2. Define the Word Using Context Clues  I found myself in a moral quandary: would I join my other friends in their celebration of Tom’s victory, or would I console Tina over her loss?

4. Quandary –Quandary –  dilemma, confusion, predicament, muddle

5. Define the Word Using Context Clues  After a week of working at a frenetic pace, she was ready for Saturday.

7. Frenetic  hyperactive, energetic, hectic, frantic

8. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Despite his tendency to dress in austere clothes, Adam is actually a very warm and friendly person.

10. Austere  stern, strict, harsh, unfriendly

11. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Mrs. Smith’s haughty behavior made people feel inferior and avoid her as much as possible.

13. Haughty  arrogant, superior, self-important, condescending

14. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Cameron’s explanation for how he ended up in jail was so convoluted that his wife couldn’t follow it.

16. Convoluted  complicated, complex, involved, elaborate

17. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Dolly’s dogged efforts to restore the Victorian house to its original glory finally paid off.

19. Dogged  determined, resolved, persistent, tireless

20. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Tiarra’s speech was so convincing that she managed to convince even the most cynical of readers.

22. Cynical  skeptical, doubtful, pessimistic, distrustful

23. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Delores Umbridge is such a pecksniffian character in that while she claims to be working for the good of her students, she is actually only concerned with power.

25. Pecksniffian  artificial, counterfeit, hypocritical, phony

26. Define the Word Using Context Clues  The picture floating around the Internet featuring a car in the background of a fight scene in the movie Braveheart, which is set in the 13 th century, is an anachronism.

28. Anachronism  an error in chronology, a person or thing that is chronologically out of order  A thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned

29. Define the Word Using Context Clues  Teresa’s rather caustic comments to the receptionist didn’t get her into the office any sooner.

31. Caustic  sharp, bitter, sarcastic, corroding