Word Wizard

Section 1 (pages 1-30)


Precipice 

  1. Precipice, p. 4, par. 4
  1. “How many times had he practiced his dash to the precipice?”
  1. I think this word is a noun. It might mean a ledge or an overhang.
  1. Precipice is an extremely steep overhang or a side of a cliff.
  1. The word precipice adds to the legend of the Buffalo Runner by describing how high up the runner is when he has to jump. It makes the vision more exciting.

                 

Tandem 

  1. Tandem p. 13, par. 4
  1. “Ever since he could remember, it seemed as though his parents worked in tandem.”
  1. I think tandem is a verb. I think it means to work together.
  1. Tandem is a noun meaning a two-seated bicycle, or a carriage that is pulled by two horses. It can also be a verb meaning two things that are behind one another.
  1. This word adds meaning to Jack and Ashley’s parents because it means that they are behind one another. They do things together and support each other.

          

Marred 

  1. Marred, p. 19, par. 1
  1. “Jack wished people hadn’t marred the natural beauty, but then again, he’d jump at the chance to live in one of those log cabins that glowed with warm, yellow light in the midst of grassy meadows.”
  1. Marred is probably a verb. I think it means to destroy.
  1. The definition of marred is to lessen the ideal image or thought of something.
  1. In reading this passage, I better understood what Jack meant about the modern developments on pristine land. He believes the buildings lessen the perfection of the natural landscape.

           

Miffed 

  1. Miffed, p. 26, par. 4
  1. ““ She said, ‘Nobody cares about the people who get eaten,’” Jack offered, miffed that his sister sounded as though she didn’t worry about the baby bears.”
  1. I think miffed is a verb that means to be frustrated or annoyed.
  1. The definition of miffed is to be offended. It can also act as a noun to name a silly argument.
  1. This word helps to show how Jack is feeling about his sister’s reaction to the missing cubs. It lets the reader know that he is bothered by her reactions.

                  

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