The Glass Castle Part Vocab Part 1 &2

After losing the game, Jake became quite ornery, snapping at his friends and refusing to join in their post-game celebration.
In context, the best definition for ornery is:

• confused and distracted

• annoyed and irritable

• resilient and motivated

• downtrodden and upset

The magistrate listened carefully to both sides of the argument before making a fair decision in the court case.

What does magistrate mean?

• a specialized lawyer

• a police officer

• a juror in a trial

• a judge or official

The cantankerous old man often shouted at the neighborhood kids for playing too close to his yard, making everyone a little afraid to go near him.

What does cantankerous mean?

• Unwilling to listen to others

• Intimidating and arrogant towards others

• Frequently complaining or finding faults

• Believes in following the rules no matter what

After the unfair decision, the workers filed a grievance with management to express their concerns about the treatment they received.

What does grievance mean?

• Formal complaint or expression of dissatisfaction

• A suggestion or request for improvement

• An invitation to debate and vote

• A request to fire management staff

During the vote on the new policy, several members chose to abstain rather than take a side.

What does abstain mean?

• To abstain means to vote in favor.
• To abstain means to vote against.
• To abstain means to influence others' votes.
• To abstain means to refrain from voting.

The novel explores the depravity of the main character, revealing the dark choices that led him down a path of destruction.

What does depravity mean?

• Moral superiority or virtue.
• A state of happiness or joy.
• A form of artistic expression.
• Moral corruption or wickedness.

The detective was determined to uncover the truth behind the illicit activities that were taking place in the abandoned warehouse.

What does illicit mean?

• acceptable or allowed
• illegal or forbidden
• legal or permitted
• authorized or sanctioned

Known for his unconventional ideas, the maverick scientist often challenged traditional methods in his field, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

What does maverick mean?

• A scientist who only works within established guidelines.
• An individual who avoids taking risks in research.
• An independent-minded person who challenges conventional methods.
• A person who strictly follows traditional methods.

Even when the test results were announced, she remained nonchalant, casually chatting with her friends as if it didn’t matter to her.

What does nonchalant mean?

• Calm and unconcerned; indifferent.
• Confused and uncertain; anxious.
• Angry and frustrated; upset.
• Excited and enthusiastic; eager.

The comedian's vulgar jokes often offended some audience members, who preferred cleaner humor.

What does vulgar mean?

• Polite or respectful; showing good manners.
• Sophisticated or elegant; highly refined.
• Crude or offensive; lacking refinement.
• Humorous or entertaining; designed to amuse.