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He’s a Splenetic Character!

December 23, 2013 by

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“Bah, humbug!” is the famous phrase uttered by Ebenezer Scrooge, the bitter, splenetic (see definition and hear pronunciation below) character in the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol.

It takes the eerie presence of three spirits to shake Scrooge to his core and give him a drastic change of heart. Showing him the joys of his Christmases past and present, as well as his grim future if he remains hard and spiteful, the ghosts give him a warning–and a great gift.

When Scrooge wakes after the spirits have departed, he’s a changed man, filled with generosity and joy!

Want to see the 1935 film Scrooge, which was based on Dickens’ iconic novel? Check it out here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scrooge_1935.ogv

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: Can you think of any other splenetic characters from books or movies?

Splenetic: Bad-tempered, spiteful, angry.

Photo courtesy of Robert Doucette

Click to hear the pronunciation of splenetic:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/splenetic.mp3

 

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A Scary Winter Miasma!

December 19, 2013 by

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It’s winter in China, which means the sky is filled with thick smog in many areas.

As China fires up its coal heaters for the season, this polluted miasma (see definition and hear pronunciation below) hovers over such cities as Shanghai and Beijing–and it’s getting worse.

Imagine what it must be like to live in a polluted city, where you sometimes need to don a mask just to go outside.

The conditions are not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. The fog contains particles that are particularly harmful to human lungs.

If you live in an area where you are able to breathe fresh air, you may be luckier than you realize!

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: What do you think the Chinese government should do about the polluted miasma that occurs during winter?

Miasma: An unpleasant or harmful smell or vapor.

Click to hear the pronunciation of miasma:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/miasma.mp3

 

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Vocab Practice: Exultation

December 18, 2013 by

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This word appeared on the Cool Word Club website on Dec. 12, 2013.

Let’s do a practice round!

Exultation means:

A) A feeling of great excitement
B) A sense of lingering guilt
C) An elaborate greeting
D) A type of building material

VIEW ANSWER HERE

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Vocab Practice: Stalwart

December 17, 2013 by

stalwart-cool-words-vocabulary-for-students-practiceThis word appeared on the Cool Word Club website on Dec. 9, 2013.

Let’s do a practice round!

Stalwart means:

A) Related to a ship
B) Taller than the average adult
C) Loyal, steadfast
D) Prone to erratic movements

VIEW ANSWER HERE

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A Crepuscular Creature…

December 16, 2013 by

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If you’re lucky, during a quiet evening or early morning, you might be able to spot a wild rabbit darting across a lawn.

Known for their crepuscular (see definition and hear pronunciation below) nature, these small, brown and fluffy-tailed animals come out most often during twilight hours at dawn and dusk.

To evade such predators as hawks, owls and foxes, wild rabbits make their nests beneath hedges and brambles, curl up in snowdrifts when it’s cold or tuck themselves into cozy burrows.

But if you spot a wild rabbit, it won’t stick around for long. They’re afraid of people and can run more than 25 mph. Chances are, it will dart out of sight before you know it!

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: Why do you think it’s advantageous for wild rabbits to be crepuscular?

Crepuscular: Of or relating to twilight; active at twilight or just before sunrise.

Click to hear the pronunciation of crepuscular:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/crepuscular.mp3

 

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An Extreme Exultation!

December 12, 2013 by

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What do you do when you’re really happy about something?

You might smile a lot. Or perhaps you like to tell everyone you know about your good feelings.

You might even use some odd-sounding phrases to talk about your happiness.

Lots of people say that they’re “tickled pink” when they’re happy about something.

Others like to say that they’re “walking on air” if they’re feeling especially cheerful.

These phrases, known as idioms, are expressions or figures of speech that stand for something else other than their literal meanings.

So, the next time you’re in a state of exultation (see definition and hear pronunciation below), you might just decide to “jump for joy”!

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: When is the last time that you experienced a state of exultation and why?

Exultation: A feeling of great excitement or jubilation.

Click to hear the pronunciation of exultation:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/exultation.mp3

 

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Vocab Practice: Quiescent

December 11, 2013 by

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This word appeared on the Cool Word Club website on Dec. 5, 2013.

Let’s do a practice round!

Quiescent means:

A) In a state of confusion
B) At rest or inactive
C) Engaged in animated conversation
D) Humming peacefully

VIEW ANSWER HERE

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Vocab Practice: Upbraid

December 10, 2013 by

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Vocab Practice: Upbraid

This word appeared on the Cool Word Club website on Dec. 2, 2013.
Let’s do a practice round!

Upbraid means:

A) To overlook a detail
B) To announce forcefully
C) To style one’s hair
D) To scold or criticize

VIEW ANSWER HERE

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A Stalwart Supporter of Human Rights

December 9, 2013 by

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This week, leaders from around the world are remembering Nelson Mandela, the former South African president who died last Thursday at the age of 95.

His remarkable life included 27 long years as a political prisoner, followed by his election as South Africa’s first black president.

A stalwart (see definition and hear pronunciation below) supporter of human rights, Mandela is best known for the pivotal role he played in dismantling the system of racial segregation known as apartheid.

Mandela’s perseverance was an inspiration to countless admirers. As he once explained, “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela.

To watch poet Maya Angelou’s tribute to Mandela, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/statevideo

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: Do you consider yourself to be a stalwart supporter of any particular beliefs or principles?

Stalwart: Loyal, steadfast, physically strong.

Click to hear the pronunciation of stalwart:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/stalwart.mp3

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A Time to Be Quiescent…

December 5, 2013 by

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If you have a busy schedule, it’s probably tough to squeeze in any downtime.

Between schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, you may feel that you have no time to simply relax. But don’t fall into that trap.

Scientists are now discovering that it actually improves productivity if you can find time in your daily routine to take some short breaks.

Rather than rushing from activity to activity, take a few minutes now and then to simply kick back and relax.

You may be pleasantly surprised to find that these quiescent (see definition and hear pronunciation below) periods give you a much-needed energy boost.

Chances are, you’ll think more clearly and get more done for the remainder of the day!

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: Why do you think it’s important to be quiescent from time to time?

Quiescent: At rest, inactive and/or quiet.

Click to hear the pronunciation of quiescent:

https://coolwordclub.com/wp-content/uploads/quiescent.mp3

 

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