow some students from less _ _ _ _ families to attend college.
(A) artificial (B) affluent (C) amiable
9. Jewelers are sometimes asked to jewelry for insurance purposes.
(A) attain (B) abandon (C) appraise

10. Acrobats must be extremely _ _ __

(A) awkward (B) affluent (C) agile
11. In a domed stadium such as the Georgia Dome, natural grass cannot be grown. _ _ _ _ turfis
used on the playing field.
(A) Artificial (B) Arid (C) Austere

12. Southern Arizona has an _ _ _ _ climate.

(A) arid (B) astute (C) acrid

13. A person suffering from claustrophobia has an _ _ _ _ to confined spaces.

(A) ailment (B) aversion (C) acclaim
14. I didn't care for the play because it ended so _ _ __
(A) amiably (B) abruptly (C) anxiously

15. The ballerina was _ _ _ _ for her wonderful performances.

(A) augmented eB) anticipated (C) acclaimed
354 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-lesson 3.2
baffle v. confuse, puzzle, mystify
balmy ad}. mild, warm
ban v. prohibit. t()rbid
bar v. prevent. obstruct. block
barren ad}. sterile, unproductive, bleak, lifeless
barter v. trade, exchange
beckon v. summon, call, signal
belligerent ad}. hostile, aggressive
beneficial adj. helpful, useful, advantageous
benevolent adj. benign, kind, compassionate
bias n. prejudice, leaning
bland ad}. mild, tasteless, dull
blatant adj. flagrant. obvious, overt
blend v. mix, mingle. combine
n. mixture, combination
bloom v. blossom, flower, flourish
blunder 1'. make a mistake
n. error, mistake
blunt aelj. (1) unsharpened, dull
(2) rude, abrupt, curt
blurry aelj. unfocllsed, unclear, indistinct
bold adj. brave, courageous
bolster v. support, sustain
bond v. join, connect
n. tie, link, connection
boomv. expand, prosper
n. expansion, prosperity, growth
brace v. support, reinforce
brilliant adj. (1) bright, shiny, radiant, dazzling
(2) talented, gifted, intelligent
brisk adj. (I) lively, quick, vigorous
(2) cool. chilly, invigorating
brittle adj. fragile, breakable, '''leak
bulkyadj. huge, large, clumsy
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 355

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Most flowers _ _ _ _ in the spring.
(A) blend (B) brace (C) bloom
2. The Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean, have a ____ climate.
(A) blurry (B) brittle (C) balmy
3. Before currency came into use, people used the ____ system, exchanging goods directly for
goods.
(A) barter (B) blunder (C) bias
4. The airline _ _ _ _ . It sent me to Atlanta but my luggage to Montreal.
(A) beckoned (B) bartered (C) blundered
5. People with ulcers must eat _ _ _ _ foods.
(A) bold (ll) bland (C) bulky
6. Steel is not as _ _ _ _ as cast iron; it doesn't break as easily.
(A) brisk (B) brittle (C) brilliant
7. Some people feel that violent sports such as boxing should be ____ because they are too
dangerous.
(A) banned (B) bloomed (C) braced
8. Many people think of deserts as regions, but many species of plants and animals have
adapted to life there.
(A) bland (B) barren (C) balmy
9. An autocratic ruler who serves his people well is sometimes called a dictator.
(A) blatant (B) belligerent (C) benevolent
lO. Robert Goddard was a ____ pioneer in the field of rocketry.
(A) brilliant (B) balmy (C) brisk
11. I enjoy taking walks on ____ autumn mornings.
(A) barren (B) brisk (C) blurry
12. The victim was apparently struck by a club or some other ____ object.
(A) bland (B) brittle (C) blunt
356 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-lesson 3.3
calamity n. disaster, catastrophe
capable adj. competent, able, efficient, skillful
carve v. cut, sculpt, slice
casual adj. (1) informal, relaxed
(2) accidental, chance
caustic adj. biting, harsh, sarcastic
cautious adj. careful, alert, prudent
celebrated adj. distinguished, famous, prominent
charming adj. delightful, lovely, attractive
cherish v. appreciate, esteem, treasure
choice n. selection, option
adj. exceptional, superior
cite v. quote, mention, refer to, list
clash v. argue, dispute, quarrel
n. argument, conflict, dispute
classify lJ. categorize
clever ad}. smart, sharp, witty, bright
cling v. stick, adhere, hold
clumsy adj. awkward, inept
coax v. persuade, urge
colossal ad}. huge, enormous, gigantic
commence v. begin, initiate, start
commerce n. trade, business
commodity n. good, product, merchandise
compel v. force, require, coerce
competent ad}. adept, skillful, capable, able
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 357

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. The Red Cross provides relief in case of ____ such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
(A) challenges (B) commodities (C) calamities
2. Spoken language is generally more ____ than written language.
(A) casual (B) capable (C) cautious
3. When writing research papers, writers must ____ the sources they use.
(A) coax (B) cite (C) clash
4. Monkeys are ____ as primates.
(A) compelled (B) classified (C) coaxed
5. remarks can offend people.
(A) Casual (B) Caustic (C) Clever
6. Sculptors use hammers and chisels to ____ statues out of stone.
(A) clash (B) compel (C) carve
7. The Space Age in October 1957 when Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, was
launched by the Soviet Union.
(A) commenced (B) coaxed (C) cited
8. Workers must be very ____ when dealing with toxic substances.
(A) caustic (B) casual (C) cautious

9. In seaside communities, building sites that have a view of the ocean are considered _ _ __
(A) choice (B) clever (C) competent

10. With the growth of international the economies of the world have become more
interdependent.
(A) commodity (B) commerce (C) choice
11. The Lincoln Memorial features a ____ statue of the sixteenth president.
(A) colossal (B) caustic (C) casual
12. Corn, cotton, sugar, and many other goods are bought and sold in ____ markets.
(A) clash (B) commerce (C) commodity
358 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-lesson 3.4
complement v. supplement, complete
n. supplement, addition
compliment v. praise, flatter, commend
n. praise, flattery, commendation
comprehensive adj. complete, thorough, exhaustive
compulsory adj. necessary, obligatory, mandatory
concede v. admit, acknowledge, recognize
concise adj. brief, short, abbreviated
concrete adj. tangible, specific, real, perceptible
congregate v. assemble, gather
conspicuous adj. noticeable, obvious, prominent
contemplate v. think about, ponder, speculate
controversial adj. disputable, debatable
convenient adj. accessible, available, handy
cope with v. deal with, manage, handle
copious adj. abundant, ample, plentiful
cordial adj. congenial, warm, friendly
courteous adj. polite, refined, gracious
covert adj. secret, hidden
cozy adj. (1) comfortable, warm
(2) friendly, intimate, close
crave v. desire, long for, hope for
crooked adj. (1) curved, twisted, zigzag
(2) dishonest, corrupt
crucial adj. critical, decisive, key
crude adj. (1) rude, impolite, vulgar
(2) unprocessed, raw, unrefined
cruel adj. brutal, vicious, ruthless
cryptic adj. secret, hidden, mysterious
curb v. restrict, limit, control
curious adj. (1) inquisitive
(2) odd, strange, unusual
curt adj. abrupt, blunt, impolite
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 359

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. The use of seat belts is ____ in many states; failure to wear them may result in fines.
(A) covert (B) cruel (C) compulsory
2. Every summer, bears from all over southern Alaska ____ along the McNeil River.
(A) crave (B) curb (C) congregate
3. An abstract is a form of an academic article. Many journals publish abstracts so readers
can decide if it is worthwhile to read the full version of the article.
(A) concise (B) comprehensive (C) concrete
4. Before 1754, Britain and the North American colonies had a ____ relationship, but after
that, their relationship became strained.
(A) conspicuous (B) cozy (C) curt
5. Automatic teller machines provide a ____ means of banking twenty-four hours a day.
(A) cordial (B) crooked (C) convenient
6. Lombard Street in San Francisco, which zigzags its way up Nob Hill, is known as the most
____ street in the world.
(A) controversial (B) crooked (C) cryptic
7. A good writer supports his or her generalizations with ____ examples.
(A) concrete (B) curious (C) crude
8. Many hunters wear orange and other bright colors in order to be as as pOSSible, and
therefore avoid being shot by other hunters by mistake.
(A) covert (B) cruel (C) conspicuous
9. Movie directors use music to ____ the action on the screen.
(A) contemplate (B) complement (C) compliment
10. Workers in the service sector should be trained to act as ____ as possible.
(A) crudely (B) courteously (C) curtly
360 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.5
damp ad}. moist, wet, humid
daring adj. bold, courageous, brave
dazzling ad}. shining, sparkling, blinding, bright
declare v. announce, proclaim
deem v. believe, consider, regard, judge
defective ad}. flawed, faulty, broken, malfunctioning
defiant ad}. rebellious, insubordinate
delicate ad}. exquisite, fragile
delightful ad}. charming, attractive, enchanting
delusion n. illusion, dream, fantasy
demolish v. tear down, destroy, wreck, raze
dense ad}. thick, solid
desist v. stop, cease, discontinue
device n. instrument, tool, mechanism
devise v. invent, plan, figure out
dim ad}. unclear, faint, indistinct
din n. noise, clamor, commotion
dire ad}. desperate, grievous, serious
dismal ad}. gloomy, depressing, dreary
disperse v. scatter, distribute, spread
dispute n. argument, quarrel, debate, clash, feud
distinct ad}. discrete, separate, different
distinguished ad}. celebrated, notable, famous, well-known
divulge v. reveal, admit, disclose
dogged adj. stubborn, determined, persistent
dominate v. rule, control, govern
dot v. are located in, are scattered around
n. spot, point
downfall n. collapse, ruin, destruction
doze v. sleep, nap
drawback n. disadvantage, weakness, flaw
dreary ad}. dismal, gloomy, bleak
drench v. wet, soak
drowsy ad}. sleepy, tired
dubious ad}. doubtful, skeptical, uncertain
durable ad}. lasting, enduring, resistant
dwell v. live, reside, inhabit
dwelling n. house, home, residence
dwindle v. decrease, diminish
dynamic ad}. energetic, forceful, active, vibrant
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 361

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. The snow on the mountaintop was ____ in the bright morning sun.
(A) dazzling (B) dogged (C) dim
2. A person who has been accused of a crime cannot be forced to ____ any information that is
self-incriminating.
(A) divulge (B) desist (C) disperse
3. Roses have a ____ beauty.
(A) dense (B) delicate (C) dire
4. An odometer is a ____ for measuring distance.
(A) device (B) delusion (C) dwelling
5. The amount of open space has ____ as more and more land is developed.
(A) dominated (B) dwindled (C) dispersed
6. A battery can cause an electrical device to malfunction.
(A) dogged (B) durable (C) defective
7. Richard Bird and his pilot Floyd Bennet undertook a ____ flight to the North Pole in May of
1926.
(A) daring (B) defiant (C) distinct
8. Steep, round hills called knobs southern Indiana.
(A) demolish (B) dot (C) dwell
9. Artists Nathaniel Currier and]. Merritt Ives produced some prints of nineteenth
century New England scenes which collectors prize for their charm.
(A) dreary (B) dim (C) delightful
10. Economists define ____ goods as ones intended to last more than four months.
(A) durable (B) dense (C) delicate
II, One cause of the American Revolution was a ____ over taxation.
(A) drawback (B) delusion (C) dispute
12. Florida has a humid climate. Summers there are particularly hot and _ _ __
(A) dynamic (B) damp (C) dogged
362 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.6
eerie ad}. strange, odd, unusual, frightening
elderly ad}. old, aged
elegant adj. sophisticated, polished
eligible ad}. suitable, qualified, acceptable
eminent ad}. celebrated, distinguished, famous
emit v. send out, discharge
enchanting ad}. delightful, charming, captivating
encounter v. meet, find, come across
n. meeting, confrontation
endeavor n. attempt, venture
endorse v. authorize, approve, support
enhance v. intenSify, amplify, strengthen
ensue v. follow, result
entice v. lure, attract, tempt
era n. period, age
essential ad}. critical, vital, crucial, key
esteem v. cherish, honor, admire
evade v. escape, avoid, elude
exhaustive ad}. thorough, complete, comprehensive
exhilarating ad}. exciting, thrilling, stimulating
extravagant ad}. excessive, lavish
fable n. story, tale
fabled ad}. legendary, mythical, famous
facet n. aspect, point, feature
faint ad}. dim, pale, faded, indistinct
falter v. hesitate, waver
fancyadj. decorative, ornate, elaborate
fasten v. attach, secure
fatal adj. mortal, lethal, deadly
fatigue v. tire, exhaust
n. exhaustion, weariness
faulty adj. flawed, inferior
feasible adj. possible
feeble ad}. weak, fragile, frail
ferocious adj. fierce, savage, violent
fiery adj. (1) blazing, burning
(2) passionate, fervent
fitting adj. suitable, proper, apt, appropriate
flagrant adj. blatant, obvious
flaw n. defect, imperfection, fault
flee v. escape, go away, elude
flimsy ad}. fragile, frail, weak, feeble
forego v. abandon, give up
foremost ad}. chief, principal, leading
fragment n. particle, piece, bit
fragrant ad}. aromatic, scented
fraudulent adj. false, deceptive, deceitful
fundamental adj. basic, integral, elemental
fusion n. blend, merger, union
futile adj. useless, pOintless, vain
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 363

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary items (A), (8),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. In 1906, much of San Francisco was destroyed by an earthquake and the fires that _ _ __
(A) evaded (B) ensued (C) encountered

2. The writer H. P. Lovecraft wrote many ____ stories about the supernatural.
(A) essential (B) eerie (C) exhilarating
3. A new of aviation began in 1947 when Chuck Yeager became the first pilot to fly faster
than the speed of sound.
(A) fable (8) endeavor (C) era
4. Vance Packard's book The Hidden Persuaders deals with the tactics advertisers use to _ _ __
consumers.
(A) endorse (8) entice (C) enhance
5. Riding a roller coaster is an ____ experience.
(A) exhilarating (8) elegant (C) exhaustive
6. Before the plane takes off, passengers must ____ their seat belts.
(A) flee (8) emit (C) fasten
7. In the United States, citizens are to vote at the age of eighteen.
(A) essential (8) elderly (C) eligible

8. Barracudas are ____ predators, sometimes called the "tigers" of tropical waters.
(A) elegant (8) futile (C) ferocious
9. Certain gases such as neon ____ light when exposed to an electrical current.
(A) emit (8) evade (C) esteem
10. People make more mistakes when they are ____ than when they are fresh.
(A) exhaustive (8) eminent (C) fatigued
11. A in a jewel makes it less valuable.
(A) fragment (B) facet (C) flaw
12. Honeysuckle is a shrub that has white or yellowish blossoms.
(A) flagrant (8) fragrant (C) exhilarating
364 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.7
gala ad}. festive, happy, joyous
gap n. break, breach, opening
garrulous ad}. talkative
gaudy adj. showy, flashy, ostentatious
genial ad}. pleasant, cordial, agreeable
gentle ad}. mild, kind, considerate
genuine ad}. authentic, real, valid
glitter v. sparkle, shine, glisten
glory n. grandeur, majesty, fame
gorgeous ad}. attractive, beautiful
graphic ad}. clear, explicit, vivid
grasp v. (1) grab, seize, grip
(2) understand
grave ad}. serious, grievous, solemn, somber
gregarious ad}. sociable, friendly
grim ad}. severe, dreary, bleak, somber
grip v. hold, grasp, seize
grueling adj. exhausting, difficult
gullible ad}. innocent, naive, trusting, credulous
hamper v. delay, obstruct, hinder, block
haphazard ad}. random, chance, aimless, unplanned
hardship n. difficulty, trouble
harm v. injure, damage
harmony n. accord, agreement, peace
harness v. control, use
harsh ad}. severe, rough, strict
hasty ad}. quick, rushed, hurried
hazardous adj. dangerous, risky
heed v. obey, listen to, mind, follow
hinder v. block, obstruct, hamper
hoist v. lift, raise, pick up
hue n. color, tint, shade
huge ad}. enormous, giant, colossal, immense
hurl v. pitch, throw, fling
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 365

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by ftlling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. During the construction of skyscrapers, cranes are used to ____ building materials to the
upper floors.
(A) hurl (B) harness (C) hoist
2. The twenty-six mile-long Boston Marathon is a ____ foot race.
(A) gorgeous (B) grueling (C) hasty
3. Dams can ____ the power of rivers, but they may also destroy their beauty.
(A) heed (B) harness (C) hurl
4. The more facets a diamond has, the more it _ _ __
(A) glitters (B) harms (C) hinders
5. Many people celebrate the New Year with ____ parties.
(A) gala (B) grueling (C) haphazard
6. Think it over for a while; don't make a ____ decision.
(A) genuine (B) gullible (C) hasty
7. Bad weather ____ the rescue crews trying to locate the life rafts.
(A) hampered (B) grasped (C) harnessed
8. Gorillas look ferocious but are actually quite ____ creatures.
(A) gaudy (B) gentle (C) gorgeous
9. Con artists are criminals who take advantage of ____ people by tricking them and taking
their money.
(A) garrulous (B) grim (C) gullible
10. Working with toxic materials is a occupation.
(A) hazardous (B) genial (C) haphazard
11. Most minnows are tiny fish, but squaw fish, which can weigh as much as 30 pounds, are actually
____ minnows.
(A) gregarious (B) gaudy (C) huge
12. At first, the results of the experiment seemed ____ , but finally a pattern emerged.
(A) haphazard (B) grave (C) genuine
366 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-lesson 3.8
idea n. concept, notion, thought
ideal n. model, standard
adj. perfect, model, standard
idle adj. (1) inactive, unused, inert
(2) lazy
illusion n. fantasy, delusion
inlaginary adj. unreal, fantastic, fictitious
inlaginative adj. creative, original, clever
inunense ad}. huge, enormous, massive, colossal
inlpair v. damage, injure, spoil
inlpartial adj. fair, unbiased, neutral
inlplement l1. realize, achieve, put into practice, execute
n. tool, utensil, instrument
incessant ad}. constant, ceaseless, continuous
increment n. increase, amount
indifferent ad}. uncaring, apathetic, unconcerned
indigenous adj. native
indispensable adj. necessary, essential, vital, critical
indistinct ad}. unclear, blurry, hazy
induce v. persuade, convince, coax
inept adj. incompetent, awkward, clumsy
inexorable adj. unstoppable
infamous ad}. notorious, shocking
infinite ad}. limitless, endless, boundless
infinitesinlal ad}. tiny, minute, minuscule
ingenious ad}. brilliant, imaginative, clever, inventive
ingenuous ad}. naive, trusting
inhabit v. live, dwell, reside, populate
inhibit v. control, limit, restrain
initial adj. original, first, beginning, introductory
innate ad}. natural, inborn
intense adj. powerful, heightened, concentrated
intricate ad}. complicated, complex, involved
irate adj. angry, furious, upset
jagged ad}. rough, rugged, uneven, irregular
jeopardy n. danger, hazard, risk, threat
jolly ad}. joyful, happy, cheerful, jovial
jolt v. shock, jar, shake up, surprise
n. blow, surprise, shock
keen ad}. (1) sharp
(2) shrewd, clever, bright
(3) eager, enthusiastic
keyadj. principal, crucial, important
knack n. skill, ability, aptitude, talent
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 367

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Many people feel that Hawaii has an almost ____ climate.
(A) idle (B) impartial (C) ideal
2. A plow is a farm ____ used to break up soil and prepare the land for planting.
(A) increment (B) knack (C) implement
3. A laser uses a synthetic ruby to concentrate light into an extremely ____ high-energy beam.
(A) intense (B) indistinct (C) imaginary

4. Jesse James was an _ _ _ _ outlaw, well-known as a bank robber and gunfighter.

(A) inept (B) ingenuous (C) infamous

5. Antibiotics the growth of bacteria.

(A) inhabit (B) jolt (C) inhibit
6. Optical ____ deceive the eye with tricks of perception.
(A) illusions (B) ideals (C) increments
7. Stockholders may be too ____ to vote in corporate elections, so they let management vote
for them by proxy.
(A) infamous (B) indifferent (C) ingenious
8. The heavily populated states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan are ____ states
for any candidate in a presidential election.
(A) initial (B) impartial (C) key
9. A virus is so ____ that it can be seen only with an electron microscope.
(A) infinite (B) imaginary (C) infinitesimal

10. The character Falstaff is one of Shakespeare's frnest comic creations.

(A) keen (B) jolly (C) irate
11. Anyone can learn basic cooking skills; you don't need a special _ _ __
(A) knack (B) idea (C) implement
12. Alcohol one's ability to drive.
(A) jolts (B) impair (C) induce
13. The people of Australia were called Aborigines by the English settlers.
(A) indigenous (B) ingenuous (C) innate
14. The rhinoceros has a poor sense of sight but ____ sense of smell.
(A) an impartial (B) an inept (C) a keen
15. The equator is ____ line running around the center of the Earth.
(A) an imaginative (B) a jagged (C) an imaginary
16. A glacier's progress is slow but _ _ __
(A) inexorable (B) impartial (C) infInite
368 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.9
lack v. need, require, not have
n. shortage, absence, scarcity
lag v. fall behind, go slowly
lavish ad}. luxurious, plentiful, abundant
lax ad}. careless, negligent, loose
legendary ad}. mythical, fabled, famous
legitimate ad}. proper, authentic, valid
lethargic adj. slow, listless, sluggish, lazy
likely ad}. probable, plausible
linger v. remain, stay
link v. join, connect, fasten, bind
n. connection, tie
long v. desire, wish for
lucid ad}. clear, plain, understandable
lull v. soothe, calm, quiet
n. pause, break
lure v. attract, tempt, entice
lurid ad}. shocking, sensational, graphic
lurk v. prowl, sneak, hide
luster n. shine, radiance, brightness
luxurious ad}. lavish, elegant, plush
magnificent adj. majestic, impressive, splendid
magnitude n. size, extent, amount
mandatory ad}. necessary, obligatory, compulsory
mar v. damage, ruin, deface, spoil
memorable ad}. unforgettable, impressive, striking
mend v. ftx, repair
mild adj. gentle, moderate, calm
mingle v. blend, combine, mix
minute ad}. tiny, minuscule, inftnitesimal
monitor v. observe, watch
moral ad}. honorable, ethical
morale n. spirit, conftdence, attitude
murky ad}. unclear, cloudy
mysterious ad}. puzzling, strange
mythical ad}. legendary, imaginary, ftctional
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 369

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. It's difficult for scuba divers to see when the water is _ _ __
(A) murky (B) lucid (C) magnificent
2. In most cultures, it is traditional to prepare ____ meals to celebrate holidays.
(A) lurid (B) lethargic (C) lavish
3. Parents often sing to children to them to sleep.
(A) lurk (B) mingle (C) lull

4. Julius Caesar is known not only for his military and political skills but also for his
____ , informative writing.
(A) lucid (B) lurid (C) lethargic
5. A cobbler ____ damaged shoes.
(A) mars (B) mends (C) lacks
6. One of the ____ exhibits ofImpressionist art is found at the Art Institute of Chicago.
(A) mildest (B) most memorable (C) most lucid
7. The USO is a service organization which entertains U.S. troops and improves their _ _ __
(A) morale (B) luster (C) lack
8. Quarks are ____ particles that are believed to be the fundamental unit of matter.
(A) massive (B) minute (C) mythical
9. Some people like to after dinner over coffee and dessert.
(A) lag (B) long (C) linger
10. Paperback novels in the 1940's and 1950's often had ____ covers to attract readers'
attention.
(A) lurid (B) murky (C) legitimate
11. One problem caused by a rising crime rate is a ____ of space in prisons.
(A) lag (B) lack (C) link
12. The lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox Babe are two of the most famous
characters in American folklore.
(A) legendary (B) moral (C) minute
370 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.10
negligible adj. unimportant, trivial
nimble adj. graceful, agile
notable adj. remarkable, conspicuous, striking
notify v. inform
notion n. idea, concept, thought
notorious adj. infamous, disreputable
novel adj. new, innovative
objective n. goal, purpose, aim
adj. fair, impartial, unbiased, neutral
oblong adj. oval
obscure adj. unfamiliar, ambiguous, little-known
obsolete adj. antiquated, out-of-date, outmoded
odd adj. strange, unusual, peculiar, curious
offspring n. young, children, descendants
ominous adj. threatening, menacing, dangerous
opulent adj. luxurious, plush, affluent
ornamental adj. ornate, decorative, elaborate
outgoing adj. (1) open, friendly
(2) departing, leaving
outlook n. (1) opinion, view
(2) prospect, forecast
outstanding ad}. excellent, exceptional, notable, well-known
overall ad}. general, comprehensive
overcast ad}. cloudy, gloomy
overcome v. subdue, defeat, overwhelm
overlook v. ignore, disregard, neglect
oversee v. supervise, manage, direct
oversight n. error, mistake, omission
overt ad}. open, obvious
overtake v. catch up with, reach
overwhelm v. (1) astonish, astound
(2) inundate, overcome, engulf
(3) conquer, defeat, overpower
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 371

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Who should be ____ in case you are involved in an accident?
(A) overlooked (B) notified (C) overtaken
2. Many of the world's most ____ restaurants are located in lUXury hotels.
(A) outgoing (B) opulent (C) overt
3. The black clouds of a gathering thunderstorm look quite _ _ __
(A) ominous (B) negligible (C) overcast
4. Pulitzer Prizes are awarded to ____ journalists, novelists, poets, and other writers.
(A) objective (B) outstanding (C) notorious
5. An plant is cultivated chiefly for its beauty.
(A) opulent (B) obscure (C) ornamental
6. Franklin D. Roosevelt was able to ____ his physical handicaps; he didn't permit them to
interfere with his living a vigorous life.
(A) oversee (B) overcome (C) overtake
7. The poetry of Ezra Pound is sometimes difficult to understand because it contains so many
____ references.
(A) notable (B) obscure (C) objective
8. The Bessemer Process was once the most common method of making steel, but today this
process is considered _ _ __
(A) odd (B) novel (C) obsolete
9. Gregarious people are friendly and _ _ __
(A) overcast (B) nimble (C) outgoing
10. The town planning commission said that their financial for the next fiscal year was
optimistic; they expect increased tax revenues.
(A) outlook (B) oversight (C) notion
11. The new play was so successful that the demand for tickets was _ _ __
(A) odd (B) overwhelming (C) negligible

12. A book's table of contents provides readers with an ____ idea of what the book is about.
(A) outgoing (B) overt (C) overall
13. Because ultraviolet light from the Sun can penetrate clouds, it is possible to get a sunburn on an
____ day.
(A) obscure (B) overcast (C) opulent

14. Although the accident appeared serious, only a ____ amount of damage was done.
(A) novel (B) notable (C) negligible
372 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.11
pace n. rate, speed
painstaking adj. careful, conscientious, thorough
pale ad}. white, colorless, faded, blanched
paltry ad}. unimportant, minor, trivial
particle n. piece, bit, fragment
path n. trail, track, way, route
peculiar ad}. (1) strange, odd, puzzling
(2) distinctive, characteristic, unique, special
penetrate v. enter, go through, pierce, puncture
perceive v. observe, sense, notice
peril n. danger, hazard, risk, threat
perpetual ad}. constant, endless, eternal
perplexing ad}. puzzling, mystifying, confusing
pierce v. penetrate, puncture, stab
plausible ad}. likely, credible, believable
plead v. appeal, beg
plush ad}. opulent, luxurious, elegant
ponder v. consider, think about, reflect on
portion n. share, part, section, segment
postpone v. delay, put off, defer
potent adj. strong, powerful, effective
pounce v. jump, leap, spring
precious ad}. expensive, costly, rare
precise adj. accurate, exact, definite
premier ad}. (1) first, opening, earliest, initial
(2) chief, leading, foremost
pressing ad}. urgent, crucial, compelling
pretext n. excuse, pretense, justification
prevail v. succeed, win, triumph
prevalent ad}. common, widespread, popular
prior ad}. earlier, preceding, former
probe v. investigate, inquire into
procure v. obtain, acquire, secure
profound ad}. important, significant, deep
profuse ad}. plentiful, abundant
prompt ad}. punctual, timely
prosper v. flourish, thrive, succeed
provoke v. (1) irritate, anger, annoy
(2) cause, trigger
prudent ad}. careful, sensible, cautious
pulverize v. crush, grind, powder
pungent ad}. (1) bitter, harsh, biting, sharp
(2) spicy, sour, tart
pursue v. chase, follow, seek
puzzling adj. mystifying, confusing, baffling
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 373

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Turquoise is not valuable enough to be classified as a ____ stone.
(A) perpetual (B) pale (C) precious

2. Employers often require job applicants to have experience in the field.

(A) premier (B) prior (C) plush

3. Hospitals define urgent care as medical care given to somewhat less medical problems
than emergency care.
(A) perplexing (B) pressing (C) prudent
4. Tool makers must have the ability to work very ____ in order to meet exact specifications.
(A) precisely (B) profoundly (C) plausibly

5. NASA ____ the launch of space vehicles on account of bad weather or technical problems.
(A) ponders (B) postpones (C) probes

6. of dust in the air may trigger allergies in some people.

(A) Portions (8) Pretexts (C) Particles
7. The Appalachian Trail, extending from Maine to Georgia, is the longest continuous hiking
____ in the world.
(A) pace (B) peril (C) path

8. When a tiger spots its prey, it crouches down and then _ _ __

(A) pleads (B) ponders (C) pounces
9. X-rays cannot ____ lead.
(A) provoke (B) penetrate (C) pursue
10. Morphine, a form of synthetic heroin, is a ____ painkiller.
(A) potent (B) pungent (C) paltry
11. Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective, solved many ____ crimes.
(A) puzzling (B) prevalent (C) prompt

12. Mallows are a type of wildflower that grows ____ in prairies, woods, and marshes.
(A) profusely (B) profoundly (C) preciously
13. Certain spices give foods a ____ taste.
(A) prudent (B) pungent (C) pale
14. Trade with Britain and the West Indies allowed colonial seaports such as Boston to _ _ __
(A) postpone (B) provoke (C) prosper
15. A investor never takes unnecessary financial risks.
(A) perplexing (8) prudent (C) premier
374 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.12
quaint at(j. charming, picturesque, curious, old-fashioned
quake [1. shiyer, shake, tremble
quandary n. problem, dilemma, predicament
quarrel n. argument, dispute, disagreement
quest n. search, journey, Yenture
radiant ad). bright, shiny, glowing
ragged ad). torn, tattered, worn
range 11. scope, extent, spectrum
0. (1) extend, vary, fluctuate
(2) roam, wander
rash ad';' thoughtless, careless, reckless
raw ad). (1) uncooked
(2) unprocessed, unrefined, crude
raze v. demolish, level, knock down
recede v. retreat, go back, subside, withdraw
reckless ad). careless, rash
recollect v. recall, remember
recount II. narrate, tell
refine u. improve, process, purify
refuge n. shelter, haYen, retreat
rehearse lI. practice, train, go over
reliable ad). dependable, trustworthy
relish u. enjoy, savor, like
remedy n. treatment, cure
remnant n. remainder, balance, fragment
remote at(j. isolated, distant
renowned at(j. famous, celebrated, notable
resent t'. dislike, take offense at
retract 1'. withdraw, pull back
riddle n. puzzle, mystery
rigid ad';' (1) stiff, unbending
(2) harsh, severe, strict
rip l( tear, cut, slash
ripe ad). mature, developed, grown, ready
risky ad). dangerous, hazardous, treacherous
roam v. trayel, wander, range
rough a{{j. (1) uneven, jagged, rugged
(2) djmcult
(3) impolite
route n. way, course, path, road
rudimentary ad). elementary, fundamental, primative
rugged ad). (1) jagged, rough, uneven
(2) strong, sturdy
rumor n. gossip, hearsay, story
rural (lc(j. agricultural
ruthless ad). cruel, brutal, vicious
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 375

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by ftlling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Motorists can be fined for driving _ _ __
(A) recklessly (B) reliably (C) ruthlessly
2. Millions of bison once ____ the plains of North America.
(A) recollected (B) ripped (C) roamed

3. Musicians have to before performing.

(A) rehearse (B) resent (C) recount
4. At the end of the Ice Age, glaciers began to _ _ __
(A) quake (B) raze (C) recede
5. Big Sur, a wild section of California's coastline, is known for its ____ beauty.
(A) ragged (B) rash (C) rugged
6. Wetlands provide ____ for many species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
(A) riddles (B) refuge (C) rumors
7. The pirate Blackbeard had a reputation for being a harsh, ____ man.
(A) ruthless (B) quaint (C) reliable
8. Wrecking balls are used to _ _ _ _ bUildings.
(A) rip (B) quake (C) raze

9. The northernmost section of the Rocky Mountains, the Brooks Range, is located in a _ _ __
section of Alaska.
(A) remote (B) reliable (C) radiant

10. Dogs can hear a greater ____ of sounds than humans.

(A) remnant (B) quandary (C) range
11. Patent medicine salesmen have claimed to have ____ for all types of ailments, from cancer
to baldness to the common cold.
(A) remedies (B) quandaries (C) riddles
12. Visitors to Vermont delight in the beautiful scenery and picturesque villages and enjoy staying in
some of the country inns there.
(A) rudimentary (B) ragged (C) quaint
13. ____ materials have less economic value than processed materials.
(A) Raw (B) Rash (C) Renowned
14. Many medieval stories dealt with , such as the story of the search for the Grail.
(A) quarrels (B) quandaries (C) quests
15. The Tennessee Valley Authority helped bring cheap electricity to farmers in the ____ South.
(A) reliable (B) rural (C) rugged
376 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.13
salvage v. save, rescue, recover, retrieve
scale v. climb
n. (1) range, spectrum
(2) proportion
scarce adj. rare, sparse, unusual
scatter v. disperse, spread
scent n. aroma, fragrance, odor, smell
scrap v. abandon, get rid of
11. piece, fragment
seasoned adj. experienced, veteran
secluded adj. hidden, isolated, secret
sensational adj. thrilling, exciting, shocking
serene adj. quiet, peaceful, calm, tranquil
sever v. cut, slice off, break
severe adj. (1) harsh, strict, austere
(2) undecorated, plain
shatter v. break, smash, fragment
sheer adj. (1) steep, sharp, abrupt
(2) transparent, thin, filmy
shinuner u. shine, glow, glisten, gleam
shred v. rip up, tear up
shrewd adj. clever, sly
shrill adj. piercing, high-pitched
shun v. avoid, stay away from
shyadj. timid, reserved
significant adj. important, vital, major
signify v. symbolize, stand for, indicate
sketch v. draw
11. drawing, picture, diagram
slender adj. thin, slim, slight
sluggish adj. slow, listless, lazy, lethargic
sly adj. cunning, clever, shrewd
soak v. wet, drench, saturate
solace 11. comfort, consolation, relief
somber adj. serious, grave, solemn
sort u. classify, categorize
n. type, kind, variety
sound 11. noise
adj. safe, solid, secure
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 377

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Skunks use a pungent ____ as their first line of defense.
(A) scent (B) scrap (C) sound
2. One of the most popular peaks for mountain climbers to ____ is El Capitan in Yosemite
National Park.
(A) scale (B) soak (C) shun
3. Foxes are not particularly rare, but they are not often seen because they are so _ _ __
(A) sluggish (B) somber (C) shy
4. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a particularly ____ piece of legislation.
(A) serene (B) significant (C) slender
5. workers are more valuable to employers than beginners.
(A) Shrill (B) Seasoned (C) Sluggish
6. The Shakers were a strict religious group that ____ all types of pleasure.
(A) scrapped (B) shunned (C) sketched
7. Denver's plan to build a subway system was ____ in the 1970's.
(A) scattered (B) sorted (C) scrapped
8. Even after a ship has sunk, its cargo can often be _ _ __
(A) severed (B) shattered (C) salvaged
9. Some economists believe that the best way to get a ____ economy moving again is to cut
taxes.
(A) sensational (B) sluggish (C) shrewd
10. Government bonds and blue-chip stocks are ____ investments.
(A) sound (B) shy (C) scarce
11. If a person's spinal cord is ____ , paralysis results.
(A) soaked (B) severed (C) salvaged
12. Silk is a ____ fabric.
(A) sheer (B) shrewd (C) slender
378 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.14
span v. extend, bridge, connect
n. length, extent, range
spawn v. generate, create, produce
n. offspring, descendants
specific adj. definite, particular, exact
specimen n. example, sample
spectacular adj. dramatic, sensational, impressive
spell n. interval, period, time
spirited adj. lively, energetic, vigorous
splendid adj. excellent, superb, wonderful
spoil v. (1) ruin, mar
(2) decay, deteriorate, decompose, rot
spot v. locate, find, see
n. (1) location, site
(2) mark, stain, speck
spur v. stimulate, impel, encourage, provoke
n. inducement, stimulus
stable adj. steady, secure, stationary, fixed
stage v. present, put on
n. grade, step, level, phase
stain v. color, tint, discolor, dye
n. spot, mark, blemish
stale adj. (1) old, dry
(2) dull, trite, uninteresting
stall v. halt, delay, put off
stately adj. dignified, grand, magnificent, elegant
steep adj. sheer, perpendicular
stern adj. firm, severe, strict, harsh
strife n. conflict, dispute, struggle
strive v. attempt, try
struggle v. fight, argue, dispute
n. conflict, strife, battle, effort
stubborn adj. rigid, uncompromising, obstinate
sturdy adj. strong, rugged, well-built
subsequent adj. later, succeeding, following, ensuing
subtle adj. indirect, suggestive, implied
suitable adj. appropriate, correct, apt
summit n. peak, apex, zenith
sundry adj. miscellaneous, diverse, various
superb adj. excellent, splendid
supplant v. replace, substitute for
supple adj. pliable, flexible, bendable
sway v. (1) wave, rock, swing, bend
(2) persuade, influence
sweeping adj. complete, exhaustive, general, comprehensive
swift adj. fast, quick, rapid
swivel v. rotate, spin, turn
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 379

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by mling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. High pressure cells may bring brief warm ____ even in the middle of winter.
(A) struggles (B) spells (C) spans
2. The ____ cliffs of the Na Pali Coast of Kauai Island, Hawaii, rise some 4,000 feet from the
sea.
(A) still (B) steep (C) subtle
3. The process of refining oil involves a number of _ _ __
(A) specimens (B) spots (C) stages
4. In high winds, skyscrapers will slightly.
(A) swivel (B) sway (C) stall
5. Severe thunderstorms may ____ tornadoes.
(A) spot (B) spawn (C) span
6. The snow-covered ____ of Mount Hood is the highest point in the state of Oregon.
(A) spur (B) summit (C) span
7. D. W Griffith was the first director of ____ mms. These were movies made on a colossal
scale.
(A) specific (B) suitable (C) spectacular
8. Cheetahs are the ____ of all land mammals, with top speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
(A) stalest (B) subtlest (C) swiftest
9. Salt can be used to keep meat from _ _ __
(A) struggling (B) spoiling (C) stalling
10. Because they must be able to break a path through icebound waters, icebreakers have to be very
____ boats.
(A) stern (B) sturdy (C) supple
11. Most people who divorce ____ remarry.
(A) specifically (B) subsequently (C) stubbornly
12. A roadbed supplies a base for a highway.
(A) stable (B) sundry (C) sweeping
13. The geographical center of the North American continent is a ____ near Balta, North
Dakota.
(A) spot (B) stage (C) summit
14. Many medical tests require a blood _ _ __
(A) spell (B) specimen (C) stain
15. Because of their protective coloration, ghost crabs are hard to _ _ __
(A) spur (B) spawn (C) spot
380 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.15
tact n. diplomacy, discretion, poise
tale n. story
tame v. domesticate, master
ad}. docile, domesticated, gentle
tamper (with) v. interfere (with)
tangle v. knot, twist
tart ad}. sour, tangy, piquant
taunt v. insult, mock, torment
tedious ad}. boring, dull, tiresome
telling ad}. effective, convincing, forceful
temperate ad}. mild, moderate
tempting ad}. alluring, attractive, enticing
tender adj. (1) delicate, soft
(2) gentle, loving
(3) sore, painful
thaw v. melt
thorough ad}. complete, comprehensive
thoroughfare n. street, boulevard
thrifty adj. economical, inexpensive
thrilling ad}. exciting, stimulating, stirring
thrive v. prosper, flourish
thwart v. prevent, impede, obstruct
tidings n. news, message
tilt v. incline, slope
timid ad}. fearful, shy, retiring
tint v. color, hue, shade, tone
n. color, stain, dye
tiresome adj. tedious, dull, boring
toil v. labor, work
n. exertion, labor, work
tolerant ad}. patient, impartial, open-minded
torment v. taunt, abuse, bully
torrent n. flood, deluge
tow v. haul, draw, pull, drag
toxic adj. poisonous, noxious
trait n. characteristic, feature, quality
treacherous ad}. dangerous, hazardous
trickle n. drip, leak
triumph n. victory, success, achievement
trivial ad}. unimportant, minor
trying adj. demanding, difficult, troublesome
tug v. pull, draw
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 381

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. Citric acid gives citrus fruit their taste.
(A) temperate (B) toxic (C) tart
2. The use of robots and automated machinery has eliminated certain ____ factory jobs.
(A) tedious (B) thrilling (C) timid
3. One should never buy a food or medicine if the packaging has obviously been _ _ __
(A) tangled (B) thwarted (C) tampered with
4. Alfred Hitchcock directed a number of ____ psychological dramas; among the most exciting
are Psycho and North by Northwest.
(A) timid (B) trivial (C) thrilling
5. Tides are caused by the ____ of the Moon's gravity.
(A) tangle (B) torrent (C) tug
6. Many people find chocolate _ _ __
(A) tempting (B) tender (C) temperate
7. Peachtree Street is the main ____ in Atlanta.
(A) triumph (B) thoroughfare (C) tilt

8. In her book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson wrote about insecticides and their ____ effects on
animal life.
(A) tiresome (B) tender (C) toxic
9. In the desert, dry creek beds may turn into raging ____ after heavy rainstorms.
(A) trickles (B) torrents (C) toils

10. Barley can be grown almost anywhere in the temperate zone. Unlike most other grains, it even
____ at high altitudes.
(A) tampers (B) thrives (C) thaws
11. such as hair color and eye color are inherited genetically from one's parents.
(A) Traits (B) Triumphs (C) Tints
12. Washington Irving collected and interpreted many famous old ____ , including the legends of
Rip Van Winkle and the Headless Horseman.
(A) tales (B) tidings (C) traits
382 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-Lesson 3.16
ultimate ad}. (1) conclusive, definite, final
(2) maximum, highest, best
unbearable ad}. intolerable, agonizing
uncouth ad}. impolite, rude, vulgar
undertake v. try, attempt
ungainly ad}. awkward, unskillful
uniform adj. consistent, regular
unique adj. singular, one of a kind, special
unruly ad}. unmanageable, disorganized, disorderly
unsound ad}. defective, faulty, unsafe
uphold v. support, sustain
upkeep n. maintenance
uproar n. disorder, disturbance, commotion
urge v. encourage, advise, implore
urgent ad}. pressing, compelling
utensil n. tool, implement, device
utter v. say, speak
ad}. total, absolute, complete
vacant ad}. empty, unoccupied
vague ad}. unclear, uncertain, ambiguous
vain ad}. (1) useless, pointless
(2) conceited, proud
valid adj. genuine, authentic, legitimate
vanish v. disappear
variable ad}. changeable, shifting
vast adj. huge, enormous, extensive, immense
venomous ad}. poisonous
verbose adj. talkative, wordy
verge n. brink, edge, threshold
vessel n. (1) container, bottle
(2) ship
vex v. irritate, anger, annoy
viable ad}. (1) alive, living
(2) feasible, practical, possible
vicinity n. area, proXImIty, zone
vigorous ad}. dynamic, energetic, spirited
vital ad}. critical, crucial, key, essential
vivid ad}. clear, distinct, graphic
vow v. promise, pledge, swear
n. oath, promise, pledge
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 383

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. To be fair, laws must be ____ applied to all persons.
(A) urgently (B) vaguely (C) uniformly
2. The rattlesnake is the most common snake in the United States.
(A) ungainly (B) venomous (C) variable
3. The League of Women Voters ____ all citizens to vote.
(A) urges (B) vexes (C) upholds
4. In his novel The Red Badge oj Courage, Stephen Crane ____ describes a Civil War battle.
(A) vividly (8) uniformly (C) vitally

5. An Erlenmeyer flask is a glass ____ used in chemistry labs.

(A) vessel (8) vow (C) verge
6. Aerobics is ____ form of exercise.
(A) a viable (8) an uncouth (C) a vigorous
7. A metropolitan area consists of a central city and any suburban areas in its _ _ __
(A) vicinity (B) vessel (C) upkeep
8. Special police tactics are required to deal with riots or ____ crowds.
(A) ungainly (B) unruly (C) unsound
9. The kidneys playa ____ role in maintaining health by removing impurities from the
bloodstream.
(A) vivid (B) viable (C) vital
10. The myth of Narcissus tells the story of a handsome but young man who stares at his
reflection in a pool of water for so long that he turns into a flower.
(A) vain (8) ungainly (C) verbose
11. The fork has been used as an eating ____ since at least the twelfth century.
(A) vessel (B) utensil (C) verge
12. The Great Plains cover ____ area.
(A) a vast (B) a viable (C) an ultimate
384 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension

Mini-lesson 3.17
wage n. salary, pay, earnings
wander v. roam, travel, range
wane v. shrink, decrease, decline
ware n. good, merchandise
warp v. deform, bend, twist
wary ad}. careful, cautious, alert
weary ad}. tired, exhausted, fatigued
well-to-do ad}. rich, wealthy, affluent
wholesome ad}. healthy, nutritious, beneficial
wicked ad}. evil, corrupt, immoral
widespread ad}. extensive, prevalent, sweeping
wily ad}. crafty, cunning, shrewd
wise ad}. astute, prudent, intelligent
withdraw v. retreat, pull out, remove
wither v. dry, shrivel, wilt
withhold v. reserve, retain, hold back
witty ad}. comic, clever, amusing
woe n. trouble, distress, sorrow
wonder v. think about, speculate, ponder
n. marvel, miracle
wound lJ. injure, hurt
n. injury

yearn lJ. desire, crave, want

yield v. (1) give up, surrender
(2) produce, supply
n. production, output, crop

zealous ad}. enthusiastic, eager

zenith n. peak, tip, apex
zone n. area, vicinity, region
 Section 3 • Guide to Reading Comprehension 385

Exercise: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with vocabulary item (A), (B),
or (C) according to the context of the sentences.
1. If boards become wet, they may _ _ __
(A) wither (B) yield (C) warp
2. Whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables are _ _ _ _ foods.
(A) wicked (B) wholesome (C) well-to-do
3. You must be _ _ _ _ when buying a used car; be sure the engine is in good condition.
(A) weary (B) zealous (C) wary
4. In the past, many salesmen tried to sell their _ _ _ _ door- to-door.
(A) wares (B) woes (C) yields
5. Humorist Will Rogers wrote many newspaper columns.
(A) wily (B) weary (C) witty
6. Congress sets the minimum _ _ _ _ • which is the lowest amount of money workers may be
paid per hour.
(A) wage (B) yield (C) zone
7. Intelligent policies are needed so that public funds are used _ _ __
(A) wholesomely (B) zealously (C) wisely
8. Fertilizers can increase farmers' _ _ __
(A) wonders (B) yields (C) woes
9. Some superstitions are familiar to many cultures. For example, there is a _ _ _ _ belief that
black cats bring bad luck.
(A) widespread (B) wily (C) wicked
10. A green belt is a parklike _ _ _ _ around a city in which no development is permitted.
(A) zenith (B) wound (C) zone