Throughout the rest of this lesson you will be reading another short story by Jeff Martin. Both stories illustrate how contemporary fiction writers work to create something new and surprising while referring back to styles of literature that developed during the 20th century. As a result, many 21st-century works of fiction provide a shared and familiar experience through imaginative writing that nonetheless breaks loose from traditional forms.
Before you read Jeff Martin’s “Steeled,” make sure you’re familiar with some of the more advanced vocabulary that appears in the story. Use the activity below to find out which of these words you already know. First, guess at the meaning of the boldface word in each sentence. Then click the sentence to check your answer.
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something granted in response to a demand, a compromise |
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angry and resentful |
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small and delicate |
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marked with stripes or grooves |
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unity or agreement |
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restrain oneself from doing something |
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person who transports messages or packages |
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a boundary formed by bushes or shrubs |
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made from clay and hardened |
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a support made from metal or wood for plants or vines to lean on |
Now use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used.
Which word means the same or almost the same as trellis?
A trellis is an arched framework used as support for plants or vines.
A trellis is an arched framework used as support for plants or vines.
A trellis is an arched framework used as support for plants or vines.
Which word means the opposite of aggrieved?
Aggrieved means to be resentful or angry, so pleased would be the opposite.
Aggrieved means to be resentful or angry, so pleased would be the opposite.
Aggrieved means to be resentful or angry, so pleased would be the opposite.
Which sentence uses the word elfin correctly?
Elfin refers to someone with tiny or delicate features.
Elfin refers to someone with tiny or delicate features.
Elfin refers to someone with tiny or delicate features.
Which of the following means the opposite of striated?
Some that is striated is marked by stripes or grooves.
Some that is striated is marked by stripes or grooves.
Some that is striated is marked by stripes or grooves.
Which sentence uses the word solidarity correctly?
Solidarity refers to unity and support.
Solidarity refers to unity and support.
Solidarity refers to unity and support.
Which word means the same or nearly the same as abstain?
Abstain means to refrain or resist doing something.
Abstain means to refrain or resist doing something.
Abstain means to refrain or resist doing something.
Which sentence does not use the word courier correctly?
A courier is a messenger or a guide.
A courier is a messenger or a guide.
A courier is a messenger or a guide.
Which sentence shows the best use of the word hedge?
A hedge is a bush or shrub often serving as a boundary.
A hedge is a bush or shrub often serving as a boundary.
A hedge is a bush or shrub often serving as a boundary.
Which word is most similar in meaning to ceramic?
Ceramic is hardened clay.
Ceramic is hardened clay.
Ceramic is hardened clay.
Which word is similar in meaning to concession?
A concession is giving into a demand or a compromise.
A concession is giving into a demand or a compromise.
A concession is giving into a demand or a compromise.
You got # out of # correct. Click the Retry button for another attempt.
You got a perfect score. Great job!
