Writers choice vocabulary and spelling strategies and practice grade 11

Vocabulary and Spelling
Strategies and Practice
Grade 11

i_ii_Anc_889785.indd 1

4/9/08 4:54:27 PM


Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to
reproduce the material contained herein on the condition that such materials be reproduced only for
classroom use; be provided to students, teachers, and families without charge; and be used solely in
conjunction with the program. Any other reproduction, for sale or other use, is expressly prohibited.
Send all inquiries to:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
8787 Orion Place
Columbus, OH 43240-4027
ISBN: 978-0-07-889785-6
MHID: 0-07-889785-8
Printed in the United States of America.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 047 12 11 10 09 08

i_ii_Anc_889785.indd 2

4/9/08 4:54:29 PM


Contents
Vocabulary for Writing in the Real World
Eyewitness to a Hurricane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Where Her Characters Come From. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Discovery in the Digs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
More Than a Baseball Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
When the World Wants to Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
A Plea for the Rights of Native Ancestors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Literature Vocabulary
Black Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
An American Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
“The Signature” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
“The Case of Harry Houdini” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Soul of a New Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
“Of Accidental Judgments and Casual Slaughters”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Learning from Context
Learning from Context: Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Learning from Context: Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Word Roots and Compounds
Word Roots and Base Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Latin Roots I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Latin Roots II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Latin Roots III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Latin Roots IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Greek Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Compound Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Prefixes
Prefixes Meaning “Not” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Prefixes That Tell When. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Prefixes That Tell Where or How. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Prefixes That Tell How Much or How Well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

iii


Contents
Suffixes
Changing Meaning with Suffixes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Suffix Patterns I [-ment, -er] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Suffix Patterns II [-ify, -ification, -ifier] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Suffix Patterns III [-ate, -ation, -ator] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Suffix Patterns IV [-ion, -ive w/wo spelling changes]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Suffix Patterns V [-ation, -er] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Suffix Patterns VI [-ant, -ent; -ance, -ence] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Suffix Patterns VII [-ant, -ent; -ancy, -ency]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Suffix Patterns VIII [-ate, -acy] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus
Using the Dictionary: Multiple Meanings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using the Thesaurus: Synonyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using the 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

iv


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

1

Eyewitness to a Hurricane
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 4–7.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and words relating to boating. Say each word on the list to yourself.
vignette
captivating
chronicling

rudder
idyllic
bow

anecdote
mast
log

narrative
starboard
galley

humanities
editor
relentless

■ A. Relating Words to Concepts
1. Which words name the parts of a boat? ________________________________________________
2. Which words refer to a story or description? _________________________________________________________
3. Which words could describe a very pleasant place? ______________________________________
4. Which words relate to record keeping? ____________________________________________________

■ B. Completing Sentences
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear. Use a dictionary
if needed.
1. As we sailed due north, I stood on the starboard side and watched the sun ___________________

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

2. In the log, I recorded _______________________________________________________________________

3. That book was so captivating, I _________________________________________________________

4. It was hard to prepare ______________ in the boat’s tiny galley.

5. Last semester Lucia took two humanities courses, one in ______________ and another in ______

6. When the first draft is finished, the editor ______________________________________________

7. Because of the relentless traffic, I arrived _____________________________________________

8. The island was idyllic for vacations, with its ____________________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

1


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

2

Where Her Characters Come From
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 48–51
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and words related to creating cartoons. Say each word on the list to yourself.
evaluate
syndicated

mood

sketching
subordinate
gags

recurring
revise
dialogue

flighty
silhouettes
stimulate

■ A. Word Association
To form each word cluster below, add a word from the list that is closely associated with the
other words.
1. change, re-write, ________________________________________________________________
2. think, consider, _________________________________________________________________
3. humor, jokes, ___________________________________________________________________
4. drawing, printing, _______________________________________________________________

■ B. Substituting Synonyms
Rewrite each sentence, substituting a synonym from the above word list for each underlined
word or phrase.

2. The newspaper article reported a conversation between the mayor and her advisers.

3. My favorite cartoonist is regularly published in over twenty major newspapers.

4. In a good newspaper, opinions are second in importance to presenting the facts.

5. Katie has been having a repeating dream about competing in the Olympics.

6. Our writing teacher tried to prompt suggestions for research projects.

7. Most cartoons use simple outlines of the characters’ faces.

8. Colin has always been a very unpredictable child.

2

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 2

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

1. As the meeting began, a tense feeling hung over the room.


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

3

Discovery in the Digs
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 124–127.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and words related to archaeology. Say each word on the list to yourself.
lone wolf

colleagues
potsherd
rummage

documented
newsletter
artifacts
novice

deduction
analysis
excavation
scrutinize

migrate
field
incorporate
monograph

■ A. Using Words in Sentences
Complete each sentence below by selecting the appropriate word or words from the above list.
1. Maria and her ______________ work together often as a team.
2. Jim has played tennis for many years, but Lisa is still a ______________ at the game.
3. Many northern birds ______________ to the south in winter.
4. Our dog loves to ______________ through the garbage in search of scraps.
5. By taking careful measurements, scientists have ______________ the effects of acid rain
on many forests.
6. Public speakers often try to ______________ a few jokes in their speeches.

■ B. Relating Words to Concepts

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Answer the following questions using words from the list. Each answer should be a
complete sentence.
1. Which two words name places where an archaeologist might work?

2. Which two words name objects an archaeologist might discover?

3. Which three words relate to the careful observation and reasoning that an archaeologist uses?

4. Which two words name publications in which archaeologists might report their findings?

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 3

3


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

4

More Than a Baseball Story
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 168–171.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and many words related to baseball. Say each word on the list to yourself.
scenario
mariachi

invaluable
bunt

ethnic
retention
diamond
glove

contemporary
barrio
clippings
proponent

hindsight
immerse
biographies
oral history

■ A. Word Association
Complete each word cluster by writing a word from the list that is closely associated with the
other two words or phrases.
1. origin, nationality, ____________________

5. worthwhile, helpful, ___________________

2. hit, bat, ______________________________

6. memory, recall, ________________________

3. outline, plot, ________________________

7. music, band, _________________________

4. baseball field, playing area, _____________

8. catcher, mitt, ________________________

■ B. Completing Sentences
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word or phrase is clear.
Use a dictionary to check meanings as needed.
1. A contemporary source describing the American Revolution is one that was written in
2. The barrio is the area of the city where _______________________________________________

3. In her scrapbook Ramona keeps clippings from __________________________________________

4. As a proponent of physical fitness, Raul tries to _________________________________________

5. An oral history of something is based on _______________________________________________________________

6. By using hindsight, one can ________________________________________________________

7. In order to immerse herself in the history of World War II, Rachel _________________________

8. Mike reads lots of biographies because he likes to find out about __________________________

4

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 4

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

the ______________ century.


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

5

When the World Wants to Know
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 210–213.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and words related to writing. Say each word on the list to yourself.
crucial
expedition
draft
brochure

luxury
expository
longhand
equivalent

crow’s nest
touted
geologist
press release

image

overview
generated
analogy

■ A. Completing a Word Range

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Ranges are groups of related words such as morning, afternoon, evening; animal, vegetable,
mineral; and cool, warm, hot. Add a word from the list that forms a range with the other
two words. Then write the word on the line to the right of the range.
1. hike, trip, ___________

______________________________

2. idea, ___________, final version

______________________________

3. fiction writing, opinion writing, ___________ writing

______________________________

4. similar, near match, ___________

______________________________

5. ___________, typing, word processing

______________________________

6. one-page flier, ___________, book

______________________________

7. desirable, important, ___________

______________________________

8. necessities, comfort, ___________

______________________________

■ B. Completing Sentences
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word or phrase is clear. Use a
dictionary to check meanings as needed.
1. If you stand in the crow’s nest, you’ll be able to ________________________________________
2. Disneyland is often touted as being _____________________________________________________
3. As a geologist, Kara is interested in _______________________________________________________
4. The survey of voter opinion generated __________________________________________________________
5. Our local environmental organization gave out a press release in order to ___________________
6. When describing the heart, scientists sometimes use the analogy, of a pump, because the

heart is __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. That candidate is not likely to win the election because he has developed an image as _____________________________
8. The first paragraph of a newspaper story often gives an overview of the story, covering _________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 5

5

Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

6

A Plea for the Rights of Native Ancestors
Use with Writing in the Real World, pp. 266–269
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World
and words related to the law. Say each word on the list to yourself.
limelight
repatriate
sequestered

versed
spokesman
determined

style
lobbying
advocate

clout
ethical
dispassionate

credibility
infraction

■ A. Substituting Synonyms
Complete each sentence with a synonym for the word in parentheses.
1. She is very well _______________ in the field of ancient art. (informed)
2. This plan raises many _______________ questions. (moral)
3. He spoke in a calm, _______________ tone. (unemotional)
4. After contradicting himself several times, the witness lost his _______________.
(believability)
5. Jamie is uncomfortable being in the _______________. (center of attention)
6. The police _______________ that the suspect must have stolen the car. (figured out)
7. The Chamber of Commerce has a great deal of _______________ in this city.
(political power)

■ B. Word Pairs
Choose a word from the list that fits each definition. Then write a sentence for that word.
Be sure to underline the word in the sentence.
1. Persuading legislators to act in favor of a proposal _____________________________________________________________

2. Way in which ideas are presented ___________________________________________________

3. Return to one’s own country _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Man who expresses or speaks in favor of the ideas of a group ____________________________________________________________________

5. Breaking of the law ________________________________________________________________

6

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 6

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

8. After being _______________ for six hours, the jury was sent home for the day.
(secluded)


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

7

Black Ice, by Lorene Cary
Use with Unit 1, pp. 40–44.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself.
commotion
lithe
shirk

imminent
dribble
backboard

tyrannical
partition
rebound

flail
robust

capricious

wicket
arc

■ A. Using Words in Sentences
Complete each sentence with a word from the list. You may need to change the form of
the word.
1. To establish a solid reputation in public office, you must not ________________ your
responsibilities to the people.
2. Marie ________________ her arms, trying to block Ginny’s shot at the basket.
3. The teacher used a folding screen as a ________________ between the two groups
of students.
4. The speaker stood silently at the microphone, waiting for the ________________ in the
auditorium to quiet down.
5. When I saw the dark hovering clouds, I knew that a storm was ________________.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

6. Raul walked away in the night, his flashlight making a small ________________ of
light as his arm swung back and forth.

■ B. Grouping Words by Concept
For each description write two words from the list. Then choose one of the words and write
a sentence on the second line.
1. Things a ball might hit in certain games ______________________________________________

2. Words to describe a person’s physical condition ________________________________________

3. What a basketball player might do with the ball ________________________________________

4. Words to describe an unfair person or unfair action ______________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 7

7


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

8

An American Childhood, by Annie Dillard
Use with Unit 2, pp. 104–109.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself.
tremulous
enterprise
portulaca

flaunts
visionaries
scathing

conversely
improvise
andirons

machetes
dumbstruck
connoisseur

anarchist
ostracism

■ A. Grouping Words by Concept
Write one word from the list that fits each of the following descriptions.
1. Relating to business activities ________________________________________________________________
2. Type of flowering plants _______________________________________________________________
3. Meaning “openly critical” ______________________________________________________________
4. Meaning “fearful” _________________________________________________________________________________________
■ B. Clarifying Meaning
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear.
1. Bill flaunts his extreme ideas by ________________________________________________________
2. In that country, the summer is mild; conversely, here the winter is _____________________________

4. Inventors are often visionaries who ____________________________________________________
5. After the first few minutes, I had to improvise my speech, because ___________________________
6. When I hung up the phone, I was dumbstruck and could ____________________________________
7. Lucy is an anarchist who believes that _____________________________________________________
8. Alison was the victim of ostracism when her friends _____________________________________
9. We don’t have any use for those andirons because _______________________________________
10. As a connoisseur of cameras, Sarah can ________________________________________________

8

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 8

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

3. The explorers carried machetes into the jungle so that they could __________________________


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

9

“The Signature,” by Elizabeth Enright
Use with Unit 3, pp. 156–164.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself.
eaves
blanched
cirrus
conviction

persistent
animation
noncommittal
fathom

remnants
periphery
undeviating
reiterated

dispirited
imperceptible
zenith
irrelevant

■ A. Word Association
Complete each word cluster below by writing two words from the list that are closely
associated with the other words.
1. sky, sun, _________________________________________________________________________
2. steady, constant, ______________________________________________________________________
3. unenthusiastic, doubtful, _________________________________________________________________________________
4. insignificant, unnoticeable, ________________________________________________________

■ B. Substituting Synonyms
Complete each sentence substituting a synonym from the above word list for the word in
parentheses. You may need to change the form of the word.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

1. You don’t need to ________________ that point; I understood it the first time. (repeat)
2. Despite what she saw around her, Anne Frank had a ________________ that people were
basically good. (strong belief)
3. A robin had built a nest under the ________________. (edge of the roof)
4. As the runners took their positions at the starting line, the spectators crowded around the

________________ of the field. (edge)
5. The fallen leaves gradually became ________________ by the sun and the wind.
(bleached)
6. I just cannot ________________ why Matt would have done such a foolish thing.
(understand)

7. If you want to be believable as an actor, you must have ________________ in your voice.
(liveliness)
8. When I got up this morning, the ________________ of last night’s dinner were still on
the kitchen table. (remains)

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11, Unit 9

9


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

10

“The Case of Harry Houdini,” by Daniel Mark Epstein
Use with Unit 4, pp. 198–206.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself.
ingenuity
indemnity
authoritarian

manacles
prowess
endeared

pachyderms
demythologizes

metaphor

diligent
coverage
hitch

retraction
dint

■ A. Relating Words to Concepts
1. Which word relates to physical restraint? ______________________________________________
2. Which word relates to nonphysical force? ______________________________________________
3. Which word means “imagination” and “cleverness”? ______________________________________
4. Which word is a legal term that a lawyer might use? _____________________________________

■ B. Completing Sentences
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear.
1. Carla loves to see the pachyderms each time her father takes her to the _______________________

2. The newspaper printed a retraction of a front-page article, stating that the article was actually _____

4. By dint of Carrie’s ability in math, _______________________________________________________

5. In describing a football game, the sportscaster used the metaphor of a war battle, because ______

6. Because of the hitch in the launching of the space shuttle, _______________________________________

7. Mr. Jackson was a diligent worker who always _________________________________________
8. Ms. Havlicek displayed her prowess as a detective when she ___________________________________

9. The television stations gave the storm a great deal of coverage by __________________________

10. The dog endeared himself to the children because _________________________________________________

10

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

3. A recent book demythologizes Elvis Presley by describing ________________________________


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

11

The Soul of a New Machine, by Tracy Kidder
Use with Unit 5, pp. 256–262.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself.
attainments
mystique
benign

commensurate
conglomerate
prosaic

geophysics
quantify
meteorology

constitute
silicon
vulnerable

protoplasm
abetted
diagnose

salutary
insidious
banal

■ A. Word Association
To form each word cluster below, add two words from the list that are closely associated with
the other two words.
1. substance, chemical, ______________________________________________________________
2. dull, unoriginal, __________________________________________________________________
3. chemistry, astronomy, ____________________________________________________________
4. measure, analyze, _________________________________________________________________
5. harmless, desirable, ______________________________________________________________

■ B. Substituting Synonyms
Rewrite each sentence substituting a synonym from the list for the underlined word or phrase.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

1. A person who is in poor physical condition is more open to attack if exposed to disease.
2. The cracks in the foundation represent a serious weakness in the building’s support.
3. Depression is often an unnoticed but dangerous illness that deserves serious attention.
4. The sentence was unfair because it was not proportionate to the crime.
5. Amble, Inc., is a huge corporation consisting of several smaller companies.
6. The politician was helped in his activities by several supporters who stood to profit.
7. Often, a movie star’s sense of mystery and importance has nothing to do with the actor’s
personality.
8. Ramon was understandably very proud of his many achievements in music.

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

11


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

12

“Of Accidental Judgments and Casual Slaughters,”
by Kai Erikson
Use with Unit 6, pp. 310–320.
Key Information
Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding the Literature selection. Say
each word on the list to yourself. Then answer the questions that follow.
parable
consensus
inertia

nonlethal
resolute
muse

detonation
specter
consumed

fission
pivotal
testify

lament
unanimity
inadequate

momentum
reflect
virtually

■ A. Grouping Words by Concept
1. Which two words refer to group opinion? ______________________________________________
2. Which two words refer to speed of movement? _________________________________________
3. Which two words refer to processes involved in an atomic bomb? ___________________________
4. Which two words mean “think”? ____________________________________________________

■ B. Substituting More Formal Words
Find a more formal synonym from the list for each underlined word below. Write the word on
the blank line.

1. By the time Malka arrived, I had almost finished all the work. _______________________________

3. Your full participation is crucial to the success of this project. ______________________________
4. Once she made the decision, she was firm in carrying it out. _______________________________
5. Typing the final draft used up the largest amount of writing time. _________________________
6. In the commercial, satisfied customers affirm that those shoes are the most comfortable

ones they have ever owned. __________________________________________________________
7. My parents regret the fact that they were never able to go to college. ________________________
8. We were relieved to learn that his injuries were not fatal. ____________________________________
9. During the Great Depression, the frightening vision of unemployment became a reality

for millions of people. _____________________________________________________________________
10. This year’s city budget will be not enough to cover the costs we face. _______________________

12

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

2. The sermon was based on a moral story of a young man who sets out to find truth.


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

13

Learning from Context: Example

Key Information
When you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, you can often find a clue to its meaning in
the surrounding words, or context. In this sentence, clue words can help you determine the meaning
of sweltering.
Last summer was unusually sweltering; one day, for instance, the temperature reached
105˚ Fahrenheit.
The clue words are for instance; they tell you that what follows will be an example of how the
summer was sweltering. Using this clue, you could figure out that sweltering means “very hot.”
Below are some other clue words that signal examples:
such as
including

these
other

for example
especially

■ A. Practice
Use the clue words indicating example to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.
Write the word and its meaning in your own words on the blank. Then consult a dictionary
to verify the word’s meaning.
1. Harry has been very abstemious lately; at the banquet, for example, he hardly
touched a thing.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

2. Ms. Harris is always ready to help a student with problems or just to listen
sympathetically; these benevolent acts are the reason why everyone loves her.
3. Mort is an imperious manager, especially when he barks out orders at everyone

around him.
4. The boy hung his head, murmured “I’m sorry,” and made other penitent gestures.

■ B. Clarifying Meaning
Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear. You may need
to refer to a dictionary.
1. Serge is a real chauvinist about the United States; for instance, ____________________________
2. Certain actions, such as _____________________________________________________________

___________________________________, will always demean the reputation of a sports team.
3. Uncle Harry seemed to be in an unusually jocular mood, especially when he _________________
4. My little sister can be extremely meddlesome; for example, ___________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

13


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

14

Learning from Context: Comparison
Key Information
When you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, there may be clue words that signal
a comparison to something you already know. Study this example.
The dead fish looked as bloated as if it had been pumped full of air.
The clue word as tells you that bloated means something similar to being pumped up with air. Thus
you can conclude that bloated means “puffed out.” Below are other words that signal comparison.

like, as
in the same way

similar, similarly
also

likewise
resembling

■ A. Naming Synonyms
Use the clue words indicating comparison to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.
Then write a synonym for the word on the blank line.
1. _______________ With little evidence, Madsen concluded that someone had borrowed
his raincoat; also he surmised that it was I who had borrowed it.
2. _______________ We found Nate supine on the couch, looking as if he had just fainted.
3. _______________ The woman’s sharp cry reverberated down the hallway as if a dozen
women were crying out, one right after the other.
4. _______________ Like the weather, the prices of certain foods can be extremely mutable.
5. _______________ Just as the Mona Lisa seems to hold some mysterious secret, so the
actress Greta Garbo had an enigmatic air.

By studying the comparison, figure out the meaning of each underlined word. Then decide
whether the word has a positive or negative connotation. Write positive or negative on the
blank line.
1. _______________ Like an easy-going uncle, Charlie was an amiable person to have
around.
2. _______________ Al Capone went down in history for his viciousness; similarly, Bonnie
and Clyde are now infamous characters in American crime.
3. _______________ My brother’s philosophy is limited to platitudes such as the tired old
sayings “Better safe than sorry” and “Waste not, want not.”

4. _______________ Ana is a friendly and cheerful party guest; likewise, she is a genial
hostess.
5. _______________ Mr. Philbin seemed testy throughout the meeting, as if he had gotten
up on the wrong side of the bed.

14

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

■ B. Identifying Connotations


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

15

Word Roots and Base Words
Key Information
The main part of a word is its root. The root gives the word its central meaning. When the root is
combined with a prefix or suffix (or both) the meaning of the word changes.
Roots
anima means “life” or “mind”
aqu means “water”
bio means “life”
chron means “time”
fin means “end” or “limit”
gen means “class” or “origin”

geo means “earth”
port means “carry”
scrib means “write”
viv means “live” or “alive”

Words
animate
aqueduct
biology
chronic
final
genesis
geology
portable
scribble
revive

Meanings
having life
channel carrying water
the study of living things
lasting a long time
last in order or time
creation or beginning
the study of the earth
able to be carried
write quickly or sloppily
bring back to life

■ A. Recognizing Word Families

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

On the line, write a word that contains the same root as the other two words listed. Do not use
any words that appear on this page.
1. biopsy, biodegradable

________________________________________________________

2. transportation, deport

________________________________________________________

3. describe, inscribe

________________________________________________________

4. survival, vivid

________________________________________________________

5. aquatic, aquamarine

________________________________________________________

■ B. Base Words
Unlike word roots, base words can stand alone as words. But they can also take prefixes or
suffixes to form other words. For example, by adding the prefix dis-, you can change the base
word trust into the word distrust. Some other common prefixes are un-, pre-, re-, de-, and in-.
Some common suffixes are -en, -ful, -fy, -ize, and -ment. Add a prefix or suffix to each base

word to spell another word. You may need to change a letter of the base word.
1. beauty

______________________________________________________________

2. tolerant

______________________________________________________________

3. manage

______________________________________________________________

4. legal

______________________________________________________________

5. sane

______________________________________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

15


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

16

Latin Roots I
Key Information
Many word roots are based on Latin words. For instance, the root am comes from the Latin word
meaning “love.” The English words amorous and amiable are built on the root am. Here are some
other examples of Latin roots.
Latin Roots
duc means “lead”
fer means “bear”
frac means “break”
reg means “rule”
spir means “breath”

Words
induce
confer
fracture
regulation
inspire

Meanings
to lead someone to do something
to give as an honor
a break in a bone
law or order
to fill with a feeling

■ A. Inferring Meaning
Following each number are two words based on one Latin root. The root appears in
parentheses. Study the words and try to guess the meaning of the Latin root. Write your

answer on the blank line. Then consult a dictionary to verify your answers.
1. pedestrian, pedal (ped)

_______________________________________________________

2. location, local (loc)

_______________________________________________________

3. benevolent, benefit (ben)

_______________________________________________________

4. prejudice, judicial (jud)

_______________________________________________________

5. decapitate, captain (cap)

_______________________________________________________

Rewrite each sentence, replacing the underlined word with a word or phrase that has the same
meaning. Use the chart at the top of the page to figure out the underlined word’s meaning.
Then use a dictionary to check your answer.
1. At the height of his fame, Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army.

2. The regimentation of army life was very different from the freedom he had enjoyed
as a star.

3. The doctor became concerned when he noticed that the patient’s respiration was irregular.

4. The candidate proffered her hand to each of her supporters.

5. Sidney Carton received the maximum punishment for his infraction.

16

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

■ B. Understanding Word Roots


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

17

Latin Roots II
Key Information
Here are more Latin word roots that appear in many English words.
Latin Roots
ag means “do,” “drive,”
or “lead”
brev means “short”
cli means “slope”
err means “stray”
fin means “end”
jur means “swear”

mal means “bad”
prim means “first”
verb means “word”
via means “a way”

Words
agent
brevity
recline
erroneous
infinite
perjury
malady
primitive
proverb
deviate

Meanings
a person who acts on behalf of
someone else
shortness of time
to lean back or lie down
mistaken or incorrect
without end or limit
lying while under oath
illness
first or earliest
a popular saying
to turn aside from a route or way

■ A. Using Word Roots
Complete each sentence with a word formed on the root given in parentheses.
1. It is often difficult to __________ the feelings aroused by beautiful music. (verb)
2. The phrase “ad lib” is an __________ for the term “ad libitum.” (brev)
3. Ever since Dan entered __________ school, he has loved all his teachers. (prim)
4. The meeting was long because many items on the __________ had to be discussed. (ag)

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

■ B. Finding Synonyms
In each sentence, the underlined word is formed on one of the Latin roots in the above list.
Study the sentence to make sure you understand the meaning of the word. On the blank line,
write a short definition for the word.
1. The route for the bicycle race ended with a long, steep incline.

2. Concern for our environment is essential because our natural resources are finite.

3. The jurors quickly reached the decision that the defendant was guilty.

4. Jack tried to malign the other singers’ reputations by saying they could barely carry a tune.

5. At Linden Avenue, the train crosses above the road on a viaduct.

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

17


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

18

Latin Roots III
Key Information
With the addition of various prefixes and suffixes, a word root can become several different words.
Latin Roots
Words
Meanings
audi means “hear”
auditorium
a place for public gatherings
cred means “believe”
incredulous
inclined not to believe
domin means “a lord”
dominion
power to govern
fid means “faith”
fidelity
loyalty
gen means “kind” or “origin”
generate
produce
loqu means “speak”
soliloquy
speech for one character alone
mor means “die”
immortal
not subject to death

pugn means “fight”
repugnance
strong dislike
sci means “know”
science
a branch of knowledge
ut means “use”
utilize
make use of

■ A. Inferring Meaning
Study each sentence and refer to the above list to help you figure out the meaning of the
underlined word. If you need help, refer to a dictionary. Then complete the sentence so
that the meaning of the word is clear.
1. Latoya was so eloquent that her audience ______________________________________________

2. After the accident, Terry kept having morbid thoughts in which __________________________

4. Since we forgot to bring eating utensils on the picnic, we couldn’t __________________________

■ B. Synonyms with Latin Roots
Write a synonym for each word that uses the Latin root shown in parentheses.

18

1. unbelievable (cred)

___________________________________________________________

2. bossy (domin)

___________________________________________________________

3. private (fid)

___________________________________________________________

4. beginning (gen)

___________________________________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

3. Because Eric is such a pugnacious child, his teacher has to ________________________________________


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

19

Latin Roots IV
Key Information
Here are more Latin roots frequently occurring in English words.
Latin Roots
culp means “blame”
fus means “pour”

Words
culpable
transfusion

port means “carry”
scrib means “write”
vit means “life”

import
inscribe
vitamin

Meanings
deserving blame
injection of a substance into a
blood vessel
to bring in from another country
to write on or in
a substance essential for health

■ A. Using Word Roots
In each sentence below, a word is missing. That word is based on the Latin root that appears in
parentheses at the end of the sentence. Read the sentence carefully; then write the missing
word in the blank.
1. The police were able to name the _______________ quickly because of the fingerprints
at the scene of the crime. (culp)
2. Mrs. Rosen has an incredible amount of _______________. (vit)
3. Ginnie ought to be more restrained and less _______________ in expressing her
emotions. (fus)
4. Tonight I plan to type up the handwritten _______________ of my report. (scrib)

5. This _______________ television is small and light enough to take to the beach. (port)

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

■ B. Inferring Meaning
Each pair of words below is based on one Latin root, which appears in parentheses. Study the
words and try to guess the meaning of the Latin root. Write your answer on the line. Then
consult a dictionary to check your answers.
1. incandescent, candle (cand) ________________________________________________________

2. century, percentage (cent) _________________________________________________________

3. equate, equivalent (equ) ___________________________________________________________

4. magnify, magnificent (magn) _________________________________________________________

5. solitary, solo (sol) ____________________________________________________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

19


Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

20

Greek Roots
Key Information

Many English words are based on Greek roots. For example, the root tel comes from the Greek word
meaning “far.” The English words telephone and telepathy are built on the root tel. Below are other
common Greek roots.
Greek Roots
anthrop means “person”
or “human being”
chrom means “color”
cycl means “circle”
dem means “people”
gen means “family”
or “race”
hydr means “water”
neo means “new”
soph means “wise”

Words
anthropology

Meanings
the study of human cultures

chromosome
cyclone
democracy
gene

threadlike structure within a cell
tornado
government by the people
unit of heredity

dehydrated
neophyte
sophisticated

dried out
beginner
not naive

■ A. Using Words in Sentences
Complete each sentence using a word from the following list.
epidemic

neologism

genealogy

philosophical

hydroplane

1. She has a very _______________ mind and loves to analyze why things are the way
they are.
2. Filling in the names on a family tree can be an important part of constructing a
3. Because that unfamiliar word is a _______________, it doesn’t even appear in the
dictionary yet.
4. The _______________ touched down gently on the lake.
5. Before the flu _______________ was over, millions of people had fallen sick.

■ B. Complete the Word

Each sentence contains one incomplete word. Study the sentence so that you understand its
meaning. Then complete the word by filling in the correct Greek root from the list below.
You may use a dictionary to check your answers.
iso

chrome

cycle

morph

anthrop

1. I bought a poster of a mono_______________ print by Edvard Munch done in several
shades of gray.
2. Callie rides her tri_______________ all over the neighborhood.
3. In the faint moonlight, the maple tree took on a vague, a_______________ous look.
4. Lupe keeps in shape by doing _______________metric exercises, tensing one set of
muscles against another.
5. Margaret Mead, a famous _______________ologist, studies cultures very different from
her own.
20

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

_______________.

Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

21

Compound Words
Key Information
Compounds are words made up of two or more base words. The base words may be different parts
of speech, but usually at least one is a noun. Both (or all) of the base words contribute to the meaning
of the compound.
Compounds can be formed in three different ways. One is by combining the base words into a single
word, as in firefighter. A second way is by hyphenating the base words, as in old-fashioned. Finally,
a compound may simply combine the base words in a phrase, such as ice cream. To be sure that you
form a compound correctly, check in a dictionary.

■ A. Word Association
Complete each word cluster by adding a word from the list that is closely associated with the
other two words.
bodyguard
facecloth

keyhole
ice cream

logbook
glowworm

daylight
handbag

1. lock, doorknob, ________________________

5. wallet, coin purse, ____________________

2. bath towel, hand towel, ________________

6. sunshine, moonbeam, _________________

3. sundae, chocolate syrup, _______________

7. beetle, firefly, ________________________

4. armor, bulletproof vest, ________________

8. diary, record, ________________________

■ B. Clarifying Meaning

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear. You may refer to a
dictionary if needed.
1. The building on the corner is such an eyesore the city should ______________________________

2. The Johnsons asked a travel agent to _____________________________________________________

3. At noon, the chuck wagon drove out onto the field with ______________________________________________

4. On payday, Yvonne was finally able to ______________________________________________________

5. Kara put a nameplate on her locker in order to ________________________________________

Writer’s Choice: Vocabulary and Spelling Strategies and Practice, Grade 11

21