Vocabulary 1
The highest point or top of a mountain (n)
(a) summit
Determined by chance or whim, random (adj)
arbitrary
Who was Kai Xu credited for inventing?
He was credited for inventing “jut”.
To begin to be understood or realized by someone for the first time (phrasal verb)
(to) dawn on
to create a foundation; to provide the basics or fundamentals (collocation)
(to) lay the groundwork
The act or process of going upward (n)
ascent
Referring to the entitlement to boast about an accomplishment or possession that is considered superior (n)
bragging rights
How did Kai Xu’s measurement of “jut” challenge orometry?
It challenged orometry because most had always measured mountains by their height above sea level.
to suddenly become more intense or severe, often referring to emotions like anger or symptoms of a disease (phrasal verb)
(to) flare up
to achieve a significant position or success, often referring to reaching the highest levels in a particular field or ranking (collocation)
(to) crack the top
Offering or expressive a choice between two or more options (adj)
alternative
Of that which comes before, in advance (adj)
prior
Which mountains are known for their prominent peaks?
Alaska’s Mount McKinley and Tanzania‘s Mount Kilamanjaro are both known for their prominent peaks.
To clear one’s path (likely in a jungle) using an object or tool
(to) hack through
The generally accepted belief, opinion, judgement or prediction about a particular matter (collocation)
conventional wisdom
Something that extends out or projects from its surroundings, like protrusion or bulge (n)
jut
Meaning very big or very great, often used to describe somethimg impressive or important (adj)
monumental
What are some different ways mountains have been measured throughout history?
For example, the 11th Century Al-Biruni used trigonometry to measure mountains and Greek thinker Dicaearchus used a dioptra.
To find an answer to a problem (phrasal verb)
(to) work out
To take charge or be in control of a particular initiative or project, guiding others towards achieving a specific goal (collocation)
(to) lead an effort
An act or accomplishment of great courage, an achievement (n)
(a) feat
The pointed summit of a mountain (adj)
(a) peak
What kind of impact of how we measure a mountain have on society? (Inferencing/Critical Thinking)
It determines who the most credit is given to and who earns the titles and bragging rights for climbing the most difficult terrain.
To look through or search for something in a casual or haphazard way (phrasal verb)
(to) poke around
To intimidate or stimulate a discussion or argument on a particular topic (collocation)
(to) spark debate