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What words will help you understand this lesson's reading assignment?

Shot of a young driver arguing with a traffic officer

By now, you've seen quite a few vocabulary words in your studies. But sometimes the definitions of new words can run together and cause you to forget what you've learned. One way to reinforce the meanings of new words is to replace the word with a synonym or with a definition that you create yourself.

Here's an example: Say you come across the word negligent in your reading. You look it up and find that the definition is "guilty of not carrying out one's duty." But what if you can't remember that definition very well? You might try rewording the definition so that you can more easily remember it. For example, if you know what neglect means, you might create a new definition that reads "guilty of neglect."

Another way to remember new vocabulary words is to find synonyms, words that mean the same thing as the vocabulary word, and remember them rather than a longer definition. Two synonyms that might help you remember negligent are "careless" or "lacking."

As you read Chapter 8, you will encounter some words that you may not recognize. Use the activity below to learn or review the meaning of these words. First, make a guess at what the word means. Then, click the word to check your answer.

faltered
quivering
resemblance
aimlessly
showpiece
doggedly

Now, use the activity below to review your knowledge of these words.

Click here to begin.
Which two words mean the same as resemblance?
look-alike
similarity
opposite
If you have a family resemblance to someone, you look like that person.
If you have a family resemblance to someone, you look like that person.
Which two items would MOST likely be showpieces in an ancient history museum?
a wooden canoe made by Native Americans
a scrap of clothing from the volcanic eruption that buried Pompeii
the burial mask of King Tut
A showpiece is usually something of value that people admire.
A showpiece is usually something of value that people admire.
What are two synonyms for faltered?
supposed
wavered
hesitated
If someone's speech is faltering, that person is likely stumbling to figure out what to say next.
If someone's speech is faltering, that person is likely stumbling to figure out what to say next.
If you are driving aimlessly, which two statements are TRUE?
You're not sure where you're going.
You don't have firm plans for your trip.
You stop frequently and rest.
If you are doing something aimlessly, you do not have a purpose for or clear idea of what you're doing.
If you are doing something aimlessly, you do not have a purpose for or clear idea of what you're doing.
Which two definitions mean the opposite of doggedly?
"to refuse to change"
"to be open to change"
"to be obedient to others' wishes"
Doggedly means "stubbornly."
Doggedly means "stubbornly."
If the leaves are quivering outside your window, what two things are MOST likely happening?
It's perfectly still outside.
It's raining lightly.
The wind is gently blowing.
When something quivers, it moves rapidly, such as when one's lip quivers in fear or sadness.
When something quivers, it moves rapidly, such as when one's lip quivers in fear or sadness.

Complete