1. BUILDING VOCABULARY SKILLS
Fourth Edition
Sherrie L. Nist
© Townsend Press

2. Unit One: Chapter 4 • agenda • prospects • antidote • radical
• apathy • reinforce
• bland • relevant
• propaganda • ruthless
Page 20 in textbook.

3. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 agenda – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 agenda
– noun
• There are two items on the agenda for today’s office meeting: the company’s new product and the holiday party.
• Ralph’s daily agenda includes driving his granddaughter to school, working at the soup kitchen, and walking his dog after dinner.
Agenda means
A. a schedule.
B. a desk.
C. work.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.
“Besides eating and sleeping,
what’s on your agenda for today?”

4. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 agenda – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 agenda
– noun
• There are two items on the agenda for today’s office meeting: the company’s new product and the holiday party.
• Ralph’s daily agenda includes driving his granddaughter to school, working at the soup kitchen, and walking his dog after dinner.
Agenda means
A. a schedule.
B. a desk.
C. work.
Page 20 in textbook.
Two items are on the schedule for discussion at today’s meeting. Ralph’s daily schedule includes the three activities listed.
“Besides eating and sleeping,
what’s on your agenda for today?”

5. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 antidote – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 antidote
– noun
• Because there was no antidote for the snake’s poison, the cat that was bitten died.
• For me, a good antidote to feeling low is to bake a batch of brownies.
Antidote means
A. a short story.
B. a cause.
C. a cure.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

6. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 antidote – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 antidote
– noun
• Because there was no antidote for the snake’s poison, the cat that was bitten died.
• For me, a good antidote to feeling low is to bake a batch of brownies.
Antidote means
A. a short story.
B. a cause.
C. a cure.
Page 20 in textbook.
The cat died because there was no cure for the poison. Baking a batch of brownies (and then eating them) could be a cure for feeling low.

7. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 apathy – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 apathy
– noun
• Determined to shock her students out of their apathy, the history teacher showed up for class one day dressed as Joan of Arc.
• Voter apathy was high, causing a low turnout on election day.
Apathy means
A. pity.
B. understanding.
C. lack of interest.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

8. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 apathy – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 apathy
– noun
• Determined to shock her students out of their apathy, the history teacher showed up for class one day dressed as Joan of Arc.
• Voter apathy was high, causing a low turnout on election day.
Apathy means
A. pity.
B. understanding.
C. lack of interest.
Page 20 in textbook.
The students might be shocked out of their lack of interest if the teacher showed up for class dressed as Joan of Arc. Low turnout on election day would indicate that the voters lacked interest.

9. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 bland – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 bland
– adjective
• The addition of a bright red scarf changed Linda’s grey outfit from bland to striking.
• Mexicans, accustomed to hot and spicy foods, often find American dishes bland by comparison.
Bland means
A. old.
B. dull.
C. bitter.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

10. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 bland – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 bland
– adjective
• The addition of a bright red scarf changed Linda’s grey outfit from bland to striking.
• Mexicans, accustomed to hot and spicy foods, often find American dishes bland by comparison.
Bland means
A. old.
B. dull.
C. bitter.
Page 20 in textbook.
The gray outfit by itself would seem dull; the bright red scarf would make the outfit striking. The hot and spicy foods make the less spicy American dishes seem dull by comparison.

11. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 propaganda – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 propaganda
– noun
• Until recently, the propaganda put out by cigarette companies said that nicotine didn’t harm people’s health.
• The political candidates ran TV ads made up largely of propaganda directed against their opponents.
Propaganda means
A. research.
B. complaints.
C. publicity.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

12. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 propaganda – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 propaganda
– noun
• Until recently, the propaganda put out by cigarette companies said that nicotine didn’t harm people’s health.
• The political candidates ran TV ads made up largely of propaganda directed against their opponents.
Propaganda means
A. research.
B. complaints.
C. publicity.
Page 20 in textbook.
In order to sell cigarettes, tobacco companies would put out publicity saying that nicotine didn’t harm people’s health. Political candidates would put out publicity directed against their opponents. The words TV ads are a clue.

13. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 prospects – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 prospects
– noun
• The movie’s prospects for doing well at the box office were harmed by several bad reviews in the newspapers and on TV.
• What are my prospects of finding a hotel room in this town during Super Bowl weekend?
Prospects means
A. reasons.
B. chances.
C. fears.
Page 20 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

14. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 prospects – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 prospects
– noun
• The movie’s prospects for doing well at the box office were harmed by several bad reviews in the newspapers and on TV.
• What are my prospects of finding a hotel room in this town during Super Bowl weekend?
Prospects means
A. reasons.
B. chances.
C. fears.
Page 20 in textbook.
Bad reviews would harm a movie’s chances for doing well at the box office. One would wonder about the chances of finding a hotel room in town on Super Bowl weekend.

15. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 radical – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 radical
– adjective
• I won’t vote for the radical candidate—his beliefs are too extreme for me.
• Most students tried to change school policy through peaceful compromise, but a radical group wanted to take over the president’s office by force.
Radical means
A. extreme.
B. average.
C. young.
Page 21 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

16. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 radical – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 radical
– adjective
• I won’t vote for the radical candidate—his beliefs are too extreme for me.
• Most students tried to change school policy through peaceful compromise, but a radical group wanted to take over the president’s office by force.
Radical means
A. extreme.
B. average.
C. young.
Page 21 in textbook.
In the first item, the word extreme is a clue. In the second item, making over the president’s office by force is an extreme way to try to change school policy.

17. The metal mesh reinforces the concrete
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 reinforce
– verb
• Jonathan’s wisecrack reinforced the teacher’s opinion that he was interested only in fooling around.
• Some socks are reinforced at the heels and toes with extra layers of material so they won’t develop holes.
Reinforce means
A. to ruin.
B. to make stronger.
C. to repeat.
Page 21 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.
The metal mesh reinforces the concrete
that is poured over it.

18. The metal mesh reinforces the concrete
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 reinforce
– verb
• Jonathan’s wisecrack reinforced the teacher’s opinion that he was interested only in fooling around.
• Some socks are reinforced at the heels and toes with extra layers of material so they won’t develop holes.
Reinforce means
A. to ruin.
B. to make stronger.
C. to repeat.
Page 21 in textbook.
The wisecrack would strengthen the teacher’s opinion that the student was interested only in fooling around. Extra layers of material would make the heels and toes stronger.
The metal mesh reinforces the concrete
that is poured over it.

19. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 relevant – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 relevant
– adjective
• History is always relevant to our lives because it shows us what results can follow certain actions.
• “The weather is not relevant to this conversation,” Yvonne’s mother said. “Don’t change the subject when I bring up your speeding tickets.”
Relevant means
A. known.
B. related.
C. threatening.
Page 21 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

20. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 relevant – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 relevant
– adjective
• History is always relevant to our lives because it shows us what results can follow certain actions.
• “The weather is not relevant to this conversation,” Yvonne’s mother said. “Don’t change the subject when I bring up your speeding tickets.”
Relevant means
A. known.
B. related.
C. threatening.
Page 21 in textbook.
By showing us what results can follow certain actions, history is related to our lives. The topic of the weather is not related to the topic of Yvonne’s speeding tickets.

21. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 ruthless – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 ruthless
– adjective
• My English teacher is a ruthless grader. He shows no mercy for weak reasoning or faulty grammar, so I’ve had to work extra hard on my papers.
• Barry is so ruthless that he would step on coworkers to advance himself.
Ruthless means
A. sweet.
B. confusing.
C. without mercy.
Page 21 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

22. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 ruthless – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 ruthless
– adjective
• My English teacher is a ruthless grader. He shows no mercy for weak reasoning or faulty grammar, so I’ve had to work extra hard on my papers.
• Barry is so ruthless that he would step on coworkers to advance himself.
Ruthless means
A. sweet.
B. confusing.
C. without mercy.
Page 21 in textbook.
In the first item, the words shows no mercy are a clue. In the second item, someone who would step on his coworkers to advance himself is a person who is without mercy.

23. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
1. There are __________ drivers who make no effort to avoid hitting animals on the road.
2. Carlos’s personality is so __________ and unexciting that people tend not to notice him.
Page 22 in textbook.
Answers: 1. ruthless; 2. bland
The next slide explains the answers.

24. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
1. There are __________ drivers who make no effort to avoid hitting animals on the road.
ruthless
Drivers who make no effort to avoid hitting animals are merciless.
2. Carlos’s personality is so __________ and unexciting that people tend not to notice him.
bland
Page 22 in textbook.
A person who is unexciting would seem dull.

25. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
3. Your statement isn’t __________; it has nothing to do with our conversation.
4. Victoria will __________ the plant by tying its thin stem to a strong stick.
Page 22 in textbook.
Answers: 3. relevant; 4. reinforce; 5. prospects
The next slide explains the answers.
5. My sister’s __________ of passing Accounting II aren’t good. She hasn’t studied all term.

26. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
3. Your statement isn’t __________; it has nothing to do with our conversation.
relevant
If the statement has nothing to do with the conversation, it is not related.
4. Victoria will __________ the plant by tying its thin stem to a strong stick.
reinforce
Page 22 in textbook.
Tying the thin stem to a strong stick would add support to it.
5. My sister’s __________ of passing Accounting II aren’t good. She hasn’t studied all term.
prospects
If she hasn’t studied all term, her chances of success in the course would not be good.

27. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
6. All medicine cabinets should contain a general __________ for accidental poisoning.
7. Every morning Lin writes out her __________, jotting down what she needs to accomplish that day.
Page 22 in textbook.
Answers: 6. antidote; 7. agenda
The next slide explains the answers.

28. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
6. All medicine cabinets should contain a general __________ for accidental poisoning.
antidote
One would want to have something that reduces the effects of a poison on hand in case of accidental poisoning.
7. Every morning Lin writes out her __________, jotting down what she needs to accomplish that day.
agenda
Page 22 in textbook.
If Lin writes down what she needs to accomplish each day, she is making a list of things to be done.

29. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
8. Sidewalk litter is a sign of __________, showing that people don’t care about a clean environment.
9. Because my science teacher wants to do away with grading in his courses, many of the other teachers consider his views too __________.
Page 22 in textbook.
Answers: 8. apathy; 9. radical; 10. propaganda
The next slide explains the answers.
10. Advertisements are an important part of the __________ used by companies to persuade us to buy their products.

30. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. agenda B. antidote C. apathy D. bland E. propaganda
F. prospects G. radical H. reinforce I. relevant J. ruthless
8. Sidewalk litter is a sign of __________, showing that people don’t care about a clean environment.
apathy
Litter shows a lack of concern. The words don’t care about are a clue.
9. Because my science teacher wants to do away with grading in his courses, many of the other teachers consider his views too __________.
Page 22 in textbook.
radical
Doing away with grading might be considered extreme.
10. Advertisements are an important part of the __________ used by companies to persuade us to buy their products.
propaganda
To persuade us to buy their products, companies present information that supports those products.