“All Summer in a Day” and “Gold Cadillac” Introduction to New Vocabulary

falling off; lessening; not trying very hard SLACKENING (adj) falling off; lessening; not trying very hard

The rain began slackening, so the children ran outside to play. Sample Sentence The rain began slackening, so the children ran outside to play.

To swell; to push violently; to suddenly increase SURGE (v) To swell; to push violently; to suddenly increase

The violent surge of lightning caused the tree to snap in half! Sample Sentence The violent surge of lightning caused the tree to snap in half!

a shaking or trembling movement TREMOR (v) a shaking or trembling movement

Sample Sentence As the temperatures dropped, the stranded family began to tremor in the cold.

springy; able to bounce back RESILIENT (adj) springy; able to bounce back

Because she is resilient, the girl got back up and tried again. Sample Sentence Because she is resilient, the girl got back up and tried again.

to delight in (as in taste or smell) SAVOR (v) to delight in (as in taste or smell) Mmmmm… chocolate!

Savor every moment, for time will fly by quickly! Sample Sentence Savor every moment, for time will fly by quickly!

TUMULTUOUSLY (adv) wildly; violently To spend money tumultuously… People tumultuously clapping, chanting, and dancing…

The wild monkeys tumultuously fought for bananas at feeding time. Sample Sentence The wild monkeys tumultuously fought for bananas at feeding time.

“The Gold Cadillac” Terms start here

Obvious; easily seen or understood EVIDENT (adj) Obvious; easily seen or understood

Sample Sentence It was quite evident to the teacher that the class had studied, for each student earned an “A”!

Having to do with country life RURAL (adj) Having to do with country life

In a rural area, children can run freely through the many fields. Sample Sentence In a rural area, children can run freely through the many fields.

Pay close attention; obey HEEDFUL (adj) Pay close attention; obey

Sample Sentence Be heedful of your words around young children, for they look up to you.

Lack of knowledge; not aware of something IGNORANCE (n) Lack of knowledge; not aware of something

Sample Sentence A person’s ignorance of others’ feelings can cause him or her to lose friends quickly.