KEY EXERCISES 4A 4B

KEY EXERCISES 4A,4B (P.
54,55)
EXERCISE 4A: Practice with context cues
Read the following sentences; write the meaning of the word in italics in the space
provided as well as the context cues that helped you to figure out the word meaning.
Refer to the example A-J in Read about Vocabulary in Context. Often there is more
than one context cue to provide the probable meaning of an unfamiliar word.
1. Although the small goslings appeared disproportioned and unattractive, the adult
swans were elegant and graceful.
goslings = baby swans:
The word although introduces a contrast between small goslings in the first clause,
and adult swans in the second clause. The adjectives small and adult contrast, as do
goslings and swans. We deduce that goslings are small swans, most likely baby
swans.
2. Just as the Great Depression of the 1930s brought forth the Keynesian Revolution,
so the apparent inability of the Keynesian model to resolve the stagflation problems
of the 1970s and 1980s has spawned a new alternative theory of macroeconomics.
spawned = generated or produced
The signal word just as and so indicate a comparison of similarity. The parallel
structure of the sentence allows you to figure out that brought forth is a synonym of
spawned: Just as X brought forth…, so Y spawned.
3. Not all new comers turn out to be producers, directors or Hollywood starlets; the
majority end up doing mundane tasks such as typing and filing in order to survive.
mundane = ordinary, commonplace, routine
The second clause in this sentence gives information that contrasts with information
in the first clause, signaled by the words Not all and the majority. We deduce that
what producers, directors or Hollywood starlets do is in contrast to mundane tasks. In
addition, the signal words such as introduce examples of mundane tasks: typing and
filing.
4. The grasshoppers were so hungry that they tried to eat wood. The weather beaten
boards of houses and fences looked ravished after the grasshoppers had gnawed on
them for an hour or two.
gnawed = chewed
The second sentence illustrates the effect of grasshoppers eating wood. The
appearance of the boards and fences is a result of the grasshoppers gnawing on
them. We deduce that the words eat and gnawed are similar in meaning.
5. The buffet was extravagant, and the drinks seemed to come from an endless
source. The women paraded in gowns ornamented with furs and jewels, and the men
smoked coveted Cuban cigars.
coveted = fancy, special
The descriptive words in this sentence (extravagant, endless source, gowns
ornamented with furs and jewels) establish a shared meaning of “expensive” or
“lavish”. We deduce that the word coveted also shares this meaning.
6. The sights and smells of the market were distinctive indeed; as vendors set out
their wares, the pungent aroma of spices and coffee pervaded the square.
pungent = strong, sharp
The second clause in this sentence gives further information about the first clause.
The distinctive smells of the market are illustrated as the pungent aroma of spices
and coffee.
7. The villages disappeared as the army advanced with tanks, guns and short-range
missiles; such aggression was appalling, but no one interfered.
aggression = force, assault, attack
The second clause gives further information about the first. The signal word such
indicates that aggression defines the situation described in the first clause.
8. In the ear, the eardrum (a thin membrane) is set into vibration by the pressure
compressions of the sound wave.
eardrum = part of the ear
The parentheses signal that a thin membrane is a definition of eardrum. The form of
the definition is an appositive.
9. In the technical sense, sound waves are longitudinal waves that are propagated in
solids, liquids and gases. Without matter there are no sound waves. Most sound
comes to use through the air.
matter = substances ((solids, liquids, and gases)
The first sentence is a definition of sound waves that mentions what makes sound
possible (solids, liquids, and gases). The second sentence elaborates on the
definition and restates solids, liquids and gases as matter.
10. For many, the mark of true wilderness is no longer just a healthy animal
population, but potable water- water so far from civilization that it retains its earth-
given purity.
potable = pure, drinkable
The dash indicates that a further explanation of potable water is given. The word
purity helps us deduce that potable water is pure water which we can drink.
EXERCISE 4B: Practice understanding vocabulary in context

Read the following short passages. Circle the correct answer to each question.
Passage 1:
The colonists may have headed north toward the Chesapeake Bay area and there
established a settlement inland of the Bay. The native Americans of this area, the
Chesapeakes, were a small group of no more than 1,000 people. If assimilation
occurred, the settlers would have adopted Indian ways of living to a considerable
extent, perhaps transforming their village into an Indian-style one or even
amalgamating with Skicoac or another community. With the opportunities for
hunting, fishing, and agriculture that the area afforded, such a village, no doubt
separately organized at first, could enjoy a good living, given the absence of war,
internal dissension, and epidemic disease, none of which can be eliminated.
1. As used in the passage, the phrase “amalgamating with” could best be replaced
by which of the following words?
A. changing B. joining with C. competing with D. supervising
2. The word “afforded” as used in the passage could best be replaced by the
word________.
A. offered B. charged C. engaged D. entertained
Passage 2:
Though classed with the carnivores, the grizzly bear is largely vegetarian and rarely
eats flesh. During the summer these bears are avid fishers and comb the waters of
mountain streams and rivers to catch salmon swimming upstream.
1. As used in the passage, a carnivore is most probably________.
A. a vegetable eater C. a fisherman
B. a flesh eater D. a type of bear
2. As used in the passage, the phrase “comb the waters” means that
grizzles________.
A. search thoroughly B. enjoy fishing
C. are usually unsuccessful D. enter the water
Passage 3:
How can you decide if a beach is clean? One place to look for help is the local health
department of a coastal community. The local health departments monitor chemical
and bacterial levels in water which are usually undetectable to the naked eye.
The phrase “undetectable to the naked eye” as used in the passage
means________.
A. easy to see if you look
B. not able to be seen without a microscope
C. hard to imagine
D. the cause of eye problem
Passage 4: In the critical area of food production, new cooperative efforts in

agricultural research and development are paying off. Food scientists are
discovering that humankind is nowhere near the limits of plant, livestock, and soil
productivity.
The phrase “paying off” could best be replaced by which of the following?
A. costing a lot B. attracting attention
C. showing success D. hard work

KEY EXERCISES 4A 4B

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

KEY EXERCISES 4A 4B

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

KEY EXERCISES 4A 4B

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

KEY EXERCISES 4A,4B (P.

EXERCISE 4B: Practice understanding vocabulary in context

Passage 4: In the critical area of food production, new cooperative efforts in

You might also like