Resources for Teachers and Students
Click on the correct answer in the quiz below.
Then see if you can find the word in your newspaper -- the print edition, the website or the digital edition and copy the sentence for context. NOTE: High School words are much harder to find!
1. Parabola
► Physics that deals with the relationships and conversions between heat and other forms of energy.
► The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.
► The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others.
2. Oligarchy
► Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families.
► To bring under control; conquer.
► To weaken or destroy the strength or vitality of.
3. Usurp
► A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary
► To seize another’s place, authority, or possession wrongfully.
► Of or relating to a holding of something in trust for another.
► Cheerfully confident; optimistic.
4. Paradigm
► Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness.
► A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality
► A doctrine holding that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated.
► The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language.
5. Diffident
► Lacking serious purpose or occupation; idle.
► To proceed completely around:
► Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid.
► To separate or get rid of (an undesirable part); eliminate.
Lessons & Classroom Activities
Resources by grade level