1. vocabulary Plus Realism and Naturalism

2. Dilapidated adj. DEF: old, broken down, barely useful, worn out SYN: decrepit Either you fix up that dilapidated old car, or ___________________.

3. Conjecture n. DEF: the formulation or expression of a theory or an opinion SYN: supposition Whether you believe that the existence of ghosts is all conjecture, or ______, you have to admit that ___________

4. Garrulous adj. DEF: excessively talkative especially on trivial matters SYN: loquacious Neither her advanced age nor her large personality can explain her obnoxiously garrulous behavior at the ___________________yesterday.

5. Interminable adj. DEF: endless, perpetual, going on and on SYN: never – ending This interminable drive is causing me to become irritated, to get a nagging headache, and to __________.

6. Earnest adj. DEF: showing deep sincerity and seriousness, or zealousness SYN: sincere Although his intentions were in earnest, his _____________ were not.

7. Finesse n. DEF: refinement, delicacy, grace, ease SYN: dexterity The finesse with which she handled the emergency was not only ________ but also _________.

8. Cavort v. DEF to jump or dance around excitedy SYN caper You kids quit cavorting around this dynamite factory or I’ll __________________________!

9. Ornery adj. DEF bad tempered or combative, permantly cranky SYN cantankerous My sister is so ornery when she wakes up in the morning that ------- ----------------------------------------.

10. lattice n. DEF framework of crossed strips – metal, or pie dough SYN filligree The basket was woven from pure Mongolian bamboo, and the latticework was painted _____________________.

11. Dialect n. DEF a socially distinct variety of a language that differs from the standard variety SYN patois Zora Neale Hurston wrote her novels in a distinct dialect of African Americans in the early 20 th century.

12. Motif n. DEF a recurring subject, theme, idea, symbol, etc., especially in an artistic or musical work. SYN archtype I’m sure that the recurring motif of the high french horn in his symphony symbolizes __________________.

13. Irony n. DEF the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning SYN: sarcasm The usual ironic cliché is that it either ______________ right after you get your car washed or you _______ after you win the lottery.

14. Diction n. DEF the way a speaker chooses the words they use SYN locution Mark Twain’s diction is not only accurate but also very amusing.