September 7: Journal #1 The most important qualities I look for in a friend…

September 7: Vocabulary Energizer #1 Chimerical (adj) Definition: given to wildly impossible plans Example: Many believed that the Wright brothers’ plan for an airplane and Robert Fulton’s idea for a steamboat were unrealistic ideas of chimerical dreamers. Synonyms: imaginary, fanciful, quixotic

September 10: Journal #2 What I think it means to be brave and loyal… Someone I know who is brave and loyal…

Sept. 10: Vocabulary Energizer #2 Asinine (adj) Definition: stupid or silly Example: I lost my job when my supervisor told me not to ask any more asinine questions and I asininely asked, “Why not?” Synonyms: foolish, mindless, idiotic, ridiculous, absurd, inane

September 11: Vocabulary Energizer #3 Bellwether (n) Definition: leader Example: Nashville,Tennessee, bellwether of country music, attracts a multitude of songwriters, singers, and musicians. Synonyms: pacesetter, pacemaker, vanguard

September 12: Journal #3 Rikki Tikki Tavi is like a person because…

September 12: Vocabulary Energizer #4  Limbo (n)  Definition: place or state of neglect; period awaiting change; in-between state  Example: I always feel that I am in limbo when my telephone call is put on hold.  Synonyms: neglect, transition, oblivion

September 13: Journal #4 In the story “Rikki Tikki Tavi,” the character I believe represents the human character trait coward is…. because… The character I believe represents the character trait scatterbrained is…because..

September 13: Vocabulary Energizer #5 Plagiarize (v) Definition: use ideas or writings of another and present them as one’s own Example: Metaphorically, when we use someone else’s work as our own or plagiarize, we are stealing that person’s brainchild or thought. Synonyms: copy, steal, rob, purloin

September 14: Journal #5  Respond to each of the following. If it is a quote, tell what you think it means.  My most terrifying moment…  “There is nothing to fear but fear itself…”  Explain what the following metaphor means. What is it saying about the person being described? “I am a Rock. I am an Island.”

Sept. 14: Vocabulary Energizer #6 ► Titanic (adj) ► Definition: enormous in size or strength ► Example: Some athletes, stricken by accident or disease, make titanic efforts to resume their careers and ultimately become world champions. ► Synonyms: gigantic, huge, enormous, prodigious

Sept 17: Journal #6 I am/am not afraid of rats because…

Sept 17: Vocabulary Energizer #7 Irony (n) Definition: expression that means the opposite of what is stated; event or result the opposite of what is expected. Example: An ironic remark might be “Just wonderful” in answer to a question about how was your day– a day you ran out of gas in a thunderstorm, discovered that you had lost your wallet as you went to pay for lunch, and came home to find your new furniture torn apart by the children’s puppy. Synonyms: contradiction, mockery, sarcasm

Sept 18: Journal # 7 If I could be anywhere but here…

Sept. 18: Vocabulary Energizer #8 Effete (adj) Effete (adj) Definition: worn-out, unproductive, barren Definition: worn-out, unproductive, barren Example: Those who don’t understand art forms often label abstract or modern art as effete. Example: Those who don’t understand art forms often label abstract or modern art as effete. Synonyms: unproductive, exhausted, feeble, decadent. Synonyms: unproductive, exhausted, feeble, decadent.

Sept 19: Journal #8 My favorite movie villain…

Sept 19: Vocabulary Energizer #9 Hyperbole (n) Hyperbole (n) Definition: obviously extravagant statement or assertion Definition: obviously extravagant statement or assertion Example: Hollywood escape films often confront the hero with hyperbolic, exaggerated villains who fiendishly construct some devilishly evil, diabolic plan. Example: Hollywood escape films often confront the hero with hyperbolic, exaggerated villains who fiendishly construct some devilishly evil, diabolic plan. Synonyms: embellishment, amplification Synonyms: embellishment, amplification

Sept. 20: Journal #9 Someone I really trust…

Sept. 20: Vocabulary Energizer #10 Diabolic (adj) Definition: outrageously wicked; cruel; devilish Example: Diabolically, the devil uses the literal truth to deceive according to the phrase, “the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose” (from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice). Synonyms: fiendish, demonic, satanic, infernal