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
approach (u-prōch) verb
page 106
Photograph of a woman at a library walking up to a student on the floor
To approach means to come toward someone or something. The librarian approaches the student to offer help. Related Word: approachable		assume (u-süm) verb
page 110
When you assume, you guess something is true.
Synonym: suppose
Antonym: doubt
attention (u-ten-chun) noun
page 102
When you give someone your attention, you listen to what they say, or watch what they do.		awkward (aw-kwurd) adjective page 108
Photograph of a boy at a dance by himself looking aloneSomeone who is awkward feels nervous or clumsy. The boy feels awkward at the dance. Synonym: uncomfortable
Antonym: relaxed
encourage (in-kur-ij) verb page 110
Photograph of a man with his arm on a boy's shoulder as the boy does homework
When you encourage people, you give them hope that they can do something. The father encourages his son with his homework. Related Word: encouragement		notice (nō-tis) verb page 102
Photograph of a woman looking at a piece of art hanging in a museum
To notice something is to see or hear it. You may notice the colors in a piece of art.
Antonyms: miss, ignore		practice (prak-tis) verb page 110
Photograph of a boy playing a piano
To practice means to do something in order to become better at it. People must practice to become good musicians.
weight (wāt) noun page 108
Photograph of exercise weights
A weight is a heavy object used for exercise. People lift weights to make their muscles stronger.		Practice the Words Make a Definition Map for each Key Word. Compare your maps to a partner’s maps.
Illustration of a Definition Map for Key Words