1. Vocabulary Level D
Unit 10

2. An early fascination with ants led the young naturalist to aspire to a career as an entomologist.
Verb: to have hopes or plans, strive toward a higher goal; to ascend
Syn: yearn, aim for
Phrase: aspire for more

3. Adj: bare, dreary, dismal
Urban renewal can turn a run-down city with bleak economic prospects into a flourishing metropolis.
Adj: bare, dreary, dismal
Syn: desolate, barren
Phrase: a bleak future

4. The teacher chided the student for truancy and tardiness.
Verb: to blame; scold
Syn: reprimand, chastise
Phrase: chide the student

5. The diminutive lapdog was so small that it actually fit in its owner’s purse.
Adj: small, smaller than most others of the same type
Syn: undersized, compact
Phrase: diminutive lapdog

6. A good debater knows how to exploit weaknesses in an opponent’s argument.
Verb: to make use of, develop; to make improper use of for personal profit
Noun: a feat, deed
Syn: turn to advantage; misuse
Phrase: exploit the weak

7. The stand-up comedian’s outrageous act included about 20 minutes of completely extemporaneous banter.
Adj: made or delivered on the spur of the moment
Syn: spontaneous
Phrase: extemporaneous speech

8. A big lunch makes me feel languid for the rest of the day.
Adj: drooping; without energy, sluggish
Syn: listless, lethargic
Phrase: lazy and languid

9. The soccer field has become a rectangle of muck and mire.
Noun: mud; wet, swampy ground; a tough situation
Verb: to get stuck
Syn: swamp, bog
Phrase: muck and mire

10. The freelance writer presented the managing editor with a bill for services rendered.
Verb: to cause to become; to perform; to process
Syn: furnish, submit
Phrase: rendered speechless

11. I am skeptical of promises made by politicians when they are running for office.
Adj: inclined to doubt; slow to accept something as true
Syn: suspicious, incredulous
Phrase: skeptical of promises