Writers choice (vocabulary and spelling strategies and practice) grade 10

Contents: Vocabulary for Writing in the Real World The Private Journals of Denise Chavez . . 1 Trahant Investigates Nuclear Transport. . 2 Clarke Follows the Equator . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Norfolk Tells Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Behind the Science Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mitchiner, Ross and Kahn Asks “What Will It Do To You?” 6 Literature Vocabulary Blue Highways: A Journey into America . . 7 “My FurthestBack Person—‘The African’”. . 8 The Solace of Open Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tortuga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Book of Bees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 “A Plague on Tennis” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Learning from Context Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cause and Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Word Roots and Compounds Word Roots and Base Words . . . . . . . . . 18 Word Roots I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Word Roots II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Word Roots III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Compound Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Prefixes Prefixes Meaning “Not” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Prefixes That Tell When. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Prefixes That Tell Where . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Prefixes Meaning “For” or “Against” . . . 26

Strategies and Practice

Grade 10

The Private Journals of Denise Chavez 1

Trahant Investigates Nuclear Transport 2

Clarke Follows the Equator 3

Norfolk Tells Tales 4

Behind the Science Feature 5

Mitchiner, Ross and Kahn Asks “What Will It Do To You?” 6

Literature Vocabulary Blue Highways: A Journey into America 7

“My Furthest-Back Person—‘The African’” 8

The Solace of Open Spaces 9

Tortuga 10

A Book of Bees 11

“A Plague on Tennis” 12

Learning from Context Definition 13

Example 14

Comparison 15

Contrast 16

Cause and Effect 17

Word Roots and Compounds Word Roots and Base Words 18

Word Roots I 19

Word Roots II 20

Word Roots III 21

Compound Words 22

Prefixes Prefixes Meaning “Not” 23

Prefixes That Tell When 24

Prefixes That Tell Where 25

Prefixes Meaning “For” or “Against” 26

Nouns 27

Adjectives 28

Verbs 29

Suffix Patterns I [-ize, -izer, -ization] 30

Suffix Patterns II [-ate, -ator, -ation] 31

Suffix Patterns III [-ion, -ive with spelling changes] 32

Suffix Patterns IV [-ence, -ent] 33

Suffix Patterns V [-ism, -ist, -istic] 34

Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus Using a Dictionary: Multiple Meanings 35

Using a Thesaurus: Synonyms 36

Using a Dictionary: Word Origins 37

Using Spelling Rules Spelling ie and ei 38

Spelling -cede,-ceed, and -sede 39

Spelling Unstressed Vowels 40

Adding Prefixes 41

Suffixes and the Silent e 42

Suffixes and the Final y 43

Doubling the Final Consonant 44

Adding -ly 45

Adding -ness 46

Forming Compound Words 47

Forming Plurals: General Rules 48

Forming Plurals: Special Rules 49

Mastering Troublesome Words Words Easily Confused 50

Frequently Misspelled Words I 51

Frequently Misspelled Words II 52

Answers 53

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 4–7.

story or play

the other actors

the past

same sound

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related to awriter’s vocabulary Say each word to yourself

denouement

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 42–45.

■ A Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences with an appropriate word from the list above

Consult a dictionary as needed

side of a story

really big story

side of an issue and lend it their support

■ B Definitions

Write the word from the list that best matches each description

this device

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related to

journalism Say each word to yourself

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 122–125.

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence with a word from the list

is navigated

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related to aship Say each word to yourself

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 166–169.

■ A Understanding Definitions

Write the word from the list above that best matches each definition below

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence with a word from the list You may need to change the form of the

word Refer to a dictionary as needed

poems orally for audiences throughout the country

for storytellers

instru-ments, they often accompanied their tunes with poems and stories

next, often orally

by storytellers

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related to

storytelling Say each word to yourself

legend

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 216–219.

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence with a word or expression from the list

during the hottest part of the day

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related tosleep Say each word to yourself

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 278–281.

■ A Word Association

To form each word cluster below, add a word from the list above that is closely associated with

the other two words

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence with a word or word group from the list You may need to change the

form of the word

radio and television—even park benches and signs trailing from airplanes!

the environment, or to donate to charities

The following words are important for understanding Writing in the Real World and words related to

advertising Say each word to yourself

testimonial

Key Information

Use with Unit 1, pp 32–38.

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the list Refer

to a dictionary as needed

canyon wall

experience symptoms of

miles downstream

example of architecture

The words listed below are important for understanding the Literature selection Say each word on thelist to yourself

Key Information

Use with Unit 2, pp 98–107.

■ A Understanding Words Through Contrast

Write the word from the list that has a nearly opposite meaning to each of the words below.

Consult a dictionary as needed

Read each definition below Write the word from the list that most closely matches each

definition Refer to a dictionary as needed

The words listed below are important for understanding the Literature selection Say each word on the

list to yourself

Key Information

Use with Unit 3, pp 156–162.

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the list above

You may have to change the word slightly to fit the context of the sentence Refer to a ary as needed

of others

low across his forehead, the city slicker strode into the lounge of the dude ranch

and down

to a small island

The words listed below include words that are important for understanding the Literature selection.Say each word on the list to yourself

Key Information

Use with Unit 4, pp 204–212.

■ A Understanding Definitions

Read each definition below Write the word from the list above that most closely matches each

definition Refer to a dictionary as needed

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the list above

You may have to change the form of some words Consult a dictionary as needed

a sewer grating

Our Lady of Guadalupe

demanding arpeggios

more like 220

The words listed below are important for understanding the Literature selection Say each word

to yourself

Key Information

Use with Unit 5, pp 266–274.

■ B Using Words About Beekeeping in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the list Refer

to a dictionary as needed

being stung

The words listed below are important for understanding the Literature selection Say each word on thelist to yourself

Key Information

Use with Unit 6, pp 314–318.

■ A Word Association

To form each word cluster below, add a word from the list above that is closely associated with

the other two words

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the list Refer

to dictionary as needed

confi-dent, cocky, and courageous

price of the computer

suited to the job

The words listed below are important for understanding the Literature selection Say each word on the

list to yourself

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings

Complete each of the following sentences by adding the appropriate word from the followinglist Let the clue words and the definitions guide your choices Refer to a dictionary as needed

studied coins

would be the most luxurious Europe had ever seen

long bus journey

hot-head or troublemaker

the crowd whether or not she intended to run for Congress

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Use each of the following words in a sentence that contains both a definition of the word andclue words to introduce the definition Use a dictionary as needed

You can often determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a sentence by studying the word’s text—that is, the other words around it Sometimes, the word will be defined in the same sentence or

con-in a followcon-ing sentence Clue words that often signal a defcon-inition con-include which means, also known

as, in other words, that is, and or.

Notice how the italicized word in the following sentence is defined within the sentence Notice alsothe boldface clue words that introduce the definition

The scientist’s findings were clearly empirical, which means they were based on the scientist’s

experiences

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings

Use the examples and illustrations in each of the following sentences to figure out the meaning

of each italicized word Watch for clue words that signal an example or illustration Write what

you think the italicized word means Then check a dictionary to confirm your definition

leader exactly what she thought of his legislation and his politics—right in the Senate

chambers for all to hear!

on freshly picked spring asparagus from the Loire valley, will do anything to satisfy his or

her senses

of an effective manager

■ B Clarifying Meaning

Complete each sentence with an example so that the meaning of the italicized word is clear

Consult a dictionary as needed

An unfamiliar word’s context—the other words around it—can often provide a clue to its meaning For

instance, an unfamiliar word may be followed by examples or illustrations that hint at its meaning

Such examples may be introduced by these clue words: for instance, such as, for example, and like.

Notice how each italicized word in the following sentences is followed by an example or illustration

that helps define the word Notice also the boldface clue words in each sentence

The concert hall has nearly perfect acoustics; for example, a whisper on stage can be heard quite

clearly in the fourth balcony

An impregnable castle, such as Castle Gilead, which was heavily guarded and nearly impossible to

reach, was King Anselm’s dream

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings

Complete each of the sentences below by adding the appropriate word from the following list Letthe clue words and the familiar comparisons guide your choices Consult a dictionary as needed

her most ardent devotees

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Use each of the following unfamiliar words in a sentence in which the unfamiliar word iscompared to something familiar Use the clue word in parentheses to introduce the familiarcomparison

The meaning of an unfamiliar word can often be discovered in the word’s context—the other wordsaround the unfamiliar word Sometimes the unfamiliar word will be compared to something familiar,thus revealing its meaning Such comparisons are often introduced with the following clue words:

likewise, also, similarly, and as.

Notice how the unfamiliar italicized words in the following sentences are compared to somethingfamiliar to reveal their meanings Notice also the boldface clue word that signals the comparison

The landscape was as arid as that of the great Sahara.

When it came to the stock market, Rene seemed almost clairvoyant; likewise, she was able

to predict in advance which of her customers would be buying and which would be selling

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings

Circle the clue words that signal contrast in the following sentences Then use the context to

figure out the meaning of each italicized word Write what you think the italicized word

means Then check a dictionary to confirm your definition

nearly two hours!

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the sentences below by choosing the appropriate word from the following

list Let the clue words and contrasting information guide your choices

concerns whatsoever for the defendant

and brash

An unfamiliar word can often be defined by its context—the other words around it For example, an

unfamiliar word may be followed by a familiar word or phrase that has the opposite meaning of the

unfamiliar word Such opposite, or contrasting, words and phrases are often introduced by these clue

words: however, but, on the contrary, and unlike.

Notice how the unfamiliar italicized words in the following sentences are followed by a familiar word

or phrase that has the opposite meaning of the unfamiliar word Notice also the boldface clue words

that signal the contrasting information

Emergency food supplies were ample; however, there was a serious shortage of medical equipment.

Phil was conscientious about his work, but his brother’s was both sloppy and incomplete.

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings

Complete each of the sentences below by adding the appropriate word from the following list Let the clue words and the effects they introduce guide your choices Refer to a dictionary

as needed

one wife

passen-gers panicked and lost their lives

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Write a sentence for each of the following words The word should be the cause for an stood effect Introduce the effect with an appropriate clue word Consult a dictionary as needed

The context of an unfamiliar word—the words around it—can often enable you to determine themeaning of the unfamiliar word For example, some unfamiliar words in a sentence describe a cause inwhich the effects are understood and hint at the meaning of the unfamiliar word These effects are

introduced by the following clue words: therefore, since, because, when, and as a result.

Notice how the unfamiliar italicized word in each of the following sentences describes a cause Alsonotice how the effect of that cause helps you to understand the unfamiliar word The boldface cluewords introduce the effect

The nurse knew the patient was ambulatory because she saw him walking to the solarium.

The fumes from the chemical spill proved noxious; as a result, several firefighters were treated for

breathing difficulties

Key Information

■ A Recognizing Word Families

For each word, write another word that has the same root The root is in boldface type

■ B Recognizing Base Words

Write the base word and a sentence for each of the following words

Every word is made up of parts By studying the parts of a word, you can discover clues to its meaning

The main part of a word is its root For example, the root of the word animal is anima, which means

“life or mind.” When the root is a complete word, it is called a base word Agree is a base word.

Roots and base words are often combined with prefixes and suffixes to form new words

Key Information

■ A Recognizing Word Families

Complete each word cluster with a word that has the same root Do not use any words thatappear on this page

■ B Understanding Word Roots

Circle the root of each of the following words Then write a brief definition of the word

Consult a dictionary to verify your definitions

The root of a word is its main part If you know the meaning of a word’s root, you have a clue to themeaning of the word

Key Information

■ A Creating Words from Roots

For each of the following roots, write two words that share the same root Do not use any of

the words on this page

■ B Understanding Word Roots

Rewrite each sentence without using the italicized word Your rewritten sentence should have

the same meaning as the original

The main part of any word is its root If you know the meaning of a word’s root, you can often figure

out the meaning of the word itself

Key Information

■ A Creating Words from Roots

For each of the following roots, write two words that share the same root Do not use any ofthe words on this page

■ B Understanding Word Roots

Rewrite each sentence without using the italicized word Your rewritten sentence should havethe same meaning as the original

The main part of a word is its root You can often discover the general meaning of a word if youknow the meaning of the word’s root

Key Information

■ A Building Compound Words

Add words to each boldface word to create compound words Your compounds can be written as

one word, two words, or hyphenated Consult a dictionary if you are unsure of the word’s spelling

■ B Using Compound Words in Sentences

Add a word to each word to create a compound word Then use that word in a sentence

Some words are formed by joining two words These joined words are called compounds If you

know the meanings of the original words, then you know the meaning of the compound Most

com-pounds are written as one word:

sail + boat = sailboat door + mat = doormatSome compound nouns, however, are written as two separate words Even so, each pair is still consid-

ered a single compound noun

door + prize = door prize ice + cream = ice creamFinally, some compounds are hyphenated, usually because they function as modifiers

fail + safe = fail-safe four + channel = four-channel

Key Information

■ A Creating Words with Prefixes Meaning “Not”

Add a prefix meaning “not” to each word to create a new word that means the opposite of theoriginal word

con-tributed to the Russian Revolution of 1918

competitive prices.

found herself face-to-face with the guillotine

A prefix is a word element that is added to the beginning of a word and changes the word’s meaning.The following prefixes mean “not.” Notice how each prefix changes the meaning of the base word towhich it is added

Key Information

■ A Defining Words with Prefixes That Tell When

Circle the prefix that has been added to each of the following words Write a brief definition of

each word based on the meaning of the prefix Check your answers in a dictionary

■ B Writing Sentences with Words That Tell When

Now that you have defined the words in Part A, choose any three and write a sentence for each

1

2

3

A prefix is a word element that is added to the beginning of a word and changes the word’s meaning

The following prefixes tell when about the word to which they are added Notice how each prefix

changes the meaning of the original word

Key Information

■ A Creating Words with Prefixes That Tell Where

Read each definition Then write a word with a prefix that matches the definition

■ B Defining Words with Prefixes That Tell Where

Write a brief definition of each of the following words The prefix will be your clue to themeaning of each word Use a dictionary to check your answers

A prefix is a word element that is added to the beginning of a word and changes the word’s meaning

The following prefixes tell where about the word to which they are added Notice how each prefix

changes the meaning of the original word

Key Information

■ A Creating Words with Prefixes

Read each phrase Then for each phrase create a word that defines it Each word you create

must include a prefix that means “for” or “against.”

■ B Writing Sentences with Prefixes

Use each of the following words in a sentence that hints at the meaning of the word

A prefix is a word element that is added to the beginning of a word and changes the word’s meaning

The following prefixes mean “for” or “against.” Notice how each prefix changes the meaning of the

original word

Prefixes Meanings Base Words New Words

Key Information

■ A Forming Nouns with Suffixes

Complete the chart by combining each base word and suffix to form a noun Then write themeaning of the noun you formed Refer to a dictionary as needed

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Write the word from the parentheses that completes each sentence

to the conflict (resistance, guidance)

(addressee, employee)

(reality, maturity)

and colorful (photography, geography)

A suffix is added to the end of a word to change the meaning of that word In addition, a suffix mayalso change the part of speech of the word to which it is added The chart below shows suffixes thatcan form nouns

Key Information

■ A Linking Words and Definitions

Use the following list of base words to form adjectives that match each definition below Form

each adjective by adding the appropriate suffix from the chart above

■ B Making Inferences About Words

Answer each question with yes or no Then briefly explain your answer Do not use a form of

the italicized word in your answer Consult a dictionary as needed

Example: Could a grown man be babyish? Response: Yes, if he acted like a spoiled child

A suffix is added to the end of a word to change the meaning of the word The suffix may also

change the word’s part of speech The chart below shows suffixes that can form adjectives

Suffixes Meanings Base Words Adjectives Formed

Key Information