1. GROUNDWORK FOR A BETTER VOCABULARY
Fourth Edition
BETH JOHNSON
JANET M. GOLDSTEIN
© Townsend Press

2. Chapter 2 • analyze • deliberate • attitude • excessive
• category • fragile
• contrast • frustration
• critical • indicate
Page 16 in textbook.

3. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 analyze – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 analyze
– verb
• Someone in the laboratory will analyze the blood sample to see if the patient has an illness.
• Before we can suggest solutions, we must carefully analyze the city’s money problems.
Analyze means
A. to plan.
B. to study.
C. to create.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

4. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 analyze – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 analyze
– verb
• Someone in the laboratory will analyze the blood sample to see if the patient has an illness.
• Before we can suggest solutions, we must carefully analyze the city’s money problems.
Analyze means
A. to plan.
B. to study.
C. to create.
Page 16 in textbook.
One would study the blood sample to see if the patient is ill. And one would study the money problems in order to suggest solutions.

5. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 attitude – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 attitude
– noun
• Athletes need to have a positive attitude. Even if they have lost the previous game, they need to come to the next one ready to win.
• Rudy came to the party with a very poor attitude; he was sure he’d be bored and wouldn’t have any fun.
Attitude means
A. set of rules.
B. background.
C. way of thinking.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

6. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 attitude – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 attitude
– noun
• Athletes need to have a positive attitude. Even if they have lost the previous game, they need to come to the next one ready to win.
• Rudy came to the party with a very poor attitude; he was sure he’d be bored and wouldn’t have any fun.
Attitude means
A. set of rules.
B. background.
C. way of thinking.
Page 16 in textbook.
Coming to the next game prepared to win is a positive way of thinking. Arriving at a party expecting to be bored is a poor way of thinking.

7. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 category – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 category
– noun
• When Jasmine was in high school, she didn’t seem to fit into any category. She wasn’t an athlete, a scholar, or a rebel.
• The small store had many jazz and rock recordings, but not much in the category of country music.
Category means
A. goal.
B. feeling.
C. group.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

8. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 category – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 category
– noun
• When Jasmine was in high school, she didn’t seem to fit into any category. She wasn’t an athlete, a scholar, or a rebel.
• The small store had many jazz and rock recordings, but not much in the category of country music.
Category means
A. goal.
B. feeling.
C. group.
Page 16 in textbook.
Athletes, scholars, and rebels are three groups or types of students. Jazz, rock, and country music are three groups or types of music.

9. between these two colors.
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 contrast
– noun
• Everyone is surprised to see that there is a contrast between Peggy’s eyes. One eye is brown, and the other is green.
• I was struck by the contrast between the fancy houses west of Main Street and the poor neighborhoods to the east.
Contrast means
A. disappointment.
B. place.
C. difference.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.
There is a contrast
between these two colors.

10. between these two colors.
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 contrast
– noun
• Everyone is surprised to see that there is a contrast between Peggy’s eyes. One eye is brown, and the other is green.
• I was struck by the contrast between the fancy houses west of Main Street and the poor neighborhoods to the east.
Contrast means
A. disappointment.
B. place.
C. difference.
Page 16 in textbook.
There is a contrast
between these two colors.
If one eye is brown and the other green, there is a difference between Peggy’s eyes. And if there are fancy houses in one part of town and poor neighborhoods in another part, there is a difference between the two parts of town.

11. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 critical – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 critical
– adjective
• My boss can be very critical of me when I don’t do my best work, but she’s also quick to praise me when I do well.
• My aunt is critical of her neighbors. She calls them lazy because their house needs painting and their yard is overgrown with weeds.
Critical means
A. faultfinding.
B. jealous.
C. proud.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

12. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 critical – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 critical
– adjective
• My boss can be very critical of me when I don’t do my best work, but she’s also quick to praise me when I do well.
• My aunt is critical of her neighbors. She calls them lazy because their house needs painting and their yard is overgrown with weeds.
Critical means
A. faultfinding.
B. jealous.
C. proud.
Page 16 in textbook.
The boss praises good work but finds fault with less good work. If the aunt calls the neighbors lazy, she is finding fault with them.

13. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 deliberate – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 deliberate
– adjective
• Manny’s pushing me was quite deliberate; it wasn’t accidental at all.
• I’m sure our neighbor knew that the tall tree he was planting would keep the sun from our flowers. It was a deliberate dirty trick.
Deliberate means
A. easy.
B. fair.
C. planned.
Page 16 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

14. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 deliberate – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 deliberate
– adjective
• Manny’s pushing me was quite deliberate; it wasn’t accidental at all.
• I’m sure our neighbor knew that the tall tree he was planting would keep the sun from our flowers. It was a deliberate dirty trick.
Deliberate means
A. easy.
B. fair.
C. planned.
Page 16 in textbook.
If the pushing wasn’t accidental, it must have been planned. If the neighbor knew the tree would block the sun, planting it was a planned dirty trick.

15. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 excessive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 excessive
– adjective
• Excessive speed caused the accident; the truck driver was going nearly eighty miles an hour.
• Mrs. Hill’s concern about her little boy’s health is excessive. She rushes him to the doctor every time he gets the sniffles or scrapes his knee.
Excessive means
A. overly great.
B. off and on.
C. normal.
Page 17 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

16. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 excessive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 excessive
– adjective
• Excessive speed caused the accident; the truck driver was going nearly eighty miles an hour.
• Mrs. Hill’s concern about her little boy’s health is excessive. She rushes him to the doctor every time he gets the sniffles or scrapes his knee.
Excessive means
A. overly great.
B. off and on.
C. normal.
Page 17 in textbook.
Eighty miles an hour is overly great speed or more speed than is reasonable. If Mrs. Hill rushes her son to the doctor for every little thing, she is showing overly great concern about his health.

17. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 8 fragile – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 fragile
– adjective
• The lamp is fragile, so when you pack it, please put it in a deep box with plenty of newspaper around it.
• Our bones become more fragile with age. That is why elderly people often break their hips when they fall.
Fragile means
A. broken.
B. strong.
C. breakable.
Page 17 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

18. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 8 fragile – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 fragile
– adjective
• The lamp is fragile, so when you pack it, please put it in a deep box with plenty of newspaper around it.
• Our bones become more fragile with age. That is why elderly people often break their hips when they fall.
Fragile means
A. broken.
B. strong.
C. breakable.
Page 17 in textbook.
Using plenty of newspaper would protect the breakable lamp. If elderly people often break their hips, their bones are breakable.

19. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 frustration – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 frustration
– noun
• As Dan studied the instructions for setting up his computer, a look of frustration crossed his face. “I’ll never figure this out!” he groaned.
• Elaine felt great frustration when she failed her driving test for the third time.
Frustration means
A. relief.
B. discouragement.
C. pleasure.
Page 17 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

20. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 frustration – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 frustration
– noun
• As Dan studied the instructions for setting up his computer, a look of frustration crossed his face. “I’ll never figure this out!” he groaned.
• Elaine felt great frustration when she failed her driving test for the third time.
Frustration means
A. relief.
B. discouragement.
C. pleasure.
Page 17 in textbook.
Not being able to figure out the instructions would cause Dan discouragement. And failing the driving test three times would cause Elaine great discouragement.

21. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 indicate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 indicate
– verb
• Jeff’s frown seemed to indicate that he was unhappy with our plan.
• The parking-lot attendant pointed to indicate that Lonnie should drive the car all the way up to the fence.
Indicate means
A. to hide.
B. to show.
C. to plan.
Page 17 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.
A sign that indicates
a sharp turn in the road

22. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 indicate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 indicate
– verb
• Jeff’s frown seemed to indicate that he was unhappy with our plan.
• The parking-lot attendant pointed to indicate that Lonnie should drive the car all the way up to the fence.
Indicate means
A. to hide.
B. to show.
C. to plan.
Page 17 in textbook.
Jeff’s frown shows he was unhappy. By pointing, the attendant is showing Lonnie where to park the car. The sign shows or signals a sharp curve.
A sign that indicates
a sharp turn in the road

23. CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
1. To avoid the __________ of failing the driving test again, Elaine has decided to take driving lessons.
2. After losing every game last season, the soccer players began training this year with a poor __________. If their mind-set doesn’t improve, they will have another losing season.
Page 18 in textbook.
Answers: 1. frustration; 2. attitude
The next slide explains the answers.

24. CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
1. To avoid the __________ of failing the driving test again, Elaine has decided to take driving lessons.
frustration
Failing the test again would be a disappointment for Elaine.
2. After losing every game last season, the soccer players began training this year with a poor __________. If their mind-set doesn’t improve, they will have another losing season.
attitude
Page 18 in textbook.
Losing every game would cause the players to have a poor state of mind. The words mind-set are a clue.

25. CHECK 1 3. A planned action is __________.
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
3. A planned action is __________.
4. __________ eating during the holidays led to my gaining three pounds.
Page 18 in textbook.
Answers: 3. deliberate; 4. excessive; 5. indicate
The next slide explains the answers.
5. A road sign with a picture of a leaping deer _________s that deer often cross the road at that spot.

26. CHECK 1 3. A planned action is __________. deliberate
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
3. A planned action is __________.
deliberate
The word planned is a clue.
4. __________ eating during the holidays led to my gaining three pounds.
Excessive
Page 18 in textbook.
Gaining weight is often caused by eating too much.
5. A road sign with a picture of a leaping deer _________ that deer often cross the road at that spot.
indicates
Road signs serve as signals to drivers.

27. CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
6. When Maggie _________d her reasons for wanting to marry Joe, she realized that they were not good ones.
7. Many teenagers feel their parents are too __________ of their clothing, music, and friends.
Page 18 in textbook.
Answers: 6. analyze; 7. critical
The next slide explains the answers.

28. CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
6. When Maggie _________ her reasons for wanting to marry Joe, she realized that they were not good ones.
analyzed
In order to realize her reasons were not good ones, Maggie must have examined those reasons carefully.
7. Many teenagers feel their parents are too __________ of their clothing, music, and friends.
critical
Page 18 in textbook.
It is common for parents to be disapproving of their teenage children’s clothing, music, and friends.

29. CHECK 1 8. Something that is __________ can be easily damaged.
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
8. Something that is __________ can be easily damaged.
9. Which __________ of movie do you prefer, comedy or action-adventure?
Page 18 in textbook.
Answers: 8. fragile; 9. category; 10. contrast
The next slide explains the answers.
10. I was surprised by the __________ between kind, gentle Bill and his impatient, bad-tempered brother.

30. CHECK 1 8. Something that is __________ can be easily damaged. fragile
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. analyze B. attitude C. category
D. contrast
E. critical
F. deliberate G. excessive H. fragile
I. frustration
J. indicate
8. Something that is __________ can be easily damaged.
fragile
“Easily damaged” is one of the definitions of fragile.
9. Which __________ of movie do you prefer, comedy or action-adventure?
category
Page 18 in textbook.
Comedy and action-adventure are two types of movies.
10. I was surprised by the __________ between kind, gentle Bill and his impatient, bad-tempered brother.
contrast
If one brother is kind and gentle and the other is impatient and bad tempered, there is an obvious difference between them.

31. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 1. analyze A. remember B. examine
Synonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the same as the boldfaced word.
1. analyze A. remember B. examine
C. find fault with D. use
2. attitude A. height B. outlook
C. knowledge D. skill
Page 20 in textbook.
Answers: 1. B; 2. B
The next slide explains the answers.

32. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 1. analyze A. remember B. examine
Synonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the same as the boldfaced word.
1. analyze A. remember B. examine
C. find fault with D. use
Analyze means “to examine carefully” or “study closely.”
2. attitude A. height B. outlook
C. knowledge D. skill
Page 20 in textbook.
Attitude means “a point of view” or “a state of mind.”

33. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 3. category A. group B. purpose
Synonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the same as the boldfaced word.
3. category A. group B. purpose
C. reaction D. problem
4. critical A. absent B. frightened
C. nervous D. disapproving
Page 20 in textbook.
Answers: 3. A; 4. D; 5. C
The next slide explains the answers.
5. indicate A. plan B. conceal
C. show D. disappoint

34. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 3. category A. group B. purpose
Synonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the same as the boldfaced word.
3. category A. group B. purpose
C. reaction D. problem
A category is a group of people or things that have something in common.
4. critical A. absent B. frightened
C. nervous D. disapproving
Page 20 in textbook.
Critical means “disapproving” or “tending to find fault with.”
5. indicate A. plan B. conceal
C. show D. disappoint
Indicate means “to show” or “to serve as a sign or signal.”

35. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 6. contrast A. difference B. environment
Antonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the opposite of the boldfaced word.
6. contrast A. difference B. environment
C. enjoyment D. sameness
7. deliberate A. accidental B. harmful
C. helpful D. fortunate
Page 20 in textbook.
Answers: 6. D; 7. A
The next slide explains the answers.

36. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 6. contrast A. difference B. environment
Antonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the opposite of the boldfaced word.
6. contrast A. difference B. environment
C. enjoyment D. sameness
Contrast means “an obvious difference.”
7. deliberate A. accidental B. harmful
C. helpful D. fortunate
Page 20 in textbook.
Deliberate means “done on purpose” or “carefully planned.”

37. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 8. excessive A. not real B. not enough
Antonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the opposite of the boldfaced word.
8. excessive A. not real B. not enough
C. unexpected D. required
9. fragile A. damaged B. unbreakable
C. unnecessary D. beautiful
Page 20 in textbook.
Answers: 8. B; 9. B; 10. C
The next slide explains the answers.
10. frustration A. showing ignorance B. feeling hatred
C. being satisfied D. expressing surprise

38. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 8. excessive A. not real B. not enough
Antonyms. Choose the word or phrase that most nearly means the opposite of the boldfaced word.
8. excessive A. not real B. not enough
C. unexpected D. required
Excessive means “too much” or “more than is reasonable.”
9. fragile A. damaged B. unbreakable
C. unnecessary D. beautiful
Page 20 in textbook.
Fragile means “easily broken or damaged.”
10. frustration A. showing ignorance B. feeling hatred
C. being satisfied D. expressing surprise
Frustration means “a feeling of anger or helplessness” or “disappointment.”