Question

lesson 12 using reading skills
learning from context: examples
the context of a word is the other words in the sentence or paragraph in which it appears. you can use the context to find the meaning of an unknown word. look for key words in the sentence that give examples to help you define the word.
exercise a
use the context to find the meaning of the boldfaced word. jot down the words in the sentence that help you define the vocabulary word. then, write the words probable meaning.

1. for many historians, abraham lincoln serves as the paragon of presidential greatness.
2. the mayor raged against iniquity, including gambling, drug abuse, and gang activity.
3. the venerable eighty - year - old chief justice greeted the president with a smile.
4. mrs. de pietro became a beloved benefactor because of her gifts to charities and her work for good causes.
5. grandma called me a spendthrift after i bought six pairs of shoes and four pairs of sunglasses.
6. tigers and elephants are not indigenous to minnesota, but deer, moose, and beavers are.
7. the big - city din from honking horns, shouting pedestrians, and construction sites overwhelmed me.
8. the remnant of fans after the defeat were a few parents, two sad cheerleaders, and one lost dog.
9. the most famous soothsayer ever was nostradamus (1503 - 1566), who predicted many future events.
10. once you lose your integrity by lying or cheating, it is difficult to regain it.

exercise b
check your definitions in a dictionary. write the dictionary definitions on a separate sheet of paper. then, use each word in a sentence of your own.

Explanation:

1. "For many historians, Abraham Lincoln serves as the paragon of presidential greatness." - The context "presidential greatness" implies that "paragon" means a model or perfect example. Words helping define: "presidential greatness".
2. "The mayor raged against iniquity, including gambling, drug abuse, and gang activity." - The examples of "gambling, drug abuse, and gang activity" show that "iniquity" means immoral or wicked behavior. Words helping define: "gambling, drug abuse, gang activity".
3. "The venerable eighty - year - old chief justice greeted the president with a smile." - The age "eighty - year - old" and the title "chief justice" suggest that "venerable" means respected because of age and dignity. Words helping define: "eighty - year - old", "chief justice".
4. "Mrs. De Pietro became a beloved benefactor because of her gifts to charities and her work for good causes." - The phrases "gifts to charities" and "work for good causes" indicate that "benefactor" means a person who gives help or support, usually financial, to a cause. Words helping define: "gifts to charities", "work for good causes".
5. "Grandma called me a spendthrift after I bought six pairs of shoes and four pairs of sunglasses." - Buying a large number of shoes and sunglasses shows that "spendthrift" means a person who spends money wastefully. Words helping define: "bought six pairs of shoes and four pairs of sunglasses".
6. "Tigers and elephants are not indigenous to Minnesota, but deer, moose, and beavers are." - The comparison between animals that are and are not from Minnesota shows that "indigenous" means native or originating from a particular place. Words helping define: "not indigenous", "but deer, moose, and beavers are".
7. "The big - city din from honking horns, shouting pedestrians, and construction sites overwhelmed me." - The examples of "honking horns, shouting pedestrians, and construction sites" show that "din" means a loud, continuous noise. Words helping define: "honking horns, shouting pedestrians, construction sites".
8. "The remnant of fans after the defeat were a few parents, two sad cheerleaders, and one lost dog." - The description of a small group left after a defeat shows that "remnant" means a small remaining quantity or part. Words helping define: "a few parents, two sad cheerleaders, and one lost dog".
9. "The most famous soothsayer ever was Nostradamus (1503 - 1566), who predicted many future events." - The phrase "who predicted many future events" shows that "soothsayer" means a person who predicts the future. Words helping define: "predicted many future events".
10. "Once you lose your integrity by lying or cheating, it is difficult to regain it." - The examples of "lying or cheating" show that "integrity" means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Words helping define: "lying or cheating".

Answer:

1. Words helping define: "presidential greatness"; Probable meaning: a model or perfect example
2. Words helping define: "gambling, drug abuse, gang activity"; Probable meaning: immoral or wicked behavior
3. Words helping define: "eighty - year - old", "chief justice"; Probable meaning: respected because of age and dignity
4. Words helping define: "gifts to charities", "work for good causes"; Probable meaning: a person who gives help or support, usually financial, to a cause
5. Words helping define: "bought six pairs of shoes and four pairs of sunglasses"; Probable meaning: a person who spends money wastefully
6. Words helping define: "not indigenous", "but deer, moose, and beavers are"; Probable meaning: native or originating from a particular place
7. Words helping define: "honking horns, shouting pedestrians, construction sites"; Probable meaning: a loud, continuous noise
8. Words helping define: "a few parents, two sad cheerleaders, and one lost dog"; Probable meaning: a small remaining quantity or part
9. Words helping define: "predicted many future events"; Probable meaning: a person who predicts the future
10. Words helping define: "lying or cheating"; Probable meaning: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles