When you read novels and short stories that are written for your age group, you may understand most of the words you read. However, good writers will also include words that are a bit more challenging as well. These words encourage readers to increase their word knowledge and also to think about the story’s details in new ways.
In the next chapter of Esperanza Rising, you will likely see some of these more challenging words. To help you better understand what you’re reading, study the vocabulary words below. If you don’t know a word already, make a guess at its meaning. Then, click the word to check your answer.
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departed from a train or other vehicle |
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behavior and attitude, especially toward others |
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in a way that seems bewildered or sluggish, usually from lack of sleep |
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broken down, shaky |
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a covering usually made of fabric to help keep the sun out |
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released or let go |
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leaning heavily in one direction while moving |
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abrupt, disconnected sounds |
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a group of people traveling together all using the same type of transportation |
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agonized over something |
Now, use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used.
The four families decided to travel to the reunion together, so they formed a _____.
- staccato
- caravan
- canopy
- demeanor
A caravan can include any group of people traveling together on foot, on animals, or in vehicles.
A caravan can include any group of people traveling together on foot, on animals, or in vehicles.
A caravan can include any group of people traveling together on foot, on animals, or in vehicles.
A caravan can include any group of people traveling together on foot, on animals, or in vehicles.
If you stayed up all night, which word would BEST describe how you spoke to your friends in the morning?
- untethered
- disembarked
- rickety
- groggily
The root word of groggily, grog, comes from two different sources—being drunk and fighting.
The root word of groggily, grog, comes from two different sources—being drunk and fighting.
The root word of groggily, grog, comes from two different sources—being drunk and fighting.
The root word of groggily, grog, comes from two different sources—being drunk and fighting.
A balloon that is floating up into the sky has been _____.
- disembarked
- untethered
- brooded
- staccato
Tether is often used to refer to a horse being tied to a hitching post.
Tether is often used to refer to a horse being tied to a hitching post.
Tether is often used to refer to a horse being tied to a hitching post.
Tether is often used to refer to a horse being tied to a hitching post.
If you get off an airplane, you have _____ from the plane.
- demeanor
- untethered
- disembarked
- rickety
The word embark means “to board a vehicle,” and the prefix dis– means “to do the opposite of.”
The word embark means “to board a vehicle,” and the prefix dis– means “to do the opposite of.”
The word embark means “to board a vehicle,” and the prefix dis– means “to do the opposite of.”
The word embark means “to board a vehicle,” and the prefix dis– means “to do the opposite of.”
Which action is likely to produce a staccato?
- perfectly playing a lullaby on the piano
- randomly hitting barrels with different-sized hammers
- tapping the wall in a slow, deliberate rhythm
- clapping your hands to a catchy beat
Staccato is a musical term represented by a dot above a note, which tells musicians to play a short, forceful version of the note.
Staccato is a musical term represented by a dot above a note, which tells musicians to play a short, forceful version of the note.
Staccato is a musical term represented by a dot above a note, which tells musicians to play a short, forceful version of the note.
Staccato is a musical term represented by a dot above a note, which tells musicians to play a short, forceful version of the note.
If a house is rickety, what is likely to happen to it during a violent windstorm?
- It is likely to fall in.
- It will likely stand strong.
- It will probably leak a little.
- It will likely burst into flames.
The word rickety comes from a childhood disease called rickets in which a person’s bones become soft and deformed, making it difficult for the person to walk.
The word rickety comes from a childhood disease called rickets in which a person’s bones become soft and deformed, making it difficult for the person to walk.
The word rickety comes from a childhood disease called rickets in which a person’s bones become soft and deformed, making it difficult for the person to walk.
The word rickety comes from a childhood disease called rickets in which a person’s bones become soft and deformed, making it difficult for the person to walk.
What is one example of demeanor?
- a car rolling to a stop
- someone eating lunch
- a child having a bad dream
- someone standing up to a bully
Demeanor is how someone treats others.
Demeanor is how someone treats others.
Demeanor is how someone treats others.
Demeanor is how someone treats others.
Which word means the same as brooded?
- pleased
- neglected
- moped
- encouraged
A “broody” hen is one that sits on a nest all day—sometimes even an empty one—because she wants to hatch her eggs.
A “broody” hen is one that sits on a nest all day—sometimes even an empty one—because she wants to hatch her eggs.
A “broody” hen is one that sits on a nest all day—sometimes even an empty one—because she wants to hatch her eggs.
A “broody” hen is one that sits on a nest all day—sometimes even an empty one—because she wants to hatch her eggs.
What is the purpose of a tent canopy?
- It keeps the dirt out.
- It keeps the flies out.
- It keeps rain and sun out.
- It allows you to see out.
The canopy in a rainforest is the tops of the trees where the branches and leaves overlap so much that they block out the Sun.
The canopy in a rainforest is the tops of the trees where the branches and leaves overlap so much that they block out the Sun.
The canopy in a rainforest is the tops of the trees where the branches and leaves overlap so much that they block out the Sun.
The canopy in a rainforest is the tops of the trees where the branches and leaves overlap so much that they block out the Sun.
Which of these is the BEST example of something that is careening?
- the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- a person who is bent over
- a skater speeding around a curve
- a person standing on a hill
For something to be careening, it must be both leaning and in motion.
For something to be careening, it must be both leaning and in motion.
For something to be careening, it must be both leaning and in motion.
For something to be careening, it must be both leaning and in motion.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
