Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behaviour. You really hurt your chances of winning!

In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while? What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research.

What does “esteemed” mean?

I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder.

What does "incentive" mean?

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United States until 1920.

Some people are sure that the new health care law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.

A controversy is something that people...

Removing seeds from cotton plants was a slow job until Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.

A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.

The original Pilgrims called themselves the “Saints” and referred to others who joined with them for the voyage as the “Strangers.”

The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact.

When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe.

As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her.

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet.

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a selfless person she is!

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves.

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves.

Which word in the above paragraph means supplies that are available to be used?

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

What are researchers?

Poor Farmer Chevez labours sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.

It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for a while.

Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighbourhood if an intruder gets in the house. An intruder is someone who intrudes.

To intrude is to __________.

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.

If a statement is plausible, __________.