4re VC

identity
Vocabulary Card 1.1
i • den • ti • ty (n.)
Your identity is who you are.
1 Read the word and its meaning above.

2 Read this sentence: My love of sports is part
of my identity.
3 Use the word identity in your own sentence.

4 Make a list of synonyms and antonyms for the
word identity.
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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Choose a partner
and take turns describing your identity. Then discuss
these questions: How do you describe yourself? What
is important to you? How do these questions explain
your identity?
Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

experience
Vocabulary Card 1.2
ex • pe • ri • ence (n.)
Your experience is made up of past events
and feelings.

2 Read this sentence: Meeting my favorite author is an
experience I will never forget.
3 Use the word experience in your own sentence.

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word experience.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

about a time you had an unforgettable experience.
Then discuss these questions: What is an example
of a good experience? What is an example of a bad
experience? When has a past experience helped you with
a new experience?

wisdom
Vocabulary Card 1.3
wis • dom (n.)

If you have wisdom, you are able to use your
experience to make good decisions.

2 Read this sentence: Our grandmother, who is full
of wisdom, always gives us good advice.
3 Use the word wisdom in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jupiterimages/Getty Images

word wisdom.

about someone you know who has more wisdom than
you. Then discuss these questions: What is the reason
they have more wisdom than you? Would you ask them
for advice? Why or why not?

pursuit
Vocabulary Card 1.4
pur • suit (n.)

A pursuit is something you attempt to accomplish.

2 Read this sentence: In pursuit of the science fair
trophy, we worked after school every day for a month.
3 Use the word pursuit in your own sentence.
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word pursuit.

about a time when you were in pursuit of something.
Then discuss these questions: How did you accomplish
your pursuit? What would have happened if you had not
accomplished your pursuit?

cynic
Vocabulary Card 1.5
cyn • ic (n.)
A cynic is someone who always expects bad things
to happen.

2 Read this sentence: Everyone was looking forward to
the field trip, but as a cynic, Hannah was not so sure.
3 Use the word cynic in your own sentence.

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word cynic.

about what it means to be a cynic. Then discuss these
questions: What character have you read about that you
would consider a cynic? What do you think caused them to
become a cynic?

defiance
Vocabulary Card 1.6
de • fi • ance (n.)
If you act in defiance, you know something is not
allowed, but you do it anyway.

2 Read this sentence: In an act of defiance, Buddy
refused to come when I called him.
3 Use the word defiance in your own sentence.

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word defiance.

about a time when you acted in defiance. Then discuss
these questions: How did you act in defiance? What was
the result of your actions?

profound
Vocabulary Card 1.7
pro • found (adj.)

A profound thought is one that is deep
and meaningful.

2 Read this sentence: After Jayden read his essay, his
profound thoughts started a class discussion.
3 Use the word profound in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Comstock/Jupiterimages/Getty Images

word profound.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about the

word profound, and discuss these questions with your
partner: What is the difference between a profound
thought and a simple one? What are some topics that you
could write profound thoughts about? Why?

inadvertently
Vocabulary Card 1.8
in • ad • ver • tent • ly (adv.)

If you act inadvertently, you do something by
mistake or without realizing it.

2 Read this sentence: Josh was in such a hurry that he
inadvertently wore two different shoes and socks
to school.
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3 Use the word inadvertently in your own sentence.
4 Brainstorm other words that come to mind when you
hear the word inadvertently.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner,

describe something you did inadvertently. Then discuss
these questions: How would the situation have been
different if you had not done that inadvertently? What
could you do to prevent this from happening in the future?

consumed
Vocabulary Card 1.9
con • sumed (v.)

If you consumed something, you ate it.

2 Read this sentence: On our picnic, we consumed
some of our favorite foods.
3 Use the word consumed in your own sentence.
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hear the word consumed.

about different foods that you have consumed. Then
discuss these questions: Which of the foods that you have
consumed is your favorite? Why? What might happen if
you consumed too much of your favorite food?

descended
Vocabulary Card 1.10
de • scend • ed (v.)
If something descended, it moved downwards.

2 Read this sentence: As the skydiver descended
through the air, the open parachute looked like a
beautiful rainbow.
3 Use the word descended in your own sentence.

word descended.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Royalty-Free/Corbis

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, talk
about things that you have descended. Then discuss
the following questions: What is the difference between
descended and ascended? Which action is easier? Why?

obliged
o • bliged (v.)
If you obliged, you did what you were asked or
expected to do.

2 Read this sentence: When his father asked him to
wash the dishes, Calvin obliged.
3 Use the word obliged in your own sentence.

hear the word obliged.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Getty Images

about a time when you obliged a family member or a
teacher after they asked you to do something. Then talk
about these questions: When you obliged this request,
did you find it easy or difficult? Why? What do you suppose
would have happened if you had not obliged?

mundane
mun • dane (adj.)

Something that is mundane is ordinary and
often dull.

2 Read this sentence: The guest speaker was so
mundane that Rose nearly fell asleep during the
presentation.
3 Use the word mundane in your own sentence.

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word mundane.

about a task that you feel is mundane. Discuss the
following questions: Why is the task mundane? What
could you do to make the task better or more exciting?

considered
con • sid • ered (v.)

If you considered something, you thought about
it carefully.

2 Read this sentence: Meghan considered her words
carefully as she wrote her research paper.
3 Use the word considered in your own sentence.

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hear the word considered.

about a decision you made after you had considered
your choices. Describe the situation. Then talk about
these questions: What decision did you make after you
considered your options? How do you feel about this
decision? What would you do differently next time?

disdain
dis • dain (n.)

If you treat someone with disdain, you act as if he or
she is unimportant or not as good as you are.

2 Read this sentence: When losing a game, you should
always congratulate your opponent instead of treating
them with disdain.
3 Use the word disdain in your own sentence.
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word disdain.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a situation

when either you have acted with disdain or seen
someone else act with disdain. Discuss these questions:
Will acting with disdain make the situation better? How
can you avoid acting with disdain in the future?

heritage
her • i • tage (n.)

A person’s heritage is the beliefs and traditions
passed down from the people who lived before him
or her.

2 Read this sentence: Each country has certain foods
that reflect its heritage.
3 Use the word heritage in your own sentence.

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word heritage.

about your heritage. Then discuss these questions:
What traditions are important in your heritage? Why is it
important to understand your heritage?

ancient
an • cient (adj.)
If something is ancient, it is very, very old.

2 Read this sentence: The pyramid known as El Castillo
is located in the ancient city of Chichen Itza, Mexico.
3 Use the word ancient in your own sentence.
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word ancient.

about other ancient traditions or places. Then discuss
these questions: How do you know something is ancient?
Why is it important to preserve ancient items, traditions,
and places?

resolutions
res • o • lu • tions (n.)

Resolutions are promises to do or not
do something.

2 Read this sentence: One of my resolutions is to eat
more fruits and vegetables every day.
3 Use the word resolutions in your own sentence.

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word resolutions.

about resolutions you could make. Then discuss these
questions: Why do people make resolutions for the
new year? What can you do to make sure you keep your
resolutions?

doubts
doubts (n.)
If you have doubts, you aren’t sure about something.

2 Read this sentence: Aaron had doubts that the
information was correct.
3 Use the word doubts in your own sentence.

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word doubts.

about a time you had doubts. Then discuss these
questions: How did you overcome your doubts? How can
doubts be harmful?

relying
re • ly • ing (v.)
When you are relying on someone, you are trusting
or depending on that person.

2 Read this sentence: The people of the community
are relying on the police officers to make their
neighborhood a safe place to live.
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3 Use the word relying in your own sentence.
hear the word relying.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about the word

relying, and discuss the following questions with your
partner: How would you compare relying on someone to
do something with doing something yourself? Which do
you think is better? Why?

clumsy
clum • sy (adj.)
If an action is clumsy, it happens in a careless way.

2 Read this sentence: Lincoln was clumsy when he
knocked over his cup of coffee on his desk.
3 Use the word clumsy in your own sentence.

word clumsy.
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clumsy. Talk with your partner about some examples of
actions that are clumsy. Then, discuss these questions:
What is the difference between a clumsy action and a
graceful one? Which word would you use to describe
yourself? Why?

awkward
awk • ward (adj.)

In an awkward situation, things feel tense
and uncomfortable.

2 Read this sentence: Learning how to walk put the
baby giraffe in some awkward positions.
3 Use the word awkward in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Dmussman/Shutterstock

word awkward.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about situations

in which you have felt awkward. Describe one situation
to a partner. Then talk about these questions: How
might the situation have been different if you felt confident
instead of awkward? What do you think you could have
done to make this situation less awkward?

cautiously
cau • tious • ly (adv.)

If you do something cautiously, you do it
very carefully.

2 Read this sentence: Joe cautiously walked on the log
to get to the other side of the stream.
3 Use the word cautiously in your own sentence.
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4 Make a list of synonyms and antonyms for the word
cautiously.

about things that you might want to do cautiously.
Then discuss these questions: How do you do something
cautiously? What would the effect be if you were not
cautious enough?

trickle
trick • le (n.)
A trickle is a small amount of slowly flowing liquid.

2 Read this sentence: During the summer when there is
not much rain, a large waterfall can slow to a trickle.
3 Use the word trickle in your own sentence.

word trickle.
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about a time you’ve seen a trickle of something. Then
discuss these questions: What does a trickle sound like?
What does a trickle look like?

marveled
mar • veled (v.)

If you marveled at something, you felt surprised or
amazed by it.

2 Read this sentence: We marveled at the beauty of the
huge rainbow that appeared after the thunderstorm.
3 Use the word marveled in your own sentence.

hear the word marveled.

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about
something that you have marveled at. Discuss the
following questions with a partner: What were you
marveled by, and what words could you use to describe it?
Compare things that you have marveled at with things
that were unimpressive. How were they alike and different?

mighty
might • y (adj.)
Something that is mighty is strong and powerful.

2 Read this sentence: When we were at the zoo last
week, I heard the lion give a loud and mighty roar.
3 Use the word mighty in your own sentence.

word mighty.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Corbis

about people or things you know of that are mighty.
Discuss these questions: What features do these mighty
people or things have in common? How are they different?
Would you consider yourself to be mighty? Why or why not?

distant
dis • tant (adj.)

If something is distant, it is far away.

2 Read this sentence: As Malik stared towards the
distant ocean, he was surprised by the sight of a group
of dolphins jumping high into the air.
3 Use the word distant in your own sentence.

word distant.
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word distant, and discuss these questions with your
partner: How would you describe the difference between
how something looks when it is distant compared with
up close? Explain how you might make something distant
appear closer.

proclaimed
pro • claimed (v.)

If you proclaimed something, you said it in a strong
way to show it was important for others to hear.

2 Read this sentence: In the middle of dinner, Matthew
proclaimed the good news that he had won the 4th
grade spelling bee.
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3 Use the word proclaimed in your own sentence.
hear the word proclaimed.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about different

times when you proclaimed something to your family
or friends. Then talk about these questions with a
partner: In what ways have you proclaimed your news?
Which way do you think was most effective? Why?

majestic
ma • jes • tic (adj.)

Something that is majestic is impressive
and beautiful.

2 Read this sentence: The hikers were amazed by the
beauty of the majestic mountains.
3 Use the word majestic in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©PhotoDisc/Getty Images

word majestic.

of a place that is majestic. Then discuss these questions:
Why do you think this place is majestic? How would it differ
from a place that is not majestic?

sumptuous
sump • tu • ous (adj.)

Something that is sumptuous is impressive and
expensive-looking.

2 Read this sentence: Royalty will often live in large
and sumptuous palaces that are filled with
beautiful furnishings.
3 Use the word sumptuous in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©imagebroker/Alamy

word sumptuous.

of some things that you consider sumptuous. Then
discuss these questions: How would your life be different if
you lived among sumptuous surroundings? Would you like
to live a sumptuous lifestyle? Why or why not?

hoard
hoard (n.)
A hoard is a group of valuable things that is usually
kept secret and carefully guarded by someone.

2 Read this sentence: My favorite book is about a dragon
who guards a hoard of golden coins and jewels.
3 Use the word hoard in your own sentence.

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hear the word hoard.

something you have or would like to have a hoard of.
Then discuss these questions with a partner: Why do
you consider this hoard to be valuable? Who would you be
willing to share your hoard with, and why?

perception
Vocabulary Card 2.1
per • cep • tion (n.)

Your perception of something is how you notice or
experience it using your senses.

2 Read this sentence: The amount of light in a room
affects our perception of the objects in it.
3 Use the word perception in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

word perception.

about a time when your perception of something
turned out to be different from reality. Then discuss
these questions: How do you think perception can be
different from reality? What senses can affect perception?

aroma
Vocabulary Card 2.2
a • ro • ma (n.)
An aroma is a strong, pleasant smell.

2 Read this sentence: The aroma of freshly-baked
cookies filled the kitchen.
3 Use the word aroma in your own sentence.

word aroma.
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about an aroma you have recently experienced. Then
discuss these questions: What was the source of the
aroma? How did it make you feel?

distinguish
Vocabulary Card 2.3
dis • tin • guish (v.)

If you notice how things are different, you can
distinguish them from one another.

2 Read this sentence: I can distinguish the two puppies
from one another because only one has a white spot
on his chest.
3 Use the word distinguish in your own sentence.
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word distinguish.

about when you needed to distinguish between two
different things. Then discuss these questions: What is
the reason you had to distinguish between two things?
How did you distinguish one from the other?

tactile
Vocabulary Card 2.4
tac • tile (adj.)

Something that is tactile is experienced through the
sense of touch.

2 Read this sentence: Petting a dog is
a tactile experience.
3 Use the word tactile in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©PhotoDisc/ Getty Images Royalty Free
word tactile.

about a tactile experience you have had recently. Then
discuss these questions: What did it feel like? What are
other examples of tactile things?

luminous
Vocabulary Card 2.5
lu • mi • nous (adj.)
If something is luminous, it gives off light.

2 Read this sentence: The luminous glow from the
flashlight allowed me to read while we were camping.
3 Use the word luminous in your own sentence.

word luminous.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, make
a list of things that are luminous. Then discuss these
questions: What are some luminous objects in your
classroom? What makes something luminous?

transparent
Vocabulary Card 2.6
trans • par • ent (adj.)

If an object is transparent, you can see through it.

2 Read this sentence: At the aquarium, Dante could see
the sea turtle clearly through the transparent glass.
3 Use the word transparent in your own sentence.

word transparent.
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of some things that are transparent. Then discuss these
questions: What if these objects were not transparent?
What effects would that have?

reflect
Vocabulary Card 2.7
re • flect (v.)
When light reflects off a surface, it bounces back
without passing through the surface.

2 Read this sentence: As the sun went down, the surface
of the lake was able to reflect the colors of the sunset.
3 Use the word reflect in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Eric Rosenbaum/Alamy

hear the word reflect.

of some surfaces that can reflect light, such as a mirror.
Then discuss these questions: What if these surfaces were
not able to reflect light? What effect do you think that
would have?

illuminates
Vocabulary Card 2.8
il • lu • mi • nates (v.)
Something that illuminates gives off light and
makes the area around it brighter.

2 Read this sentence: A lighthouse illuminates the
water to guide approaching boats at night.
3 Use the word illuminates in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Narvikk/Vetta/Getty Images

word illuminates.

about something that illuminates. Then discuss the
following questions: What does this object illuminate?
What effect might it have if this object was unable
to illuminate?

judge
Vocabulary Card 2.9
judge (v.)
If you judge, you form an opinion about something.

2 Read this sentence: Patrick was able to judge that he
was about two inches shorter than his brother.
3 Use the word judge in your own sentence.

word judge.
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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Discuss the following
questions with a partner: What is the difference between
an amount you judge and an amount you measure? When
would it be beneficial to judge an amount? When would it
be better to measure an amount?

relish
rel • ish (v.)

If you relish something, you enjoy it very much.

2 Read this sentence: I relish the chance to watch your
dog while you are on vacation!
3 Use the word relish in your own sentence.

word relish.

think of something that you relish. Then discuss these
questions: Why do you relish it? What is the difference
between liking something and relishing something?

familiar
fa • mil • iar (adj.)

Something familiar is something that you know
and are used to.

2 Read this sentence: I see my familiar face looking
back at me in the mirror.
3 Use the word familiar in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/age fotostock

word familiar.

think of something that is familiar. Then discuss these
questions: What makes it familiar? How do familiar
things make you feel?

savor
sa • vor (v.)
If you savor something, you take your time
enjoying it.

2 Read this sentence: William ate slowly so that he
could savor every bite of the delicious meal.
3 Use the word savor in your own sentence.

hear the word savor.
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about things that you can savor. Then, discuss these
questions: What one thing would you most like to savor,
and why? How would the experience be different if you
disliked this particular item?

enhance
en • hance (v.)
If you enhance something, you make it into
something better or improve upon it.

2 Read this sentence: Jesse worked hard to enhance
his robot, in hopes of winning a prize at the school
science fair.
3 Use the word enhance in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©SDI Productions/E+/Getty Images

hear the word enhance.

of items or skills that you could enhance. Pick one of
the things you listed, and discuss these questions: What
steps might you take to enhance this particular item? What
might the outcome be if you are successful?

accepted
ac • cept • ed (v.)
If you have accepted a situation, you understand
that it can’t be changed.

2 Read this sentence: Once I accepted the idea of
moving to a new place, it started to feel like a fun new
adventure.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

3 Use the word accepted in your own sentence.
word accepted.

of something that you have accepted. Then discuss
these questions: What influenced your decision? How do
you feel now about what you accepted?

obstacles
ob • sta • cles (n.)

Obstacles are objects that make it hard to get where
you want to go.

2 Read this sentence: We ran through obstacles
in gym class.
3 Use the word obstacles in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Sergey Novikov/Adobe Stock

word obstacles.

of examples of obstacles you have come across. Then
discuss these questions: How did you overcome these
obstacles? Were some obstacles harder to overcome
than others?

command
com • mand (n.)

If you do something on command, you do it because
you were told to.

2 Read this sentence: When the trainer gave the
command to stay, the dog immediately sat.
3 Use the word command in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Fotoshoot/Alamy Images

hear the word command.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk with a partner

about a command that you were given. Then discuss
these questions: Was it easy or difficult to follow the
command? Why? What might have happened if you did
not follow the command?

denying
de • ny • ing (v.)
Denying something means not believing that
it’s true.

2 Read this sentence: The children had a difficult time
denying the fact that they were the ones who had
broken the window.
3 Use the word denying in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©p_ponomareva/Shutterstock

word denying.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk about these

questions with a partner: Why do you think denying an
action is something someone would choose to do? What
could be the result of denying something that is true?

adapt
a • dapt (v.)
If you adapt to something, you figure out how to
deal with it.

2 Read this sentence: You can adapt to cold weather
conditions by wearing a heavy coat and hat.
3 Use the word adapt in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock

hear the word adapt.

about something that you had to adapt to. Then discuss
the following questions: Why do you think being able
to adapt to a new situation is important? What do you
suppose might have happened if you were unable to adapt?

comfort
com • fort (v.)

If you comfort someone, you say or do things to
make the person feel better.

2 Read this sentence: When Jin’s best friend moved
away, her mom tried to comfort her.
3 Use the word comfort in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Digital Vision/Getty Images

word comfort.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a time

when you tried to comfort someone special to you.
Talk about these questions with your partner: What did
you do or say to comfort this person? Why do you think
attempting to comfort someone is important?

absurd
ab • surd (adj.)
If something is absurd, you think it is silly
or ridiculous.

2 Read this sentence: My dogs looked absurd dressed
in clothes and glasses.
3 Use the word absurd in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©youngryand/Shutterstock

word absurd.

of a time when you thought something was absurd.
Then discuss these questions: Why was it absurd? Did
it make you laugh?

taunt
taunt (n.)
A taunt is something someone says to anger or
upset someone else.

2 Read this sentence: During a competition, opponents
may yell a taunt at each other.
3 Use the word taunt in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Blue Planet Studio/Adobe Stock

word taunt.

of a time when you or someone you know yelled a
taunt. Then discuss these questions: Why did you yell the
taunt? How did the taunt make the other person feel? How
did the taunt make you feel?

forfeit
for • feit (v.)

If you forfeit something, you lose it because you
have broken a rule.

2 Read this sentence: We had to forfeit the game
because we did not have enough players.
3 Use the word forfeit in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images

hear the word forfeit.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a

situation when you were forced to forfeit something.
Then discuss these questions with a partner: What lesson
did you learn as a result of having to forfeit something?
What would you do differently next time?

despised
de • spised (v.)
If you despised something, you felt a strong dislike
for it.

2 Read this sentence: Michael despised cold weather
and shoveling snow.
3 Use the word despised in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©ParkerDeen/iStockPhoto.com

word despised.

about different things that you have despised. Then
discuss these questions: How would you compare
food that you have despised with food that you have
enjoyed? Have you ever grown to enjoy a type of food
you once despised?

ferocious
fe • ro • cious (adj.)
Something that is ferocious is very fierce, mean,
and violent.

2 Read this sentence: The ferocious animal bared his
teeth from on top of the rock.
3 Use the word ferocious in your own sentence.

word ferocious.

about things that are ferocious. Discuss the following
questions: What is the difference between a ferocious
animal and a tender one? When might a ferocious animal
act in a tender way?

elaborately
e • lab • o • rate • ly (adv.)

If something is elaborately dressed or decorated, it
has many complex artistic details.

2 Read this sentence: The palace was elaborately built
and decorated with gold.
3 Use the word elaborately in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©cowardlion/Shutterstock

hear the word elaborately.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk about things that

are decorated elaborately by discussing these questions
with a partner: What adjectives would you use to describe
something that is elaborately decorated? Would you like
to be dressed elaborately? Why or why not?

coveted
cov • et • ed (v.)
If you coveted something, you wanted it very much.

2 Read this sentence: Miguel had coveted a pet for so
long, and now he has one.
3 Use the word coveted in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©DigitalVision/Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

hear the word coveted.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk with your partner

about something that you have coveted for a very long
time. Then discuss the following: Explain how it feels
to have coveted something for a long time. What might
happen if you finally receive this item?

confront
Vocabulary Card 3.1
con • front (v.)

When you confront a problem, you deal with
that problem.

2 Read this sentence: It took courage for Lucas to
confront his fear of working in front of the class.
3 Use the word confront in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©David Buffington/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

hear the word confront.

when you had to confront a challenging situation.
Discuss these questions with your partner: What can
you learn from confronting a challenge? Do you think it is
better to confront a problem or ignore it? Why?

dauntless
Vocabulary Card 3.2
daunt • less (adj.)

Someone who is dauntless has no fears.

2 Read this sentence: The dauntless firefighter ran into
the burning house to save the family.
3 Use the word dauntless in your own sentence.

word dauntless.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

characteristics that a person who is dauntless may
possess. Then talk with a partner about the following
questions: Would you consider yourself to be dauntless?
Why or why not? How would you compare someone who is
dauntless with someone who is not?

endurance
Vocabulary Card 3.3
en • dur • ance (n.)

If you have endurance, you can do something for a
long time.

2 Read this sentence: Running marathons requires
endurance and strength.
3 Use the word endurance in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Comstock/Jupiterimages/Getty Images

hear the word endurance.

when you needed to have a lot of endurance. Discuss
these questions with a partner: Was it difficult for you to
maintain your endurance? Why or why not? What might
have happened if you had not had endurance at the time?

dedication
Vocabulary Card 3.4
ded • i • ca • tion (n.)

If someone has dedication for something, that
person has shown commitment to it.

2 Read this sentence: Maria spends every weekend
cleaning up the park, showing her dedication to
her community.
3 Use the word dedication in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Leland Bobbe/Getty Images

hear the word dedication.

describe someone or something you are dedicated to.
Then discuss these questions about dedication with your
partner: What do you do to demonstrate your dedication?
Do you think dedication is important? Why or why not?

auction
Vocabulary Card 3.5
auc • tion (n.)

An auction is an event where items are sold to the
person who offers the most money.

2 Read this sentence: You can purchase just about
anything at an auction as long as you are the
highest bidder.
3 Use the word auction in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Rich Legg/E+/Getty Images

hear the word auction.

about what you know about an auction. Then discuss
these questions: What is the purpose of an auction? What
kinds of things do you think an auction sells?

drifting
Vocabulary Card 3.6
drift • ing (v.)

If something is drifting, it is moving slowly without
much direction.

2 Read this sentence: While we were scuba diving, we
saw a plastic bag slowly drifting above the reef.
3 Use the word drifting in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

word drifting.

remember a time you observed something drifting.
Then discuss these questions: How fast was the object
moving? What caused it to start drifting?

damp
Vocabulary Card 3.7
damp (adj.)
If something is damp, it feels a little wet.

2 Read this sentence: Mom asked me to move the
load of damp clothes from the washing machine
into the dryer.
3 Use the word damp in your own sentence.

word damp.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©AXL/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about how
something feels when it is damp. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: What words would you use
to describe something that is damp? How would you
describe something that is dry? When might your clothing
feel damp?

spare
Vocabulary Card 3.8
spare (v.)
Something you can spare is something extra that
you have and that you don’t really need.

2 Read this sentence: I had a pencil that I could spare,
so I lent it to Max.
3 Use the word spare in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©alvarez/E+/Getty Images

word spare.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk about the

following questions with a partner: What is the difference
between having just enough or having enough to spare?
How does it make you feel when you are able to spare your
extras with others? Why?

verses
Vocabulary Card 3.9
vers • es (n.)
The verses of a song are the different sections that
usually change throughout the song.

2 Read this sentence: We had to memorize all the
verses of the song for the music competition.
3 Use the word verses in your own sentence.


hear the word verses.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a song

that you have either performed or listened to that has
verses. Then discuss these questions with a partner:
Explain how multiple verses could make a song more
interesting. Do you think too many verses could affect
your interest in a song? Why or why not?

chorus
cho • rus (n.)

The chorus of a song is the part that is repeated
after each verse.

2 Read this sentence: During choir practice, our
instructor asked us to sing the chorus several times.
3 Use the word chorus in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©SpeedKingz/Shutterstock

hear the word chorus.

chorus and discuss the following questions with a
partner: What is the difference between the chorus and the
verses of a song? If you wrote your own chorus, how would
you make it interesting and memorable?

brimming
brim • ming (v.)

If something is brimming, it is full and about
to overflow.

2 Read this sentence: My mom likes to relax with a cup
that is brimming with hot coffee.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Solstizia/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

3 Use the word brimming in your own sentence.
word brimming.

brimming and discuss the following questions with
a partner: If you could enjoy a mug that was brimming
with your favorite beverage, what would it be, and why?
What are some situations when it might be a problem for
something to be brimming?

surge
surge (n.)
If there is a surge of water, there is a sudden large
increase in its depth.

2 Read this sentence: A surge of water rose onto the
concrete landing below our house.
3 Use the word surge in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Konstantin Komarov/Shutterstock

hear the word surge.

about a surge. Then discuss these questions: Besides
rising water, what are some other things that can be called
a surge? What would the surge in your example look like?

perished
per • ished (v.)

When people or animals perished, they died.

2 Read this sentence: Many plants in the area perished
from the extreme drought.
3 Use the word perished in your own sentence.

word perished.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©grafvision/Shutterstock

about times when people and animals have perished.
Then discuss these questions: Just as dinosaurs perished,
what other animals do you know that have perished?
Could it have been prevented?

debris
de • bris (n.)
Debris is the pieces of something that was broken
or destroyed.

2 Read this sentence: The people of the town had to
work hard to clean up the debris that was left behind
by the damaging hurricane.
3 Use the word debris in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Mick Roessler/Corbis

word debris.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, discuss

a storm that you know about that created debris. Why is
it important for people to clean up the debris created by a
destructive storm? Explain how you might help clean up.

adoringly
a • dor • ing • ly (adv.)

If you act adoringly, you act with a lot of love
and admiration.

2 Read this sentence: My mother makes me feel special
when she looks at me adoringly.
3 Use the word adoringly in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Image Source Plus/Alamy

word adoringly.

about a time when someone has looked adoringly at
you. Then discuss these questions: How did it make you
feel? Why do you think they looked at you adoringly?

capable
ca • pa • ble (adj.)
If a person is capable, he or she has the skill or
ability to do something.

2 Read this sentence: My little sister is capable of
putting on her own shoes.
3 Use the word capable in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©swavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

word capable.

about things you are capable of doing. Then discuss
these questions: How are you capable of doing these
things? What are some things you are not capable
of doing?

spectators
spec • ta • tors (n.)

Spectators are people who watch an event, such as
a sports competition.

2 Read this sentence: The spectators at the baseball
game watched intently.
3 Use the word spectators in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jason Stitt/Shutterstock

hear the word spectators.

word spectators and discuss these questions with a
partner: How would you compare being part of a group
of spectators with being a member of the team they are
cheering for? Which group would you rather be part of?
Why?

disbelief
dis • be • lief (n.)

Disbelief is not believing that something is true.

2 Read this sentence: The family was in disbelief when
they heard the news.
3 Use the word disbelief in your own sentence.

word disbelief.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©George Rudy/Shutterstock

when you experienced disbelief. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: Why did this situation cause you
to experience disbelief? How might you be convinced of
something that originally caused disbelief?

burst
burst (v.)
If something is about to burst, it is about to
break open.

2 Read this sentence: We felt like we were going to
burst with excitement on the first snow day of the year.
3 Use the word burst in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Don Farrall/Photodisc/Getty Images

word burst.

remember a time when you thought you could burst.
Then discuss these questions: Was this a bad feeling or a
good feeling? Why did you feel like you could burst?

opportunities
op • por • tu • ni • ties (n.)

If you have opportunities, you have chances to
make something good happen.

2 Read this sentence: Mrs. Gregor gives us many
opportunities to solve problems on our own.
3 Use the word opportunities in your own sentence.

word opportunities.

about what types of opportunities you have had. Then
discuss these questions: How did these opportunities
affect your life? How did these opportunities make
you feel?

immigration
im • mi • gra • tion (n.)

Immigration is the process of coming to live in a
new country.

2 Read this sentence: People from all over the world
have become United States citizens through the process
of immigration.
3 Use the word immigration in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Paul Hennessy/Alamy

hear the word immigration.

immigration, and discuss these questions with a partner:
Why might people want to move to a new country? How
might the process of immigration be difficult or rewarding?

refugees
ref • u • gees (n.)

Refugees are people who must leave where they live
because of war or other serious problems.

2 Read this sentence: Some refugees who flee their
homeland must start new lives in a different country.
3 Use the word refugees in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Fishman64/Shutterstock

hear the word refugees.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about what life

as a refugee might be like. Then discuss these questions
with a partner: How do you think your life would be
different if you were part of a group of refugees? How
would you learn to live in a new country?

amazing
a • maz • ing (adj.)

If something is amazing, it is very surprising and
wonderful.

2 Read this sentence: The beauty of the stars in the
night sky was absolutely amazing!
3 Use the word amazing in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Syuuki Takano/EyeEm/Getty Images

word amazing.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about things

that you think are amazing. Then discuss these
something that is amazing and something that is
ordinary? What characteristics make something amazing?

aspire
Vocabulary Card 4.1
as • pire (v.)
When you aspire to do something, you have strong
hopes to achieve it.

2 Read this sentence: I aspire to be an author one day.
3 Use the word aspire in your own sentence.
hear the word aspire.

something that you aspire to do. Then talk about these
questions with a partner: What goal or career do you
aspire to achieve in the future? Why? Explain what you can
do to make this goal become a reality.

confidence
Vocabulary Card 4.2
con • fi • dence (n.)

If you have confidence, you have strong and sure
feelings about yourself.

2 Read this sentence: Joe has confidence in his ability
to do well in the cooking contest.
3 Use the word confidence in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jack Frog/Shutterstock

hear the word confidence.

situation when you had confidence. Describe the
situation to a partner. Then discuss the following
questions: Why is confidence important? What might
happen if you never had any confidence in yourself?

endeavor
Vocabulary Card 4.3
en • deav • or (v.)
If you endeavor to do something, you try very hard
to do it.

2 Read this sentence: Joon and Juan endeavor to finish
the group project before it’s due.
3 Use the word endeavor in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Hero Images/Getty Images

hear the word endeavor.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Tell a partner about

something you will endeavor to do. Then discuss these
questions together: How can you endeavor to make this
happen? How might the outcome be different if you do not
endeavor to achieve your goal?

fearlessness
Vocabulary Card 4.4
fear • less • ness (n.)

Having fearlessness in a situation means that you
are not scared and feel brave.

2 Read this sentence: Climbing the rock wall requires a
certain level of fearlessness.
3 Use the word fearlessness in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©zhukovvvlad/Shutterstock

word fearlessness.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a situation

in which you would need to possess fearlessness. Then
talk about these questions with a partner: Why would
fearlessness be important in this situation? What are
other ways that people show fearlessness?

elegant
Vocabulary Card 4.5
el • e • gant (adj.)
Someone or something that is elegant is stylish
and graceful.

2 Read this sentence: My aunt looked very elegant
in her wedding dress.
3 Use the word elegant in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock

word elegant.

about things that you would consider elegant. Then
discuss these questions: What makes them elegant?
Where would you use or wear something elegant?

foreboding
Vocabulary Card 4.6
fore • bod • ing (adj.)

If something is described as foreboding, it suggests
that something bad is going to happen.

2 Read this sentence: There were foreboding dark
clouds that quickly rolled in from the west.
3 Use the word foreboding in your own sentence.

hear the word foreboding.

remember a time when you had a foreboding feeling.
Then discuss these questions: What was the cause of
the foreboding feeling? What happened because of the
foreboding feeling?

episode
Vocabulary Card 4.7
ep • i • sode (n.)
An episode is an event or period of time that is
important in some way.

2 Read this sentence: The day they broke the school
record for tennis was the most memorable episode in
their lives so far.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Creatas/Jupiterimages/Getty Images

3 Use the word episode in your own sentence.
hear the word episode.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about some

different episodes that are memorable from your own
life. Discuss the following questions with a partner: What
episode do you think is the most important and why? What
is something that you learned as a result of this episode?

scowled
Vocabulary Card 4.8
scowled (v.)
If you scowled, you frowned or had an angry look on
your face.

2 Read this sentence: If a person scowled , it probably
meant that he or she was not very happy about
something.
3 Use the word scowled in your own sentence.

word scowled.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

times when you have scowled, and discuss these
questions with a partner: What happened when you
scowled? How would this event have been different if you
had smiled instead of scowled?

intimidated
Vocabulary Card 4.9
in • tim • i • dat • ed (v.)

Someone who is intimidated feels afraid of
someone or something.

2 Read this sentence: We were intimidated by the look
on the tiger’s face while at the zoo.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Stephanie Friedman/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

3 Use the word intimidated in your own sentence.
hear the word intimidated.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about someone

or something that you are intimidated by. Then discuss
these questions with a partner: How does this person
or thing intimidate you? What do you think you could
do to avoid being intimidated by this person or thing in
the future?

subdued
sub • dued (adj.)

Something that is subdued is not strong, loud,
or intense.

2 Read this sentence: Aunt Helen answered her phone
in a subdued voice, so she would not wake the
sleeping baby.
3 Use the word subdued in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Halfpoint/Shutterstock

hear the word subdued.

of some times when you have been subdued. Pick one
of the situations and discuss these questions: How would
you have acted differently if you were not subdued? What
effect would that have had on what happened?

disheveled
di • shev • eled (adj.)

If something is disheveled, it is not neat or tidy.

2 Read this sentence: A disheveled room is messy and
disorganized.
3 Use the word disheveled in your own sentence.

word disheveled.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©yellowdaffs/Shutterstock

when you saw a person or place that looked disheveled.
Talk about these questions with a partner: What words
would you use to describe someone or something that is
disheveled? When might you look disheveled?

rigid
rig • id (adj.)
Something that is rigid is stiff and does not
bend easily.

2 Read this sentence: The gymnast held her body in a
rigid pose as she practiced her routine.
3 Use the word rigid in your own sentence.

word rigid.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Peter Walker/Corbis

discuss things you know of that are rigid. Then discuss
these questions together: What is the difference between
something that is rigid and something that is flexible?
What do you suppose would happen if you used a flexible
material instead of a rigid one to build a treehouse?

feisty
feist • y (adj.)
Someone who is feisty is bold, energetic,
and determined.

2 Read this sentence: Before the big game, the soccer
players felt feisty and full of energy.
3 Use the word feisty in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Fat Camera/E+/Getty Images

word feisty.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think of times when

you have seen others being feisty. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: When might being feisty
be helpful? Why? When would being feisty cause
problems? How?

sulked
sulked (v.)
If you sulked, you were angry or upset about
something and refused to talk about it.

2 Read this sentence: Melissa sulked in her room when
she saw that it was raining outside.
3 Use the word sulked in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©kaisersosa67/iStockPhoto.com

word sulked.

when you sulked about something. Discuss these
questions with a partner: What caused you to sulk?
When you sulked, how did your reaction affect what was
happening? How might you respond differently next time?

timid
tim • id (adj.)
Someone who is timid is shy and may lack courage
or confidence.

2 Read this sentence: The timid cat would not come
off the couch.
3 Use the word timid in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Khamidulin Sergey/Shutterstock

word timid.

of people or animals that are timid. Then discuss these
questions: How would a timid person or animal act? Why
might they be timid?

strenuous
stren • u • ous (adj.)

If an activity is strenuous, it takes great effort or a
lot of energy.

2 Read this sentence: The most strenuous part of the
trip was carrying my thirty-five pound backpack up
the mountain.
3 Use the word strenuous in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Kennan Harvey/Getty Images

word strenuous.

remember a time you did something strenuous. Then
discuss these questions: Why was it strenuous? How did
you feel?

devised
de • vised (v.)
If you devised a plan, you figured out a way to
achieve that plan.

2 Read this sentence: We devised a way to work
together as a group.
3 Use the word devised in your own sentence.

hear the word devised.

of a plan you devised. Then discuss these questions:
How was the plan devised? What was the result of the plan
you devised?

distress
dis • tress (n.)

If you are in distress, you are very worried and upset.

2 Read this sentence: The loudly meowing cat seemed
to be in distress.
3 Use the word distress in your own sentence.

word distress.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

remember a time when you or someone you knew was
in distress. Then discuss these questions: What was
the cause of the distress? How do you think it felt to be
in distress?

odyssey
od • ys • sey (n.)
An odyssey is a long journey that is exciting
and eventful.

2 Read this sentence: We used a map to plan our
odyssey around the world.
3 Use the word odyssey in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Torwaistudio/Shutterstock

hear the word odyssey.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about an

odyssey you would like to take, and discuss these
questions with a partner: Where will you travel on your
odyssey? Why did you choose these specific places to
visit on your odyssey? How would you prepare for this
tremendous journey?

destiny
des • ti • ny (n.)
A person’s destiny is what will eventually happen in
his or her life.

2 Read this sentence: Graduating from college was
my destiny.
3 Use the word destiny in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Comstock/Getty Images

hear the word destiny.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about your

own destiny, and discuss the following questions with
a partner: What do you think is your destiny? Why do you
think so? How might someone change their destiny?

mortal
mor • tal (n.)

A mortal is a person who lives and dies. In myths,
gods are not mortal because they live forever.

2 Read this sentence: Each human living on the Earth is
a mortal.
3 Use the word mortal in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Creatas/AGE fotostock

hear the word mortal.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about the life of

someone who is a mortal, and discuss these questions
with a partner: How might your life be different if you were
immortal instead of a mortal? Which would you rather
be? Why?

surrendered
sur • ren • dered (v.)

If you surrendered to an enemy, you gave up and
agreed that the other side won.

2 Read this sentence: Audrey surrendered right before
Wes was about to throw another snowball at her.
3 Use the word surrendered in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Juice Images Limited/Shutterstock

word surrendered.

of a time you have surrendered. Then discuss these
questions: When have you surrendered? What did it feel
like when you surrendered?

rebellion
re • bel • lion (n.)

In a rebellion, people defy authority and fight for
change in their political system.

2 Read this sentence: Throughout history, there have
been many times when rebellion has brought
about change.
3 Use the word rebellion in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Classic Image/Alamy

hear the word rebellion.

about other forms of rebellion. Then discuss these
questions: What are some other forms of rebellion you
can think of? What kinds of changes might a rebellion
cause?

furious
fu • ri • ous (adj.)
Someone who is furious is very, very angry.

2 Read this sentence: When you feel furious, it’s a good
idea to take a break and count to ten.
3 Use the word furious in your own sentence.

word furious.

when you have been furious. Talk about these questions
with a partner: How did you get over your anger when you

felt furious? How would this have been different if you had
been calm instead of furious?

tyrant
ty • rant (n.)
A tyrant is a powerful person who rules others in a
cruel or unreasonable way.

2 Read this sentence: The king was a mighty tyrant
who never allowed his subjects to leave the kingdom.
3 Use the word tyrant in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Nejron Photo/Shutterstock

hear the word tyrant.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about people

you know or have heard about that are tyrants. Discuss
these questions with a partner: What words could you
use to describe someone who is a tyrant? Do you think a
person who is a tyrant would make a good leader? Why or
why not?

occasionally
oc • ca • sion • al • ly (adv.)
If you do something occasionally, you do it only
once in awhile.

2 Read this sentence: We would occasionally see a
shooting star while we were camping.
3 Use the word occasionally in your own sentence.


word occasionally.

something that you do occasionally. Then discuss
these questions with a partner: Why does this activity
only happen occasionally? What do you suppose would
happen if this activity were to happen more often?

secure
se • cure (v.)
When you secure an area, you make it safe by
guarding or protecting it.

2 Read this sentence: The castle had high walls to
secure it from attack.
3 Use the word secure in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Carl and Ann Purcell/Corbis

hear the word secure.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think of something

that you had to secure. Talk about these questions with
a partner: How were you able to secure this particular area
or object? What happened? How might things have been
different if the area or object had not been secured?

sculpture
Vocabulary Card 5.1
sculp • ture (n.)

A sculpture is something that a person creates by
shaping or carving things like clay, stone, or wood.

2 Read this sentence: The clay sculpture that won first
prize in the art contest was placed at the front of
the classroom.
3 Use the word sculpture in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Tolimir/E+/Getty Images

hear the word sculpture.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think of a sculpture

you have seen, and discuss the following with a partner:
What was the sculpture made of? What did it look like? If
you were going to create your own sculpture, what would
it look like?

expressive
Vocabulary Card 5.2
ex • pres • sive (adj.)

Someone who is expressive is clearly showing his or
her feelings.

2 Read this sentence: The pianist’s face was expressive
during her solo performance.
3 Use the word expressive in your own sentence.

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hear the word expressive.

word expressive, and talk with a partner about these
questions: What are some feelings or emotions that an
expressive person might show? What might happen if an
expressive person is angry? Happy? Disappointed?

inspiration
Vocabulary Card 5.3
in • spi • ra • tion (n.)

If you have an inspiration, you have an excited
feeling that gives you new and creative ideas.

2 Read this sentence: One inspiration of mine is my
brother, who taught me how to dance.
3 Use the word inspiration in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©altrendo images/Stockbyte/Getty Images

word inspiration.

something that you could use as an inspiration to
write your own story. Discuss the following with a
partner: What is the inspiration for your story, and why
did you choose it? Tell a bit of the story by describing the
characters, the setting, and some of the story’s events.

creativity
Vocabulary Card 5.4
cre • a • tiv • i • ty (n.)

If someone has creativity, they are inventive,
especially in the arts.

2 Read this sentence: Elena’s paintings show her
creativity as an artist.
3 Use the word creativity in your own sentence.

word creativity.

following questions with a partner: How do you show
your creativity? How does it make you feel when you share
your creativity with others? Why is creativity important?

dignified
Vocabulary Card 5.5
dig • ni • fied (adj.)

If you are dignified, you act in a way that is formal,
calm, and proper.

2 Read this sentence. The colonel acted in a dignified
manner when speaking to the group about veterans
and the importance of the military.
3 Use the word dignified in your own sentence.

hear the word dignified.

situations when you need to act dignified, and discuss
the following with a partner: Why would acting in a
dignified manner be important in these situations?
Describe how you might look when you act dignified.

stunned
Vocabulary Card 5.6
stunned (adj.)
If you are stunned, you are shocked or amazed
by something.

2 Read this sentence: They were stunned at the end
of the movie.
3 Use the word stunned in your own sentence.

word stunned.

when you were stunned, and talk about the following
with a partner: Describe what happened, and explain
why you were stunned by this experience. Would you be
stunned if you saw the same thing again? Why or why not?

polished
Vocabulary Card 5.7
pol • ished (adj.)

A performance that is polished is given with great
skill and no mistakes.

2 Read this sentence: All of Rafael’s practice paid off
when he gave a polished figure skating performance.
3 Use the word polished in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Aksonov/E+/Getty Images

word polished.

time when you either put on or watched a polished
performance. Discuss these questions with a partner:
What preparation does it take to put on a polished
performance? How might the performance be different
if the performer did not take these steps?

regretted
Vocabulary Card 5.8
re • gret • ted (v.)

If you regretted something, you felt sorry about it
and wished you hadn’t done it.

2 Read this sentence: I regretted letting my dog play
with the stuffed animal.
3 Use the word regretted in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©maximilian_100/Adobe Stock

hear the word regretted.

describe a situation when you regretted something
you said or did. Then discuss these questions: Did you
attempt to fix the situation that you regretted? How?
What would you do differently next time?

hilarious
Vocabulary Card 5.9
hi • lar • i • ous (adj.)

If something is hilarious, it is very funny.

2 Read this sentence: The movie was so hilarious, that
we laughed the entire time.
3 Use the word hilarious in your own sentence.


word hilarious.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, make a

list of things that you think are hilarious. Look at the list
as you discuss these questions: What do these hilarious
things have in common? Why might some people find
certain things hilarious while other people do not?

observant
ob • ser • vant (adj.)

If you are observant, you see or notice details.

2 Read this sentence: My grandmother is very
observant, so she shows me the finer details of
the quilt.
3 Use the word observant in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Radius Images/Getty Images

hear the word observant.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about someone

you know who is observant. Then discuss these questions
with a partner: How does an observant person act? In
which situations might it be important to be observant?
Explain your answers.

flattered
flat • tered (adj.)

If you are flattered by something, it made you feel
honored or special.

2 Read this sentence: My dad was surprised and
flattered by the special Father’s Day card I made
for him.
3 Use the word flattered in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Prostock-studio /Shutterstock

hear the word flattered.

about a time when you have felt flattered. Then discuss
these questions: What did someone do to make you feel
flattered? Why do you think people like to be flattered?

trampled
tram • pled (v.)

If something is trampled, it is stepped on and
damaged or crushed.

2 Read this sentence: Robert trampled the flowers as
he walked through the garden.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©RMAX/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
3 Use the word trampled in your own sentence.
4 Brainstorm other words that come to mind when
you hear the word trampled.

meaning of the word trampled. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: What are some situations in
which things might get trampled? What could be done
differently to prevent these things from getting trampled?

curator
cu • ra • tor (n.)
A curator is the person who is in charge of the works
of art or objects in a museum.

2 Read this sentence: My uncle is a curator at a large
art museum in New York.
3 Use the word curator in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock

you hear the word curator.

about what it would be like to be a curator. What
responsibilities do you think a curator might have? What
skills do you think a curator needs in order to be successful?

foreground
fore • ground (n.)

The foreground of a picture or photograph is the
area that is closest to the viewer.

2 Read this sentence: In the photograph, the palm trees
are visible in the foreground.
3 Use the word foreground in your own sentence.


you hear the word foreground.

photographs or pictures that you have seen. With a
partner, talk about these questions: What things might
look good in the foreground of a picture? Why? What
objects in the foreground might take away from the
beauty of the photograph? Explain your answers.

background
back • ground (n.)

The background of a picture or photograph are the
things shown behind the subject.

2 Read this sentence: The mountains created a perfect
background for a family photograph.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images

3 Use the word background in your own sentence.
you hear the word background.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about pictures

or photographs that have interesting backgrounds.
Then discuss these questions with a partner: How is a
foreground different from a background? What kind of
background do you like the most?

rhythmic
rhyth • mic (adj.)

If something is rhythmic, it has a pattern of sounds,
movements, or beats that repeat.

2 Read this sentence: The rhythmic pattern of the
drums helped the band stay in step as they marched
in the parade.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Visions of America, LLC/Alamy Images

3 Use the word rhythmic in your own sentence.
hear the word rhythmic.

think of music that is rhythmic. Then, discuss these
questions: What words can you use to describe rhythmic
music? Other than musical instruments, what other things
can be called rhythmic?

distinctive
dis • tinc • tive (adj.)

If something is distinctive, it stands out in a way
that makes it different or unusual.

2 Read this sentence: The umbrella was distinctive
because of its bright yellow color.
3 Use the word distinctive in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Graphics Master/Shutterstock

hear the word distinctive.

distinctive, and discuss the following questions with a
partner: What makes you distinctive? What effect might
it have if no one was distinctive and everyone was exactly
the same?

highlight
high • light (v.)

When you highlight something, you call attention
to it.

2 Read this sentence: Paula will highlight the important
information in her class notes with a yellow marker.
3 Use the word highlight in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

you hear the word highlight.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about how

you were able to highlight information in either a
presentation or an essay. Discuss these questions
with a partner: Why is it important to highlight certain
information? What methods would best highlight
important facts?

horizontal
hor • i • zon • tal (adj.)

If something is horizontal, it is level with the ground.

2 Read this sentence: The arrow was pointing in a
horizontal direction.
3 Use the word horizontal in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Kent Knudson/PhotoLink/Photodisc/Getty Images

you hear the word horizontal.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, name

some things you know of that have horizontal lines.
Then discuss these questions together: What objects in
your classroom have horizontal lines? Can you name an
object with lines that are not horizontal?

necessary
nec • es • sar • y (adj.)

If something is necessary, it is needed, and you can’t
do without it.

2 Read this sentence: Eating a well-balanced meal is
necessary for growing and maintaining a strong and
healthy body.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images
3 Use the word necessary in your own sentence.
word necessary.

of some things that are necessary. Discuss the following
questions: Which of these items do you think is the most
necessary? Why? What effect would it have on you if you
did not have this necessary item?

unsurpassed
un • sur • passed (v.)

If something is unsurpassed, there is nothing that
is better.

2 Read this sentence: In my opinion, the beauty of a
sunset over an ocean is unsurpassed.
3 Use the word unsurpassed in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Volodymyr Goinyk/Shutterstock

hear the word unsurpassed.

following with a partner: What is an experience that you
would consider to be unsurpassed? What makes that
experience unsurpassed?

stir
stir (n.)
To stir something is to mix it up. If you cause a stir,
you create a change in feeling around you.

2 Read this sentence: It caused a stir when the principal
announced the plans for a new playground.
3 Use the word stir in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©davidf/E+/Getty Images

word stir.

about people or situations that may create a stir. Then
discuss these questions together: What is something you
have said or done to create a stir? What was the reaction of
the people around you?

extraordinarily
ex • traor • di • nar • i • ly (adv.)

If something is done extraordinarily, it is very
unusual or remarkable in some way.

2 Read this sentence: Grant is an extraordinarily
talented songwriter.
3 Use the word extraordinarily in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Artem Voropai/Shutterstock

word extraordinarily.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, use

these questions to discuss the word extraordinarily:
What is the difference between something that is done
extraordinarily and something that is not? What can you
do to perform extraordinarily?

cruising
cruis • ing (v.)

If you are cruising, you are traveling in a boat for fun.

2 Read this sentence: We are cruising around the lake
in our canoe.
3 Use the word cruising in your own sentence.

word cruising.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Max Topchii/Shutterstock

about a time you were cruising in a boat or saw people
cruising in a boat. Then discuss the following: If you
could be cruising anywhere in the world, where would it
be? Why would you choose that place?

plunges
plung • es (v.)
If something plunges into something, it falls or is
thrown in that direction.

2 Read this sentence: The mountain river plunges to the
rocks below, creating a beautiful waterfall.
3 Use the word plunges in your own sentence.

word plunges.

about images you have seen that show something as it
plunges. Discuss these questions together: How do you
think it feels to be on something as it plunges? Would you
enjoy this experience? Why or why not?

scenic
Vocabulary Card 6.1
sce • nic (adj.)

Something that is scenic has beautiful scenery.

2 Read this sentence: The scenic cliffs towered
over the beach.
3 Use the word scenic in your own sentence.

word scenic.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Valter Jacinto/Getty Images

of a place you have been to that is scenic. Then discuss
these questions: What made this place scenic? How did it
make you feel?

landscape
Vocabulary Card 6.2
land • scape (n.)

When you look at a landscape, you are looking at
the area of land around you.

2 Read this sentence: The landscape of a forest is thick
with trees.
3 Use the word landscape in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Artville/Getty Images

word landscape.

remember a landscape you have seen. Then discuss
these questions: How would you describe this landscape?
What is the landscape where you live?

canyon
Vocabulary Card 6.3
can • yon (n.)

A canyon is a deep valley that has steep sides.

2 Read this sentence: He felt dizzy as he looked down
into the canyon.
3 Use the word canyon in your own sentence.

word canyon.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Katrina Brown/Fotolia

about a canyon you have seen in real life or in photos.
Then discuss these questions: How do you think a canyon
is formed? What are some famous canyons?

landform
Vocabulary Card 6.4
land • form (n.)

A landform is a natural feature, such as a mountain,
of a land’s surface.

2 Read this sentence: The tallest landform in the world
is Mount Everest.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Pal Teravagimov Photography/Getty Images

3 Use the word landform in your own sentence.
word landform.

about a landform you have seen. Then discuss these
questions: Where might you see interesting landforms?
What are some different types of landforms?

trench
Vocabulary Card 6.5
trench (n.)
A trench is a long, narrow groove or ditch.

2 Read this sentence: Heavy machinery is used to dig
a long trench.
3 Use the word trench in your own sentence.

word trench.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©oticki/Shutterstock

about what a trench looks like. Then discuss these
questions: How is a trench formed? Where might a trench
be located?

summit
Vocabulary Card 6.6
sum • mit (n.)

The summit of a mountain is its top or highest point.

2 Read this sentence: The summit of the Matterhorn
has a unique shape.
3 Use the word summit in your own sentence.

word summit.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Image Source/Corbis

about what it might be like to reach the summit of a
mountain. Then discuss these questions: How do you
think mountain climbers feel when they reach the summit?
Why do you think it is such a big accomplishment?

thrive
Vocabulary Card 6.7
thrive (v.)
When living things thrive, they grow well and
are healthy.

2 Read this sentence: Many types of plants thrive in
a rainforest.
3 Use the word thrive in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Erkki Tamsalu/Fotolia

word thrive.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about what

living things need in order to thrive. Make a list with
your partner. Talk about these questions together: What
have your parents or guardians done to help you thrive?
How would your life be different if you did not have the
things that help you thrive?

prehistoric
Vocabulary Card 6.8
pre • his • tor • ic (adj.)

Something that is prehistoric is very old, from a
time before history was recorded.

2 Read this sentence: Prehistoric animals, like
dinosaurs, roamed the Earth long before people.
3 Use the word prehistoric in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©JMarques/Shutterstock

hear the word prehistoric.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Compare prehistoric

animals with the ones that live on Earth today. Discuss
these questions with a partner: In what ways are
prehistoric animals similar to the animals of today? Would
you have liked to live in prehistoric times? Why or why not?

vital
Vocabulary Card 6.9
vi • tal (adj.)
If something is vital, it is needed or very important.

2 Read this sentence: Water is vital to all living things.
3 Use the word vital in your own sentence.
word vital.

about what things might be vital in the following

situations: When taking a math test? When riding a
bicycle? When taking a long trip in a car? How might one of
the above situations turn out differently if you did not have
vital objects or information?

glimpse
glimpse (n.)
A glimpse is a very quick look at something.

2 Read this sentence: We saw a glimpse of two orcas
as they surfaced.
3 Use the word glimpse in your own sentence.

word glimpse.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Fotosearch/Getty Images

meaning of the word glimpse and discuss these
a glimpse and a long look? What is something you would
get a glimpse of and why? When might it be better to take
a long look?

submersible
sub • mers • i • ble (adj.)

If something is submersible, it can go or work
under water.

2 Read this sentence: A submersible camera is nice to
use when scuba diving.
3 Use the word submersible in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Olga Khoroshunova/iStockPhoto.com

hear the word submersible.

you know that are submersible, and discuss the
following with a partner: What is the difference between
something that is submersible and something that is not?
How can you tell? What would happen if you were to take
an item into the water that was not submersible?

remotely
re • mote • ly (adj.)
If you use something remotely, you control it from
a distance.

2 Read this sentence: The toy car can be controlled
remotely.
3 Use the word remotely in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©intararit/Shutterstock

hear the word remotely.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about something

that you know or have heard of that can be controlled
remotely. Talk about these questions with your partner:
In what way is being able to control something remotely
helpful? In what way can it be harmful?

autonomous
au • ton • o • mous (adj.)

If something is autonomous, it controls itself.

2 Read this sentence: The autonomous machines in
the factory are assembling cars.
3 Use the word autonomous in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©PhotoDisc Collection/Getty Images

hear the word autonomous.

you consider to be autonomous, and discuss these
questions with a partner: What is one autonomous thing
you might like to have? Why? What are the advantages and
disadvantages to owning something that is autonomous?

eternal
e • ter • nal (adj.)

If something is eternal, it has no end and lasts
forever.

2 Read this sentence: There is an eternal flame at
Arlington National Cemetery.
3 Use the word eternal in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Norbert Rehm/Shutterstock

word eternal.

about things that might be eternal. Then discuss these
questions: Why do you think there are not many things
that are eternal? What types of things cannot be eternal?

organic
or • gan • ic (adj.)
If something is organic, it is made up of living matter.

2 Read this sentence: Soil is made from minerals and
organic matter.
3 Use the word organic in your own sentence.

word organic.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jeff Vanuga/USDA/NRCS

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, look
around and see if you can spot organic material. Then
discuss these questions: What makes it organic? What
types of organic things do you use daily?

intriguing
in • trigu • ing (adj.)

Something that is intriguing is very interesting.

2 Read this sentence: Isabelle thinks that space is
intriguing and hopes to be an astronaut one day.
3 Use the word intriguing in your own sentence.

word intriguing.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©vchal/Shutterstock

about things you find intriguing. Pick one, and discuss
these questions together: What characteristics make this
object or subject intriguing to you? Is it important to find
certain things to be intriguing? Why or why not?

diverse
di • verse (adj.)
If something is diverse, it is made up of things that
are different from each other.

2 Read this sentence: The marine life in the ocean is
so diverse that I saw over forty types of fish at the
aquarium.
3 Use the word diverse in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jeff Hunter/Getty Images

word diverse.

about things that are diverse in your life. Then discuss
these questions: How is your life diverse? How can diverse
places be interesting?

idle
i • dle (adj.)
If something is referred to as idle, it is not
doing anything.

2 Read this sentence: Sloths spend much of their time
being idle in the treetops.
3 Use the word idle in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Urs Hauenstein/Shutterstock

word idle.

think about what else can be idle. Then discuss these
questions: When are you the most idle? When are you the
least idle? Do you enjoy being idle? Why or why not?

core
core (n.)
The core of something is its center.

2 Read this sentence: Daniel ate every bite of the
delicious apple and left only the core.
3 Use the word core in your own sentence.

hear the word core.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Cultura Motion/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, make a
list of things that have a core. Pick one of the items you
listed, and discuss these questions: What is the difference
between the core and outer layers of this object? How
might this object be different if it did not have a core?

fathom
fath • om (v.)
If you can’t fathom something, you can’t
understand it.

2 Read this sentence: Roberto could not fathom how
the goat got stuck in the fence.
3 Use the word fathom in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jihan Nafiaa Zahri/Shutterstock

hear the word fathom.

about things that you find difficult to fathom. Use these
questions in your discussion: How would you compare
something that is difficult to fathom with something that
you completely understand? What could you do to learn
something that you cannot fathom?

wrath
wrath (n.)
Wrath is strong anger.

2 Read this sentence: If you are filled with wrath, you
might find it difficult to control your anger.
3 Use the word wrath in your own sentence.

hear the word wrath.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about what

it might feel like to be filled with wrath. Discuss these
questions with a partner: What kind of situation might

cause someone to feel wrath? What might be a better
reaction to such a situation?

collision
col • li • sion (n.)

A collision happens when a moving object crashes
into something.

2 Read this sentence: Rubber bumpers softened the
collision between bumper cars.
3 Use the word collision in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

you hear the word collision.

collision that you have seen either in person or in
photos. With a partner, discuss these questions: What
two objects were involved in the collision? What words
could you use to describe this collision? How could the
collision have been avoided?

shatter
shat • ter (v.)

When things shatter, they explode or suddenly
break into pieces.

2 Read this sentence: Grayson saw the window shatter.
3 Use the word shatter in your own sentence.
word shatter.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Apply Pictures/Alamy Images

about what types of things shatter. Then discuss these
questions: What might cause something to shatter? How
would you feel if something you owned shattered?

sentries
sen • tries (n.)

Sentries are guards or lookouts who stand in a place
to keep watch.

2 Read this sentence: The palace has sentries standing
guard in front of the gates.
3 Use the word sentries in your own sentence.

word sentries.

about what you know about sentries. Then discuss
these questions: When would a sentry be used? What is a
sentry’s job?

chasm
chasm (n.)
A chasm is a deep crack or opening in the ground.

2 Read this sentence: The hikers enjoy the beauty
created by the chasm.
3 Use the word chasm in your own sentence.

you hear the word chasm.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Philip Schubert/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about a chasm
that you have seen either on a trip or in photographs.
Use these questions as you talk with a partner: What
words could you use to describe the chasm? How do you
think the chasm was created?

glistens
glis • tens (v.)

If something glistens, it sparkles or shines.

2 Read this sentence: The dew-covered spider web
glistens in the early morning sunshine.
3 Use the word glistens in your own sentence.

hear the word glistens.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Vaclav Volrab/Shutterstock

talk about something that glistens. Then discuss the
following: What is the difference between something that
glistens and something that does not? Explain why an
object glistens or what might cause an object to glisten.

embedded
em • bed • ded (v.)

If a thing is embedded, it is firmly set into something
else that surrounds it.

2 Read this sentence: An oyster will create a pearl when
a grain of sand becomes embedded in the soft tissue
within its shell.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Michael Brake/iStock/Getty Images

3 Use the word embedded in your own sentence.
word embedded.

things that can be embedded. Then discuss these
questions: What is the difference between something that
is embedded and something that is loose? Is it easy to
remove something that is embedded? Why or why not?

eroding
e • rod • ing (v.)

If something is eroding, it is slowly wearing away,
often from wind or water.

2 Read this sentence: The rocks have been eroding for
years as a result of the daily rush of water.
3 Use the word eroding in your own sentence.

you hear the word eroding.

shoreline that is eroding. Then discuss these questions
with a partner: What might happen to a building located
on a rocky cliff that is eroding? What are other things in
nature that are eroding?

trickster
Vocabulary Card 7.1
trick • ster (n.)

A trickster is a character who deceives or tricks
others, usually to get something from them.

2 Read this sentence: The fox is often portrayed as a
crafty trickster in folktales.
3 Use the word trickster in your own sentence.


hear the word trickster.

trickster, and discuss the following questions with
your partner: If you were a trickster, what sorts of tricks
would you use? What end result would you hope to achieve
through your tricks?

shrewd
Vocabulary Card 7.2
shrewd (adj.)
Someone who is shrewd is able to quickly
understand a situation to gain an advantage.

2 Read this sentence: Her shrewd decisions helped us
get out of a difficult situation.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©C. Borland/PhotoLink/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

3 Use the word shrewd in your own sentence.
word shrewd.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Discuss the following

questions about the word shrewd with a partner: When
might it be helpful to be shrewd? How can being shrewd
help you solve a problem?

exaggeration
Vocabulary Card 7.3
ex • ag • ger • a • tion (n.)

An exaggeration describes something as more
important or larger than what it really is.

2 Read this sentence: Saying that your sister is twice as
tall as you are is an exaggeration.
3 Use the word exaggeration in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©ESB Professional/Shutterstock

hear the word exaggeration.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Use the following

questions as you talk about the word exaggeration with
a partner: What are some times when exaggeration may
be used to describe something? Do you think exaggeration
is helpful or harmful? Why?

legendary
Vocabulary Card 7.4
leg • en • dar • y (adj.)

If something is legendary, it is very famous and has
had many stories told about it.

2 Read this sentence: Many people have read the
legendary story of Hercules.
3 Use the word legendary in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©MatiasDelCarmine/Shutterstock

hear the word legendary.

legendary, and discuss the following questions with a
partner: What is the difference between someone who is
legendary and someone who is not? Would you want to be
legendary? Why or why not?

recall
Vocabulary Card 7.5
re • call (v.)
If you recall something, you tell about something
you remember.

2 Read this sentence: Sienna had a look of
concentration as she tried to recall the information.
3 Use the word recall in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Stockbyte/Getty Images

word recall.

of some situations in which you will need to recall
information. Then discuss these questions: What could
you do to make the information easier to recall? What
might happen if you cannot recall information during a
presentation or a test?

vividly
Vocabulary Card 7.6
viv • id • ly (adv.)
If you remember something vividly, you have a
clear, detailed memory of it.

2 Read this sentence: As she wrote a story about her
summer vacation, Nora vividly remembered her
family’s trip to the beach.
3 Use the word vividly in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Syda Productions/Shutterstock

hear the word vividly.

something that you can remember vividly. Discuss the
following with a partner: Describe your vivid memory. Why
do you think you are able to remember this so vividly?

accentuated
Vocabulary Card 7.7
ac • cen • tu • at • ed (v.)
If something is accentuated, it has attention drawn
to it.

2 Read this sentence: She accentuated her pigtails by
wearing pink hair bands.
3 Use the word accentuated in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Alamy

word accentuated.

something you have seen that was accentuated.
Then discuss these questions with a partner: What
did you notice, and how exactly was it accentuated?
What are some ways that people have accentuated
their appearances?

partial
Vocabulary Card 7.8
par • tial (adj.)

If you are partial to something, you prefer it more
than other things.

2 Read this sentence: My sister is partial to cherry
tomatoes in her salad.
3 Use the word partial in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©fstop123/E+/Getty Images

word partial.

some things that you are partial to. Then discuss these
questions: What is the difference between something you
are partial to and something you do not like? What foods
are you partial to? Why?

splendor
Vocabulary Card 7.9
splen • dor (n.)

The splendor of something is its great beauty or
magnificent appearance.

2 Read this sentence: When we walked into the
wedding reception, we were amazed by the splendor
of the decorations.
3 Use the word splendor in your own sentence.

word splendor.

something you have seen that has splendor. Then
discuss these questions with a partner: What would you
expect to see in a home that has splendor? What might
you see in a public area that has splendor?

resourceful
re • source • ful (adj.)

If you are resourceful, you are good at solving
problems quickly.

2 Read this sentence: My grandfather is very
resourceful because he is able to fix almost anything
that is broken.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jose Luis Pelaez Inc./Blend Images/Alamy
3 Use the word resourceful in your own sentence.
hear the word resourceful.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about people

you know who are resourceful. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: How might a person demonstrate
that he or she is resourceful? What are some ways you
are resourceful?

disposition
dis • po • si • tion (n.)

Your disposition is the way you tend to act or feel.

2 Read this sentence: I really enjoy spending time
with my friend Juanita because she has such a
happy disposition.
3 Use the word disposition in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

you hear the word disposition.

disposition of a character you have read about in a
book. Then discuss these questions with a partner:
How would you describe the character’s disposition?
What does the character say or do that demonstrates
that disposition?

commendable
com • mend • a • ble (adj.)

If you do something commendable, you do it well
and earn praise.

2 Read this sentence: The officer received many medals
for his commendable service in the military.
3 Use the word commendable in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock

you hear the word commendable.

something that you have done or observed that was
commendable. Then discuss these questions with a
partner: What was the commendable action? Why do
you think it was commendable? What makes something
commendable or worthy of praise?

devastation
dev • as • ta • tion (n.)

Devastation is terrible damage or complete
destruction.

2 Read this sentence: Many buildings were destroyed
due to the devastation caused by the tornado.
3 Use the word devastation in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Photodisc/Getty Images

word devastation.

types of disasters that can cause devastation. Then
discuss these questions with a partner: What are some
types of devastation that cannot be prevented? What
types can be prevented? How can you help someone who
has experienced devastation?

thrifty
thrift • y (adj.)
If you are thrifty, you save your money and buy only
what you need.

2 Read this sentence: By being thrifty, Neal was able
to save lots of money.
3 Use the word thrifty in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©junpinzon/Shutterstock

hear the word thrifty.

thrifty, and discuss the following questions with a
partner: Do you think that it is beneficial to be thrifty? Why
or why not? What might happen if you were never thrifty?

generous
gen • er • ous (adj.)

If someone is generous, he or she gives or shares more
than is necessary. A generous amount of something is
larger and more plentiful than necessary.

2 Read this sentence: I was grateful for the generous
birthday gifts from my friends and family.
3 Use the word generous in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Xavi Arnau/E+/Getty Images

hear the word generous.

generous and discuss the following questions with
a partner: If someone gave you a generous amount of
something you liked, how would that make you feel? How
would it make you feel if the amount wasn’t so generous?

character
char • ac • ter (n.)

A person’s character is the kind of person he or she is.

2 Read this sentence: Peter has an outgoing character,
as he is easily able to talk to anyone he meets.
3 Use the word character in your own sentence.


you hear the word character.

people you know as well as the type of character each
one has. Talk about these questions with a partner: How
would you describe the character of one of the people you
know? What type of character do you most like to spend
time with and why?

fascinated
fas • ci • nat • ed (v.)

If you are fascinated by something, you are very
interested in it.

2 Read this sentence: Ella is fascinated with searching
for places on the globe.
3 Use the word fascinated in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Getty Images/Stockdisc

word fascinated.

about things that have fascinated you. Use these
questions to guide your discussion: Why were you so
fascinated by this thing? What could you do to learn more
about the object or subject that you found so interesting?

succulent
suc • cu • lent (adj.)

If food is succulent, it is juicy and tasty.

2 Read this sentence: Alex and his brother enjoyed the
taste of the succulent watermelon.
3 Use the word succulent in your own sentence.

word succulent.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Zurijeta/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about foods
that you think are succulent. Then talk about these
questions with a partner. What food do you think is the
most succulent? Explain why. If you could invent a new
succulent food, what would it look like and how would
it taste?

clamped
clamped (v.)
When something is clamped, it is closed tightly.

2 Read this sentence: The puppy clamped its teeth
tightly onto the tasty bone.
3 Use the word clamped in your own sentence.

hear the word clamped.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Erlo Brown/Shutterstock

that are clamped, and talk about the following with
a partner: Describe something that you have seen that
was clamped. What would have happened if it wasn’t
clamped securely?

gratitude
grat • i • tude (n.)

When you show gratitude, you show that you
are thankful.

2 Read this sentence: Theresa shows her gratitude
by giving her mom a big hug.
3 Use the word gratitude in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Amble Design/Shutterstock

hear the word gratitude.

when you showed gratitude for something. Then
discuss these questions with a partner: Why do you think
showing your gratitude is important? How does it make
you feel when someone shows you gratitude?

withered
with • ered (v.)

If a plant has withered, it has dried up and
possibly died.

2 Read this sentence: The flowers hanging on the porch
have withered.
3 Use the word withered in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jonathan Klassen/Shutterstock

word withered.

withered, and discuss the following with a partner:
Explain how a plant could become withered. What could
you do differently to prevent the plant from becoming
withered and dead?

scorching
scorch • ing (adj.)

Something that is scorching is very, very hot.

2 Read this sentence: As the volcano erupted,
scorching lava flowed down its sides.
3 Use the word scorching in your own sentence.

word scorching.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Westend61/Getty Images

about something that is scorching. Then discuss these
questions together: What effect can something that is
scorching have on the things around it? How can you
make something that is scorching less hot or dangerous?

reckless
reck • less (adj.)

Someone who is reckless does not care how his or
her actions affect others.

2 Read this sentence: It is reckless to leave a cord on
the ground where someone could trip over it.
3 Use the word reckless in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

word reckless.

actions that you would describe as reckless. Then
discuss these questions with a partner: What is the
difference between acting in a reckless manner and in a
careful one? What might result from reckless behavior?

assumed
as • sumed (v.)
If you assumed something, you believed it
without proof.

2 Read this sentence: When Matthew went to bed, Mom
assumed that he would stop reading and go to sleep.
3 Use the word assumed in your own sentence.

hear the word assumed.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Chris Bernard/iStock

something that you assumed. With a partner, discuss
the situation: Were you right or wrong about what you
assumed? What proof later confirmed you were right or
wrong about what you assumed?

prosper
pros • per (v.)

If you prosper, you succeed and do well.

2 Read this sentence: The tree was able to prosper over
the years.
3 Use the word prosper in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (l) ©DAJ/Getty Images; (r) ©Todd Muskopf/Alamy
word prosper.

ways in which a person can prosper. Then discuss
these questions with a partner: What is one way that
you would like to prosper? What steps can you take to
make this happen?

digest
Vocabulary Card 8.1
di • gest (v.)
When you digest food, it moves through your body
to your stomach.

2 Read this sentence: Some foods, like meats and
cheese, take longer to digest than others.
3 Use the word digest in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Chepko Danil Vitalevich/Shutterstock

hear the word digest.

digest and talk about these questions with a partner:
What are some foods that are hard to digest? How do you
feel after you eat foods that are hard to digest?

sustainable
Vocabulary Card 8.2
sus • tain • a • ble (adj.)

If you use a natural resource that is sustainable, it is
able to stay at a certain level and not cause harm to
the environment.

2 Read this sentence: Farmers are trying to grow food in
a sustainable way.
3 Use the word sustainable in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Ilene MacDonald/Alamy

hear the word sustainable.

about what sustainable means; then discuss these
questions: Can you name a sustainable resource? Why do
you think that resource is sustainable?

compost
Vocabulary Card 8.3
com • post (n.)

Compost is decayed plant waste that can be used to
fertilize soil.

2 Read this sentence: The compost we make will be
used in our vegetable garden.
3 Use the word compost in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Eric Camden/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

hear the word compost.

plant waste that could be used to create compost. Then
talk about the following questions with a partner: What
are some plants that you can turn into compost? Why
might compost be better to use than chemical fertilizers?

nutrition
Vocabulary Card 8.4
nu • tri • tion (n.)

If you have good nutrition, you eat the right foods
to help you stay healthy and grow.

2 Read this sentence: Good nutrition includes eating
fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
3 Use the word nutrition in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Mitch Hrdlicka/Photodisc/Getty Images

hear the word nutrition.

about the foods that offer good nutrition. Then, discuss
the following question: What is the difference between
good nutrition and bad nutrition? Explain how you know
which foods will help you to have good nutrition.

assess
Vocabulary Card 8.5
as • sess (v.)
If you assess something, you think about it carefully
and judge it.

2 Read this sentence: On the way to school, we stopped
to assess the safety of the street before crossing.
3 Use the word assess in your own sentence.


hear the word assess.

situation in which you had to assess something, and
talk about these questions with a partner. What did you
assess, and how was this process helpful? Explain why it
may be important to assess a situation before you act.

disposable
Vocabulary Card 8.6
dis • pos • a • ble (adj.)

If something is disposable, it is meant to be thrown
away once it has been used.

2 Read this sentence: The trashcan was overflowing
with disposable cardboard boxes and wrappers.
3 Use the word disposable in your own sentence.

word disposable.

of things that are disposable. Then, talk about these
questions together: In what way do you think disposable
items might be helpful? In what way might these same
items be harmful?

convenient
Vocabulary Card 8.7
con • ven • ient (adj.)

If something is convenient, it is handy and useful.

2 Read this sentence: My dad takes the bus because it is
the most convenient way for him to get to work.
3 Use the word convenient in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Monalyn Gracia/Corbis/Getty Images

word convenient.

some things that make your life convenient. How is your
life more convenient than the lives of people who lived
a hundred years ago? Can you think of any negatives to
convenient things?

transported
Vocabulary Card 8.8
trans • port • ed (v.)

If something is transported, it is taken from one
place to another.

2 Read this sentence: Most of the fruit we buy is
transported from international farms to the United
States by ships.
3 Use the word transported in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Tentacle/Fotolia

word transported.

about things that can be transported. Then discuss
these questions: What are some ways in which things are
transported from one place to another? How do you like to
be transported?

hydrated
Vocabulary Card 8.9
hy • drat • ed (adj.)
Something that is hydrated has taken in plenty
of water.

2 Read this sentence: When you are playing hard, it is
important to stay hydrated.
3 Use the word hydrated in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Eric Camden/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

hear the word hydrated.

about specific things that need to be hydrated. Then
discuss these questions: Why is it important for living
things to stay hydrated? How do you feel when you are not
well hydrated?

impact
im • pact (n.)
Impact is the effect that one thing has on
something else.

2 Read this sentence: The heavy snow makes an impact
on our travel plans.
3 Use the word impact in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Steve Allen/Getty Images

hear the word impact.

these questions: Who has had a large impact on your life?
What book or movie has had a large impact on you? What
kind of impact have you had on others?

intensive
in • ten • sive (adj.)

Something that is intensive uses a lot of effort to
complete a task.

2 Read this sentence: We know it is an intensive task to
clean up the backyard.
3 Use the word intensive in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©YinYang/Getty Images

word intensive.

think about some intensive tasks. Then discuss these
questions: What intensive task have you had to complete?
How did you feel after completing the intensive task? Why?

adventurous
ad • ven • tur • ous (adj.)

Someone who is adventurous tries to do
new things.

2 Read this sentence: The adventurous family was
excited about their bike ride up the mountain.
3 Use the word adventurous in your own sentence.

hear the word adventurous.

about qualities that an adventurous person may have.
Then discuss the following questions together: Do you
think that you are adventurous? Why or why not? Describe
one new experience that an adventurous person may
want to try.

unique
u • nique (adj.)
Something that is unique is different or one
of a kind.

2 Read this sentence: Every snowflake is unique
because it has its own special pattern.
3 Use the word unique in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Alexey Kljatov/Shutterstock

hear the word unique.

unique, and talk about the following with a partner:
Explain the different features of yourself that make you
unique. Why do you think it is important to be unique?

pests
pests (n.)
Pests are insects or small animals that harm crops
or annoy people.

2 Read this sentence: There are many pests in the forest.
3 Use the word pests in your own sentence.
word pests.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Oleksandrum/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With your partner,
make a list of pests that you know or have heard about.
Then discuss the following questions: Which of these
pests do you find the most annoying and why? How might
the environment be different if these pests did not exist?

edible
ed • i • ble (adj.)
If something is edible, it is safe for people to eat.

2 Read this sentence: Some flowers are edible.
3 Use the word edible in your own sentence.
hear the word edible.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, list
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©DronG/Shutterstock

things that are edible. Sort them into similar groups
such as sweet, sour, or spicy. Discuss these questions:
If you could only choose foods from one group of edible
things, which group would it be? Why? Which group of
edible items would you avoid? Why?

forbidden
for • bid • den (adj.)

If something is forbidden, it is not allowed
or accepted.

2 Read this sentence: My little sister sneaks into my
mom’s room and uses her makeup, even though she
knows that it is forbidden.
3 Use the word forbidden in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Kostyazar/iStock/Getty Images

word forbidden.

something that is forbidden either at home or at school.
Then discuss these questions with a partner: Why do you
think certain things are forbidden? What might happen if
you do something that is forbidden?

attitudes
at • ti • tudes (n.)
Your attitudes are the ways you think and feel
about something.

2 Read this sentence: The coach gives our team a
pep talk to help us keep positive attitudes as we
play the game.

3 Use the word attitudes in your own sentence.
hear the word attitudes.

about the different attitudes that people may have.
Then discuss these questions: What is the difference
between positive and negative attitudes? Which attitudes
do you show most often? Why?

react
re • act (v.)
When you react to something, you act in a way that
shows you are aware of it.

2 Read this sentence: The baseball player had to react
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Tetra Images - Erik Isakson/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
quickly to tag the runner out.
3 Use the word react in your own sentence.

hear the word react.

when you have had to react. Talk about the following
question with a partner: What was the situation, and how
did you react to it? Explain what effect it would have if you
were to react in a completely different way.

astounded
a • stound • ed (v.)
If you are astounded by something, you are
completely surprised by it.

2 Read this sentence: We were astounded by the
show on TV.
3 Use the word astounded in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©eelnosiva/Shutterstock

hear the word astounded.

word astounded, and talk with a partner about
the following: Explain the difference between being
astounded or causing others to be astounded. Describe
what you could do to cause others to be astounded.

luscious
lus • cious (adj.)

A food that is luscious is tasty and often juicy.

2 Read this sentence: Marco and Valentina thoroughly
enjoy the sweet taste of the luscious strawberries.
3 Use the word luscious in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Karin Dreyer/Blend Images/Getty Images

word luscious.

about foods that are luscious. Then discuss these
questions: What words would best describe a food that is
luscious? Which luscious food is your favorite?

culinary
cu • li • nar • y (adj.)
Something that is culinary is connected to cooking.

2 Read this sentence: Jackie plans to go to culinary
school when she gets older because she really
enjoys cooking.
3 Use the word culinary in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jack Hollingsworth/age fotostock

hear the word culinary.

about the word culinary. Then discuss these questions:
How might a meal made by someone who has studied
culinary arts differ from one you might make? Why?

offense
of • fense (n.)
An offense is something that makes you feel hurt,
annoyed, or insulted.

2 Read this sentence: Our pets think it is a major
offense that they have to share the same yard.
3 Use the word offense in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©John Lund/DigitalVision/Getty Images

word offense.

about things that you would consider an offense.
Then discuss these questions: Have you ever said or
done something to someone that was an offense? What
happened as a result?

crestfallen
crest • fall • en (adj.)

If you are crestfallen, you are sad and discouraged.

2 Read this sentence: When his team lost the final game
of the season, Zack was crestfallen.
3 Use the word crestfallen in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

word crestfallen.

about a time when someone was crestfallen. Then
discuss these questions: What was the situation in which
the person was crestfallen? How would you cheer up a
crestfallen friend?

opted
opt • ed (v.)
If you opted for something, you chose it.

2 Read this sentence: After careful thought, Mason
opted to wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans to school.
3 Use the word opted in your own sentence.

hear the word opted.

when you have opted for something. Then discuss these
questions with a partner: What is a sport or activity that
you have opted to pursue? What is something you have
opted out of? Why?

ecology
Vocabulary Card 9.1
e • col • o • gy (n.)
Ecology is the relationship between the living things
in their environment.

2 Read this sentence: I wrote about the ecology of the
rainforest for my science project.
3 Use the word ecology in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©E+/oriredmouse/Getty Images

word ecology.

the meaning of the word ecology. What is the difference
between ocean ecology and desert ecology? If you had
the chance to study the ecology of the desert, ocean, or
grassland, which one would you choose? Why?

recycle
Vocabulary Card 9.2
re • cy • cle (v.)
If you recycle something, you put it through a
process so that it can be reused.

2 Read this sentence: Remember to recycle the
newspaper after you read it.
3 Use the word recycle in your own sentence.

hear the word recycle.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Corbis/Superstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about items you
know of that you can recycle. In groups, discuss these
questions: What things do you recycle? What does your
school recycle? Why is it important to recycle?

conservation
Vocabulary Card 9.3
con • ser • va • tion (n.)

Conservation is the act of saving and protecting
the environment.

2 Read this sentence: People are working hard for the
conservation of wildlife in this area.
3 Use the word conservation in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Image Source/Getty Images

hear the word conservation.

conservation, and talk about the following questions
with a partner: Why is conservation important? What can
you do to promote conservation in your neighborhood?

sanctuary
Vocabulary Card 9.4
sanc • tu • ar • y (n.)
A sanctuary is where people or animals go to be
safe from danger.

2 Read this sentence: The elephants are safe living in
the animal sanctuary.
3 Use the word sanctuary in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Digital Vision/Getty Images

hear the word sanctuary.

discuss what the word sanctuary means to you. Then
talk about these questions with your partner: How would
you describe a sanctuary? What are some reasons that
people or animals will go in search of a sanctuary?

frequent
Vocabulary Card 9.5
fre • quent (adj.)

If something is frequent, it happens often.

2 Read this sentence: I take frequent trips overseas.
3 Use the word frequent in your own sentence.
word frequent.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Maxx-Studio/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think of things that
happen frequently either at home or at school. Discuss
these questions with a partner: Why are these things
frequent occurrences? What might happen if this situation
did not happen as often?

sufficient
Vocabulary Card 9.6
suf • fi • cient (adj.)

If something is sufficient, it is just what is needed
and no more.

2 Read this sentence: The smaller suitcase is sufficient
to fit all of Leah’s clothes for the weekend.
3 Use the word sufficient in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Africa Studio/Shutterstock

hear the word sufficient.

that are sufficient in your life and things that are not. Talk
about the following with a partner: What would happen
if you spent a sufficient amount of time studying for a test?
What would be the effect of not getting a sufficient amount
of sleep?

oasis
Vocabulary Card 9.7
o • a • sis (n.)
An oasis is a relaxing or peaceful spot in an area
that is unpleasant in some way.

2 Read this sentence: My dad enjoys going to the park
because it is an oasis where he can relax.
3 Use the word oasis in your own sentence.


hear the word oasis.

about a place that would be an oasis to you. Then
discuss these questions: Why is this spot an oasis to you?
What is another oasis that you have heard about?

permission
Vocabulary Card 9.8
per • mis • sion (n.)

If you get permission, someone who is in charge
allows you to do what you asked to do.

2 Read this sentence: David asks permission to open
his gift.
3 Use the word permission in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Larry Williams/Fuse/Corbis/Getty Images

hear the word permission.

when you needed permission for something. Then
discuss these questions with a partner: How did you
convince the person to grant permission? What might
have happened if you did not get permission?

installing
Vocabulary Card 9.9
in • stall • ing (v.)

If you are installing something, you are setting it up
so it is ready to use.

2 Read this sentence: He is carefully installing a stained
glass window.
3 Use the word installing in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Josie Elias/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

word installing.

talk about a person you have observed installing
something. Then discuss these questions: Do you think
the process of installing something is easy or difficult?
Why? What tools or skills were needed?

abandoned
a • ban • doned (adj.)

If a place is abandoned, it is no longer cared for
or used.

2 Read this sentence: There is an abandoned car left in
the field.
3 Use the word abandoned in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Pete Ryan/National Geographic Stock

hear the word abandoned.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about an

abandoned building that you know about. Then discuss
these questions with a partner: How would you compare
an abandoned building with one that is occupied? What
might happen if someone moved into an abandoned place?

obsessed
ob • sessed (adj.)
If you are obsessed with something, you think about
it all the time.

2 Read this sentence: My grandfather is obsessed with
model trains.
3 Use the word obsessed in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Peter Titmuss/Shutterstock

hear the word obsessed.

about things that you are obsessed with. Then ask your
partner these questions: Is it good to be obsessed with
something? Why or why not? What might happen if the
thing that you are obsessed with suddenly disappeared?

disoriented
dis • o • ri • ent • ed (v.)

Creatures that are disoriented are confused about
where they are.

2 Read this sentence: The tourist was disoriented and
needed to look at a map.
3 Use the word disoriented in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©MEDIAIMAG/Shutterstock

hear the word disoriented.

about the following questions involving the word
disoriented: What situations could cause an animal or a
person to become disoriented? What words can you think
of that would describe someone who is disoriented?

blunt
blunt (adj.)
Something that is blunt is flat or rounded, rather
than sharp.

2 Read this sentence: The blunt pencil still needs to
be sharpened.
3 Use the word blunt in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Sirius_clouds_fan/iStock/Getty Images

hear the word blunt.

of some objects that are blunt. Then discuss these
questions: When is it important to use objects that are
blunt? When would it be difficult to use a blunt object
rather than a sharp object?

recruiting
re • cruit • ing (v.)

If you are recruiting people, you are asking them to
help do something.

2 Read this sentence: Akari began recruiting her
friends to help collect canned goods for the food drive.
3 Use the word recruiting in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Kidstock/Blend Images/Getty Images

hear the word recruiting.

of a situation in which people are recruiting others.
Then discuss these questions: What are some ways a
person could convince other people to help when that
person is recruiting? Why is recruiting important?

appointed
ap • point • ed (v.)
If you are appointed to a job, you are assigned to or
chosen for it.

2 Read this sentence: Kaito was appointed as the
caretaker for the classroom plants.
3 Use the word appointed in your own sentence.


hear the word appointed.

about people appointed to particular jobs. Then discuss
these questions: What are some important things to think
about when choosing people to be appointed to jobs?
What job would you like to be appointed to do?

stranded
strand • ed (v.)
If you are stranded, you are stuck somewhere
without a way to leave.

2 Read this sentence: Mom is stranded because her car
broke down on her way to work.
3 Use the word stranded in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley/Shutterstock

word stranded.

about someone who was stranded. What was the reason
that person got stranded? What are some other reasons a
person might get stranded?

estimate
es • ti • mate (n.)
If you give an estimate, you give an amount or size
that is not exact.

2 Read this sentence: Our teacher taught us that
finding an estimate first can be a helpful step when
solving a math problem.
3 Use the word estimate in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Beau Lark/Corbis

hear the word estimate.

in which an estimate is helpful. Discuss these questions
with a partner: In which situations might using an
estimate be helpful? Why? When would it be better to
have an exact amount rather than an estimate? Explain.

decay
de • cay (v.)
When things decay, they slowly break down and rot.

2 Read this sentence: The apple looked like it was brown
and starting to decay.
3 Use the word decay in your own sentence.

word decay.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Sean Malyon/Alamy

about things that can decay. Then discuss the following
questions: In what ways can decay be a helpful process? In
what ways can decay be harmful, and what would be the
end result?

ancestors
an • ces • tors (n.)

Your ancestors are the people in your family who
lived long ago.

2 Read this sentence: My grandfather told me that my
ancestors came from several countries on the
continent of Europe over one hundred years ago.
3 Use the word ancestors in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Photos.com/Getty Images

hear the word ancestors.

you know about your ancestors, and discuss the
following questions with a partner: Why are ancestors
important? How have the lives of your ancestors affected
your own life today?

swirled
swirled (v.)
If something swirled, it moved quickly around
in circles.

2 Read this sentence: My mother swirled the cream
into her coffee.
3 Use the word swirled in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Kumpol Chuansakul/Shutterstock

word swirled.

a list of things that can be swirled. Then discuss the
following: Explain how something can be swirled. Is it
possible to make this motion stop? How would you do that?

currents
cur • rents (n.)

Currents are flowing movements of water in a lake,
river, or ocean.

2 Read this sentence: The strong water currents quickly
move the kayak down the river.
3 Use the word currents in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Chase Jarvis/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

hear the word currents.

of some bodies of water that have currents. Then
discuss these questions: What are some things you know
that can get swept up by currents? What do you think
would happen if bodies of water were still and there were
no currents?

sneered
sneered (v.)
If you sneered, you showed disapproval and lack of
respect by the look on your face.

2 Read this sentence: If someone sneered at you, it
might hurt your feelings.
3 Use the word sneered in your own sentence.

word sneered.

of someone who sneered at another person. Then

discuss these questions: How would you describe the
facial expression of the person who sneered? What was the
effect when that person sneered at another person?

outspoken
out • spo • ken (adj.)

If you are outspoken, you say what you think even
when others do not agree.

2 Read this sentence: Jackson is outspoken and is not
afraid to give his opinion.
3 Use the word outspoken in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©PeopleImages/iStockphoto.com

word outspoken.

about someone who is outspoken. Then discuss these
questions: What are some situations when it would be
good to be outspoken? When might it be a problem to
be outspoken?

canopy
can • o • py (n.)
A canopy is a rooflike covering, like the top branches
of trees in a forest.

2 Read this sentence: A canopy of trees shades the
dirt road.
3 Use the word canopy in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Serge Skiba/Shutterstock

hear the word canopy.

talk about a canopy that you have seen or sat under.
Then discuss these questions: Why might a canopy be
important? What kinds of materials or objects would make
a good canopy?

envision
en • vi • sion (v.)
If you envision something, you picture it in
your mind.

2 Read this sentence: Charlotte likes to envision herself
becoming an astronaut in the future.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (l) ©Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; (r) ©Getty Images
3 Use the word envision in your own sentence.
hear the word envision.

about something that you have tried to envision.
Then discuss these questions: What were you trying to
envision? Is it important to try to envision things? Why or
why not?

broadcast
broad • cast (n.)

A broadcast is a program or speech on the television
or radio.

2 Read this sentence: Robert listened to the radio
broadcast of the concert.
3 Use the word broadcast in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©slawomir.gawryluk/Shutterstock

hear the word broadcast.

broadcast that you have either seen or heard. Then
discuss the following questions: Why did you listen to or
watch that broadcast? How do you think people shared
information before there were broadcasts on TV or radio?

publication
pub • li • ca • tion (n.)

A publication is something that has been printed
and made available for sale.

2 Read this sentence: My favorite publication is a
newspaper that contains stories from local authors.
3 Use the word publication in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Corbis Premium RF/Alamy

hear the word publication.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Talk with your partner

about different publications that you have seen or
heard about. Then discuss these questions: If you were
going to write your own publication, what information
would you want to include? Why? Who would be the
readers for your publication?

blog
blog (n.)
If you write a blog, you are writing regular and
informal updates, or entries, on a website.

2 Read this sentence: The students created a blog
about how to care for a community garden.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Christopher Futcher/The Agency Collection/Getty Images
3 Use the word blog in your own sentence.
hear the word blog.

something that you know a lot about that would make a
good topic for a blog. Then, discuss the following with a
partner: What would you do to make people want to read
your blog? Explain how a blog is different from the way
that people shared information in the past.

correspond
cor • re • spond (v.)

When you correspond with someone, you exchange
letters or emails with that person.

2 Read this sentence: The class was assigned to
correspond with their pen pals for the entire school year.
3 Use the word correspond in your own sentence.

hear the word correspond.

about the different ways that you can correspond with
someone who lives far away. Which of these ways do you
prefer to use when you correspond? Why? What are some
of the biggest differences between using email and letters?

significantly
sig • nif • i • cant • ly (adv.)

If something changes significantly, the change is
great enough to be noticed or important.

2 Read this sentence: When Kari practiced every day,
her drumming improved significantly.
3 Use the word significantly in your own sentence.

word significantly.

significantly, and talk about these questions with a
partner: What is something you would like to change
significantly? Why? What steps could you take to make
this change happen?

enabled
en • a • bled (v.)
If you are enabled to do something, you are given a
chance to do it.

2 Read this sentence: The crutches enabled Darla to
walk with her hurt leg.
3 Use the word enabled in your own sentence.


word enabled.

a list of inventions that have enabled people to do new
things. Then, discuss these questions: Which of these
inventions do you use the most, and what has it enabled
you to do? If you could create your own invention, what
would it look like? What would it enable people to do?

patent
pat • ent (n.)

If you have a patent for an invention, you have a
legal document or grant that states you are the only
one who is allowed to make or sell it.

2 Read this sentence: My uncle is a lawyer, and he works
to help inventors write a patent for their inventions.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Duncan Smith/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

3 Use the word patent in your own sentence.
hear the word patent.

about why getting a patent for an invention might
be important. Discuss these questions: Do you think it
would be difficult to get a patent for an invention? Why or
why not?

peak
peak (n.)
A peak can refer to the top of a mountain, but it
can also mean the top level or highest degree
of something.

2 Read this sentence: This restaurant’s business is at its
peak during lunchtime.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Victoria Smith/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

3 Use the word peak in your own sentence.
word peak.

about a peak in a product or service. Discuss these
questions: What might cause a peak in a product or
service? What are some things that have reached their
peak and are no longer in demand?

transmitted
trans • mit • ted (v.)

If something is transmitted, it is sent electronically
from one place to another.

2 Read this sentence: After I finished my book report, I
transmitted the assignment to my teacher by email.
3 Use the word transmitted in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Adrian Weinbrecht/cultura/Corbis

word transmitted.

about the kinds of information that can be transmitted.
Then discuss these questions: What are some good things
about data being transmitted electronically? What are
some bad things?

plucked
plucked (v.)
If something is plucked, it is pulled away from where
it is.

2 Read this sentence: Ana plucked the apple from the
highest branch of the tree.
3 Use the word plucked in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Sofarina79/Shutterstock

word plucked.

think about things that can be plucked. Discuss these
questions: What might be plucked from a shirt or sweater?
What musical instruments can be plucked? What things
have you plucked?

proposed
pro • posed (v.)

If you proposed an idea, you suggested that it was
useful or true.

2 Read this sentence: Mom proposed that the family
go for a bike ride since it was such a beautiful day.
3 Use the word proposed in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Thinkstock/Ron Chapple/Getty Images

word proposed.

about a time when you proposed an idea. Then discuss
these questions: To whom did you propose your idea?
What effect did it have when you proposed your idea?

influence
in • flu • ence (v.)

If you influence people, you use your power or
ability to change what they think.

2 Read this sentence: Daria’s teacher was able to
influence her to play the clarinet.
3 Use the word influence in your own sentence.


word influence.

about a time when you tried to influence someone.
Then discuss these questions: How did you try to
influence someone? How did the person respond?

astonishment
a • ston • ish • ment (n.)

If you look at something with astonishment, you
feel very surprised by it.

2 Read this sentence: Penny had a look of astonishment
when she saw what was inside the box.
3 Use the word astonishment in your own sentence.

hear the word astonishment.

about the following questions: What is the difference
between astonishment and disappointment? What are
some things that would create a look of astonishment?

gestures
ges • tures (n.)

If you make gestures, you make movements with
your hands or arms to share a message.

2 Read this sentence: As my teacher talks, she makes a
lot of gestures with her hands.
3 Use the word gestures in your own sentence.


hear the word gestures.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about ways that

you communicate. Then, talk with a partner about these
questions: What is the difference between communicating
with gestures and using words? Which is more effective
and why? When might using gestures be the best way to
share your message?

linguists
lin • guists (n.)

Linguists are people who speak several languages
and / or study how languages work.

2 Read this sentence: My aunt and her co-workers are
linguists who speak and study many languages.
3 Use the word linguists in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Maksim Shmeljov/Shutterstock

hear the word linguists.

about the many things that linguists must study. Then
discuss these questions: Would you want to be a linguist?
Why or why not? What skills would you need to be a linguist?

instinct
in • stinct (n.)
An instinct is something you do or know naturally,
without being taught.

2 Read this sentence: Most animals, including humans,
are born with the instinct to do whatever is necessary
to survive, such as eating.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©JupiterImages/Photos.com/Getty Images

3 Use the word instinct in your own sentence.
hear the word instinct.

about an instinct that a living creature is born with.
Then discuss these questions: What is the difference
between an instinct and a skill? What is one instinct you
were born with?

practical
prac • ti • cal (adj.)

If something is practical, it has a useful purpose.

2 Read this sentence: My younger brother dressed in
a raincoat and boots, which were very practical in
this weather.
3 Use the word practical in your own sentence.


hear the word practical.

of some things that are practical. Then talk about the
following: Describe some of the practical things that you
do or use. What makes these things practical?

operation
op • er • a • tion (n.)
An operation is a set of actions that are carried out
to meet a goal.

2 Read this sentence: My dad is an engineer at a facility
where the main operation is to clean the water that
will be used in homes around the city.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©uchar/iStockphoto.com/Getty Images

3 Use the word operation in your own sentence.
hear the word operation.

about the meaning of the word operation. Then talk
about these questions: Why might it be important to use
an operation to solve a complicated math problem? What
are other types of operations?

immaculate
im • mac • u • late (adj.)

Something that is immaculate has no mistakes
or faults.

2 Read this sentence: The dance performance was
immaculate and precise.
3 Use the word immaculate in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©jeancliclac/iStockPhoto.com

hear the word immaculate.

about things that could be immaculate. Then discuss
these questions: Why is it difficult to give an immaculate
performance? What are some other things that can be
done in an immaculate way?

inspect
in • spect (v.)
If you inspect something, you look at it carefully to
judge its quality.

2 Read this sentence: To ensure the safety of the
children at our school, an official came to inspect all of
the fire extinguishers and alarms.
3 Use the word inspect in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©riopatuca/Shutterstock

hear the word inspect.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner think

about different things that you may need to inspect.
Why it is important to inspect a fire extinguisher, a new
house, or the tires of a car?

liveliest
live • li • est (adj.)

The liveliest person or animal is the one that is the
most active or full of energy.

2 Read this sentence: We picked our puppy, Luna,
because she was the liveliest one in the litter.
3 Use the word liveliest in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©WilleeCole/Shutterstockk

word liveliest.

about the people who live at your house. Then talk
about the following: Which member of your family would
you consider to be the liveliest? Describe what the person
does that makes you think so. Who is the least lively in your
house? How are this person’s actions different?

stammered
stam • mered (v.)

If you stammered, you spoke with many pauses and
repeated words.

2 Read this sentence: Lilly was so nervous about reciting
her poem to the class that she stammered through the
first few lines.
3 Use the word stammered in your own sentence.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Rayman/PhotoDisc/Getty Images

word stammered.

about a time when someone stammered. Discuss these
questions: When someone has stammered, what may
have caused him or her to speak in this way? What support
can listeners give someone who has stammered?

expectantly
ex • pec • tant • ly (adv.)

If you do something expectantly, you do it thinking
something is about to happen.

2 Read this sentence: Our family waited expectantly
for the pie to come out of the oven.
3 Use the word expectantly in your own sentence.

word expectantly.

about a situation in which someone waits expectantly.
Then discuss these questions: When have you waited
expectantly for something to happen? What did the
waiting feel like?

demonstrated
dem • on • strat • ed (v.)

If you demonstrated something, you showed how it
is used or done.

2 Read this sentence: The ballet instructor
demonstrated the pose to the students.
3 Use the word demonstrated in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

hear the word demonstrated.
COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION In small groups, talk

about a time when you saw something demonstrated
or have demonstrated something to others. What have
you demonstrated to others? Is it easier to demonstrate
something or copy what is demonstrated? Why?

Vocabulary Cards
GRADE 4
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Possession of this publication in print format does not entitle users to convert this
publication, or any portion of it, into electronic format.
LV 4 1714236
Vocabulary Cards
CARD CARD CARD CARD
WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER
abandoned 9.10 chasm 6.25 denying 2.17 eroding 6.28

absurd 2.20 chorus 3.10 descended 1.10 estimate 9.17
accentuated 7.7 clamped 7.19 despised 2.23 eternal 6.14
accepted 2.14 clumsy 1.20 destiny 4.20 exaggeration 7.3
adapt 2.18 collision 6.22 devastation 7.13 expectantly 10.23
adoringly 3.15 comfort 2.19 devised 4.17 experience 1.2
adventurous 8.12 command 2.16 digest 8.1 expressive 5.2
amazing 3.23 commendable 7.12 dignified 5.5 extraordinarily 5.23
ancestors 9.19 compost 8.3 disbelief 3.18 familiar 2.11
ancient 1.16 confidence 4.2 disdain 1.14 fascinated 7.17
appointed 9.15 confront 3.1 disheveled 4.11 fathom 6.20
aroma 2.2 conservation 9.3 disoriented 9.12 fearlessness 4.4
aspire 4.1 considered 1.13 disposable 8.6 feisty 4.13
assess 8.5 consumed 1.9 disposition 7.11 ferocious 2.24
assumed 7.24 convenient 8.7 distant 1.26 flattered 5.11
astonishment 10.13 core 6.19 distinctive 5.17 forbidden 8.16
astounded 8.19 correspond 10.4 distinguish 2.3 foreboding 4.6
attitudes 8.17 coveted 2.26 distress 4.18 foreground 5.14
auction 3.5 creativity 5.4 diverse 6.17 forfeit 2.22
autonomous 6.13 crestfallen 8.23 doubts 1.18 frequent 9.5
awkward 1.21 cruising 5.24 drifting 3.6 furious 4.24
background 5.15 culinary 8.21 ecology 9.1 generous 7.15
blog 10.3 curator 5.13 edible 8.15 gestures 10.14
blunt 9.13 currents 9.21 elaborately 2.25 glimpse 6.10
brimming 3.11 cynic 1.5 elegant 4.5 glistens 6.26
broadcast 10.1 damp 3.7 embedded 6.27 gratitude 7.20
burst 3.19 dauntless 3.2 enabled 10.6 heritage 1.15
canopy 9.24 debris 3.14 endeavor 4.3 highlight 5.18
canyon 6.3 decay 9.18 endurance 3.3 hilarious 5.9
capable 3.16 dedication 3.4 enhance 2.13 hoard 1.30
cautiously 1.22 defiance 1.6 envision 9.25 horizontal 5.19
character 7.16 demonstrated 10.24 episode 4.7 hydrated 8.9
Vocabulary Cards
CARD CARD CARD CARD
WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER WORD NUMBER
identity 1.1 observant 5.10 reckless 7.23 stunned 5.6

idle 6.18 obsessed 9.11 recruiting 9.14 subdued 4.10
illuminates 2.8 obstacles 2.15 recycle 9.2 submersible 6.11
immaculate 10.19 occasionally 4.26 reflect 2.7 succulent 7.18
immigration 3.21 odyssey 4.19 refugees 3.22 sufficient 9.6
impact 8.10 offense 8.22 regretted 5.8 sulked 4.14
inadvertently 1.8 operation 10.18 relish 2.10 summit 6.6
influence 10.12 opportunities 3.20 relying 1.19 sumptuous 1.29
inspect 10.20 opted 8.24 remotely 6.12 surge 3.12
inspiration 5.3 organic 6.15 resolutions 1.17 surrendered 4.22
installing 9.9 outspoken 9.23 resourceful 7.10 sustainable 8.2
instinct 10.16 partial 7.8 rhythmic 5.16 swirled 9.20
intensive 8.11 patent 10.7 rigid 4.12 tactile 2.4
taunt 2.21
intimidated 4.9 peak 10.8 sanctuary 9.4
thrifty 7.14
intriguing 6.16 perception 2.1 savor 2.12
thrive 6.7
judge 2.9 perished 3.13 scenic 6.1
timid 4.15
landform 6.4 permission 9.8 scorching 7.22
trampled 5.12
landscape 6.2 pests 8.14 scowled 4.8
transmitted 10.9
legendary 7.4 plucked 10.10 sculpture 5.1
transparent 2.6
linguists 10.15 plunges 5.25 secure 4.27 transported 8.8
liveliest 10.21 polished 5.7 sentries 6.24 trench 6.5
luminous 2.5 practical 10.17 shatter 6.23 trickle 1.23
luscious 8.20 prehistoric 6.8 shrewd 7.2 trickster 7.1
majestic 1.28 proclaimed 1.27 significantly 10.5 tyrant 4.25
marveled 1.24 profound 1.7 sneered 9.22 unique 8.13
mighty 1.25 proposed 10.11 spare 3.8 unsurpassed 5.21
mortal 4.21 prosper 7.25 spectators 3.17 verses 3.9
mundane 1.12 publication 10.2 splendor 7.9 vital 6.9
necessary 5.20 pursuit 1.4 stammered 10.22 vividly 7.6
nutrition 8.4 react 8.18 stir 5.22 wisdom 1.3
oasis 9.7 rebellion 4.23 stranded 9.16 withered 7.21
obliged 1.11 recall 7.5 strenuous 4.16 wrath 6.21

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identity

Vocabulary Card 1.1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word identity in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©OJO Images/Getty Images

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word experience in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

wis • dom (n.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word wisdom in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Jupiterimages/Getty Images

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

pur • suit (n.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word pursuit in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Weronica Ankarorn/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word cynic in your own sentence.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ©Pinkyone/Shutterstock

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word defiance in your own sentence.

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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

pro • found (adj.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word profound in your own sentence.

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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION Think about the

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

in • ad • ver • tent • ly (adv.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner,

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

con • sumed (v.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word consumed in your own sentence.

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word descended in your own sentence.

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Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word obliged in your own sentence.

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Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1

mun • dane (adj.)

1 Read the word and its meaning above.

3 Use the word mundane in your own sentence.

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COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a partner, think

Grade 4 • Module 1 • Week 1