Few examples of great literature announce their themes directly. Instead, readers must draw their own conclusions based on clues in the text. Of course, if you don’t understand what you’re reading, you’re likely to miss some of these clues. For example, the word shantytown appears several times in Mr. Morrison’s description of his childhood. If you don’t know the meaning of shantytown, you may miss the fact that Mr. Morrison’s early life was made difficult by the same kind of system-wide discrimination that Cassie and her family are now experiencing.
Before you begin reading Chapter 7 of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, use the activity below to find out which of these words you already know. First, see if you can guess what each word means. Then click the word to check your answer.
showing off in order to draw attention to something |
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deserving of being presented on a stage—a good story |
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the years right after the American Civil War when the South was being rebuilt and the federal government worked to prevent the mistreatment of former slaves |
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a run-down, poor area on the outskirts of town—usually deprived of public money and resources |
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inflicting harm in return for an injury done to oneself or another |
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a coarse canvas woven from jute or hemp plants |
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the highest class in a form of government in which power is held by people who have inherited wealth |
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income, earnings |
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a group’s refusal to purchase from or participate in |
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a political candidate who seeks election in an area where they have no local connections |
Now use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used. In each sentence, a word or phrase is italicized. Select the word that expresses the same meaning as the italicized text.
Sharna was showing off her new glitter sneakers, setting her feet up on her desk in the middle of class.
When you show off and draw attention to something you are flaunting it.
When you show off and draw attention to something you are flaunting it.
When you show off and draw attention to something you are flaunting it.
Edison’s grandfather told the best stories; they were so good he could share them at the local theater.
Something so good that it could be performed on a stage is considered stageworthy.
Something so good that it could be performed on a stage is considered stageworthy.
Something so good that it could be performed on a stage is considered stageworthy.
The small town had been destroyed during General Sherman’s march south with his Union troops. The buildings that remain from that era were rebuilt in the years shortly after the war.
Much of the South was rebuilt during Reconstruction.
Much of the South was rebuilt during Reconstruction.
Much of the South was rebuilt during Reconstruction.
Stella and her family didn’t walk to town often; there was always plenty of work to do in the impoverished outskirts they called home.
The run-down outskirts where impoverished communities dwelled were referred to as shantytowns.
The run-down outskirts where impoverished communities dwelled were referred to as shantytowns.
The run-down outskirts where impoverished communities dwelled were referred to as shantytowns.
Steven wanted revenge, so during the next hockey game he intentionally slid by the puck and skated straight toward Paul.
If you are looking for revenge then you are in an avenging mood.
If you are looking for revenge then you are in an avenging mood.
If you are looking for revenge then you are in an avenging mood.
Trisha made a rough and rugged bag for her trips to the farmers’ market using an empty sack that once held 15 pounds of rice.
Canvas made from jute or hemp is called burlap.
Canvas made from jute or hemp is called burlap.
Canvas made from jute or hemp is called burlap.
Brooks was shocked to discover that his ancestors were among the highest social class in the European medieval nobility.
When power is given to the highest class, it is called aristocracy.
When power is given to the highest class, it is called aristocracy.
When power is given to the highest class, it is called aristocracy.
Mila decided that she would open another cupcakery if the profit from her first shop increased by 20 percent.
Profit or income is considered revenue.
Profit or income is considered revenue.
Profit or income is considered revenue.
Camus and his neighbors refused to use the mill’s services until they were guaranteed more money per pound of ground flour.
Refusing to purchase or participate until conditions are met is known as a boycott.
Refusing to purchase or participate until conditions are met is known as a boycott.
Refusing to purchase or participate until conditions are met is known as a boycott.
Shiloh was used to being called political names, but just because she was from the North, she was confident her campaign would benefit many in the South.
A political name given to someone who is looking to be elected in an area they do not live is called a carpetbagger.
A political name given to someone who is looking to be elected in an area they do not live is called a carpetbagger.
A political name given to someone who is looking to be elected in an area they do not live is called a carpetbagger.
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