Anne Frank came from an upper-middle-class Jewish family. At first, she attended a Montessori school, which allowed students to set their own pace and to learn by hands-on experience. After Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, Anne and Margot were forced to attend the Jewish Lyceum. Anne spent only a few years at this school before her family was forced into hiding.
Photo taken by Otto Frank, courtesy of AFS/AFF, Amsterdam/Basel.
Once in the Secret Annex, the family ordered books and courses so that Anne, Margot, and Peter could continue their education. Despite the upheaval in Anne’s life, she seems to have continued to read as many books as she could find. And, of course, she also continued to write in her diary. All of these activities kept Anne busy and continued her education in an informal way.
As you read the next part of Anne Frank’s diary, you will encounter some words that you may not recognize. Before you begin reading, use the activity below to find out which of these words you already know. First, make a guess at what the word means. Then click the word to check your answer.
a perfect model |
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impossible to believe |
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humiliated and ashamed |
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gloomy, dreary |
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an expression of sorrow |
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someone who attacks and destroys others |
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someone who believes in a dictator who has complete control over others |
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hard-working |
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memorable |
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people who eat or drink too much |
Now use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used.
Which of these would be considered a momentous occasion?
- getting a haircut
- eating lunch every day
- watching a movie
- going on a cruise
A momentous occasion is one you are likely to remember for a long time.
A momentous occasion is one you are likely to remember for a long time.
A momentous occasion is one you are likely to remember for a long time.
A momentous occasion is one you are likely to remember for a long time.
If someone has dismal outlook, how is she most likely to express herself?
- by studying harder
- by being depressed
- by getting excited
- by acting afraid
Dismal means “gloomy.”
Dismal means “gloomy.”
Dismal means “gloomy.”
Dismal means “gloomy.”
In which circumstance is someone MOST likely to be mortified?
- when walking down the street and talking on the phone
- when forgetting what to say while giving a speech
- when winning a door prize for a vacation
- when feeling hungry after forgetting to eat lunch
If someone is mortified, he or she is very embarrassed.
If someone is mortified, he or she is very embarrassed.
If someone is mortified, he or she is very embarrassed.
If someone is mortified, he or she is very embarrassed.
Which of these is a paragon of a cube?
- a perfectly square box
- a crushed soda can
- a long, skinny balloon
- a smooth piece of paper
A paragon is an exact representation of something else.
A paragon is an exact representation of something else.
A paragon is an exact representation of something else.
A paragon is an exact representation of something else.
Which of these is the opposite of lamentations?
- joyful songs
- helpful advice
- tearful farewells
- boastful taunts
Someone who laments is showing sorrow.
Someone who laments is showing sorrow.
Someone who laments is showing sorrow.
Someone who laments is showing sorrow.
If you are being industrious, what are you MOST likely doing?
- sleeping in late every day
- eating and drinking too much
- talking about yourself all the time
- working as hard as you can
Industrious is related to the word industry, which means “work.”
Industrious is related to the word industry, which means “work.”
Industrious is related to the word industry, which means “work.”
Industrious is related to the word industry, which means “work.”
Which of these people can be correctly called saboteurs?
- police officers
- hackers
- wrestling champions
- soldiers
If someone sabotages you, he or she is trying to take advantage of you and destroy you.
If someone sabotages you, he or she is trying to take advantage of you and destroy you.
If someone sabotages you, he or she is trying to take advantage of you and destroy you.
If someone sabotages you, he or she is trying to take advantage of you and destroy you.
What activity do gluttons do too much?
- exercise
- sleep
- talk
- eat
Gluttony also applies to drinking too much.
Gluttony also applies to drinking too much.
Gluttony also applies to drinking too much.
Gluttony also applies to drinking too much.
Which option can BEST be described as inconceivable?
- many people dying from the flu every year
- large groups of people moving to a different city
- a large asteroid wiping out an entire continent
- a drought lasting longer than two months
If something is inconceivable, it is difficult to believe it is true.
If something is inconceivable, it is difficult to believe it is true.
If something is inconceivable, it is difficult to believe it is true.
If something is inconceivable, it is difficult to believe it is true.
What is the most likely action a Fascist government would take against citizens who rebel?
- Allow them to leave the country.
- Persuade them to peacefully protest.
- Imprison them for their rebellion.
- Try to negotiate with them.
Fascists believe in complete control of people.
Fascists believe in complete control of people.
Fascists believe in complete control of people.
Fascists believe in complete control of people.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
