Unfamiliar Words
Unit 4 Concepts
-verse
Types of Supporting Details
Inventors
100

What is the meaning of colossal?

In the center of the hall stood a colossal wooden statue, decorated in ivory and gold.

a. invigorating

b. proposal

c. colossal

d. viable

c. colossal

100

Emma loved reading more than anything. Every afternoon, she curled up in her favorite chair with a new book, traveling to far-off lands and meeting fascinating characters. Books filled her with joy and knowledge, making her eager to learn more every day.

What is the central idea of the paragraph?

A) Emma dislikes adventure.
B) Reading brings Emma happiness and knowledge.
C) Emma prefers playing outside.
D) Books are difficult to understand.

B) Reading brings Emma happiness and knowledge.

100

To change something to the opposite state or condition

reverse

100

•statements that can be proven true

facts

100

I was an African American inventor, businessman, and community leader best known for my life-saving inventions, including the three-position traffic signal and the safety hood, an early version of the gas mask.

Garret A. Morgan

200

What is the meaning of the word anticipation as it is used in this sentence? 

"The anticipation of pausing on the hilltop, with lots of potential energy, is almost as fun as flying down..."

A. celebration 

B. duration 

C. expectation 

D. participation  

D. participation  

200

Liam trained for months to prepare for the city’s annual marathon. He followed a strict diet, ran every morning, and pushed himself to improve his endurance. On race day, his hard work paid off—he completed the marathon in record time and felt proud of his accomplishment.

Which of the following is the best objective summary of the paragraph?

A) Liam trained hard and finished the marathon with a great sense of achievement.
B) Liam wanted to win the marathon more than anything in the world.
C) Running every day is easy and helps everyone win races.
D) Liam ran the marathon without training and still did well.

A) Liam trained hard and finished the marathon with a great sense of achievement.

200

showing a great deal of variety; very different; including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations,

diverse

200

•numerical data that has been analyzed

statistics

200

I am an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and former NASA scientist best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. My invention became one of the best-selling toys of all time, revolutionizing the toy industry in the 1990s.

Lonnie Johnson

300

What is the meaning of meander?

Instead of following a direct route home, the couple decided to meander through the bustling market, stopping to browse colorful fabrics, sample street food, and chat with local vendors, enjoying the leisurely pace of their winding walk through the crowded streets.

a. to approach destination quickly

b. a slow, relaxed pace with time to observe details

c. legal document giving ownership of an invention

d. to gradually pick up pace or speed

b. a slow, relaxed pace with time to observe details

300

Sarah baked a delicious chocolate cake for her sister’s birthday. She carefully mixed the ingredients, poured the batter into the pan, and placed it in the oven. After an hour, she decorated the cake with colorful frosting and candles. Everyone at the party loved her homemade treat.

Which sentence from the paragraph is written in active voice?

A) A delicious chocolate cake was baked by Sarah.
B) The ingredients were carefully mixed by Sarah.
C) Sarah decorated the cake with colorful frosting and candles.
D) The cake was loved by everyone at the party.

C) Sarah decorated the cake with colorful frosting and candles.

300

something that is the opposite or reverse of something else; opposite or contrary in position, direction, order, or effect

inverse

300

•information given by an authority on the topic

expert testimony

300

I was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and futurist best known for my contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electricity. 


Nikola Tesla

400

Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -vers-, choose

 the best definition of the word versatile as it is used in the following sentence. 

Her ability to play so many positions made her a versatile player on the field.

A. lacking something wanted or needed 

B. being important or central to success 

C. likely to leave or go away unexpectedly 

D. able to turn easily from one task to another

D. able to turn easily from one task to another

400

Scientists have long debated whether drinking coffee is beneficial for health. Some studies suggest that coffee improves focus and reduces the risk of certain diseases. However, other research indicates that too much caffeine can lead to increased heart rate and sleep problems. While many people enjoy coffee daily, experts continue to study its long-term effects.

Which of the following presents conflicting evidence in the paragraph?

A) Coffee helps improve focus.
B) Some studies suggest coffee reduces the risk of diseases.
C) Too much caffeine may cause sleep problems.
D) Many people enjoy coffee daily.

C) Too much caffeine may cause sleep problems.

400

preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable

adverse

400

•an item that illustrates something

Examples-

400

I was an American inventor and businessman known for developing the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and the motion picture camera. I held over 1,000 patents and played a major role in shaping modern technology.

Thomas Edison

500

What is the meaning of oasis?

After hours of trekking through the scorching desert, Lena finally spotted an oasis in the distance—a shimmering pool of water surrounded by lush palm trees. The cool shade and fresh breeze felt like a miracle, offering a much-needed refuge from the relentless heat. As she sipped the crisp, clear water, she knew this small paradise was exactly what she needed to continue her journey.

a. a hot hangout spot

b. a calm, pleasant place in the middle of somewhere busy and unpleasant 

c. a grocery store

d. watered, habitable land in a dry place


d. watered, habitable land in a dry place

500

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue, harming marine life and polluting our oceans. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the water, endangering sea creatures and disrupting ecosystems. To protect the planet, people must reduce plastic use and find eco-friendly alternatives. 

Author’s Purpose:

What is the author’s main purpose in this paragraph?

A) To entertain readers with a story about marine life.
B) To persuade people to reduce plastic use.
C) To explain how plastic is made.
D) To describe different types of ecosystems.

Author’s Perspective:

How does the author likely feel about plastic pollution?

A) Indifferent—it is not a serious problem.
B) Concerned—it harms the environment.
C) Excited—plastic makes life easier.
D) Confused—it is difficult to understand.

B) To persuade people to reduce plastic use.

B) Concerned—it harms the environment.  

500

to exchange thoughts and opinions in spoken words or sign language

converse

500

the type of writing utilized when informing

•Text structure

500

I was was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist, best known for developing a line of beauty and hair care products for Black women. I am often recognized as America’s first female self-made millionaire. 

Madame CJ Walker

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