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
challenge (chal-unj) noun page 228
Photograph of a person climbing a dangerous, rock cliff
A challenge is something that is difficult to do. It is a challenge to climb a mountain.		contribute (kun-trib-yūt) verb page 232
Photograph of a child placing money in a collection container
When you contribute to something, you give your time or money. The child contributed money to help people in need.
Synonyms: give, provide, donate		involved (in-vahlvd) adjective page 228
Photograph of people planting trees
To get involved is to become a part of something. Many people like to be involved in improving their communities.
Related Word: involvement
leadership (lēd-ur-ship) noun page 230
Photograph of a community leader in front of a group of people
Leadership means guiding others in what to do. A person who helps others shows leadership. Related Words: lead, leader		negative (neg-u-tiv) adjective page 228
Photograph of two teens with their backs to each other, their arms crossed
If you have a negative opinion about something, you don’t like it. My sister was negative about my idea. Antonyms: positive, good		overcome (ō-vur-kum) verb page 233
Photograph of two people petting a dog
To overcome something is to succeed at something that was difficult. If you used to be afraid of dogs but now you like them, you have overcome your fear.
positive (pahz-u-tiv) adjective page 229
Photograph of a teenage girl smiling
Positive means good or hopeful. If you have a positive attitude, you think things are good. Antonyms: negative, bad		promote (pru-mōt) verb page 229
Photograph of two firefighters speaking to a group of students
To promote something is to tell others that it is a good thing. The firefighters promote safety to the students.		Practice the Words Work with a partner to complete an Expanded Meaning Map for each Key Word.
Illustration of an Expanded Meaning Map for Key Words
Expanded Meaning Map