Prepare to Read

Learn Key Vocabulary

Rate and Study the Words Rate how well you know each word. Then:

  • 1. Pronounce the word. Say it aloud several times. Spell it.

  • 2. Study the example.

  • 3. Tell more about the word.

  • 4. Practice it. Make the word your own.

Rating Scale

  • 1 = I have never seen this word before.

  • 2 = I am not sure of the word’s meaning.

  • 3 = I know this word and can teach the word’s meaning to someone else.

Key Words
arrest (u-rest) verb page 382
Photograph of a person being handcuffed
To arrest means to put someone in jail. A police officer arrests a suspect and puts handcuffs on him.		dictator (dik-tā-tur) noun page 382
Illustration of a man who was a dictator
A dictator is a person who leads a country without sharing power. Most dictators do not allow others to make decisions for the country.		hopeful (hōp-ful) adjective page 388
Photograph of a teenage girl with fingers crossed on both hands
Someone who is hopeful is full of good thoughts about what will happen. This girl is hopeful about winning the contest.
journal (jur-nul) noun page 382
Photograph of a young woman writing in a book (journal)
A journal is a record of someone’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Some people write in their journal almost every day.		organize (or-gu-nīz) verb page 382
Photograph of a man talking to a crowd through a megaphone
To organize means to plan and set up something. The man organizes the people to support a cause.		politics (pah-lu-tiks) noun page 385
Photograph of Congress in session
Politics is the business of government. Members of Congress talk about issues of national and international politics.
rescue (res-kyū) noun page 388
Photograph of someone being air lifted into a helicopter
A rescue is the act of saving someone or something from danger. The rescue was daring and successful.		violent (vī-u-lunt) adjective page 389
Photograph of a tornado
Something that is violent uses force. Violent storms like tornadoes can damage buildings and kill people.
Synonyms: cruel, fierce
Antonyms: peaceful, gentle		Practice the Words Make a Word Map for each Key Word. Then compare Maps with a partner’s.
Word Map

Word Map