“I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my toys!” T. J. announced angrily. “I thought you would

take good care of them, but I was wrong!”

I am working very hard for the same candidate that you support. You are doing it for pay. I’m not doing this for

money. I’m doing it out of conviction.

It was a sad and haunting strain that met our ears as we entered the old theater. There was a beauty in the voice

that we’d never forget. This would be a special concert.

What does “strain” mean in the context of the selection?

I want you to weigh his words carefully. He seems sincere and presents his arguments well. There is, however,

something that doesn’t quite ring true about the candidate.

What does “weigh” mean in the context of the selection?

Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate. That became obvious to me when I found out how much

time he’s donated to the campaign. Perhaps Michael knows what he’s doing.

What does “ardent” mean in the context of the selection?

Mary, of course you’re overweight. You eat too much junk food. Even worse, you exercise infrequently.

What does “infrequently” mean?

Your uncle wouldn’t even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip. That’s just one more example of his

penurious ways. In contrast, many people who have much less money have donated a great deal to the cause.

What does “penurious” mean?

There is a very interesting article about solar storms in the February 14, 2000 issue of Time magazine. It tells about

how these disturbances not only affect spacecraft, but can also disrupt terrestrial life. For example, they have even

caused automatic garage doors to open in one town.

What does “terrestrial” mean?

“Michelle, I’m very upset about what you said,” Rosie stated firmly. “You didn’t come right out and accuse me of

eating all your candy. On the other hand, your remarks about my love of chocolate were made for a reason. You are

insinuating that I’m the candy thief!”

What does “insinuate” mean?

I think it would help our basketball team, if we allowed girls to play. I’ve seen how Patty has a knack for making the

tough shots when they’re needed most. She wants to play on our team and we’d win more games with her help.

What does “knack” mean?

Connie is never happy when everyone is getting along. She always instigates fights and then acts like little Miss

Innocent.

When you instigate something, you __________.

I like that store. All the employees strive to make the customers feel right at home.

Which word is a synonym of “strive”?

This is a clandestine operation. It is extremely important that no one discovers what you’re doing!

A clandestine operation is supposed to be __________.

If you don’t recover quickly from your condition, it could become chronic. Then you might have to take medicine for

the rest of your life.

If something is chronic, it __________.