You’ve seen that cultural differences sometimes create unexpected problems for Peace Corps volunteers and their host families. These differences may create tension or even spark conflict. Duane Karlen was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, which is a small South Asian country near India. In his essay “Thunder and Enlightenment,” Karlen describes a cultural conflict that arose in his classroom―and his way of resolving it.
Already, the essay’s title includes a word that you might not know. Enlightenment is the process of gaining insight into a situation. The writer’s use of the word is supposed to suggest the well-worn phrase “thunder and lightning.” The moment of enlightenment in the essay happens while Karlen is teaching his students about the science of thunderstorms.
“Thunder and Enlightenment” contains other words that you may not recognize. Use the activities below to learn the meanings of these words before you read. First, guess what each word means. Then, click the word to see how close you are to the correct definition.
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noisy and lively |
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moved around quickly |
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put together calmly |
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with expectation or eager anticipation |
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one and only |
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customs and traditions passed down from one generation to the next |
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uncertainty; a feeling of inner conflict between two things or ideas |
Now use this activity to learn more about the context in which these words are often used.
Carly enjoys band practice, but she wishes it didn’t take up so much of her time. What is Carly feeling about band practice?
Carly feels both good and bad about band practice, so she is ambivalent about it.
Carly feels both good and bad about band practice, so she is ambivalent about it.
Carly feels both good and bad about band practice, so she is ambivalent about it.
Carly feels both good and bad about band practice, so she is ambivalent about it.
Dressed in a bee costume, Mateo’s little brother skipped quickly and lightly around the room. Which word best represents the way he moved?
He moved in a quick, light way, which means he flitted.
He moved in a quick, light way, which means he flitted.
He moved in a quick, light way, which means he flitted.
Mr. Sunshine, Leah’s cat, stared with eager anticipation as Leah opened the cat food can. Which word describes Mr. Sunshine’s look?
Mr. Sunshine has an expectant look because he is anticipating his meal.
Mr. Sunshine has an expectant look because he is anticipating his meal.
Mr. Sunshine has an expectant look because he is anticipating his meal.
After a hectic day, Benjy took a minute to calm down and gather his thoughts. Which word describes what Benjy did?
Benjy took time to compose his thoughts―to put them together calmly.
Benjy took time to compose his thoughts―to put them together calmly.
Benjy took time to compose his thoughts―to put them together calmly.
Miya loves to visit her grandparents and learn about Japanese traditions like the cherry blossom festivals. Which word best reflects Miya’s area of interest?
Miya enjoys learning about her Japanese heritage from her grandparents.
Miya enjoys learning about her Japanese heritage from her grandparents.
Miya enjoys learning about her Japanese heritage from her grandparents.
The only person in the class who voted “No” was Mark. Which word describes his vote?
Mark was the sole, or only, person to vote “No.”
Mark was the sole, or only, person to vote “No.”
Mark was the sole, or only, person to vote “No.”
You got # out of # correct. Click the Retry button for another attempt.
You got a perfect score. Great job!
