Prepare to Read

Learn Key Vocabulary

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

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.

  • 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.

Key Words
congratulate (kun-grach-u-lāt) verb page 554
Photograph of a woman getting her diploma at graduation
When you congratulate someone, you let that person know you are happy for something they have achieved. This woman is congratulated for finishing school.		energy (e-nur-jē) noun page 552
Photograph of children palying a game of soccer
Energy is the power or force to do things. Young children have lots of energy.
Related Words: energize, energetic		exercise (ek-sur-sīz) noun page 548
Photograph of several people riding bicycles
Exercise is an activity you do to stay fit and healthy. Many people ride bicycles for exercise.
gesture (jes-chur) noun page 550
Photograph of one woman handing another a casserole dish
A gesture is an action done to show how you feel. Our neighbor made us dinner as a friendly gesture.		honest (ahn-ust) adjective page 554
Photograph of Abraham Lincoln
An honest person tells the truth. Abe Lincoln was known as Honest Abe because of his truthfulness.
Related Word: honestly
Antonym: dishonest		interrupt (int-u-rupt) verb page 548
Photograph of a child tugging on an adult's sleeve while adult is on phone
To interrupt means to break into a conversation or activity. It is impolite to interrupt a conversation.
Related Word: interruption
serious (sir-ē-us) adjective page 548
When you are serious about something, you feel that it is important. Many people are serious about their work.
Related Word: seriously		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 the Key Words
Definition Map
squeaky (skwē-kē) adjective page 546
A squeaky noise is a high-pitched sound. Mice make squeaky noises.