Did you know that you need to understand about 95% of the words you read to comprehend any kind of text? If there are too many words you don’t recognize, you’re forced to make assumptions or guesses that may interfere with how well you understand a story. This is especially true when reading historical fiction. After all, these stories are set during a time before you were alive, in a world that may seem quite different from your own time and place.
As you read the next two chapters of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, you will encounter the words listed below. Use the activities on this page to make sure you’ll know the words when you see them again. First, find out if you already know what each word means. Think of a definition, and then click the word to check your answer.
the ability to recover quickly, to be flexible or tough |
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knowing something fairly well |
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intimidating; creating fear or respect |
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a tall chest of drawers, often with a mirror on top |
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a popular automobile sold by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927 |
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arrogant; feeling or acting superior to others |
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something that is made or sold illegally (during the Depression, liquor) |
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did something quickly |
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very foolish or stupid |
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to change one’s mind or back down from a harsh decision |
Now use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used. Match each vocabulary word with the word or phrase that best describes the word.
