Vocabulary: Units 1-3

According to the author, Native American structures have all of the following architectural features EXCEPT: A) Arches B) Stone Walls C) Pyramid Shapes D) Heavy, Solid Walls E) Angles and Parallel Lines

A) Arches

Longevity is best defined as: A) Long life B) Long Halls C) Modern design D) Timeless beauty E) Lasting popularity

A) Long life

In paragraph 3, the author speculates on why ancient Native American structures have withstood: A) Natural Disasters B) Hot, humid weather C) Countless tribal wars D) Snow, Wind, and Rain E) Invasion by Europeans

A) Natural Disasters

The clownish ___________ of cartoon characters, both animal and human, have won the hearts and ____________ of many generations of delighted children.

Antics; Plaudits

Rubble most nearly means: A) Slums B) Debris C) Ashes D) Nothing E) Building Blocks

B) Debris

The meaning of grapple with is: A) Doubt B) Tackle C) Ignore D) Accept E) Iron Hook

B) Tackle

Perspective is best defined as: A) Topic B) Viewpoint C) Argument D) Variation E) Theory

B) Viewpoint

The meaning of citadels is: A) Monuments B) Apartments C) Strongholds D) Bridges E) Malls

C) Strongholds

"If he weren't so rude, I 'd be glad to _____________ with him on the project," I said. "But I don't think I an work with someone who always behaves in such a _____________ manner.

Collaborate; Churlish

Kathryn looks forward to the book club meetings because she enjoys the ________________.

Conversation (Neutral Connotation)

The tutor was banging his head against the wall trying to explain algebra to me. What does "banging his head against the wall" mean?

It means, "frustrated after several unsuccessful attempts."

My best friend Brianna and I are always on the same wavelength. What does "on the same wavelength" mean?

It means, "in agreement."

I've gone over my house with a fine tooth comb, and I can't find my ring anywhere. What does "with a fine tooth comb" mean?

It means, "in great detail; thoroughly."

Zander better expect to pony up if he wants to buy that fancy motorcycle. What does "pony up" mean?

It means, "pay or contribute some money."

Unfortunately, the plans for the new pedestrian bridge have been put on ice. What does "put on ice" mean?

It means, "postponed."

The boss thinks that Eddie is a bad egg, and she wants me to watch him closely. What does "a bad egg" mean?

It means, "someone who cannot be trusted."

Ms. Robins is one smart cookie, so she is not going to believe that the dog ate your homework. What does "one smart cookie" mean?

It means, "someone who is not easy to deceive."

People who had been waiting for hours were outraged when a man __________ them on his way to the front of the line.

Jostled (Negative Connotation)

"A person has to expect a little accidental bumping and pushing in a crowded bus," I observed to my companion. "It's just not possible to avoid __________ another passenger when the center aisle is ________________ with people."

Jostling; Congested

Aunt Marla was excited to meet the _____________ movie star.

Legendary (Positive Connotation)

The main purpose of this passage is to: A) Describe how the Inca built pyramids B) Summarize the findings of ancient documents C) Challenge scholars' theories about Native American structures D) Explain why Native American structures are still standing E) Investigate why European buildings are superior to Native American structures

D) Explain why Native American structures are still standing

At the end of paragraph 1, the author poses two questions that: A) Are rarely discussed B) Cannot be answered C) Concern European scholars D) Provide a focus for the rest of the passage E) Puzzled ancient Native American architects

D) Provide a focus for the rest of the passage

Oblique most nearly means: A) Wide B) Sharp C) Unusual D) Sloping E) Straight

D) Sloping

It isn't very wise to give very young children toys that will break easily. They need playthings that are ____________ because they haven't yet learned to handle fragile items ___________.

Durable; Gingerly

The author's attitude toward ancient Native American builders is best described as one of: A) Criticism B) Sympathy C) Tolerance D) Bewilderment E) Admiration

E) Admiration

From lines 28-43, you can infer that the type of natural disaster the Inca were most likely to experience was: A) Floods B) Tornadoes C) Volcanic Eruptions D) Hurricanes E) Earthquakes

E) Earthquakes

He was a man or great energy and ____________. In no time at all, he rose from relatively humble beginnings to the very __________ of power.

Enterprise; Citadels

I consider myself to be a __________ shopper and buy most of my clothes off-season.

Frugal (Positive Connotation)

If you are careless with your money, you will always be penniless. But if you are _________, you may be able to _______ a sizable personal fortune.

Frugal; Amass

Tossed into a dark cell, the prisoner bumped around, feeling for the walls and the door. What is a synonym for "feeling?"

Groping

Although Jack was in agonizing pain, he kept a stiff upper lip until the paramedics arrived. What does "kept a stiff upper lip mean?"

It means, "acted bravely or showed no fear."

There were so many sales that I was able to buy this dress for a song. What does "for a song" mean?

It means, "at a very low price; for very little."

My little nephews fight like cats and dogs, so I don't enjoy babysitting them. What does "fight like cats and dogs" mean?

It means, "bicker; argue intensely."

Here is the passage, which discusses the way Native Americans built structures, such as pyramids, that have lasted for centuries.

Long before Europeans reached the Americas, native people erected massive citadels. Many of these ancient buildings still stand, delighting and fascinating both scholars and tourists. But the durability of these structures raises puzzling questions. Many Native American civilizations arose in earthquake zones or near active volcanoes. All of the structures built in these areas were subject to stresses that could have easily reduced them to rubble. What factors account for the longevity of these great monuments to Native American inventiveness and skill? Why have so many of these structures survived while so many European-style buildings have not? Because scholars have few written documents from this period to turn to, they must grapple with physical and cultural evidence. They compare they clues they find with what they know about modern architecture and building practices. Scholars now believe that Native American architects knew the secrets of building durable structures on unstable ground. Inca masons, for example, found a way to fit large blocks of stone together snugly to form walls that were both strong and flexible, able to withstand tremors and quakes. The tapered shape of he temple pyramids was also a contributing factor. Many early architects understood that the combination of oblique angles and straight, parallel lines gives a building stability. Comparison with European architecture provides another perspective. Unlike their European counterparts Native American architects did not construct arches. The arch, widely use in European buildings to achieve height, is very vulnerable to stresses that can cause it to collapse. In contrast, most early Native American structures rose in height with the support of heavy, solid walls. These elements may explain why so many of these superb structures remain for us to appreciate today.

Not only was William Blake a great poet, he was a talented artist as well. What is a synonym for "great?"

Prodigious

The TV marathon not only garnered ________________ amounts of money for Africa's starving millions but also yielded an unexpectedly rich ___________ of publicity for their plight.

Prodigious; Bonanza

When you act like a ____________ child, people will not react positively towards you.

Rebellious (Negative Connotation)

Many of the animals that were typically playful and trusting became bashful after the hurricane. What is a synonym for bashful?

Skittish

Did you see that car _______ into the other lane without signaling?

Turn (Neutral Connotation)

My mother is one of the three local citizens who are __________ for a seat on the school board.

Vying (Neutral Connotation)