Some people are sure that the new healthcare law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.

A controversy is something that people _______.

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.

A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.

The original Pilgrims called themselves the “Saints” and referred to others who joined with them for the voyage as the “Strangers.”

In this context, “original” means _______.

The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact.

The Compact was _______.

When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe.

To encounter, is to _______.

As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her.

In the above passage, the word “frozen” means _______.

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.

What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurtling into our planet.

To divert is to _______.

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a selfless person she is!

A selfless woman _______.

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves.

What does “vast” mean?

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

What does “static” mean in the above selection?

Poor Farmer Chavez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.

In the above sentence ‘labors’ means ____________.

It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for awhile.

In the above sentence ‘society’ means ____________.

Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the house.

An intruder is someone who intrudes. To intrude is to __________.

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.

In the above sentence ‘’foremost’ means ____________.

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.

If a statement is plausible, __________.

If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all!

What does the word "curtail" mean?

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed.

What does the word "clandestine" mean?

Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will inhibit the infection's attempt to spread.

What does the word "inhibit" mean?

Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match.

What does the word "transient" mean?

Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music.

What does the word "dispute" mean?

She convinced us with her logical and coherent argument.

What does the word "coherent" mean?

The pristine water came from a high mountain stream where there was no pollution.

What does the word "pristine" mean?

The criteria for getting an A was to turn in all assignments and have a score 90% or more.

What does the word "criteria" mean?