Prepare to Read

Learn Key Vocabulary

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.

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.

Key Words
amend (u-mend) verb
page 509
Illustration of a sentence “I read book.” with “the” inserted in the sentence
To amend means to change or to improve. I amended the sentence to make it complete.
Related Word: amendment
Synonym: improve		delegate (del-i-get) noun
page 510
Photograph of a crowd of people, some of whom are holding U.S. flags
A delegate is a person who has the power to act and speak for others. The delegates met to talk about laws that would help people.		democracy (di-mok-ru-sē) noun page 517
Photograph of people voting
In a democracy, people have the power to vote for what they believe. The United States is a democracy. Related Word: democratic
government (guv-urn-ment) noun page 504
Photograph of the U.S. Congress in session
A government is a group of people who are in charge of a country, state, or city. The U.S. government is run by many people.		independence (in-di-pen-duns) noun page 505
Photograph of firework display in the sky by the Statue of Liberty
Independence means freedom from control by others. The U.S. celebrates its independence with fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Related Word: independent		interpret (in-tur-prut) verb page 512
Photograph of a U.S. judge speaking to two attorneys at the bench
To interpret means to explain the meaning of something. A judge interprets the meanings of laws.
justice (jus-tis) noun page 504
Photograph of a lawyer addressing a jury in a courtroom
Justice means fairness. Our court system is set up to give everyone an opportunity for justice.
Related Word: just		represent (rep-ri-zent) verb page 510
Photograph of a man holding sheets of paper speaking into a microphone
To represent means to speak or act for a person or group. The president represents all of the people of his or her country.
Related Word: representative		Practice the Words Make an Expanded Meaning Map for each Key Word. Then compare your maps with a partner.
Illustration of an Expanded Meaning Map for use with Key Words
Expanded Meaning Map