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Learn Inc.

Vocab'*u*lary
Edited by Margaret Morgan Bynum

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CASSETTE ONE Exercise Eight.................... 17 Exercise Three................... 33


Pretest I .................................. 2 Pretest V .................................17 Exercise Four.....................33
Exercise O n e ...................... 2 Exercise Nine..................... 18 Pretest III.................................. 34
Exercise Two...................... 3 Exercise T en...................... 18 Exercise Five........................34
Pretest II................................. 3 Pretest V I................................19 Exercise Six..........................34
Exercise Three................... 3 Exercise Eleven..................19 Pretest IV..................................35
Exercise Four..................... 4 Answer Key............................20 Exercise Seven.....................36
Pretest III................................ 4 WORD UST ........................... 21 Exercise Eight......................36
Exercise Five...................... 4 Pretest V .................................. 36
Pretest IV................................ 5 Exercise Nine.......................37
CASSETTE THREE Exercise Ten........................ 37
Exercise Six........................ 5
Pretest I ..................................22 Answer Key............................. 38
Exercise Seven................... 6
Exercise O n e ......................22 WORD U ST .............................39
Pretest V ................................. 6
Exercise Two......................23
Exercise Eight.................... 7
Pretest II................................. 24
Exercise Nine..................... 7
Exercise Three................... 24
CASSETTE FIVE
Pretest V I................................ 8 Pretest I ....................................40
Exercise Four..................... 24
Exercise T en...................... 8 Exercise O n e ....................... 40
Pretest III................................ 25
Exercise Eleven.................. 9 Exercise Two....................... 40
Exercise Five......................26
Answer Key............................10 Pretest II................................... 41
Exercise Six........................26
WORD LIST........................... 11 Exercise Three..................... 41
Pretest IV................................. 27
Exercise Seven.................... 27 Exercise Four.......................42
Exercise Eight..................... 28 Pretest III..................................42
CASSETTE TWO Pretest V ..................................28 Exercise Five....................... 43
Pretest I ..................................12 Exercise Nine...................... 28 Exercise Six......................... 43
Exercise O n e ......................12 Pretest IV..................................44
Exercise T en....................... 28
Exercise Two......................13 Answer Key............................. 29 Exercise Seven.................... 44
Pretest II................................. 13 WORD LIST............................ 30 Exercise Eight......................44
Exercise Three................... 14 Pretest V .................................. 45
Exercise Four.....................14 Exercise Nine.......................46
Pretest III................................ 15 CASSETTE FOUR Exercise T en........................46
Exercise Five......................15 Pretest I ................................... 31 Answer Key............................. 47
Exercise Six........................15 Exercise O n e .......................31 WORD LIST............................ 48
Pretest IV................................16 Exercise Two.......................31
Exercise Seven...................16 Pretest II.................................. 32 Index................. Inside Back Cover

1
CASSETTE ONE

Pretest I

DIRECTIONS: Match the list of words in Column A with the meanings in Column B. On the line write the word
from Column В that is closest in meaning.
A В
1. elucidate ______________________________________________________ hint, suggest
2. nuance_______________________________________________________ shade of meaning
3. critique_______________________________________________________ mean
4. mnemonics___________________________________________________ clarify
5 . synonym_____________________________________________________ review carefully
6. denote______ _________________________________________________ memory aids
7. connotation______________ ________________ ____________________ deduce
8 . imply____ ____________________________________________________ meaning the same
9. infer__________________________________________________________ suggested meaning

Please return to Cassette One for a conversation about these words.

Exercise One
DIRECTIONS: Following each sentence using an italicized word is a set of four choices to fill the blank. On the
line, write the word that is closest in meaning to the italicized word.

1. To elucidate a statement means to_______________________


a. defend it b. deny it c. explain it d. argue with it

2. To understand the nuances of a language, one must be familiar with-------------------


a. roots b. suffixes c. overtones d. literal meanings

3. When giving a critique of a play, the reviewer is concerned with________________________observation.


a. superficial b. detailed c. disinterested d. casual

4. Mnemonics concerns our______________________ of information.


a. challenging b. remembering c. discussing d. cataloging

5. Synonyms are words that have_____________________ meanings.


a. different b. opposite c. similar d. obvious

6. To denote usually means to______ ________________ a word meaning.


a. imply b. indicate c. speculate d. organize

7. Connotation in language is a concern for the_____________ ____________ a word has.


a. sources b. associations c. pronounciations d. spellings

8 . To imply means to .__________________ that something is so.


a. state b. suggest c. insist d. demand

9. When we infer something, we usually mean that we reach our decisions by_______________________
a. chance b. guess c. evidence d. hearsay

2
CASSETTE ONE

Exercise Two

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks in the following paragraph with one of the following words:
elucidate, critique, nuances, mnemonics, synonym, denote, connotations, imply, infer.

In the morning paper there was a lengthy ( 1 ) __________________________ of the play that served to (2)
_________________________ the difficult topic of physics. Although the title helped to (3 )_________________________
the literal meaning of the play, the work was filled with many overtones and (4)__________________________ I don’t
mean to (5)_________________________ that it was a confusing work, but based on the evidence of the scenes,
one could (6)-------------------- that it was a complicated drama. There were enough shades of meaning
and (7 )------------- to make me ponder the playwright’s intent. I took some notes on the program. They’ll
serve as (8 ) _________________________ for future recall. I found the play confusing. If I had to produce another
descriptive word for the play, the (9)_______________________ would be challenging.

Pretest II

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write its meaning from Column B.

A В
1. cognizance____________________________________________________ word beginning
2. germane.______________________________________________________ unnecessary
3. succinct_______________________________________________________ thinking
4. extraneous_____________________________________________________ concise
5. cerebration____________________________________________________ pertinent, related
6. prefix__________________________________________________________ understanding

Now please rejoin us on Cassette One to discuss these six words.

Exercise Three
i
DIRECTIONS: After each of the following words are four other words. Choose the one closest in meaning and
write it in the blank line.

1. Cognizant______________________
a. urbane b. knowledgeable c. unhappy d. relevant

2. Germane______________________
a. sickly b. relevant c. multiple d. growing

3. Extraneous_____________________
a. essential b. ordinary c. foreign d. unnecessary

4. Succinct______________________
a. concise b. overflowing c. tasty d. following

5. Cerebration______________________
a. renewal b. necessity c. thinking d. motivation

6. Prefix______________________
a. root of word b. beginning of a word c. end of word d. similar word

3
CASSETTE ONE

Exercise Four
DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks in the following paragraph with one of the following words:
cognizance, germane, succinct, extraneous, cerebration, prefix

Whereas a preface may begin a book, a (1)_____________________ will introduce a word. Recognition or (2)
_____________________of precise words enables us to select ( 3 ) _____________________ _____ words relative to our
thoughts and write brief, (4) ________________________ messages without including unnecessary, (5)
_________________________ ones that cause lengthy (6) ________________ __________ and mental anxiety in figuring
out what response we expect.

Pretest III

DIRECTIONS: After each prefix listed below, write its meaning.

1. ab— _____ _____ ____ _____ _____ ____ ___________ ______ _____ ______ __________________________ _____ ___
2 . a d - _______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. com— or con — ------------------ ---------------------------------------------------
4. de— _______ ___ _________________________________________________________________________________ ___ _
5. ex— --- ---- ---- ----------------------- ----------------------------------------- -
6. in— --------------------------------------------------------------------- — —----
7. in— (another meaning)--------------------------------------------------------------- --—_ — .—
8. pre— ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --——
9. pro— ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --— -
10. re— ------------------------------------------------------------------ — — ------
Please return to Cassette One to share our discussion of these prefixes.

Exercise Five
DIRECTIONS: After each prefix listed below, write its meaning and one word using it.

Prefix Meaning Word


1. a b - __ ____ __________ _____ __________ ________________ __________ ______ —
2. a d - ___ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ -____ — _____ _____ _____________________ _
3. com— or con— _____ _____ ___________ ____________ _— --- ---- ----------------- -----
4. de— _____________________________________ _ —------------------------- -—
5. ex— _______________ ______ _____ _______— ------------ ------------ ---- -
6. in— ____ _____ _____ ____________ ______ _— -------- ------------- -------
7. in— (another) ____________________________________ ________________________________ —
8. pre— ______ ______ _____ _--------------- --------------------------- —
9. pro— ___ _____ --------- ----- ---- ---- -------------------- --- --- -
10. re— ----------------------------- -----------------------------

4
CASSETTE ONE

Pretest IV

DIRECTIONS: The next twelve words are listed in the column at the left, each followed by a blank. Select the word
from the column on the right that is closest in meaning, and write it in the blank.
A В
1. abdicate scornful

2. abhor patronizing

3. addendum added to, attached

4. adjunct detest

5. rnnrnmitant profanity, meaningless expression

6. condescending reconcile

7. delineate addition

8 . derisive accompanying

9. ridiculous -- draw, clarify

10. expiate withdraw from

11. atone make amends

12. expletive absurd, laughable

Please return to Cassette One to hear our discussion of these twelve words.

Exercise Six
DIRECTIONS: Circle your choice of the words that best fit the meanings of the sentences.

1. The king was in no mood to (abdicate, expiate) even though his subjects had hoped to be rid of him.

2. If young people would (delineate, abhor) horror movies, Hollywood would not make so many of them.

3. An already overly long book review does not need a lengthy (addendum , expletive).

4. The fact that he was (an adjunct, a concomitant) professor rather than a permanent member of the faculty
did not affect his teaching ability.

5. The (atonement, concomitant) nature of baseball, basketball, and hockey seasons makes it difficult to follow
a favorite team.

6. If a parent treats his children with continual (addendum, condescension), he will lose their respect.
7. An outstanding sports announcer can (expiate, delineate) the plays on a video screen with little trouble.

8 . When George Orwell was asked in India to shoot an enraged elephant, he was most concerned with the
(derisive, expletive) scom of the crowd.

9. If a novelty song contains no meaning, musicians soon see it as (an abhorrent, a ridiculous) ditty.

10. In olden times, to (delineate, expiate) one’s guilt, people went around in sack cloth.

11. The husband who forgot to take out the trash sought (atonement, addendum) from his wife with shortcake
from the bakery.

12. There is a modern concern that rock lyrics have an (expletive, expiation) in every stanza.

5
CASSETTE ONE

Exercise Seven
DIRECTIONS: Fill the blanks in the next six sentences with one of these words:
abdication, abhorrence, addendum, adjunct, concomitant, condescension
1. ______________________ is an adjective meaning a consistent accompaniment or coinciding in time.

2. ______________________ is intense dislike, hate.

3. ______________________ is a noun meaning an added part, a supplement.

4. ______________________ is an adjective meaning added or joined to, attached.

5. ______________________ is a renouncement of responsibilities or duties.

6. ______________________ means a descent from rank, an unbending, patronization.

Fill the next five blanks with these words:


atone, delineate, derision, expiate, expletive

7. Two words that mean to appease or to reconcile are______________________ and______________________ _

8. Another word for ridicule is______________________

9. An often profane word with little meaning is an______________________

10. To give a clear picture through lines or details is to_______________________

Pretest V

DIRECTIONS: In the blank after each word in Column A, write the word from Column В that is closest in meaning.
A В
1. induce dubious
2. inadvertently . . . , .................................... enormous
3. precept unintentionally
4. prodigious renewal
5. propinquity lead to
6. resurgence principle, example
7. anomalous nearness
8 . apocryphal ominous
9. portentous irregular

Please return to Cassette One to listen to our clarification of these nine words.

6
CASSETTE ONE

Exercise Eight
DIRECTIONS: Complete each of the following sentences by adding one of the lettered words that follow it. Write
the word in the space provided.

1. Mrs. Fox could not______________________her children to eat green vegetables.


a. seduce b. induce c. adduce d. perceive

2. The golfer______________________hit his opponent’s ball by mistake.


a. inadvertently b. forcefully c. purposefully d. irregularly

3. One_____________________that Ben Franklin seemed to follow was, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
a. misanthrope b. portent c. precept d. prefix

4. The_____________________ amount of wheat grown on the farms became more of a bane than a boon when
the market price dropped.
a. meager b. ominous c. portentous d. prodigious

5. The ladies of the bridge club shared a ______________________that went beyond their meeting each Thursday
afternoon.
a. alienation b. menu c. propinquity d. omen
6. The_____________________ of Japan as a leading economic power is one of the marvels of modem times.
a. precepts b. apocryphal c. resurgence d. addendum

7. Just when you think you have your income tax form filled out correctly, there is some-----------------
section that throws you off balance.
a. derisive b. atonement c. anomalous d. expletive

8 . Modern biographies seem interested in dramatic action that is ------------------- rather than based on
historical facts.
a. inadvertent b. apocryphal c. tentative d. portentous

9. The first news of President Reagan’s being shot was a ________________________ announcement.
a. inadvertent b. resurgent c. portentous d. concomitant

Exercise Nine
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, select one of the following words to fill each blank and provide the best
meaning in the context of the sentence.
anomalous induce prodigious
apocryphal portentous propinquity
inadvertent precept resurgence

The American government is trying to (1) _______________ the general public to save more money. It could be
(2 ) ________________________ since the government itself is spending more than ever as though a main
(3)______________________were (4 ) __________________________ spending. If the government says to save on one
hand while spending on the other, we are faced with an (5)______________________situation that will lead to a
(6) ______________________of higher interest rates. Adding to this (7)______________________ situation is the excessive
amount of imports while exports decline. The (8 ) ______________________of friendly neighbors to our north and
south has not alleviated the trade imbalance. Many pretend this economic condition is (9)---------------- ,
but it is based on facts and figures.

7
CASSETTE ОМЕ

Pretest VI

DIRECTIONS: Fill in each blank after the words in Column A with the word from Column В that is closest in
meaning.
A В
1. erudite_______________________________________________ bitter, harsh
2. esoteric______________________________________________ argumentative, belligerent
3. enigma______________________________________________ praise
4. cacophony___________________________________________ puzzle
5. dissonance___________________________________________ perfect example, model
6. corroboration_________________________________________ hidden, secret
7. homogeneity_________________________________________ displaying great knowledge
8. acrimonious__________________________________________ flagrantly wicked
9. bellicose_____________________________________________ disharmony, harsh-sounding
10. nefarious_____________________________________________ confirmation, support
11 . accolade_____________________________________________ noise, lack of agreement
12. paragon______________________________________________ imitate
13. emulate______________________________________________ similarity, uniformity

It’s time now to listen to the discussion of these last thirteen words. There are only two more exercises for Cassette
One.

Exercise Ten
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word in parenthesis that best completes the meaning of the
sentence.

The (1. erudite, nefarious) adult school teacher was always looking for (2. acrimonious, esoteric) meanings, even
in short stories of a straightforward nature without a trace of an (3. enigma, accolade). Of course, in the classroom
with a (4. cacophony, corroboration) of sounds, discussion was difficult. This led to conflicting opinions and a
(5. dissonance, homogeneity) of views. There was little (6. dissonance, homogeneity) of opinions, little similarity
of viewpoints. Fortunately, there was one outstanding student who served as (7. a paragon, an accolade) for the
others. When discussions became nasty and (8 . acrimonious, nefarious), he would quiet the most (9. esoteric,
bellicose) students who wanted to fight over the issue. If there were any ( 10. nefarious, esoteric) ploy to disrupt
conversation, this student could also ( 11 . emulate, erudite) the teacher and offer ( 12. enigmas, accolades) to
the least boisterous. He excelled in offering (13. dissonance, corroboration) of any sound idea offered.

8
CASSETTE ONE

Exercise Eleven
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following sentences by writing in the blank the lettered word that best fits the meaning
of the sentence.

1. The librarian was accustomed to dealing with many learned and______________________ professors whose language
was hard to understand.
a. paragon b. bellicose c. erudite d. vapid

2. If checkers is a rather easy game, chess should be called______________________


a. different b. homogeneous c. esoteric d. provincial

3. Sherlock Holmes could solve almost any______________________, much to Watson's amazement.


a. enigma b. editorial c. condescension d. romance

4. A ______________________of sounds emanated from the school cafeteria daily.


a. delineation b. paragon c. cacophony d. jargon

5. Members of the debating team thought they had agreed on a topic, but they suddenly found themselves with
a genuine case of______________________
a. complacency b. dissonance c. resonance d. articulation

6. Without the______________________of the Senate, the President has difficulty passing his choice of legislation.
a. abdication b. rudeness c. disparagement d. corroboration

7. The problem with too much______________________in any organization is a feeling of dullness.


a. laxity b. homogeneity c. corroboration d. perplexity

8 . The guest speaker was shocked at the______________________nature of the questions from the audience.
a. plaintive b. acrimonious c. mnemonic d. persuasive

9. The situation in Northern Ireland has long been in a ____________________ state.


a. pleasant b. bellicose c. virtuous d. ethical

10. Some say the shooting of the Pope was a ______________________scheme with roots in Bulgaria.
a. nefarious b. negligent c. inoffensive d. pacifying

11. Winners at the Olympics receive many_____________________ beyond the awarding of a medal.
a. dispatches b. coronets c. emulations d. accolades

12. It is often difficult for a child to______________________actions of an outstanding parent.


a. emulate b. expiate c. abdicate d. connote

13. Few would doubt that Mother Theresa is a _________________________ of virtue.


a. enigma b. mnemonic c. paragon d. cacophony

9
CASSETTE ONE

Cassette One Answer Key

Pretest I Exercise One Exercise Two


1. clarify 1. explain it 1. critique
2. shade of meaning 2. overtones 2. elucidate
3. review carefully 3. detailed 3. denote
4. memory aids 4. remembering 4. connotations
5. meaning the same 5. similar 5. imply
6. mean 6. indicate 6. infer
7. suggested meaning 7. associations 7. nuances
8. hint, suggest 8. suggest 8. mnemonics
9. deduce 9. evidence 9. synonym

Pretest II Exercise Three Exercise Four


1. understanding 1. knowledgeable 1. prefix
2. pertinent, related 2. relevant 2. cognizance
3. concise 3. unnecessary 3. germane
4. unnecessary 4. concise 4. succinct
5. thinking 5. thinking 5. extraneous
6. word beginning 6. beginning of a word 6. cerebration

Pretest III Exercise Five


(some possible answers)
1, from, away 1. abstract, abstain
2. to, toward 2. adhere, adjunct
3. with, together, thoroughly 3. combine, commune
4. from, down, away 4. denote, defend
5. out of, from, former 5. ex-marine, expatriot
6. in, into, on 6. inhale, induce
7. not 7. inactive, incomplete
8. before, earlier than, prior to 8. prefab, preschool
9. forward, in favor of 9. promote, produce
10. again, back 10. regain, recognize

Pretest IV Exercise Six Exercise Seven


1. withdraw from 1. abdicate 1. concomitant
2. detest 2. abhor 2. abhorrence
3. addition 3. addendum 3. addendum
4. added to, attached 4. adjunct 4. adjunct
5. accompanying 5. concomitant 5. abdication
6. patronizing 6. condescension 6. condescension
7. draw, clarify 7. delineate 7. atone, expiate
8. scornful 8. derisive 8. derision
9. absurd, laughable 9. a ridiculous 9. expletive
10. make amends 10. expiate 10. delineate
11. reconcile 11. atonement
12. profanity, meaningless expression 12. expletive

Pretest V Exercise Eight Exercise Nine


1. lead to 1. induce 1. induce
2. unintentionally 2. inadvertently 2. inadvertent
3. principle, example 3. precept 3. precept
4. enormous 4. prodigious 4. prodigious
5. nearness 5. propinquity 5. anomalous
6. renewal 6. resurgence 6. resurgence
7. irregular 7. anomalous 7. portentous
8. dubious 8. apocryphal 8. propinquity
9. ominous 9. portentous 9. apocryphal

Pretest VI Exercise Ten Exercise Eleven


1. displaying great knowledge 1. erudite 1. erudite
2. hidden, secret 2. esoteric 2. esoteric
3. puzzle 3. enigma 3. enigma
4. disharmony, harsh-sounding 4. cacophony 4. cacophony
5. noise, lack of agreement 5. dissonance 5. dissonance
6. confirmation, support 6. homogeneity 6. corroboration
7. similarity, uniformity 7. a paragon 7. homogeneity
8. bitter, harsh 8. acrimonious 8. acrimonious
9. argumentative, belligerent 9. bellicose 9. bellicose
10. flagrantly wicked 10. nefarious 10. nefarious
11. praise 11. emulate 11. accolades
12. perfect example, model 12. accolades 12. emulate
13. imitate 13. corroboration 13. paragon

10
CASSETTE TWO

Pretest I

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column _Awrite the word from Column 13 that is closest in meaning.
A В
1. serendipity________________________________ turning point
2. pedigree__________________________________ unexpected occurrence needing action
3. exigency__________________________________ ancestral line
4. emergency________________________________ desperate
5. contingency_______________________________ aptitude for making fortunate discoveries
6. crisis_____________________________________ tight place, narrow passage
7. dire______________________________________ urgency
8 . strait_____________________________________ untangle, free
9. extricate__________________________________ possibility

Please join us on Cassette Two now.

Exercise One
DIRECTIONS: Following each vocabulary word are four choices. Choose the one closest in meaning and write
it in the blank.

1. Serendipity_____________________________
a. nervous disorder b. ability to find the unexpected c. sad music d. claustrophobia

2 Pedigree______________________________
a. ancestral line b. hair style c. learning experience d. foot doctor

3. Exigency_____________________________
a. delay b. planned action c. stalling tactics d. urgency

4. Emergency_____________________________
a. stable condition b. unexpected occurrence c. new growth d. hemorrhage

5. Contingency_____________________________
a. land mark b. direct route c. possible option d. containment

6. Crisis______________________________
a. unexpected emergency b. stable c. placid mood d. turning point

7. Dire______________________________
a. desire b. desperate c. aflame d. placid

8. Strait______________________________
a. tight place, narrow passage b. proper c. ethics d. accurate drawing

9. Extricate______________________________
a. resign b. motivate c. untangle d. snarl

12
CASSETTE TWO

Exercise Two
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following sentences, you are given a choice of two words. Circle the word that best
fits the meaning of the sentence.

1. When looking for my golf clubs, I found a long lost tennis racket. I hoped this pleasant surprise might indicate
that I had (contingency, serendipity) and never realized it.

2. Horse breeders are often more concerned about the {strait, pedigree) of a horse than about its outward appearance.

3. When John broke his leg, he was taken directly to the (emergency. contingency) room at the hospital.

4. If all the doors are locked, the administrator has (a contingency, an exigency) plan for entering the building.

5. Once the boy began telling lies to his mother, he found it difficult to (implicate, extricate) himself from the
unpleasant situation.

6. In a time of (serendipity, crisis) a calm voice is welcomed.

7. When you go to the bank and find that you’ve overdrawn your account, the situation is (dire, extricating).

8 . Even the experienced pilot had difficulty going through the (straits, straights) of Panama.
9. The President told the Senate of the (contingency, exigency) concerning the tax bill; legislation had to be passed
before the chamber recessed.

Pretest II

DIRECTIONS: Match the meanings in Column _A with the words in Column B. On the line after each meaning,
write the word from Column B.
A В

1. condition, rank anesthetic

2. standard for judgment anesthesia

3. gas or drug used to produce loss of feeling anesthetist

4. one branched candlestick .......... anesthesiologist

5. a doctor who specializes in anesthesia data

6. nnp layer status

7. fact or facts, information stratum

8. observable event candelabra

9. technician trained to administer anesthetic agenda

10. Inss nf sensation, feeling criterion

11. planned schedule ... _ .......... phenomenon

Now it’s time to rejoin us on Cassette Two.

13
CASSETTE TWO

Exercise Three
DIRECTIONS: In the blanks in the following paragraph, write one of the following words that best completes the
meaning.
anesthetic, anesthesia, anesthetist, anesthesiologist, data, status, stratum, candelabra,
criterion, phenomenon, agenda

Nurse Jones had spent a year studying to be an (1)_______________________________ She works under the guidance
of an ( 2 ) ______________________________ _ Jones administers the ( 3 ) ______________________________ , but she
is not permitted to verify if a state of (4 ) ______________________________ is present in the patient. She reads the
(5)____ __________________________ on the tape from the monitoring equipment. Last year she helped establish
a (6) ______________________________ or norm to determine when the patient is truly unconscious. The single
(7) ______________________________ of shut eyes is certainly not sufficient. Nurse Jones takes pride in the fact that
each day she has a clear format in readiness. The doctor knows immediately by looking at her
(8 ) __________________________just what has to be done first. She carefully notes the (9)______________________
of everyone in the operating room, what duty is assigned to each person, and the level or ( 10 )
______________________________ for which training has been completed. Nurse Jones allows herself one eccentricity:
when she returns home from work, she turns on no lights; she lights one silver ( 11 ) ______________________________
and relaxes in its glow.

Exercise Four
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following sentences, you are given a choice of two words. Circle the word that best
completes the meaning of the sentence.

1. Some nurses have difficulty in administering the (anesthesia, anesthetic).

2. A person who is always concerned about his (status, strata) in life watches what others are doing, buying,
or earning.

3. When the patient began to awaken before the prescribed time, the doctor made a hasty call for an (anesthesiologist,
anesthesia).

4. Home computers allow the average person to store much more (data, strata) than ever before.

5. The (anesthetist, anesthetic) has the responsibility for making the patient unconscious.

6. Liberace is famous for having a (candelabra, candelabrum) on his piano.

7. Each (stratum, strata) of the inner earth fascinates the world of science.

8. The (criteria, phenomena) for entrance into the U.S. military academies are many and varied.
9. When the manager follows his (datum, agenda) at monthly meetings, there is little discord.

10. Hailey’s comet is a (phenomenon, phenomena) that occurs once every seventy-five years.

11 . In accupuncture, a state of (anesthesia, anesthetic) is considered unnecessary.

14
CASSETTE TWO

Pretest III
DIRECTIONS: After each meaning in Column A is a blank line. Write in the word from Column E3 that most nearly
matches the meaning.

A В
1. speak in opposition circumference
2. false science .... ..... . circumlocution
3. false indication circumvent
4. inferior in rank circumnavigate
5. prudent, correct circumspect
6. to go around, avoid contraindication
7. symptoms similar to tuberculosis condradict
8 . underground pseudoscience
9. sail around, bypass pseudopregnancy
10. distance around a circle pseudotuberculosis
11. talking around the point .. _ ........ ............ subordinate
12. false pregnancy subterranean

Please rejoin us now on Cassette Two.

Exercise Five
DIRECTIONS: On the line, write the prefix meaning not that can be used to make the following words negative.
1. ____________ regular 6_____________possible
2. ____________ proper 7_____________logical
3. ____________ legal 8 _____________mobile
4. ____________ balance 9 ._____________approve
5. ____________ moral 10._____________religious

Exercise Six
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following sentences, you are given a choice of words. Circle the one that best completes
the meaning of the sentence.

1. The members of the historical society were told there would be time for questions provided there were no
(circumlocutions, circumferences) to waste time.

2. The tardy (circumspect, subordinate) was looked upon with disdain by his employer.

3. The (circumference, contraindication) of the table at the European meeting of NATO officials became a
paramount issue.

4. The doctor told the young woman that the cure she was taking was the result of (pseudoscience,
pseudopregnancy) rather than valid research.

5. The policeman told the tourist to take an alternate route to (contradict, circumvent) the heavy city traffic.

6. Even when she noticed the symptoms of rapidly increasing weight and appetite, the doctor assured the young
woman she was experiencing (pseudotuberculosis, pseudopregnancy).

15
CASSETTE TWO

7. Columbus felt he could (circumference, circumnavigate) the land mass before him.

8. (Pseudotuberculosis, Pseudoscience) was more prevelant in the coal mining town than in the shore communities.

9. If you (contradict, circumvent) others only when necessary and avoid a show of superior knowledge, your
friendships will be stronger.

10. The football official threw his penalty flag on the ground and then picked it up. This (circumlocution,
contraindication) of messages angered the fans who were unable to determine the status of the play.

11. A carefully (circumspect, subordinate) attitude is best when traveling in a new city.

Pretest IV
DIRECTIONS: After each word in Column A is a blank line. Write in the meaning from Column B.

A B.
1. abstention_________________________________________________ worldly
2 . consummate (verb)_________________________________________ science of order of nature
3. consummate (adj)__________________________________________ everywhere present
4. cosmopolitan_______________________________________________ laughable, ridiculous
5. cosmopolite________________________________________________ summary, list
6. cosmos___________________________________________________ worldly person

7. cosmography------------------------------------- act of voluntarily refraining


8. malapropism------------------------------------- confuse
9. ubiquitous---------------------------------------- bring to completion
10. compendium------------------------------------- misuse of words
11. ludicrous---------------------------------------- relating to the universe
12. obfuscate---------------------------------------- complete, perfect

Exercise Seven
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following sentences, you are given a choice of words. Circle the one that best completes
the meaning of the sentence.

Not wanting to (1. obfuscate, ludicrous) the issue, I want to point out that there are two ways of pronouncing
the name of Hailey, the man responsible for the name of the comet that visits our (2. cosmos, cosmography)
about every seventy-five years. The preferred pronunciation rhymes with valley. It would be (3. ludicrous, cosmopolitan)
to insist upon associating the (4. cosmopolitan, ludicrous) astronomer with the rock group known as Bill Hailey
and the Comets. This kind of association probably accounts for many confused uses, many (5. malapropisms,
cosmopolites) by careless speakers. In 1682, using his own home telescope, the (6. cosmographer, ubiquitous)
Hailey first saw what would eventually carry his name. This led him on a pilgrimage to Sir Isaac Newton, the most
(7. consummate, ludicrous) of English scientists. The gregarious Hailey was one of the few men the austere Newton
would see in person. Newton said he was aware of the phenomenon and even had calculations on it somewhere
in his study. Hailey prevailed upon Newton to have his (8. cosmos, compendium) printed. Newton favored (9. abstention,
malapropisms) but eventually agreed. When he did (10. comsummate, obfuscate) the total work, it became The
Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, a study that not only explained the motion of comets but also
revolutionized our conception of the ( 11 . ludicrous, cosmic) extent of our orderly universe.

16
CASSETTE TWO

Exercise Eight
DIRECTIONS: After each meaning in Column A, write the matching word from Column J3 on the blank line.

A JB
1. confusion_____________________________________________ — ludicrous
2. concise_______________________________________________ _— cosmic
3 . person bored by too much worldly experience_________________________ malapropisms
4. relating to the universe, vast--------------------------------- abstain
5. bring to a desired conclusion________________ ____________ ___________ compendious
6. laughable _____________________________________ ___________ -________ cosmopolite
7. confusion of words and phrases____________________ __________________ consummate (adj)
8. voluntarily refrain from--------------------- .------- -------- cosmos
9. the ultimate, perfect__________________ ____________________ _________ obfuscation
10. acquainted with the wonders of the world_______ _____________________ cosmography
11 . the orderly system of the universe_____________ ______________________ cosmopolitan
12. science dealing with the order of nature, and the universe_________ ____ consummate (verb)

Pretest V

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the word or phrase in Column В that most nearly
matches it in meaning.
A В
1. understand progeny

2. common language prodigy

3. tombstone inscription reprehend

4. descendants comprehend

5. delete oracular

6. a reprimand _ ........ vernacular

7. photoelectric cell deranged

8. omen, bright child .. . epitaph

9. rlp^rriptivp phrase, profanity epithet

10. stpaHy, uniform .......... censor

11 . 4tnHy nf inspcts censure

12. study of words censer

13. ai ithoritative sensor

14. inrpnsp burner equable

15. to criticize ......... equitable

16. fair, just entomology

17. disturbed etymology

Please return to us on Cassette Two.

17
CASSETTE TWO

Exercise Nine
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle your choice of words that best fits the meaning of the sentence.

1. Einstein is an excellent example of a child not considered a (prodigy, progeny) but certainly possessing
extraordinary abilities.

2. The school master in the story began treating the main character with (reprehension, censer) as soon as
he saw the paper airplane sail out the window.

3. An altar boy who tends the (censer; censor) at Eastertime feels honored by the trust placed in him.

4. During wartime there is a need to (censor; censure) mail; even a small remark about a destination could
aid the enemy.

5. Sadly, the films and stage productions of today contain many more (epitaphs, epithets) than those of former
times.

6. The settlement finally agreed upon was clearly not (equable, equitable) to the groups not represented on
the committee.

7. The king made the mistake of thinking his (prodigy, progeny) would be as charitable as he had always
been with his possessions.

8 . The pompous judge spoke in (an oracular, a vernacular) manner.

9. If you (censure, censer) your children from morning till night, they will never have a chance to demonstrate
responsibility on their own.

10. That survey company has established a reputation of providing consistently (equable, equitable) statistics.

11. One of the most famous (epitaphs, epithets) is on Shakespeare’s tomb in Stratford-On-Avon.

12. A gifted speaker is not afraid of occasional (vernacular, progeny) expressions in his speeches; in fact, he
may purposely include them.

13. On a test that may decide your future, the first step is to be certain you (reprehend, comprehend) the instructions.

14. That study of insects in high school captured his interest and resulted in a long career in (etymology, entomology).

15. The photoelectric cell responded as a (censer, sensor) should.

16. The complete (arrangement, derangement) of the store window suggested an internal explosion.

17. The (etymologist, entomologist) treated individual words as members of his living family.

Exercise Ten
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the word or phrase in Column В that most nearly
matches it in meaning.

A В
1. censor---- ------------------------------------- understand
2. progeny--------------------------------------- common language
3. prodigy ------ --------------------------------- tombstone inscription

18
CASSETTE TWO

4. censure descendants

4 ppithet delete as from print

6. equable reprimand

7. censer photoelectric cell

8 . epitaph omen, bright child

9. reprehend descriptive phrase, profanity

10. oracular steady, uniform

11. deranged study of insects

12. equitable study of words

13. comprehend authoritative

14. entomology .............. — incense burner

15. sensor criticize

16. etymology .................. fair, just

17. vernacular disturbed

Pretest VI

DIRECTIONS: Write the meaning of each suffix.

1. —logy--------------------------------------------------
2. - ly ----------------------------------------------------
3. -ful________________________________________________________________
4. —ship--------------------------------------------- —---
5. —like--------------------------------------- ----------

Now rejoin us on Cassette Two for a discussion of these suffixes.

Exercise Eleven

DIRECTIONS: Add the proper suffix to the following words to complete the needed meaning.

1. The woman was everything you desire aesthetically; she was beauti----------------------

2. The science of society is known as socio----------------------

3. His manner of dialogue was characterized by brevity; he always spoke brief----------------------

4. 1suppose every father would like to instill a sportsman___________________________ attitude in his children.

5. Friend___________________________ includes all connotations of being a friend.

19
CASSETTE TWO

Cassette Two Answer Key


Pretest I Exercise One Exercise Two
1.. aptitude for making fortunate discoveries 1. ability to find the unexpected 1. serendipity
2. ancestral line 2. ancestral line 2. pedigree
3. urgency 3. urgency 3. emergency
4. unexpected occurrence needing action 4. unexpected occurrence 4. contingency
5. possibility 5. possible option 5. extricate
6. turning point 6. turning point 6. crisis
7. desperate 7. desperate 7. dire
8. tight place, narrow passage 8. tight place, narrow passage 8. straits
9. untangle, free 9. untangle 9. exigency

Pretest II Exercise Three Exercise Four


1. status 1. anesthetist 1. anesthetic
2. criterion 2. anesthesiologist 2. status
3. anesthetic 3. anesthetic 3. anesthesiologist
4. candelabra 4. anesthesia 4. data
5. anesthesiologist 5. data 5. anesthetist
6. stratum 6. criterion 6. candelabra
7. data 7. phenomenon 7. stratum
8. phenomenon 8. agenda 8. criteria
9. anesthetist 9. status 9. agenda
10. anesthesia 10. stratum 10. phenomenon
11. agenda 11. candelabra 11. anesthesia

—...... ..........
Pretest III Exercise Five Exercise Six
1. contradict 1. irregular 1. circumlocutions
2. pseudoscience 2. improper 2. subordinate
3. contraindication 3. illegal 3. circumference
4. subordinate 4. imbalance 4. pseudoscience
5. circumspect 5. immoral 5. circumvent
6. circumvent 6. impossible 6. pseudopregnancy
7. pseudotuberculosis 7. illogical 7. circumnavigate
8. subterranean 8. immobile 8. pseudotuberculosis
9. circumnavigate 9. disapprove 9. contradict
10. circumference 10. irreligious 10. contraindication
11. circumlocution 11. circumspect
12. pseudopregnancy

Pretest IV Exercise Seven Exercise Eight


1. act of voluntarily refraining 1. obfuscate 1. obfuscation
2. bring to completion 2. cosmos 2. compendious
3. complete, perfect 3. ludicrous 3. cosmopolite
4. worldly 4. cosmopolitan 4. cosmic
5. worldly person 5. malapropisms 5. consummate (v)
6. relating to the universe 6. cosmographer 6. ludicrous
7. science of order of nature 7. consummate 7. malapropisms
8. misuse of words 8. compendium 8. abstain
9. everywhere present 9. abstention 9. consummate (adj)
10. summary, list 10. consummate 10. cosmopolitan
11. laughable, ridiculous 11. cosmic 11. cosmos
12. confuse 12. cosmography

Pretest V Exercise Nine Exercise Ten


1. comprehend 1. prodigy 1. delete as from print
2. vernacular 2. reprehension 2. descendants
3. epitaph 3. censer 3. omen, bright child
4. progeny 4. censor 4. reprimand
5. censor 5. epithets 5. descriptive phrase, profanity
6. censure 6. equitable 6. steady, uniform
7. sensor 7. progeny 7. incense burner
8. prodigy 8. an oracular 8. tombstone inscription
9. epithet 9. censure 9. criticize
10. equable 10. equable 10. authoritative
11. entomology 11. epitaphs 11. disturbed
12. etymology 12. vernacular 12. fair, just
13. oracular 13. comprehend 13. understand
14. censer 14. entomology 14. study of insects
15. reprehend 15. sensor 15. photoelectric cell
16. equitable 16. derangement 16. study of words
17. deranged 17. etymologist 17. common language

Pretest VI Exercise Eleven


1. science or theory of 1. ful
2. like 2. logy
3. characteristic of 3. ly
4. characteristic of 4. like
5. characteristic of 5. ship

20
CASSETTE THREE

Pretest 1
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each meaning in Column A, write the word from Column В that best matches
the definition.
A В
1. words that sound alike__________________________________________________ literate
2. not understandable_____________________________________________________ illiterate
3. to speak clearly________________________________________________________ legible
4. able to read___________________________________________________________ readable
5. opposite position_______________________________________________________ unreadable
6. not able to read, uncultured_____________________________________________ unintelligible
7. readable (as in writing)__________________________________________________ homonyms
8 . rambling______________________________________________________________ antonyms
9. words with opposite meanings___________________________________________articulate (v)
10. commonplace_________________________________________________________ antithesis
11. can’t be read__________________________________________________________ abnegate
12. deny, renounce________________________________________________________ discursive
13. interesting to read______________________________________________________ banal

Please rejoin us on Cassette Three.

Exercise One
DIRECTIONS: On each blank in the following sentences, write the lettered word that best completes the meaning.

1. When educated Americans travel to Europe, they soon find that a foreign language makes them feel

a. discursive b. banal c. illiterate d. articulate

2. Many colleges require their students to take public speaking, hoping that they will be_____________________ when
facing audiences in the future.
a. readable b. literate c. articulate d. legible

3. The teacher asked Michael to discuss the words plane and plain; he correctly explained that they were

a. legible b. unreadable c. antonyms d. homonyms

4. The teacher told the student that his paper on quasars would be _____________________ for most of the
class.
a. legible b. unreadable c. banal d. articulate

5. Russian novelists seem to favor titles with_____________________such as War and Peace.


a. homonyms b. legibility c. articulateness d. antonyms

6. The---------------- of capitalism is communism.


a. abnegation b. legibility c. antithesis d. illiteracy

22
CASSETTE THREE

7. T o_____________________ smoking is to add years to your life according to most doctors.


a. articulate b. abnegate c. deprecate d. disparage

8. Not only was the speaker’s voice monotonous, but most of his remarks seemed to be very ordinary or

a. legible b. articulate c. banal d. literate

9. The crowd noise was so loud at the football game that remarks of the announcer were_____________________
a. banal b. unintelligible c. illegible d. articulate

10. The problem with the ladies at their Thursday afternoon bridge session is that their remarks rarely pertain
to bridge and become very_____________________
a. readable b. articulate c. discursive d. legible

11. Fortunately, the journalist could type; his handwriting was never_____________________
a. discursive b. legible c. literate d. intelligible

12. The snake model was called_____________________because of the cleverly invisible way small sections were
joined to provide lifelike movement.
a. articulated b. discursive c. legible d. deprecated

Exercise Two
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, there are two choices. Circle the one that best fits the meaning of the
sentence.

1. In the citizenship classes, the teacher was not sure which of the new students was (literate,banal) inEnglish.

2. (Illegible, Unintelligible) writing can often be made readable by taking extra time.

3. The visiting professor used so many big words that his audience found his speech (illegible, unintelligible).

4. John was sure of the meaning of synonyms, but he never felt easy about (homonyms, antonyms), words
that sound alike but have different meanings.

5. There is nothing as effective in ruining a stimulating conversation as (a banal, an articulate) interruption.

6. Studying (antonyms, homonyms) helps you discover words with opposite meanings.

7. Susan considered her brother’s term paper very (readable, unreadable) even thoughthe topic did not hold
her interest.

8. The immigrant stated that his arrival marked a complete (antithesis, abnegation) of his former government.

9. The best antidote for (discursive, literate) writing is a requirement that the writer discuss only one topic.

10. One of the best ways to test your points in an argument is to compare your position with the (antithesis,
articulation) of each statement.

11. In order to become more (articulate, literate), the Greek orator Demosthenes is said to have practiced speaking
with pebbles in his mouth.

12. She moved to an area of a major city noted for its (discursive, literate) groups absorbed in assorted literary
and artistic discoveries.

23
CASSETTE THREE

Pretest II
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column _A, write the meaning from Column В that best defines it.
A В
1. diffident----------------------------------- disapprove
2. docile------------------------------------ physically pleasing
3. deprecate--------------------------------- repeating in steady succession
4. depreciate--------------------------------- degrade, discredit
5. disparage---------------------------------- at the same time
6. sensual----------------------------------- devalue, belittle
7. sensuous-------- ------------------------- something continuing in sequence
8 . continual---------------------------------- shy, reserved
9. continuous-------------------------------- without ceasing
10. continuity---------------------------------- following in sequence
11 . concurrent--------------------------------- aesthetically enjoyable
12. consecutive-------------------------------- obedient, tractable

Please return to Cassette Three.

Exercise Three

DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, a choice of words is provided. Circle the word that best fits the meaning
of the sentence.

There are many joys in having a home at the shore. Real estate values almost always rise rather than (1. depreciate,
deprecate). Of course, bathing itself offers a (2. sensual, sensuous) pleasure, and there are the sunsets for
(3. sensual, sensuous) enjoyment. Add to this the magic of waves in a (4. continual, continuous) procession
marching to shore and the (5. continual, continuous) sea breeze filling the lungs with fresh, salt air. For the
(6. diffident, disparaging) person afraid of the surf, walking on the beach and watching a flock of gulls land in
a (7. consecutive, concurrent) manner are worthwhile. Although the surf rages during a northeaster, for the most
part it remains a calm and (8 . docile, deprecated) friend. Listen not to those who (9. deprecate, depreciate) a
home at the shore. They are missing one of life’s greatest joys. Their (10. disparaging, diffident) remarks usually
indicate a lack of personal experience by the ocean. There is, however, the expense of maintaining two houses
(11. concurrently, continuously), one in the city and one at the shore. Many are finding a solution in selling the
family home and retiring to the shore to enjoy a ( 12. continuity, concurrence) of sea life all year long.

Exercise Four
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following sentences by writing in the blank the lettered word that best completes the
meaning.

1. A person may be quiet an d _____________________at home but very boisterous when in a crowd.
a. sensuous b. vociferous c. diffident d. desultory

2. The brother seemed to _____________________the efforts of his sister with negative remarks.
a. depreciate b. eulogize c. praise d. desultory

3. After a hard day’s work, a good meal is one of life’s _____________________ pleasures.
a. sensual b. sensuous c. mundane d. anomalous

24
CASSETTE THREE

4 . in the winter, three different teams—football, basketball, and hockey—may have


_____________________ schedules.
a. continuous b. concurrent c. difficult d. exemplary

5. Usually a mortgage must be paid in -----------------installments.


a. contiguous b. sensuous c. consecutive d. diffident

6. In an age of rebellion, to have a teenager who is on the---------- -------side is a blessing.


a. sensual b. docile c. bovine d. surly
7. He considered the_____________________ hammering next door an invasion of his privacy.
a. banal b. diffident c. continual d. concurrent

8. In the cold weather, the heat was kept on to offer-----------------warmth.


a. continuous b. continuity c. concurrent d. consecutive

9. The committee members___ the efforts of the town council to push the new ruling into
action without public reaction.
a, praised b. displayed c. deprecated d. encouragsd
10. He was hired as a -----------------writer to develop a weekly serial about black Americans.
a. concurrent b. continuous c. continuity d. continual

11. The ballet master seemed to -----------------all the efforts of the new dancer, upsetting her greatly.
a. continue b. disparage c. docilize d. be diffident about

12. The entire opera filled him with an overwhelmingly_____________________ reaction to be long-remembered.
a. docile b. sensual c. sensuous d. banal

Pretest III
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word or prefix in Column A, write the meaning from Column В that best
defines it.
A В
1 - uni— _— ------ ------------------------------------ believable
2. mono— -- ------ —---- ------------ ------- ------ - hermit
3. bi— ----- ------ ----- ------------- -------- ----- significant in history
4. tri— — ------ ------ ----- ----- ------- -------- --- highly combustible
5. quad— (quadra—, quadri—) --- ------ -------- ------- - prefix meaning one
6. multi— ----- ---- _ ----- ----- ------ ------- ----- relating to history
7. credible---- ------------ ------- ------------- appreciating beauty
8 . credulous----- _ --------- ----- ------ ------ ---- childlike, gullible
9. creditable------ .----- ------------ -------- ------ exciting, causing flames
10. historic---------- ------ ----- ------ ------------- prefix meaning two
11 . historical--------- _ ---- -------------------------- bitingly severe, critical

(continued)

25
CASSETTE THREE

12. acerbic------------------------------------------- prefix meaning many


13. ascetic_______________________________________________________ prefix meaning one
14. aesthetic_____________________________________________________ prefix meaning four
15. flammable----------------------------------------- worthy of praise or trust
16. nonflammable---- ---- ----------------------------- prefix meaning three
17. inflammatory______________________________________ _________ not combustible

Please return to Cassette Three.

Exercise Five
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

Each year students are taken to the (1. historical, historic) firehouse, the oldest volunteer company in New Jersey
and the forerunner of all others. On the walls are many (2. historic, historical) pictures of firemen with handlebar
moustaches. One boy persisted in sharing an unhappy experience he’d had with a critical, (3. acerbic, aesthetic)
neighbor who was a fireman. Observing the boy’s (4.flammable,inflammatory) effect on the usually (5.credible,
credulous) fourth graders, theguide pointed out the (6 .aesthetic, ascetic) qualities of the quaint building. His
presentation was (7. credulous, creditable) and showed an understanding of his audience. Then he turned their
attention to deciding which of the displayed materials were highly (8. flammable, inflammatory). The fireman explained
that when they were on duty, they lived an (9. ascetic, aesthetic) existence; their job was to be ready and alert
for a fire. A concluding description of personal experiences made the account (10. inflammatory, credible) for
the entire group.

On each line, write the appropriate word from this group of prefixes:

uni—, mono—, bi—, tri—, quadra—, multi—

11. To mean many layered, you can use the prefix________________layered.

12. We describe a four-legged creature as a ________________ped.

13/14. _______________ and________________ are prefixes meaning one.

15. A meeting every three years is a _______________ ennial.

16. A plane with two wings is a ________________ plane.

17. T o------------ sect a pie is to divide it into four equal pieces.

Exercise Six
DIRECTIONS: On each line in the following sentences, write one of the following words:

acerbate, aesthetic, ascetic, credible, creditable, credulity,


historic, historical, inflammatory, nonflammable

1. When it comes to discussing things related to history,_____________________refers to items typical of various


periods.

2 . ---------------- refers to items connected with specific events in history.

26
CASSETTE THREE

3. In an effort to avoid confusion,_____________________is recommended as the adjective to use for material


not highly combustible.

4. A n ---------------- remark may cause irritation or a fiery reaction.

5. Controlling angry, depreciating remarks is_____________________ and usually brings you favorable recognition.

6. The-----------------of children is to be respected, not undermined by deceit.


7. A statement that can be believed is _____________________

8. T o_____________________is to hurt others with criticism or sarcasm.

9. Relatively few people take the time to withdraw for the purely__________________experience of meditation.

10. A n _____________________delight in fine art gives sensuous satisfaction.

Pretest IV
DIRECTIONS: In the blank following each meaning in Column A, write the word from Column Ei that it defines.
A В
1. keep small______________________________________________________________ activate
2. make certain____________________________________________________________ activism
3. to begin, start___________________________________________________________ initiate
4. one who organizes, manages_____________________________________________ enterprise
5. put into action__________________________________________________________ entrepreneur
6. project or undertaking___________________________________________________ ascertain
7. taking action on a controversial issue______________________________________ minimize
8. make the most o f________________________________________________________ maximize

Please rejoin us on Cassette Three.

Exercise Seven
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

1. There is much concern over the decision to (activate, ascertain) the nuclear plant at Three Mile Island.

2. In many areas, objection to the building of nuclear power plants has led to community (etymology, activism).

3. If we could (initiate, ascertain) the cause of the common cold, many people would shout for joy.

4. In our era, the flight to the moon was an (enterprise, compendium) Americans viewed with great pride.

5. When a person runs one restaurant he’s called a manager; if he expands it to a chain, he’s (an entrepreneur,
a broker).

6. His friends were amazed when he finally displayed the (initiative, activate) to establish a successful design
studio.

7. If you (enterprise, minimize) your overhead, your business will probably make a profit.

8. Instead of driving, walk or bike on many small errands to (maximize, ascertain) your circulation.

27
CASSETTE THREE

Exercise Eight
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word in italics that best completes the meaning for each sentence.

During .the sixties (1. activism, enterprise) was rampant on college campuses. A number of students sought to
(2. activate, minimize) some type of plan for their own particular group. To (3. minimize, ascertain) their impact,
police often had to be called to restore order. The college deans had trouble (4. predicting, ascertaining) just
which group on campus was responsible for (5. enterprising, initiating) demonstrations. Sadly, if the college
administrators were there to (6. disparage, maximize) a student’s academic ability, during this period, that aim
was thwarted. However, some studies have indicated that personal ability to organize any (7. enterprise, minimum)
and manage its development resulted in later (8. entrepreneurs, researchers) from among the groups of students
who learned to focus on an idea, arrange financial support, and delegate responsibilities.

Pretest V

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write its meaning from Column B.

А В
1 . regardless _______________________________________________________ morally correct

2. importune-------------------------------------------- suitable, convenient


3. opportune-------------------------------- ----------- correct judgment
4. rectitude _ — ---- ------------------------------------ urge.persistently (v)
overly persistent (adj)
5. righteous____________ ____ _______________________________________ in spite of

Please return to Cassette Three.

Exercise Nine
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence.

Although it was the (1. importune, opportune) moment to ask for a raise, Jason had (2. importuned, disparaged)
with such insistence that his request was denied. This puzzled him; his work had been a model of (3. righteousness,
rectitude), of correct judgment. Even his outside activities, concern with church and neighborhood development,
had been marked by (4. rectitude, righteousness), moral correctness. Bitter, he decided that (5. regardless,
irregardless) of your record, there was nothing guaranteed when you worked for someone else.

Exercise Ten
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence.

1. The son said he was going to take the family car (irregardless, regardless) of the consequences.

2 . If you (importune, ascertain) your friend for favors every moment of the day, you will lose that friend.

3. Some people never seem to know when the (articulate, opportune) moment presents itself for a request.

4. There are those who question the President on his (rectitude, righteousness) in making wise political decisions.

5. Many feel that the Pope has been traveling too much, but no one seems to doubt his (corpulence, righteousness).

28
CASSETTE THREE

Cassette Three Answer Key

29
CASSETTE THREE

CASSETTE THREE
WORD LIST

Ab'ne-gate (v) abnegation (n) His-tor'-ic (adj)


Acerbic (adj) acerbity (n) acerbate (v) His-tor'i-cal (adj) historically (adv)
acerbation (n) Hom'-o-nyms (n)
Ac'ti-vate (v) activation (n) ll-lit'er-ate (adj) illiteracy (n)
Ac'ti-vism (n) Im-por-tune' (v) importuner (n) importunity (n)
Aes-thet'ic (adj) aesthete (n) aestheticism (n) importunate (adj) importunely (adv)
An-tith'e-sis (n) antithetical (adj) In-flam'ma-to-ry (adj) inflammation (n)
An'to-nyms (n) In-it'i-ate (v) initiative (n)
Ar-tic'u-late (v, adj) articulated (adj) Leg'i-ble (adj) legibility (n) legibly (adv)
articulation (n) Lit'-er-ate (adj) literature (n) literary (adj)
As-cer-tain' (v) ascertainment (n) literati (n)
ascertainable (adj) Max'i-mize (v) maximal (adj) maximum (n)
As-cet'ic (adj, n) ascetically (adv) asceticism (n) Min'-i-mize (v) minimal (adj) minimum (n)
Ba-nal' (adj) banality (n) minimalism (n)
Con-cur'rent (adj) concurrently (adv) Non-flam'ma-ble (adj)
concurrence (n) concur (v) Op-por-tune' (adj) opportunity (n) opportunist (n)
Con-sec'u-tive (adj) consecutively (adv) opportunism (n)
Con-tin'u-al (adj) continually (adv) Read'a-ble (adj) readability (n) readably (adv)
Con-ti-nu'i-ty (n) Rec'ti-tude (n) rectify (v) rectification (n)
Con-tin'u-ous (adj) continuously (adv) Re-gard'less (prep, adv, adj)
Cre'di-ble (adj) credibility (n) Right'eous (adj) righteousness (n)
Cred'it-a-ble (adj) Sen'su-al (adj) sensuality (n) sensually (adv)
Cred'u-lous (adj) credulity (n) credulously (adv) Sen'-su-ous (adj) sensuosity (n) sensuously (adv)
Dep're-cate (v) deprecation (n) deprecatory (adj) (Jn-in-tel'-li-gi-ble (adj)
De-pre'ci-ate (v) depredation (n) Cln-read'-a-ble (adj)
Dif'fi-dent (adj) diffidence (n)
Dis-cur'sive (adj)
Dis-par'age (v) disparaging (adj) Prefixes
disparagement (n) Bi-
Doc'ile (adj) docility (n) Mono—
En'ter-prise (n) enterprising (adj) enterpriser (n) Multi—
En-tre-pre-neur' (n) entrepreneurial (adj) Quad— (quadra—, quadri—)
entrepreneurship (n) Tri-
Flam'ma-ble (adj) (Jni —

30
CASSETTE FOUR
Pretest I

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the meaning from Column B.
A В
1. idiolect__________________________________________________ slang or specialized vocabulary
2. dialect__________________________________________________ legal document
3. colloquialism____________________________________________ denounce
4. jargon__________________________________________________ individual speech pattern
5. venue__________________________________________________ location
6. beneficiary______________________________________________ addition to a will
7. brief (noun)_____________________________________________ agent of change
8. codicil__________________________________________________ regional variety of language
9. catalyst_________________________________________________ gift recipient
10. exacerbate______________________________________________ tree-like
11 . excoriate________________________________________________ conversational expression
12. stellar___________________________________________________ outstanding

13. arboreal_________________________________________________ aggravate, exasperate

Please rejoin us on Cassette Four.

Exercise One
DIRECTIONS: Circle one of the words in each parenthesis that best completes the meaning of the paragraph.

Mildred had a fear of lawyers, mainly because she thought they spoke in a ( 1. jargon, venue) foreign to her own,
not that her lawyer’s (2 . dialect, codicil) was very different from hers since they had grown up in the same area.
She had been named (3. beneficiary, codicil) in her father’s will. A younger sister had not been included and
was seeking, through another lawyer, a (4. venue, codicil) to the will. Mildred was (5. exacerbated, inundated)
by this action. Right in front of her lawyer, she began to (6. eulogize, excoriate) her sister. He calmed her down
with a few (7. colloquialisms, catalysts), assuring her she had been a (8. stellar, arboreal) daughter. Furthermore,
he stated the younger sister’s (9. brief, venue) would not stand up in court. Mainly it was a (10. catalyst, dialect)
for upsetting the family. He also said Mildred could request a change of location for the hearing, a change of (11.
brief, venue). The whole problem engulfed Mildred, appearing (12. arboreal, stellar) with its many overpowering
branches.

Exercise Two
DIRECTIONS: Each word is followed by a group of four other words. Write the one closest in meaning.

1. Idiolect____________________________________
a. speech pattern of a group b. jargon c. venue d. individual speech pattern

2. Colloquialism____________________________________
a. venue b. speech impediment c. conversational expression d. idiolect

3. Venue____________________________________
a. catalyst b. location c. slang d. tree like

31
CASSETTE FOUR

4. Beneficiary____________________________________
a. codicil b. brief c. gift recipient d. arboreal

5. Codicil____________________________________
a. individual speech b. jargon c. addition to legal document d. venue

6. Catalyst____________________________________
a. agent of change b. regional expression c. speech pattern d. slang

7. Exacerbate____________________________________
a. stand out b. soothe c. irritate, make worse d. express

8 . Dialect____________________________________
a. venue b. individual speech pattern c. regional speech d. brief

9. Вп'еДпоип)__________________________________
a. venue b. legal document c. gift d. change

10. Excoriate__ _____ ____________________________


a. extoll b. denounce c. venerate d. implicate

11. Stellar____________________________________
a. outstanding b. overpowering c. sensual d. sensuous

12. Arboreal____________________________________
a. starry b. flimsy c. of a tree d. of the stars

13. Jargon____________________________________
a. legal document b. brief c. specialized vocabulary d. codicil

Pretest II
DIRECTIONS: On the line following each word in Column A, write the matching definition from Column B.

A В
1. interface nonmetallic element used in compounds
2 . debug result
3. input__________ organic compound used in lubricants
4. throughput_____ remove errors
5. output_________ as desired
6. silicon_________ make up on the spot
7. silicone________ information entered, comment
8. adlib__________ without notes
9. improvise______ productivity
10. extemporaneous plot outline
11. scenario_______ work together, communicate
12. protagonist____ imitation of style
13. parody leading character

Please return to us on Cassette Four.

32
CASSETTE FOUR

Exercise Three
DIRECTIONS: Circle one of the words in each parenthesis that best completes the meaning of the paragraph.

A new era in technology brings new terminology. One striking term is (1. silicon, silicone) valley, referring to the
area in California where many elements of the computer industry are made and assembled. A similar-sounding
compound, (2. silicone, silicon), is used in prostheses. In California you have many scientists (3. interfacing,
excavating) over new computer models. Some are there to (4. debug, parody) developing products, while others
are concerned with how much (5. input, enterprise) a computer can hold. Still others, office managers, are concerned
about the (6. throughput, debug), the total efficiency of production. Even though America has been leading in
the production of microchips, one (7. scenario, ad lib) puts the Japanese as a major force, soon to become the
(8. protagonist, imposter) of the microchip industry. Today, computer games (9. parody, debug) real battles, as
a generation ago youngsters arranged mock soldiers. Certain of these sophisticated games allow children to (10.
improvise, interface) programs of their own. Even when there is no set script, a child may (11. ad lib, debug)
a battle strategy. Therefore, these games, rather than limiting the imagination, tend to turn the mind into (12. an
extemporizing, a confined) instrument.

Exercise Four
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the sentence.

1. When the student sits down in front of his computer, you might say he and his computer are (interfacing,
alienating).

2. The woman thought she had misunderstood the mechanic when he mentioned “bugs”. In fact, he was seeking
to fix her car or (input, debug) it.

3. Today’s computers are measured by how much (input, parody) they can hold, how many bytes of information.

4. John thought his manager was asking him to throw the shotput when he spoke of throughput. In fact, he
was concerned with his.team's (silicon, productivity).

5. It seems no matter how advanced our auto industry becomes, in the area of auto (output, silicone), the
Japanese continue to make gains.

6. One element that has revolutionized the computer industry is (plutonium, silicon).

7. Woody Allen is an excellent comedian because he has the ability to (ad lib, importune) on any occasion.

8 . They say that former President Kennedy was able to (maximize, improvise) at large press conferences.

9. Many people would not be walking today if it were not for the use of (silicon, silicone) in artificial limbs.

10. Johnny Carson probably feels more at home when he speaks (thoughtfully, extemporaneously) than when
he has a script.

11. At one time, the term (scenario, parody) was used mainly when referring to film scripts. Now it is used
for almost any hypothetical situation.

12. There is the theory that a good play must have a strong (activist, protagonist), one with whom the audience
can identify.

13. Each Thanksgiving the school children put on a (parody, throughput) of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of
Penzance.

33
CASSETTE FOUR

Pretest III
DIRECTIONS: On the line following each word in Column A, write the meaning from Column B.

A В
1. p arsim o n io u s sh o w in g n n e m o tio n

2. nig g ard ly talkative

3. prodigal drowsy, sluggish

4, altruistic rerli ir e severity

5. taciturn w o rk against

6. loq u acio us silent, i in r n m m i in ira tiv e

7. ap ath etic u nselfishly He voter! tn others

8. lethargic clever, inventive

9. m ilitate extravagant, profuse

10. m itig a te giving n o th ing , m iserly

11. ing en iou s unsop h isticated , in n o cen t

12. in g en u o u s invalid

13. specious ap p are n tly valid

14. plausible stingy

Please rejoin us on Cassette Four.

Exercise Five
DIRECTIONS: Circle the word in each parenthesis that best completes the meaning of the paragraph.

Radio, formerly known mainly as an outlet for music and news, has become filled with a (1. prodigal, apathetic)
number of talk shows. In place of a (2. taciturn, parsimonious) announcer listing songs, we now have (3. loquacious,
specious) personalities conversing on the (4. altruism, activism) of good citizens, the (5. parsimony, acrimony)
of the City Hall budget, and the (6. niggardly, apathetic) attitude of lazy teenagers. Not that all of these people
are as (7. taciturn, ingenious) as they would have their listeners believe. In fact, many rely on (8 . niggardly, specious)
arguments to arouse the most (9. parsimonious, lethargic) of listeners to accept their points of view. Sometimes
it is the caller who has a more practical and ( 10. plausible, specious) suggestion of how to (11 . militate, mitigate)
the plight of the poor or to (12. mitigate, militate) against radical groups that are harming others. These talk show
gurus seem to be most (13. niggardly, altruistic) with their advice when they have to follow it themselves. One
almost wishes for a return of the (14. ingenuous, specious) hosts, heavy on music, light on talk.

Exercise Six
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

1. There are those who would rather be called (parsimonious, loquacious) than to feel they had to give to
every good cause.

2. The man was so (niggardly, prodigal) he left the waitress a tip of three pennies.

34
CASSETTE FOUR

3. It is the nature of youth to be (prodigal, taciturn) in tipping to make a good impression.

4. America has a reputation of being (parsimonious, altruistic) with smaller countries.

5. Although communication is difficult, the (niggardly, taciturn) person may possess great wisdom behind his
silence.

6. On the other hand, she may be both (docile, loquacious) and quite intelligent if she enjoys using many
carefully selected words to explain her ideas.

7. Sometimes it is in the nature of the philosopher to seem (apathetic, parsimonious) when he is, in fact,
deep in thought.

8 . With a combined effort, the medical profession has been able to (excoriate, militate) against the inroads
of cancer.

9. A wise parent will be able to (exacerbate, mitigate) his child’s feelings of despair.

10. If one tries to be (niggardly, ingenuous), he may appear merely superficial, faking innocence.

11. By listening closely, the (ingenuous, specious) nature of the money-making scheme can be detected.

12. Less than a generation ago it did not seem (importune, plausible) that we would be able to land on the
moon.

13. When Mary seemed most (lethargic, loquacious) and quiet, many did not know she was taking a special
drug for her asthma.

14. Gilbert was known for his (ingenuous, ingenious) solutions to the continual problem of working without
the recommended machinery.

Pretest IV

DIRECTIONS: On the ^ine following each word in Column A, write the best meaning from Column B.

A В
1. chic________________________________________________ mid-section of body, stomach area
2. clique_______________________________________________ cooked sugar sauce or confection
3. croissant____________________________________________ mature, full-grown
4. caramel_____________________________________________ crescent-shaped roll
5. abdomen___________________________________________ small fruit related to plum
6. adult________________________________________________ exclusive group
7. apricot______________________________________________ characteristic of North Pole, frigid
8 . arctic_______________________________________________ stylish
9. superfluous__________________________________________ unnecessary

Please return to us on Cassette Four.

35
CASSETTE FOUR

Exercise Seven
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word in parenthesis that best completes the sense of the sentence.

Philadelphia is undergoing a restaurant renaissance. There are more (1. chic, clique) restaurants than ever before.
Of course, the (2. croissant, apricot) has become a common item to use in place of a roll, alone or filled with
salad. While eating in these posh places with your particular (3. clique, parody), you must show some consideration
for house specialties. Many feature desserts like chocolate cake with (4. carmel, caramel) icing. It would be poor
taste and (5. superfluous, opportune) to engage in lengthy conversations with the waiter. Many of these eateries
specialize in maintaining a style-conscious clientele that believes fashion is more important than warmth, even in
(6. arctic, artic) temperatures.

Exercise Eight
DIRECTIONS: Circle the preferred pronounciation for the following words.

1. chic (chick, sheek)


2. clique (klik, kleek)
3. croissant (kra-sant, kroy-sent)
4. caramel (kar-mel, kar-a-mel)
5. abdomen (ab'do-men, ab-dom’en)
6. adult (a-dult', ad'ult)
7. apricot (ap-re-kat, ape-re-kat)
8 . arctic (North Pole) (ar-tik ark-tik)
9. superfluous (su-pufflu-us, sup1ur-flu-ous)

Pretest V

DIRECTIONS: Match the prefixes and suffixes in Column with the meanings in Column В by writing the meaning
on the line after the prefix or suffix.

А В
1. anti— _______________________________________________ between
2 . ante— ______________________________________________ backward
3. inter— ______________________________________________ against, opposed to
4. intra— ______________________________________________ within
5. retro— ______________________________________________ before, earlier
6. —less______________________________________________ state, quality, condition of
7. —ness
—hood
_ ^ о т ______________________________________________ without, lacking

8. —ish. direction of

9 —ward______________________________________________relating to, characteristic of

Please rejoin us on Cassette Four.

36
CASSETTE FOUR

Exercise Nine
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, write the correct prefix or suffix in the blank to complete the meaning
of the sentence.

1. The paint included an (________ )rust agent to prevent corrosion.

2. (________ )spect often adds knowledge you didn't have when the event occured.

3. His eternally boy(________ ) face made it easy for him to keep his true age a secret.

4. The (________ )cultural exchange worked well in theory but presented challenges in practice.

5. The banker disapproved of his wife’s (________ )datinq her checks to avoid paying the penalty.

6. He had expected his vacation home to preserve the change (_) monotony of boredom he’d known
as a child.

7. The art show was limited to (_________ )mural selections of enrolled students.

8. The degree of goodj________ ) of the benefits may depend upon what the individual already has and needs.

9. His for(________ ) direction was halted by a tackle.

Exercise Ten
DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions on the lines provided.

1. Which prefix means backward?______________________________

2.4. Which three suffixes mean state or quality of?

5. Which prefix means before?______________________________

6. What is the prefix meaning opposed to or against?______________________________

7. What suffix means relating to, characteristic of?------------------------

8. The direction of is the meaning of what suffix? ----------------------

9. The prefix of the word intrapersonal has what meaning?------------------------

10. Which suffix means without, lacking?______________________________

37
CASSETTE FOUR

Cassette Four Answer Key


Pretest I Exercise One Exercise Two
1. individual speech pattern 1. jargon 1. individual speech pattern
2. regional variety of language 2. dialect 2. conversational expression
3. conversational expression 3. beneficiary 3. location
4. slang or specialized vocabulary 4. codicil 4. gift recipient
5. location 5. exacerbated 5. addition to legal document
6. gift recipient 6. excoriate 6. agent of change
7. legal document 7. colloquialisms 7. irritate, make worse
8. addition to a will 8. stellar 8. regional speech
9. agent of change 9. brief 9. legal document
10. aggravate, exasperate 10. catalyst 10. denounce
11. denounce 11. venue 11. outstanding
12. outstanding 12. arboreal 12. of a tree
13. tree like 13. specialized vocabulary

Pretest 11 Exercise Three Exercise Four


1. work together, communicate 1. silicon 1. interfacing
2. remove errors 2. silicone 2. debug
3. information entered, comment 3. interfacing 3. input
4. productivity 4. debug 4. productivity
5. result 5. input 5. output
6. nonmetallic element used in compounds 6. throughput 6. silicon
7. organic compound used in lubricants 7. scenario 7. adlib
8. as desired 8. protagonist 8. improvise
9. make up on the spot 9. parody 9. silicone
10. without notes 10. improvise 10. extemporaneously
11. plot outline 11. ad lib 11. scenario
12. leading character 12. an extemporizing 12. protagonist
13. imitation of style 13. parody

Pretest 111 Exercise Five Exercise Six


1. stingy 1. prodigal 1. parsimonious
2. giving nothing, miserly 2. taciturn 2. niggardly
3. extravagant, profuse 3. loquacious 3. prodigal
4. unselfishly devoted to others 4. altruism 4. altruistic
5. silent, uncommunicative 5. parsimony 5. taciturn
6. talkative 6. apathetic 6. loquacious
7. showing no emotion 7. ingenious 7. apathetic
8. drowsy, sluggish 8. specious 8. militate
9. work against 9. lethargic 9. mitigate
10. reduce severity 10. plausible 10. ingenuous
11. clever, inventive 11. mitigate 11. specious
12. unsophisticated, innocent 12. militate 12. plausible
13. invalid 13. niggardly 13. lethargic
14. apparently valid 14. ingenuous 14. ingenious

Pretest IV Exercise Seven Exercise Eight


1. stylish 1. chic 1. sheek
2. exclusive group 2. croissant 2. kleek
3. crescent shaped roll 3. clique 3. kra-sant
4. cooked sugar sauce or confection 4. caramel 4. kar-a-mel
5. mid-section of body, stomach area 5. superfluous 5. ab'do-men
6. mature, full-grown 6. arctic 6. adult'
7. small fruit related to plum 7. ap-re-kat
8. characteristic of North Pole, frigid 8. ark-tik
9. unnecessary 9. su-pur'flu-us

Pretest V Exercise Nine Exercise Ten


1. against, opposed to 1. antirust 1. retro—
2. before, earlier 2. retrospect 2-4. —ness, —hood, —dom
3. between 3. boyish 5. ante—
4. within 4. intercultural 6. anti —
5. backward 5. antedating 7. —ish
6. without, lacking 6. changeless 8. —ward
7. state, quality, condition of 7. intramural 9. within
8. relating to, characteristic of 8. goodness 10. —less
9. direction of 9. forward

38
CASSETTE FOUR

CASSETTE FOUR
WORD LIST

Ab'-do-men (n) abdominal (adj) Mit'i-gate (v) mitigating (adj)


A-dult' (n) Nig'gard-ly (adj)
Ad-lib' (v, n) Out'put (v, n)
Al-tru-is'-tic (adj) altruism (n) Par'o-dy (n) parodist (n)
Ap-a-thet'ic (adj) apathy (n) Par-si-mo'ni-ous (adj) parsimony (n)
A'pri-cot (n) Plau'si-Ые (adj) plausibility (n)
Аг-bo're-al (adj) arboretum (n) arborist (n) Prod'i-gal (adj)
Arc'tic (n, adj) Pro-tag'on-ist (n)
Ben-e-fi'ci-ar-y (n) beneficence (n) Sce-nar'i-o (n)
Brief (n, adj, v) Sil'i-con (n)
Car'a-mel (n) Sil'i-cone (n)
Cat'a-lyst (n) catalytic (adj) Spe'cious (adj) speciousness (n) speciously (adv)
Chic (adj) Stel'lar (adj)
Clique (n) Su-per'flu-ous (adj)
Cod'i-cil (n) Tac'i-turn (adj) taciturnity (n)
Col-lo'qui-al-ism (n) colloquial (adj) colloquy (n) Through'put (n)
Crois-sant' (n) Ven'ue (n)
De-bug' (v)
Di'-a-lect (n)
Ex-ac'er-bate (v) exacerbation (n) Prefixes
Ex-cor'-i-ate (v) excoriation (n) Ante—
Ex-tem-po-ra'ne-ous (adj) extemporize (v) Anti—
extemporaneously (adv) Inter—
Id'i-o-lect (n) lntra—
Im'pro-vise (v) improviser (n) improvisation (n) Retro—
improvisational (adj)
In-gen'ious (adj) ingeniousness (n) ingenuity (n)
ln-gen'u-ous (adj) ingenue (n) Suffixes
In'put (v,n) —dom
In'ter-face (v, n) —hood
Jar'gon (n) —ish
Le-thar'gic (adj) lethargy (n) —less
Lo-qua'cious (adj loquaciousness (n) —ness
Mil'i-tate (v) —ward

39
CASSETTE FIVE

Pretest I

DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the meaninq from Column B.

A В
1. ecstatic n leasan t an n rn nriatp

? . en raptu red lively, a n im a te d

3. fla m b o y a n t halky, rn n tra ry

4. vivacious evil, rnrmpt


5. felicitous showy, rn lo rfu l

6. restive o v e rw h e lm e d hy err)r>tinn

7. d ep raved nverly m n iim fu l

R. lugubrious peevish, n an n in n

9. querulous ill-natured

10. bilious ex tre m e ly delightpd

Please rejoin us on Cassette Five.

Exercise One
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word that best completes each sentence.

Psychologists warn us at the beginning of each new year that there may be a tendency to slip into a (1. lugubrious,
ecstatic) state. After the (2. ecstatic, depraved) period of the Christmas season, followed by a (3. lugubrious,
flamboyant) New Year’s eve party, a letdown is to be expected. Back to earth, we become (4. enraptured, restive)
and (5. vivacious, querulous) over little things. Some say a return to nature will rekindle that (6. enraptured, restive)
Christmas spirit. After a brisk walk in the woods, one feels (7. vivacious, querulous) and ready for (8. felicitous,
lugubrious) conversation. Gone are those (9. depraved, ecstatic) thoughts about blowing up the world to end the
winter blahs. After a visit to the spa or an afternoon of ice skating, we even begin to talk to the Browns, our ill-
natured, ( 10. ecstatic, bilious) neighbors.

Exercise Two
DIRECTIONS: Circle the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

1. When the child found the long-wanted skates under the Christmas tree, he was (ecstatic, lugubrious).

2. Although Van Gogh’s behavior was often showy and (flamboyant, taciturn), his paintings showed great control
over his art medium.

3. A (vivacious, bilious) teacher, full of smiles, often receives similar looks from her students.

4. Even though the daughter was apathetic, the mother had a most (felicitous, depraved) interest in helping
solve the neighborhood problem.

5. If one watches a series of horror films, (depraved, enraptured) characters may appear to be acceptable.

40
CASSETTE FIVE

6. People seem to be most (restive, ecstatic) when it is raining on Mondays.

7. The (lugubrious, querulous) expression on the clown’s face is offset by his zany antics.

8. When Henry Higgins complained of being (bilious, restive), he was referring to his liver, not his disposition.

9. Some customers become so (querulous, enraptured) over a minor detail that the salesperson would prefer
to lose the sale and leave them alone.

10. There is something about the first snowfall of winter that leaves us (enraptured,depraved) with its beauty.

Pretest II
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the meaning from Column B.

A_ В
1. obsequious________________________________________________________ moralizing
2. decorous__________________________________________________________ fluent
3. garrulous__________________________________________________________ inflexible
4. loquacious________________________________________________________ wordy
5. verbose___________________________________________________________ reluctant
6. glib_______________________________________________________________ talkative
7. sententious________________________________________________________ concise
8. adamant__________________________________________________________ padded or inflated
9. reticent____________________________________________________________ loud
10. laconic____________________________________________________________ aimlessly talkative
11 . bombastic_________________________________________________________ submissive
12. vociferous_________________________________________________________ waver
13. vacillate___________________________________________________________ proper

Please return to Cassette Five.

Exercise Three
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the meaning of each sentence.

The speech teacher asked the students to prepare a reading of the (1. vacillating, glib) speech that Hamlet delivered
so smoothly to the players, “Speak the speech I pray you as 1 pronounced it to you." One student complained
that the writing was (2. bombastic, reticent). However, the teacher was (3. adamant, vacillating) about the selection.
Miss Bramin read the words correctly, but the volume of her voice seemed to (4. vociferate, vacillate) like an
old summer fan. Mr. Parks was so (5. vociferous, glib) that the room filled with echoes of his voice bouncing
off the walls. Then Miss Warner spoke in such a (6. reticent, bombastic) manner not even those in the front row
could hear her. Mr. Quick added several speeches of his own, making the entire selection a (7. reticent, verbose)
tapestry, unintelligible to all. Mr. Swift, standing in a (8. glib, decorous) way and avoiding the (9. reticent, sententious)
or preachy quality of the others, gave a fine reading. Finally, the shy, (10. obsequious, flamboyant) Miss Parsley
spoke in a whisper, leaving those in the back to wonder if she were doing the reading in mime. The teacher left
with this (11. garrulous, laconic) message, “Class dismissed." Class members discussed the dangers in being too
talkative or ( 12. loquacious, laconic), especially in rambling aimlessly or (13. sententiously, garrulously).

41
CASSETTE FIVE

Exercise Four
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the meaning of each sentence.

1. Jeremy decided that if he were cringingly (obsequious, adamant), the policeman would give him only a warning
ticket.

2. The (decorous, laconic) furniture in the White House is pleasing to the eye.

3. A (garrulous, reticent) person becomes obnoxious when he will not let anyone else speak.

4. If one has a pleasant voice and a wealth of information to share, the habit of being overly (vacillating, loquacious)
will be endured.

5. A radio announcer usually possesses a (glib, dour) tongue.

6. Polonius, in Hamlet, is one of the most (laconic, sententious) of stage characters, endlessly dispensing good
advice and righteous judgment.

7. If one is always (adamant, decorous) and inflexible with a teenage child, the results can be rebellion.

8 . At a dinner party, there is always that moment of decision: to be (bombastic, reticent) or begin a conversation
with the stranger sitting next to you.

9. Many would agree that Hemingway’s prose style is (garrulous, laconic) and concise.

10. The wording of a tax bill was considered (bombastic, decorous), inflated, padded even by those who supported
the legislation.

11. Some people feel that if they are (reticent, vociferous) enough, they can wear down an adversary.

12. The (vacillating, adamant) nature of Hamlet was best expressed in his famous soliloquy, “To be or not to
be, that is the question.”

13. Many young writers tend to be (verbose, decorous) and thus have to shorten their work.

Pretest III
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the meaning from Column B.

_A В
1. dour irritable
2. blas£ obstinate
3. odious practical
4. pragmatic being or doing evil
5. recalcitrant doing good
6. irascible enjoying people
7. malevolent offensive
8. benevolent cynic
9. misanthrope worldly, bored
10. gregarious
asm sullen
Please rejoin us on Cassette Five.

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CASSETTE FIVE

Exercise Five
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

When going away to college for the first time, one of the biggest adjustments is meeting a whole new set of people.
On the same floor of your dorm you may find (1. a dour, an ecstatic), longfaced science major rooming with
a worldly, (2. blasi, decorous) English lit buff. The language at one end of the corridor may be coarse and (3.
odious, benevolent) while at the other end there is a healthy sense of (4. benevolent, odious) mutual aid. Then,
too, at your dining table you may be surrounded by friendly, (5. adamant, gregarious) faces only to see at the
end of the table the biggest (6. benefactor, misanthrope) on campus txying to dampen everyone else’s enjoyment.
Thankfully, there will not be a large number of dead beat, (7. felicitous, recalcitrant) people. Most college students
are ready to learn and tend not to be on the (8. irascible, enraptured), irritable side. The problem with most will
not be a temptation to find a (9. malevolent, benevolent) way to annoy others but how to use their own time.
Even though college can be fun, it must be realized that one is there for the (10. odious, pragmatic) preparation
for future existence.

Exercise Six
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the word that best completes the meaning of each sentence.

1. Was there ever a more (vivacious, dour) character than Scrooge in the Christmas Carol?

2. Often the (blase, odious) person is inwardly not as sophisticated as she acts.

3. For those over forty, rock lyrics seem to contain more (odious, pragmatic) language than the songs of the
fifties.

4. Even though Edison had a great imagination, he was very (gregarious, pragmatic) when it came to making
his inventions functional.

5. The (benevolent, recalcitrant) youngster rejected each dish at the dinner table and even refused to taste what
he had ordered.

6. One who becomes an (irascible, ecstatic) adult has often grown up in a hostile environment.

7. The (blase, malevolent) nature of nuclear warfare was given a disastrous preview at Hiroshima.

8 . If given a chance, the (irascible, benevolent) side of people will usually come to the fore when help is needed.
9. At holiday time, people seem more (recalcitrant, gregarious) and friendly than any other time of the year.

10. Sometimes the person considered to be a (misanthrope, pragmatist) is simply too honest with his assessment
of the faults of others.

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CASSETTE FIVE

Pretest IV
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each word in Column A, write the word from Column JB that best matches the
definition.
A В
1. corpulent____________________________________________________________ vigor
2. obese______________________________________________________________ _ beauty
3. flaccid______________________________________________________________ wise
4. maimed____________________________________________________________ sluggish
5. bovine______________________________________________________________ keen insight
6. pulchritude________________________________________________________ _ disabled
7. virility---------------------------------------- --------- wise caution ■
8 . sagacious----------------------------------------------- judging wisely
9. acumen------------------------------------------------- all knowing
10. prudence___________________________________________________________ fat
11. judicious____________________________________________________________ bulky
12. omniscient__________________________________________________________ flabby

Please rejoin us on Cassette Five.

Exercise Seven
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the words that best complete the meaning of the sentences.

There seems to be a great deal of interest these days in weight reduction and exercise. No longer is it advisable
to have a (1. sagacious, corpulent) frame. If one is (2. obese, judicious), he is looked upon almost with scorn.
The friendly, (3. flaccid, maimed) Santa Claus figure is a thing of the past. In women, the stress is on (4. pulchritude,
acumen) at all costs. For men, there must be (5. omniscience, virility) in all their actions. The problem with this
current trend is that many have ignored (6. prudence, virility) and are committing every spare moment to exercise,
jogging in the morning and visits to the spa at night. It would be (7. judicious, restive) if they curtailed some
of this activity. In fact, several joggers have become (8 . querulous, maimed) from bone fractures after running
too much. (9. A flaccid, An omniscient) leader might remind his countrymen of the (10. sagacious, irascible)
thoughts of Marcus Aurelius. Even the most (11. bovine, malevolent) and slow of thought can appreciate the (12.
acumen, virility) of his famous saying, “moderation in all things.”

Exercise Eight
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the words that best complete the meaning of the sentences.

1. To advance in a major health-promoting corporation, one should not be (corpulent, virile).

2. A bear has to be (judicious, obese) because he often goes without eating for three months.

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CASSETTE FIVE

3. Most women attempt to firm up their (omniscient, flaccid) muscles before swimsuit season arrives.

4. Although the one-legged wrestler was considered (bovine, maimed) by many, he used his handicap to challenge
himself in facing competitive situations.

5. One place where one enjoys (bovine, malevolent) company is on the dairy farm.

6. (Pulchritude, Recalcitrance) is one attribute that never goes out of favor.

7. The (obesity, virility) of the Olympic performers was observed by all.

8 . Confucius was one of the most (flaccid, sagacious) men who ever lived.
9. Einstein possessed the (irascibility, acumen) to unravel the secrets of the universe.

10. The boy showed no (depravity, prudence) driving the family car, and he often took chances that endangered
the lives of others.

11. A most important task for the drama director is the (dour, judicious) selection of the cast.

12. New owners claim that their computers are very nearly (prudent, omniscient).

Pretest V
DIRECTIONS: On the line after each meaning in Column A, write the word from Column В that best matches
the definition.
A В
1. proximity hesitant, temporary
2. estrangement actively negative feeling, aggression
3. affinity show off
4. enmity dislike of, aversion to
5. antipathy scoff at
6. hostility hatred
7. tentative food specialist
8 . flaunt emotional separation
9. flout similarity, attraction
10. gourmet one who enjoys eating
11 . gourmand nearness

Please return to Cassette Five.

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CASSETTE FIVE

Exercise Nine
DIRECTIONS: In the following paragraph, circle the words that best complete the meaning of the sentences.

The problem began simply enough. Jill was the (1. sage, gourmet) of the family, always preparing fancy dishes.
Jim was the (2. gourmand, ascetic) who enjoyed nothing more than eating a special treat. At first, this love of
food built an (3. antipathy, affinity) between the pair. But in time Jill began to (4. flaunt, vacillate) her skill at
cooking. Then Jim began to (5. delineate, flout) every well prepared meal. Soon (6. a proximity, an antipathy)
developed in Jill for Jim. This led to a serious argument climaxed by Jim clearing the dishes by pulling the tablecloth
off in one swift motion. This act of (7. hostility, benevolence) ended in an (8 . affinity, estrangement) that could
not be reconciled. Sadly, what had brought them together, a mutual love of food, led to their (9. enmity, depravity)
for one another. In time, neither could stand the (10. sagaciousness, proximity) of the other for any period of
time. Eventually, Jim began making (11. laconic, tentative) suggestions for eating out, and they sought fast food
restaurants. The days of shared delicacies at home were over.

Exercise Ten
DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, circle the words that best complete the meaning of the sentences.

1. After a period of (estrangement, affinity), the couple separated permanently.

2. The police said that the criminal was in the (brief, proximity) of city hall.

3. He had (an affinity, a contingency ) for fine wine and fast cars.

4. The coach aroused the (criterion, enmity) of the fans when he hit one of his own players.

5. Gandhi had (a codicil, an antipathy) to violence and preached a doctrine of passive resistance.

6. The (circumspection, hostility) between Syria and Israel has been a major problem of Middle Eastern politics.

7. The freshman quarterback was not (tentative, irascible) when calling the plays; he knew what was needed.

8 . Often the more competent the performer, the less likely he is to (vacillate, flaunt) his talent.

9. If you (flout, mitigate) listening to ideas of your fellow workers, you may end up missing some very good
suggestions.

10. The (sage, gourmet) is no longer found only in fine restaurants, but many households now boast of them
in their own kitchens.

11. It is fine to be a (protagonist, gourmand) provided you do not become obese in the practice.

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CASSETTE FIVE

Cassette Five Answer Key


Pretest I Exercise One Exercise Two
1. overwhelmed by emotion 1. lugubrious 1. ecstatic
2. extremely delighted 2. ecstatic 2. flamboyant
3. showy, colorful 3. flamboyant 3. vivacious
4. lively, animated 4. restive 4. felicitous
5. pleasant, appropriate 5. querulous 5. depraved
6. balky, contrary 6. enraptured 6. restive
7. evil, corrupt 7. vivacious 7. lugubrious
8. overly mournful 8. felicitous 8. bilious
9. peevish, nagging 9. depraved 9. querulous
10. ill-natured 10. bilious 10. enraptured

Pretest II Exercise Three Exercise Four


1. submissive 1. glib 1. obsequious
2. proper 2. bombastic 2. decorous
3. aimlessly talkative 3. adamant 3. garrulous
4. talkative 4. vacillate 4. loquacious
5. wordy 5. vociferous 5. glib
6. fluent 6. reticent 6. sententious
7. moralizing 7. verbose 7. adamant
8. inflexible 8. decorous 8. reticent
9. reluctant 9. sententious 9. laconic
10. concise 10. obsequious 10. bombastic
11. padded or inflated 11. laconic 11. vociferous
12. loud 12. loquacious 12. vacillating
13. waver 13. garrulously 13. verbose

Pretest III Exercise Five Exercise Six


1. stem, sullen 1. a dour 1. dour
2. worldly, bored 2. blase 2. blase
3. offensive 3. odious 3. odious
4. practical 4. benevolent 4. pragmatic
5. obstinate 5. gregarious 5. recalcitrant
6. irritable 6. misanthrope 6. irascible
7. being or doing evil 7. recalcitrant 7. malevolent
8. doing good 8. irascible 8. benevolent
9. cynic 9. malevolent 9. gregarious
10. enjoying people 10. pragmatic 10. misanthrope

Pretest IV Exercise Seven Exercise Eight


1. bulky 1. corpulent 1. corpulent
2. fat 2. obese 2. obese
3. flabby 3. flaccid 3. flaccid
4. disabled 4. pulchritude 4. maimed
5. sluggish 5. virility 5. bovine
6. beauty 6. prudence 6. Pulchritude
7. vigor 7. judicious 7. virility
8. wise 8. maimed 8. sagacious
9. keen insight 9. An omniscient 9. acumen
10. wise caution 10. sagacious 10. prudence
11. judging wisely 11. bovine 11. judicious
12. all knowing 12. acumen 12. omniscient

Pretest V Exercise Nine Exercise Ten


1. nearness 1. gourmet 1. estrangement
2. emotional separation 2. gourmand 2. proximity
3. similarity, attraction 3. affinity 3. an affinity
4. hatred 4. flaunt 4. enmity
5. dislike of, aversion to 5. flout 5. an antipathy
6. actively negative feeling, aggression 6. an antipathy 6. hostility
7. hesitant, temporary 7. hostility 7. tentative
8. show off 8. estrangement 8. flaunt
9. scoff at 9. enmity 9. flout
10. food specialist 10. proximity 10. gourmet
11. one who enjoys eating 11. tentative 11. gourmand

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CASSETTE FIVE

CASSETTE FIVE
WORD LIST

A-cu'men (n) I-ras'-ci-ble (adj) irascibility (n)


Ad'a-mant (adj) Ju-di'cious (adj) judicial (adj)
Af-fin'i-ty (n) La-con'ic (adj) laconically (adv) laconism (n)
An-tip'a-thy (n) Lo-qua'cious (adj) loquaciousness (n)
Be-nev'o-lent (adj) benevolence (n) Lu-gu'bri-ous (adj) lugubriously (adv)
Bil'ious (adj) biliousness (n) Maimed (adj) maim (v)
Bla-se' (adj) Ma-leN/o-lent (adj) malevolence (n)
Bom-bast'ic (adj) bombast (n) Mis'an-thrope (n) misanthropic (adj)
Bo'vine (adj) O-bese' (adj) obesity (n)
Cor'pu-lent (adj) corpulence (n) Ob-se'qui-ous (adj) obsequiousness (n)
Dec'o-rous (adj) decorum (n) decorously (adv) O'di-ous (adj) odium (n)
De-praved' (adj) depravity (n) Om-nis'cient (adj) omniscience (n)
Dour (adj) Prag-mat'ic (adj) pragmatism (n)
Ec-stat'ic (adj) ecstacy (n) ecstatically (adv) Prox-im'i-ty (n)
En'mi-ty (n) Pru'dence (n) prudent (adj)
En-rap'tured (adj) enrapture (v) Pul'chri-tude (n) pulchritudinous (adj)
Es-trange'ment (n) estrange (v) Quer'u-ious (adj) querulously (adv)
Fe-lic'i-tous (adj) felicity (n) felicitate (v) querulousness (n)
Flac'cid (adj) Re-cal'ci-trant (adj) recalcitrance (n)
Flam-boy'-ant (adj) Res'tive (adj) restively (adv)
Flaunt (v) Ret'i-cent (adj) reticence (n)
Flout (v) Sa-ga'cious (adj) sage (n, adj)
Gar'ru-lous (adj) garrulously (adv) Sen-ten'tious (adj) sententiously (adv)
garrulousness (n) Ten'ta-tive (adj) tentatively (adv)
Glib (adj) glibness (n) glibly (adv) Vac'cil-late (v) vacillating (adj) vacillation (n)
Gour-mand' (n) Ver-bose' (adj) verbosity (n) verbosely (adv)
Gour-met' (n, adj) Vi-ril'i-ty (n) virile (adj)
Gre-gar'i-ous (adj) gregariousness (n) Vi-va'cious (adj)
Hos-til'i-ty (n) hostile (adj) Vo-cif'er-ous (adj)

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