The English language is always adding new words. However, many of the words we use today were also used more than a hundred years ago. Still, when you read a historical fiction novel, you might encounter words that are not as well-known today as they were when the novel’s action occurred.
As you read the next chapter of Esperanza Rising, you may encounter some of these infrequently used words as well as other words you don’t recognize. Before you read the next chapter, use the activity below to review these words. First, make a guess at what each word means. Then, click the word to check your answer.
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extreme suffering |
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trembling, shaking |
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a series of prayers recited by Roman Catholics that reflect on important events in the life of Jesus Christ |
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having polite and “proper” manners and habits |
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in an orderly, systematic way |
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gradually invading someone’s rights or property |
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someone’s property, usually including land with a large house on it |
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commonly observed |
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to choke off |
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a place where people live together and are devoted to observing strict religious rules |
Use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used.
1. Which word is a synonym (a word that means the same thing) for throttle?
- consider
- unleash
- strangle
- determine
If you throttle something, you forcibly choke it off.
If you throttle something, you forcibly choke it off.
If you throttle something, you forcibly choke it off.
If you throttle something, you forcibly choke it off.
2. Which of these is a good example of something that is encroaching?
- a car sitting in a parking lot
- a train rapidly speeding up
- people celebrating a special occasion
- laws that chip away at your freedom
If something is encroaching, it is moving slowly toward you and your possessions.
If something is encroaching, it is moving slowly toward you and your possessions.
If something is encroaching, it is moving slowly toward you and your possessions.
If something is encroaching, it is moving slowly toward you and your possessions.
3. If someone has very good taste in food and clothing, which word BEST describes him or her?
- refined
- quivery
- methodically
- customary
Someone who is refined usually prefers high-quality things.
Someone who is refined usually prefers high-quality things.
Someone who is refined usually prefers high-quality things.
Someone who is refined usually prefers high-quality things.
4. Which word is an antonym (word that means the opposite) of anguish?
- agony
- delight
- bored
- confused
Anguish is more than simply being unhappy.
Anguish is more than simply being unhappy.
Anguish is more than simply being unhappy.
Anguish is more than simply being unhappy.
5. What is the BEST example of something you would normally do methodically?
- Take a nap.
- Read a book.
- Make a recipe.
- Watch a video.
Methodically includes the word method in it.
Methodically includes the word method in it.
Methodically includes the word method in it.
Methodically includes the word method in it.
6. What is the BEST definition of an “estate sale”?
- selling off everything someone owns
- a sale of an entire U.S. state
- a statement of sale for property
- a large sale at a department store
An estate includes all of a person’s belongings, including his or her house and property.
An estate includes all of a person’s belongings, including his or her house and property.
An estate includes all of a person’s belongings, including his or her house and property.
An estate includes all of a person’s belongings, including his or her house and property.
7. In which situation would you MOST likely be quivery?
- when you are sleepy
- when you are dirty
- when you are excited
- when you are confused
If something quivers, it shakes.
If something quivers, it shakes.
If something quivers, it shakes.
If something quivers, it shakes.
8. If the same ritual is practiced week after week in the same way, which word BEST describes this action?
- convent
- customary
- quivery
- refined
If a ritual is customary, it is commonly observed.
If a ritual is customary, it is commonly observed.
If a ritual is customary, it is commonly observed.
If a ritual is customary, it is commonly observed.
9. What is the term for the prayers that Roman Catholics recite to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ?
- convents
- anguishes
- estates
- rosaries
Roman Catholics often use a string of knots or beads to help them remember these prayers.
Roman Catholics often use a string of knots or beads to help them remember these prayers.
Roman Catholics often use a string of knots or beads to help them remember these prayers.
Roman Catholics often use a string of knots or beads to help them remember these prayers.
10. If someone wanted to live with people who share their spiritual beliefs, where is one place this person might go?
- to an estate
- to a convent
- to a rosary
- to a throttle
Convents in the Roman Catholic Church are usually made up of nuns and priests.
Convents in the Roman Catholic Church are usually made up of nuns and priests.
Convents in the Roman Catholic Church are usually made up of nuns and priests.
Convents in the Roman Catholic Church are usually made up of nuns and priests.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
