1. Second Edition BETH JOHNSON JANET M. GOLDSTEIN
ADVANCED WORD POWER
Second Edition
BETH JOHNSON
JANET M. GOLDSTEIN
© Townsend Press

2. Unit Two: Chapter 7 • clamor • rescind • contract • stagnant
• duplicity • uniform
• equivocal • untenable
• irresolute • vilify
Page 40 in textbook.

3. The clamor of demonstrators
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 clamor
– noun
• By the time the basketball game was over, I had an awful headache from the constant clamor of the fans as they cheered for their team.
• The hungry parakeets began an excited clamor when they saw their owner enter the room.
Clamor means
A. loud noise.
B. tense silence.
C. whispers.
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.
Photo: Daniel Latorre
The clamor of demonstrators
protesting injustice

4. The clamor of demonstrators
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 clamor
– noun
• By the time the basketball game was over, I had an awful headache from the constant clamor of the fans as they cheered for their team.
• The hungry parakeets began an excited clamor when they saw their owner enter the room.
Clamor means
A. loud noise.
B. tense silence.
C. whispers.
Page 40 in textbook.
If fans cheered enough to give someone a headache, then they must have made a loud noise. Hungry parakeets tend to make a loud noise when they get excited about being fed.
Photo: Daniel Latorre
The clamor of demonstrators
protesting injustice

5. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 contract – verb Contract means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 contract
– verb
• That company can’t seem to decide whether to grow or to contract. First it hired a hundred extra workers; then it laid off two hundred.
• The universe is expanding, but scientists do not know whether it will continue to expand or whether it will eventually start to contract, becoming more and more dense until it collapses on itself.
Contract means
A. to become visible.
B. to become smaller.
C. to become weaker.
As balloons
expand,
they rise
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.
As balloons
contract,
they fall
Photo: Tilman Scheinpflug

6. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 contract – verb Contract means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 contract
– verb
• That company can’t seem to decide whether to grow or to contract. First it hired a hundred extra workers; then it laid off two hundred.
• The universe is expanding, but scientists do not know whether it will continue to expand or whether it will eventually start to contract, becoming more and more dense until it collapses on itself.
Contract means
A. to become visible.
B. to become smaller.
C. to become weaker.
As balloons
expand,
they rise
Page 40 in textbook.
The opposite of the phrase to grow is to become smaller. The the opposite of the phrase to expand is to become smaller.
As balloons
contract,
they fall
Photo: Tilman Scheinpflug

7. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 duplicity – noun Duplicity means A. repetition.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 duplicity
– noun
• “I can’t tolerate duplicity,” said the teacher. “If you didn’t get around to writing your paper on time, say so. Don’t make up some story about death or illness in your family.”
• Dogs seem incapable of duplicity. If a dog soils the rug, he will slink around guiltily. He won’t try to pretend that the cat did it.
Duplicity means
A. repetition.
B. exaggeration.
C. deceit.
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

8. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 duplicity – noun Duplicity means A. repetition.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 duplicity
– noun
• “I can’t tolerate duplicity,” said the teacher. “If you didn’t get around to writing your paper on time, say so. Don’t make up some story about death or illness in your family.”
• Dogs seem incapable of duplicity. If a dog soils the rug, he will slink around guiltily. He won’t try to pretend that the cat did it.
Duplicity means
A. repetition.
B. exaggeration.
C. deceit.
Page 40 in textbook.
Making up stories is a form of deceit. Pretending that someone else is responsible for one’s own mistakes is another form of deceit.

9. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 equivocal – adjective Equivocal means A. vague.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 equivocal
– adjective
• Akira seemed equivocal about whether he’d gotten the job or not. First he said it was “a sure thing,” but then he added that he had to go back for another interview.
• After her first date with Chris, Karen was equivocal about how she felt toward him. She said he was “interesting,” which could mean almost anything.
Equivocal means
A. vague.
B. the same.
C. discouraged.
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

10. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 equivocal – adjective Equivocal means A. vague.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 equivocal
– adjective
• Akira seemed equivocal about whether he’d gotten the job or not. First he said it was “a sure thing,” but then he added that he had to go back for another interview.
• After her first date with Chris, Karen was equivocal about how she felt toward him. She said he was “interesting,” which could mean almost anything.
Equivocal means
A. vague.
B. the same.
C. discouraged.
Page 40 in textbook.
By leaving out the fact that he needed a second interview, Akira was vague and misleading about his job prospects. Since the word interesting can mean “almost anything,” Karen’s response was vague and open to more than one interpretation.

11. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 irresolute – adjective Irresolute means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 irresolute
– adjective
• In Hamlet, why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius sooner? Is it because he is too irresolute to act, or because he is prevented from carrying out his purpose?
• Carleton is irresolute about marrying Tania. He’s sure they are in love, but he’s not sure about getting married because they fight all the time.
Irresolute means
A. unable to decide.
B. lacking self-control
C. unknowing.
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

12. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 irresolute – adjective Irresolute means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 irresolute
– adjective
• In Hamlet, why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius sooner? Is it because he is too irresolute to act, or because he is prevented from carrying out his purpose?
• Carleton is irresolute about marrying Tania. He’s sure they are in love, but he’s not sure about getting married because they fight all the time.
Irresolute means
A. unable to decide.
B. lacking self-control
C. unknowing.
Page 40 in textbook.
One explanation for his taking so long to kill Claudius is that Hamlet is unable to decide whether or not to act. Torn between his love for Tania and his concern about their constant fighting, Carleton is unable to decide whether or not to marry her.

13. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 rescind – verb Rescind means A. to renew.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 rescind
– verb
• The state can rescind the licenses of people arrested for driving while drunk.
• It’s very rude to rescind your invitation to one person just because you’ve met someone else you’d prefer to invite.
Rescind means
A. to renew.
B. to cancel.
C. to abuse.
Page 40 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

14. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 rescind – verb Rescind means A. to renew.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 rescind
– verb
• The state can rescind the licenses of people arrested for driving while drunk.
• It’s very rude to rescind your invitation to one person just because you’ve met someone else you’d prefer to invite.
Rescind means
A. to renew.
B. to cancel.
C. to abuse.
Page 40 in textbook.
The state has the authority to issue drivers’ licenses, as well as to cancel them for drunk driving. Once you’ve invited someone to do something, it’s rude to cancel your plans with that person, take back the invitation, and offer it to someone else.

15. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 stagnant – adjective Stagnant means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 stagnant
– adjective
• At age forty, Ira is considering a midlife career change. He feels that his present career is stagnant: he’s going nowhere in his job.
• The pond was stagnant, and algae and weeds were growing so thickly that they covered the still water underneath.
Stagnant means
A. out of control.
B. motionless.
C. spread thin.
Page 41 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.
Photo: EPA
Stagnant water

16. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 stagnant – adjective Stagnant means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 stagnant
– adjective
• At age forty, Ira is considering a midlife career change. He feels that his present career is stagnant: he’s going nowhere in his job.
• The pond was stagnant, and algae and weeds were growing so thickly that they covered the still water underneath.
Stagnant means
A. out of control.
B. motionless.
C. spread thin.
Page 41 in textbook.
The phrase going nowhere suggests that Ira’s career is motionless. The phrase still water suggests that the pond was motionless.
Photo: EPA
Stagnant water

17. to make uniform cookies
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 uniform
– adjective
• To give hand-sewing a professional appearance, it’s important to make the stitches uniform. Take the trouble to make them all the same size—the result will be worth it.
• People whose teeth are unevenly spaced and discolored may benefit from a dental technique called bonding, which makes teeth look more uniform.
Uniform means
A. alike.
B. different.
C. insupportable.
Page 41 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.
Photo: Tomtchik
Using a cookie cutter
to make uniform cookies

18. to make uniform cookies
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 uniform
– adjective
• To give hand-sewing a professional appearance, it’s important to make the stitches uniform. Take the trouble to make them all the same size—the result will be worth it.
• People whose teeth are unevenly spaced and discolored may benefit from a dental technique called bonding, which makes teeth look more uniform.
Uniform means
A. alike.
B. different.
C. insupportable.
Page 41 in textbook.
If the stitches are all the same size, then they are all alike. Teeth that are unevenly spaced and of different colors are not all alike.
Photo: Tomtchik
Using a cookie cutter
to make uniform cookies

19. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 untenable – adjective Untenable means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 untenable
– adjective
• In the exam room, the teacher looked grimly at the math formulas penciled on my T-shirt. “Your story that you don’t know how they got there is untenable,” she said. “You can’t expect me to believe you!”
• Jocelyn’s theory that the explorers missing at the South Pole had been eaten by polar bears was interesting but untenable. Polar bears live at the North Pole.
Untenable means
A. uninteresting.
B. unable to be defended.
C. unclear.
Page 41 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

20. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 untenable – adjective Untenable means
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 untenable
– adjective
• In the exam room, the teacher looked grimly at the math formulas penciled on my T-shirt. “Your story that you don’t know how they got there is untenable,” she said. “You can’t expect me to believe you!”
• Jocelyn’s theory that the explorers missing at the South Pole had been eaten by polar bears was interesting but untenable. Polar bears live at the North Pole.
Untenable means
A. uninteresting.
B. unable to be defended.
C. unclear.
Page 41 in textbook.
The teacher thought she could not be expected to believe a story so improbable that it could not be defended. The theory that explorers were eaten by polar bears at the South Pole could not be defended because polar bears don’t live there.

21. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 vilify – verb Vilify means A. to argue with.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 vilify
– verb
• Most of Mr. Jones’s students praise him, but a few vilify him. It’s strange that he should be so respected by some and so harshly criticized by others.
• “I don’t think it’s fair to vilify an entire college just because one fraternity has behaved badly,” said Liam. “People should aim their dislike at the right target.”
Vilify means
A. to argue with.
B. to assault physically.
C. to speak evil of.
Page 41 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

22. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 vilify – verb Vilify means A. to argue with.
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 vilify
– verb
• Most of Mr. Jones’s students praise him, but a few vilify him. It’s strange that he should be so respected by some and so harshly criticized by others.
• “I don’t think it’s fair to vilify an entire college just because one fraternity has behaved badly,” said Liam. “People should aim their dislike at the right target.”
Vilify means
A. to argue with.
B. to assault physically.
C. to speak evil of.
Page 41 in textbook.
Students who harshly criticize their professor are likely to speak evil of him. If one fraternity behaves badly, people should speak evil of only that specific group of students, rather than aim their dislike at the entire college.

23. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
1. __________ about whether to take the subway or catch a bus, I vacillated° too long and managed to miss both.
2. Lenore insisted that she had paid all the rent she owed, but her claim was __________. She was unable to substantiate° it by producing any canceled checks or receipts.
Page 42 in textbook.
Answers: 1. irresolute; 2. untenable
The next slide explains the answers.

24. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
1. __________ about whether to take the subway or catch a bus, I vacillated° too long and managed to miss both.
Irresolute
Undecided, the speaker hesitated so long that neither option was available.
2. Lenore insisted that she had paid all the rent she owed, but her claim was __________. She was unable to substantiate° it by producing any canceled checks or receipts.
untenable
Page 42 in textbook.
Her claim could not be defended because she was unable to produce any supporting evidence.

25. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
3. Bodily movement results when our muscles first ________ and then relax.
4. The candidate’s voice shook as he showed reporters an ugly cartoon attacking his wife. “________ me if you like—I can take abuse,” he said. “But leave my family alone.”
Page 42 in textbook.
Answers: 3. contract; 4. vilify; 5. clamor
The next slide explains the answers.
5. It seems that every courtroom drama includes a scene in which a(n) __________ erupts, with the judge pounding the gavel and shouting “Order in the court!”

26. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
3. Bodily movement results when our muscles first ________ and then relax.
contract
Movement occurs as compressed muscles relax and become stretched out.
4. The candidate’s voice shook as he showed reporters an ugly cartoon attacking his wife. “________ me if you like—I can take abuse,” he said. “But leave my family alone.”
Vilify
Page 42 in textbook.
The candidate accepted abusive statements—but not attacks on his family.
5. It seems that every courtroom drama includes a scene in which a __________ erupts, with the judge pounding the gavel and shouting “Order in the court!”
clamor
When there is a hubbub in the courtroom, judges sometimes must shout louder than the outcries in order to restore order.

27. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
6. When Ben asked Jenna if she loved him, her ________ response— “Oh, Ben, I love everybody”—left him more confused than ever.
7. Angry over a council member’s racist statements, a citizens’ group decided to __________ its invitation to have him speak at its annual fundraising dinner.
Page 42 in textbook.
Answers: 6. equivocal; 7. rescind
The next slide explains the answers.

28. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
6. When Ben asked Jenna if she loved him, her ________ response— “Oh, Ben, I love everybody”—left him more confused than ever.
equivocal
A response that was open to more than one interpretation would leave the other person confused.
7. Angry over a council member’s racist statements, a citizens’ group decided to __________ its invitation to have him speak at its annual fundraising dinner.
rescind
Page 42 in textbook.
If a group of citizens became angered by an invited speaker’s racist remarks, they might take back their invitation to speak at their fundraiser.

29. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
8. City supervisors said the repairs to our street would take a month, but they took almost a year. We don’t know if this was _________ on the city’s part, or an honest miscalculation.
9. Sales had been __________ for months, so the company began an aggressive new ad campaign in the hope that merchandise would begin moving again.
Page 42 in textbook.
Answers: 8. duplicity; 9. stagnant; 10. uniform
The next slide explains the answers.
10. “No longer will each department handle billing its own way,” the boss announced. “From now on, we will all use identical forms and a(n) __________ set of procedures.”

30. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. clamor B. contract C. duplicity
D. equivocal
E. irresolute
F. rescind G. stagnant H. uniform
I. untenable
J. vilify
8. City supervisors said the repairs to our street would take a month, but they took almost a year. We don’t know if this was _________ on the city’s part, or an honest miscalculation.
duplicity
Deliberate deceptiveness is contrasted with an honest miscalculation.
9. Sales had been __________ for months, so the company began an aggressive new ad campaign in the hope that merchandise would begin moving again.
stagnant
Page 42 in textbook.
Sales weren’t moving, so the ads were to get merchandise moving again.
10. “No longer will each department handle billing its own way,” the boss announced. “From now on, we will all use identical forms and a __________ set of procedures.”
uniform
The word identical means “all or always the same.”