tract =pull

abstract ab-stract (adjective) pulled away from direct relation to anything; impersonal as in attitude or views

Picasso created many abstract yet colorful paintings. The abstract philosophy concept was difficult to comprehend. The abstract math concept puzzled me because I had not learned it before. The abstract ________ _________ me because __________. (verb)

attract at-tract (verb) to pull into something; to pull into oneself

Bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar in the flowers. Speedy red sports cars attract police officers’ attention. The star basketball player will attract colleges looking for a new center on their teams. The _________ will attract ________ because (noun) (noun) ____________.

contract con-tract (verb) to pull together to make smaller in size or bulk; to pull inward; opposite of “expand”

When we do bicep curls, the bicep muscle contracts and the triceps expand. The huge pile of laundry seemed to contract after being folded neatly. The actress contracts her stomach in all photos so her waist appears smaller. ________ contracts ______ so that____. (noun) (noun)

distract dis-tract (verb) to pull a person’s attention in another direction

Do not let the phone or door distract you when you are working. Some people are easily distracted by sounds, others by movements. I find mouth noises and tapping distract me from accomplishing my tasks. I find ______ and ________ distract me from _______.

extract ex-tract (verb) to pull out by force

The dentist extracted the baby tooth with care. The mother quickly extracted her child from the dangerous situation. The geologist extracts precious gems from the mine deep in the ground. __________ extracts ________ from _________. (noun) (noun) (noun)

protract pro-tract (verb) To pull out; to make something take longer; to prolong

She protracted her speech by talking slower. My mom says that I protract my bedtime routine by taking a long time to get ready for bed. I protract time during parent conferences when one parent is on time, and we need to wait for the other parent to arrive. I protract ________ when ________. (noun)

retraction re-trac-tion (noun) A statement or promise that is pulled back or taken back

The mayor could be wrong about the situation, put his faith in a bad source and have to issue an embarrassing retraction. The magazine will publish a full page retraction apologizing for the "deep distress and acute embarrassment " it had caused her. The retraction in the newspaper stated that it had misstated when Emblem Academy reopened. The retraction in _____________ stated ________.

subtract sub-tract (verb) To pull some out, therefore having less left over

The student subtracted 42 from 165 and correctly answered 123. Julie was subtracted from the group, therefore the group now only has five members in it. I would like to subtract unkind actions from my day so I treat everyone kindly. I would like to subtract _______ because ___.

traction trac-tion (noun) A pull to the arm or leg muscles to bring a bone back into place when it is dislocated or fractured

Traction can be used on many different bones and body parts to help relieve pain and bring healing. Traction is very helpful when you have multiple broken bones. The surgeon used traction to help stretch the tendons around the broken bone. The ______ used traction to _________.

tractor trac-tor (noun) A powerful vehicle that pulls farm machines and hauls heavy loads

The tractor was an integral part of expanding agriculture. The tractor, a very powerful agricultural tool, is a farming necessity. The farmer used the tractor to plow the soil before planting. The _________ used the tractor to ______.