NE W Y ORK • T ORON T O • L OND ON • A U C K L A ND • S Y DNE YME X IC O C I T Y • NE W DEL H I • HONG K ONG • BUENO S A IRE S

Leilen Shelton

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TotheteachersatTalbert,especiallyAmyJunge,HeatherHarrison,andDonnaFraga,whogenerouslysharedtheirideas;toBethFockleratFultonformentoringmeearlyon;andtofriend/fellowteacherJenniferMendoza.

To my principal, Cathie Abdel, who has always made me feel like a million bucks;to Fountain Valley School District Superintendent Rosemarie Eadie who has been anincrediblesourceofencouragementovertheyears.

To my tutoring students Alexis Coco, Mark Gale, Mike Gale, Kate Gasparro,MattGasparro,AnthonyHo,JacquelineHo,JoshuaLim,LeslieLim,SarahLo,TiffanyLo,JasonMar,SeanMyers,RyanNguyen,JeffreyWang,andJustineWang.

Thank you, Donna, for cheering me on. Thank you Mom for watching the kids somanytimeswhileIworkedonthebookwithDad.Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou,Dad.Withoutyourcountlesshoursinvestedinthetypesetting,editing,anddesignofthisbook,itneverwouldhavehappened.IoweyouBIGTIME,Nudgy!

To Myles for knowing just when Mommy needed you to take a nap, to Sydneywhobringssomuch loveand joy tomy life, and tomyhusband, Jason,whohasalwayssupportedme.I’mblessedtohaveapartnerlikeyou.

ScholasticInc.grantsteacherspermissiontophotocopythereproduciblepagesfromthisbookforclassroomuse.Nootherpartofthispublicationmaybereproducedinwholeorinpart,orstoredinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyform

orbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.Forinformationregardingpermission,writetoScholasticInc.,557Broadway,NewYork,NY10012.

Editor:SarahLonghiCoverdesignbyJasonRobinson

InteriordesignbyGeneTothISBN-13:978-0-545-08303-4

ISBN-10:0-545-08303-6

Copyright©2009byLeilenSheltonAllrightsreserved.PrintedintheU.S.A.

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Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

EssayVerbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ActionVerbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

“Said”Synonyms............................ 14

-lyAdverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ColorsandShapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Smell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Taste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

CharacterTraits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Emotions/Feelings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Big/Small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Beautiful/Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Good/Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Interesting/Boring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

ALittle/ALot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Easy/Hard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Compare/Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

BeSpecific! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

50BoringWordsandPhrasestoAvoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

MyOwnListofInterestingWords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Table of ContentsB

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Introduction During my first year as a middle school teacher, I quickly discovered that mystudents had wonderful ideas for their writing, but struggled to express them clearly anddescriptively.Theyrecognizedstrongandspecificwords,butcouldn’talwaysretrievethemontheirown,andusingathesauruswastime-consuming.Whattheyneededwasafastandeasywaytofindthe“right”wordsfortheirwriting.

Idevelopedalistofactionverbs,whichledtoa listofmorespecificmovementwords.Otherwordlistsfollowed,andIsoonhadenoughliststomakeasmallbookletforeachstudenttouse.Iwasthrilledwiththeremarkableimprovementsintheirwritingandintheirconfidence.Theyweresoproudoftheirabilitytochoosetheirwordssopreciselyandpowerfully.

Thebookletcirculatedtootherteachers,anditwasn’tlongbeforealmosteveryEnglishteacheratmyschoolwasusingthebooklet.Withinayear’stime,thebookletbeganshowingupwiththestudentsIprivatelytutored—studentswhoattendedotherschoolsinmydistrict.Apparently, Iwasn’t theonly teacher searching forways to empower studentswith strong,specificwords.I’mexcitedtosharetheculminationofthateffortwithyouinthisbook.

Banish Boring Words—a collection of word lists containing dozens of options forfrequentlyusedwordsandphrases—supportsalltypesofwriting.Insomeways, it is likeacondensedthesaurus.Thepurposeofthisbookistoprovidestudentswithshortcutstofindingdescriptivewordsthatwillenablethemtowritewithgreaterclarityandsophistication.Itismyhopethatthisbookhelpsstudentsachievetheirfullpotentialaswriters.

How to Use This Book The word lists are arranged by topics so students can flip quickly between relatedpages,andexamplesentencesareprovidedunderthetitleofeachwordlisttodemonstratehoweachpageshouldbeused.

Somesuggestionsforusingthisbookflexiblyintheclassroominclude: • Makingcopiesofthewordlistsforeachstudenttouseduringindependentwritingtime. • Providingcopiesofthewordlistsforgroupsofstudentstouseasaresourceduring

writingworkshop. • Photocopyingonewordlistorsectionatatimewhenintroducinganewlesson.

Forexample,youmightusetheCharacterTraitslist(page36)duringalessononcharacterdevelopment.

• Copyingwordlistsforvocabulary-buildingexercises,includinggamesandtestpreparationforEnglishlanguagelearners.

• Makingposter-sizecopiesoftheliststoserveas“wordwalls”intheclassroom—visibleandaccessibleresourcesforinterestingwords.

Formoreinformation,visitmyWebsiteatwww.leilenshelton.com.

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z  Boring: So,dogsmaketheperfectfamilypet.L Interesting:  Without a doubt, dogs make the perfect family pet.

Transitions

AbadAgoodAnimportantAssoonasAtfirst

AtthebeginningBeforeEarlyonFirstFirstofall

InitiallyInthebeginningInthefirstplaceItstartedwhenOne

OneimportantThefirstTobeginTostartYesterday

For the Beginning

AbetterAccordinglyAdditionallyAfterAfterthatAfterwardAllatonceAllofasuddenAlongwithAlsoAnother

AnotherimportantAsecondAtthesametimeAworseBeforelongBesidesDuringEquallyimportantFollowingthisForexampleForinstance

FurthermoreHoweverInadditionInfactInthemeantimeLaterLateronLikewiseMeanwhileMoreimportantlyMoreover

NextSecondSecondlyShortlythereafterSoonafterSuddenlyThenThenextThesecondWhenWhile

For the Middle

AccordinglyAfinalAfterAfterthatAllatonceAllinallAllofasuddenAsaresultAtlastAttheendClearlyConsequentlyEventuallyFinally

ForthisreasonFurthermoreHenceInbriefInconclusionInfactInotherwordsInshortInsummaryIntheendLastLastofallLastlyLater

LateronMoreoverMostimportantlyObviouslyOfcourseOnthewholeShortlythereafterSinceSoonafterThebestThefinalThelastThemostimportantThen

ThereforeTheworstThusToconcludeTosummarizeTosumupTothisendUltimatelyUndeniablyUndoubtedlyWhenWiththisinmindWithoutadoubtWithoutquestion

For the End

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z  Boring: Thearticle“Butterflies”isaboutthemigrationhabitsofbutterflies.L Interesting:  The article “Butterflies” investigates the migration habits of butterflies.

Essay Verbs for Writing About…

attemptsbattlescompetescopesdealswith

determinesdiscoversencountersendeavorsendures

experiencesfacesfiguresoutfindsoutgrappleswith

learnsrealizesrecognizesseekssetsout

strivesstrugglesundergoesunderstandsundertakes

Characters

addressesadvisesarguesassertsclaimsconfronts

contendsconvincescriticizesdealswithdefendsdenies

discouragesdisputesemphasizesencouragesevaluatesexamines

exposesfocusesoninsistspointsoutpraisesproposes

reasonsrecommendsrefutesrejectssuggestssupports

Persuasive Texts

analyzesclassifiescompares

contrastsconsidersdealswith

emphasizesexaminesexplains

exploresfocusesonhighlights

identifiespresentspointsout

Compare/Contrast Texts

chroniclesdealswithdepicts

describesdetailsexplores

followsillustratesnarrates

presentsrecountsrelates

retellstellsabouttraces

Narrative Stories

analyzesanswersclassifiesdealswith

definesdescribesexaminesexplains

exploresfeaturesfocusesonhighlights

identifiesinformsinvestigatespresents

providesreportsrevealstraces

Informational/Expository Texts

advisesdemonstratesemphasizes

expressesfocusesonilluminates

illustratesimpliespointsout

remindsrevealsshows

stressessuggeststeaches

Messages/Lessons

depicts describes illustrates portrays presentsDescriptions

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bikedboltedboundedburstbustledchargedchasedclamoredcrasheddarteddasheddodgeddoveeruptedflailedfledflewfriskedgallopedgrabbedgraspedgunnedhastenedhightailedhurriedhustledjabbedjammed

jerkedjoltedjostledjumpedkickedknockedlashedleaptlungedmaulednabbedoutpacedoutranplungedpouncedquickenedracedranroderushedscamperedscootedscrambledscurriedscuttledshotshovedskipped

skitteredslammedslappedslashedslicedsmackedsmashedsnappedsnatchedspedsprangsprintedstampededstreakedswipedswoopedtackledtoretrottedwhirredwhiskedwhizzedwrestledyankedzappedzigzaggedzippedzoomed

ambledbikedbrewedcoastedcrawledcreptcruiseddawdleddillydallieddraggeddrifteddrippededgedfloatedflowedfrolickedfrozegallivantedglidedhikedhobbledinchedjoggedjourneyedlaggedlimpedlingeredloafedlobbed

loiteredlollygaggedloungedluggedlumberedlurkedmarchedmeanderedmopedmoseyednappedpacedploddedploppedpokedprowledrelaxedroamedrockedrovedsaunteredshuffledskippedslinkedslitheredsloggedslowedsnucksputtered

staggeredstalkedstampedsteppedstompedstraggledstrayedstrodestrokedstrolledstruttedswaggeredswayedtiptoedtoddledtrailedtraipsedtraversedtreadedtrekkedtrompedtroopedtrudgedundulateventuredwaitedwalkedwallowedwandered

Fast Slow

z  Boring: Thesoccerplayermovedfast.L Interesting:  The soccer player streaked past opponents and sprinted toward the goal.

MovementsB

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Action Verbs

arrivedalightedappeareddisembarkeddismountedenteredlandedreached

ateattackedchowedconsumeddevouredfeastedgobbledgorgedgrazedinhaledmunchednibblednoshedpeckedpickedporkedscarfedsnackedwolfed

attackedambushedassaultedbesiegedbombardedchargedcombatedinfiltratedinvadedjumpedmugged

overwhelmedpouncedraidedrushedstormedstruck

beganactivatedcommencedincitedinitiatedinstigatedinstitutedintroducedlaunchedoriginatedpioneeredstarted

brokebustedcrackedcrusheddemolishedfracturedseveredshatteredsmashedsnappedsplittore

bumpedbangedbouncedbuttedcollidedjarredjerked

joltedjostledknockedpoundedrattledshookslammedsmackedthuddedthumpedthwacked

caughtapprehendedbaggedbustedcapturedhookedlassoednabbednailednettedpluckedsnaggedsnaredsnatched

changedadaptedalteredconvertedevolvedmetamorphosedmodifiedmutatedreformedremodeledrenovatedreorganizedrestyled

revolutionizedtransfiguredtransformedtransposed

chasedchargeddrovefollowedhoundedhuntedpursuedrushedspedtrackedtrailed

cheeredapplaudedclappedhailedpraisedrootedsalutedyelled

clappedapplaudedcheeredpattedslapped

climbedascendedclamberedcrawledescalatedmountedrosescaledsoared

z  Boring: Thehungrystudentsatetheirlunches.L Interesting:  The hungry students scarfed down sandwiches and devoured cookies.

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Action Verbsclosedblockedboltedbuttonedclenchedcloggedcorkedlockedobstructedpluggedscreenedsealedshutstuffed

coveredblanketedburiedcamouflagedcarpetedcloakedclothedcoatedconcealeddisguisedeclipsedenclosedenfoldedenshroudedenvelopedhidmaskedobscuredscreenedshadedshroudedveiledwrapped

crashedcrunchedsideswipedsmashedtotaled

criedbawledbemoanedbewailedblubberedgrievedgroanedhowledlamentedmoanedmournedsniffedsniveledsobbedwailedweptwhimperedwhined

cutamputatedcarvedchiseledchoppedcleavedclippedcroppedcurtaileddicedgashedhackedlaceratedloppednickedpiercedpuncturedrippedshearedslashedslicedslitsnippedsplitwhacked

dancedboogiedfrolickedhoppedhustledjiggedjitterbuggedjivedjumpedleaptprancedrockedshimmiedspunstruttedswayedswungtangoedtappedtwistedwaltzedwhirled

destroyedannihilatedcrusheddecimateddemolishederadicatedexterminatedextinguishedleveledquashedquelledravagedrazedruinedsabotagedshatteredsmashedtotaledtrashedvandalizedwastedwrecked

disappearedabscondeddissolvedebbedevanescedevaporatedfadedfledmeltedrecededretreatedvanishedwaned

draggedhauledluggedschleppedtowedtrailedtransportedtuggedyanked

drankchuggedconsumeddownedgargledgulpedguzzledlappedsippedslurpedswallowedswiggedtoasted

escapedabscondedboltedcircumventeddeserteddisappeared

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escaped (cont’d)dodgedduckedeludedevadedfled

explodedbackfiredblastedblazedburstdetonatederuptedrupturedshatteredsplitthundered

fellcollapseddeclineddescendeddroppedplungedpouredstumbledsunktoppledtotteredtrippedtumbled

fixedadjustedcorrecteddoctoredmendedoverhauledpatchedrebuiltreconstructedrepairedrestoredrevamped

f lewbuzzedcircledcrosseddarteddasheddovedriftedfloatedflutteredglidedhoveredjettedmaneuveredscuddedskimmedsoaredswoopedwhiskedwhooshedzippedzoomed

foughtbattledbickeredboxedbrawledclashedcontendeddisputeddueledfeudedgrappledjoustedquarreledscuffledskirmishedsparredtussledwarredwrestled

founddiscoveredlocatedpinpointedrecoveredspotteduncoveredunearthed

gatheredaggregatedassembledclusteredcollectedcongregatedconvenedconvergedcorralledcrowdedflockedherdedhoardedhuddledralliedreunitedstockpiledswarmedthrongedunited

gaveawardedbequeathedbestowedconferredcontributeddonatedendowedentrustedgiftedgrantedhandedpresentedprovided

relinquishedsupplied

grewaboundedamplifiedbroadeneddevelopeddoubledenlargedexpandedextendedflourishedheightenedincreasedinflatedlengthenedmaturedmultipliedproducedroseshotspreadsproutedstretchedswelledthickenedwaxedwidened

heldclaspedcleavedclenchedclungclutchedcradledembracedenclosedgraspedgrippedhuggedpalmedsqueezed

...more Action Verbs

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hitbashedbeatboxedclippedclobberedclockedclubbedcuffedflailedhookedjabbedknockednailedpeltedpoppedpoundedpunchedslappedsluggedsmackedsockedstruckswattedthrashedthumpedwallopedwhacked

huggedclungcradledcuddledembracedenfoldedenvelopedgraspednestledpressedsqueezed

hungattacheddangled

drapeddroopedfastenedhookedsuspended

hurtabusedachedafflictedailedbeltedbitbruisedburnedcutdisabledflailedfloggedharmedimpairedinjuredkickedlaceratedlashedmaulednippedpiercedpinchedprickedpummeledpunchedpuncturedslappedsluggedsqueezedstabbedstungthrobbedtorewhackedwhippedwoundedwrung

jumpedbobbedbouncedbuckedcantereddovehoppedhurdledjerkedleaptlopedlungedlurchedparachutedplummetedskippedsprangtrippedvaulted

laughedburstchortledchuckledgiggledguffawedhee-hawedhowledroaredscreamedshriekedsimperedsnickeredsniggeredsnortedtee-heedtitteredwhooped

leftabandoneddeparteddeserted

disappearedditchedelopedembarkedescapedexitedfledscrammedsplitvacatedvanishedwithdrew

madeassembledbuiltconstructedcreatedfashionedforgedformedframedinventedmanufacturedproducedshaped

mendedcureddoctoredfixedhealedimprovedpatchedrebuiltreconstructedrecoveredrecuperatedremediedrepairedrestoredrevised

...more Action VerbsB

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skippedboundedcanteredflittedhippety-hoppedhoppedleaptprancedscamperedscootedskedaddledskitteredsprang

sleptcatnappedcrasheddozeddreamedhibernatednappedreposedretiredslumberedsnoozedsnored

smiledbeamedgrinnedsimperedsmirked

spungyratedpirouettedreeledrevolvedrotatedtwirled

openedboreburstclearedexposedjimmiedrevealedrupturedslitspreadunblockedunbolteduncorkeduncoveredunfastenedunfurledunlatchedunlockedunsealedunwrappedventedventilated

plannedarrangedbrainstormeddevisedengineeredformulatedmappedorganizedoutlinedplottedschemedsketchedstrategized

playedcavortedclownedfrolickedreveledromped

pulleddraggedhauledheavedjerkedluggedpluckedschleppedtowedtuggedwrenchedyanked

pushedbulldozedcrowdedelbowedgoredimpelledjammedjostledlaunchedmusclednudgedpokedrailroadedrammedshoulderedshovedsquashedsqueezedsquishedsteamrolledthrust

reachedextendedgraspedlungedseizedstrainedstretched

repairedcureddoctoredfixedhealedimprovedmendedpatchedrebuiltreconstructedrecoveredrecuperatedrestoredrevised

rippedclawedfrayedgashedshreddedslashedslitsplittore

shookchatteredjarredjerkedjoggedjoggledjolted

quakedquiveredrattledreeledrockedruffledshimmeredshimmiedshiveredshudderedswayedtotteredtrembledtremoredtwitteredvibratedwaggledwavedwobbled

shrunkcompressedcondensedconstrictedcontracteddecreaseddeflateddiminisheddwindledlessenednarrowedreducedshortenedshriveledwanedwastedweakenedwitheredwrinkled

...even more Action Verbs

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spun (cont’d)twistedwheeledwhirled

stayedcontinuedlodgedremainedsojournedvisited

stoleabductedblackmailedburglarizedcheateddefraudedembezzledfilchedfleecedkidnappedliftedlootedpilferedpillagedpinchedpiratedplagiarizedplunderedpoachedpurloinedransackedshopliftedsnatchedstrippedswindledswipedthieved

stoppedbarredblockedceaseddiscontinueddisruptedfinishedhaltedhinderedimpededinterceptedobstructedpausedquitrefrainedrestrainedstalledterminated

sufferedachedagonizedailedenduredgrievedstrainedtormentedwincedwrithed

surroundedbesiegedcircledencasedencircledenclosedencompassedengulfedinundatedwrapped

swambatheddovefloatedglidedpaddledracedstrokedsubmergedwaded

swungdangledflappedoscillatedpivotedrockedswayedswervedswiveledtwirledwhirled

threwcatapultedchuckedfiredflunghurledlaunchedlobbedpeggedpeltedpitchedscatteredshoweredtossedvolleyed

tookabductedbaggedborrowedcapturedclutchedcommandeeredconfiscatedfilchedgrabbedhookedliftednabbedpinchedpluckedpocketedseizedsnaggedsnatchedstoleswiped

trappedambushedbeguiledcorneredcorralleddeceiveddupedensnaredentangledentrappedfooled

trickedbamboozledbeguiledcharmed

cheatedconnedconfuseddeceiveddefraudeddupedfooledhoodwinkedmisledoutwittedscammedshaftedswindledtrapped

twistedcoiledcontortedcorkscrewedcurledentwinedintertwinedspiraledspunsquirmedswiveledturnedtwinedtwirledweavedwiggledwoundwrappedwrenchedwriggledwrithedwrungzigzagged

...even more Action VerbsB

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“Said” Synonymsz  Boring: “Idon’twanttogo,”shesaid.L Interesting:  “I don’t want to go!” she whimpered.

agreedacknowledgedassentedconcededconcurredconsentedseconded

animal soundsbarkedchirpedcroakedcrowedgrowledhissedhowledpantedroaredsnarledsquawkedsqueakedyappedyelped

answeredreactedremarkedrepliedrespondedretortedreturned

arguedbickeredcontendedcontestedcontradictedcountereddebateddenieddisagreeddisputed

objectedopposedprotestedquarreledquibbledsquabbled

askedchallengedgrilledinquiredinterrogatedpriedprobedqueriedquestionedquizzedrequested

beggedbeseechedentreatedimploredpetitionedpleadedprayedpressedrequestedurged

blamedaccusedallegedattackedchargedclaimedrebukedreproved

chattedbabbledblabbed

chitchattedgabbedgibberedgossipedjabberedprattled

commentedmentionednotedopinedremarkedstated

complainedbemoanedbewailedfrettedfussedgripedgroanedgrumbledmoanedpoutedsniveledwhimperedwhinedyammered

criedbawledbemoanedbewailedblubberedgrievedgroanedhowledlamentedmoanedmourned

sighedsniffledsniveledsobbedwailedweptwhimperedyammeredyowled

criticizedblastedchastisedchideddisapprovedlambastednitpickedreprimandedzinged

declaredannouncedassertedbroadcastedconfirmedinformedproclaimedprofessed

exaggeratedboastedbraggeddistortedelaboratedembellishedenhancedexpandedexpoundedfabricatedinflated

romanticizedoverstated

explainedclarifieddescribeddetailedillustratedinterpretedparaphrasedsummarizedtranslated

gaspedchokedgulpedheavedpantedsnortedwheezed

imitatedapedechoedimpersonatedmimickedmockedparodiedparroted

interruptedblurtedinsertedinterferedinterjected

intimidatedbadgeredbrowbeatbulliedcoercedharassedhounded

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intimidated fi (cont’d)tauntedthreatened

jokedbanteredjestedjivedjoshedkidded

laughedcackledchortledchuckledgiggledhowledroaredsnickeredsniggeredsnorted

naggedbadgeredhoundedneedledpesteredprodded

observeddetecteddiscerneddiscoverednotednoticedperceived

orderedchargedcommandeddecreeddemandeddirectedinstructed

persuadedcajoledcoaxedconvincedexhortedinsistedurgedwheedledwooed

predictedconjecturedforecastedforetoldguessedinferredpresumedprognosticatedprophesiedspeculatedsupposedsurmised

promisedagreedassuredensuredguaranteedpledgedsworevowed

ragedboiledbristledfoamedfumedrantedravedspitstormed

rejoicedcelebratedcheeredexultedhootedjubilatedreveled

rememberedbroodedrecalledrecollectedreflectedreminisced

retoldnarratedquotedrecitedrecountedrepeated

revealedannouncedconfessedconfideddeclareddiscloseddivulgedexpressedproclaimedprofesseduttered

sangchantedchirpedcroonedhummedserenadedtrilled

twitteredwarbledyodeled

scoldedberatedchastenedchidedcriticizedlecturedrebukedreprimandedreproached

screamedbawledbellowedblaredblurtedcriedexclaimedholleredroaredshoutedshriekedshrilledsquealedwailedyelledyowled

stutteredfalteredhesitatedsputteredstammeredstumbledtrembled

suggestedadvisedhintedimplied

inferredinsinuatedintimatedofferedproposedrecommended

tattledblabbedblurtedgossipedleakedrumoredsnitchedspilledsqueaked

teasedbuggedharassedmockedneedledpesteredrazzedribbedroastedtaunted

warnedadmonishedadvisedalertedcautionedexhortedforewarned

whisperedbreathedbuzzedhissedmumbledmurmuredmuttered

“Said” SynonymsB

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-ly Adverbs

angrilybitterlycoldlyfuriouslyindignantlysharply

apparentlyallegedlyevidentlyincidentallyseemingly

beautifullyalluringlycharminglydaintilydelicatelyelegantlyenchantinglyexquisitelyglamorouslygracefullymajesticallyradiantlystunningly

bravelyadventurouslyaudaciouslyboldlycourageouslydaringlyfearlesslygallantlyheroicallyvaliantly

calmlyharmoniouslypeacefullyplacidlyserenelysoothinglytranquilly

carefullyattentivelycautiouslyconscientiouslygingerlymindfullyprudentlyvigilantlywarilywatchfully

casuallyaimlesslyinformallynonchalantlyoffhandedlyunceremoniously

certainlyclearlynaturallyobviouslysurelyundeniablyundoubtedlyunmistakablyunquestionably

clumsilyabsentmindedlyaccidentallyawkwardlycarelesslyungracefully

continuallyceaselesslyconstantlycontinuouslyendlesslyeternallyincessantlyperpetuallypersistentlyrelentlessly

creativelyartisticallycleverlyimaginatively

cruellybrutallymalevolentlymaliciouslyruthlesslysavagelyviciouslywickedly

dramaticallycharismaticallyemotionallymelodramaticallysuspensefullytheatrically

easilycoollyeffortlesslyfreelysimplyskillfullysmoothly

enthusiasticallyardentlyeagerlyenergeticallyexcitedlypassionatelyzealously

fearfullyalarmedlyapprehensivelycowardlyfranticallytremblingly

finallyconclusivelydecisivelyeventuallylastlyultimately

gentlydelicatelyfaintlymeeklymildlysoftlysweetlytenderly

z  Boring: Hebackedawayfromthegrowlingdog.L Interesting:  Slowly and carefully, he backed away from the growling dog.

happilycheerfullycontentedlyecstaticallyjoyfullymerrily

hesitantlydubiouslyfalteringlyhaltinglyindecisivelyirresolutelyreluctantlyskepticallytentativelyuncertainly

honestlyadmittedlyfranklygenuinelysincerelytrulytruthfullyveraciously

humorouslyamusinglycomicallyjokinglyplayfully

initiallyfirstlyoriginallyprimarily

Ban

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··· 17 ···

intelligentlybrilliantlycleverlyingeniously

kindlyaffectionatelycompassionatelyfondlygraciouslylovinglysweetly

loudlyboisterouslyclamorouslydeafeninglynoisilypiercinglyriotouslyshrillythunderouslyuproariously

luckilyauspiciouslyfavorablyfortunatelyhappilyopportunelyprosperously

nervouslyanxiouslyapprehensivelyrestlesslyshakilyskittishlyworriedly

occasionallyirregularlyperiodicallysporadically

politelyaffablycordiallycourteouslygraciouslyrespectfullytactfully

powerfullyforcefullyintenselymightilystronglyvigorouslyviolently

pridefullyarrogantlyboastfullyegotisticallyhaughtilypompouslysmugly

purposelyconsciouslydeliberatelyintentionallyknowinglyvoluntarilywillfully

quicklybrisklybusilyhastilyhurriedlyimpatientlyspeedilyswiftly

quietlybreathlesslygentlyinconspicuouslynoiselesslysilently

regularlycommonlyfaithfullyfrequentlygenerallyhabituallyinvariablynormallyordinarilyperiodicallyrepeatedlysteadilysystematicallytirelesslytypicallyunchanginglyusually

rudelychurlishlydisrespectfullyharshlyimpertinentlyimpolitelyimpudentlyinconsideratelyinsolently

sadlycheerlesslydejectedlydespondentlydismallydolefullymournfullysorrowfully

tragicallyunfortunatelyunhappilywistfully

shylybashfullyhumblymodestlysheepishlyskittishlytimidly

slowlycasuallyeventuallygraduallyhesitantlylazilypatientlysluggishly

sneakilycunninglydeviouslysecretlyslylystealthilysurreptitiouslysuspiciously

strangelymagicallymiraculouslymysteriouslyoddlysupernaturally

stupidlyfoolishlyindolentlymindlesslymoronicallyobnoxiously

suddenlyabruptlyimmediatelyinstantlystartlinglyunexpectedly

surprisinglyactuallyamazinglyastonishinglyincrediblyinterestinglyironicallyremarkablyshockinglyunbelievablyunknowinglyunpredictably

tiredlyexhaustedlydrowsilysleepilyweaklywearily

wildlyferociouslyfiercelypassionatelyrecklesslyroughlyviciously

wiselydiscerninglyjudiciouslyperceptivelyprudentlysagaciously

-ly AdverbsB

anis

h B

orin

g W

ords

© L

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n Sh

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n, S

chol

astic

Tea

chin

g R

esou

rces

··· 18 ···

Colors and Shapes

almondamberauburnbeigebrickbronzebuffburntsienna

chestnutchocolatecinnamoncocoacoffeecopperfawnginger

hazelhennakhakimahoganymudmuddymulchnut

nutmegoakochrepinerussetrustsandysepia

sorreltantawnyteakterra-cottatoastumberwalnut

Brown

appleaquamarineavocadoberylcelerychartreuse

emeraldevergreenfirforestgrassyjade

kellyleafylimelushmalachitemint

mossolivepeapeacockpinepistachio

sageseaspinachverdureviridianwillow

Green

aquaaquamarineazurebabyblueberyl

blueberryceruleancobaltdelftdenim

electricindigonavymidnightpeacock

porcelainrobin’seggroyalsapphiresky

steeltealturquoiseultramarineviolet

Blue

ashencloudeddappledingydove

drabdunduskygrizzledheather

ironleadleadenmetallicmousy

oysterpearlypepperyshadedsilvery

slatesmokysombersteelstone

Gray

ebonycharcoalcloudedcoal

crowdingyduskyink

jetlicoricemurkyobsidian

onyxpitchravensable

shadowyslatesootstarless

Black

z  Boring: Theblueskyhadsomewhiteclouds.L Interesting:  In the azure sky dangled marshmallow white clouds.

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··· 19 ···

Colors and Shapes

amberapricotaureatebeigebleachedblond

buffbutterbuttercupbutterscotchcanarychampagne

chartreusechromecitroncreamgoldgolden

lemonmustardochreorangesaffronsand

strawsunnytantangerinetawnytopaz

Yellow

amethystbluishredfuchsiagrape

heliotropelavenderlilacmagenta

maroonmauvemulberryorchid

pansyplumpomegranatepuce

royalviolaceousvioletwine

Purple

apricotbrassbronzeburntsienna

coppercoralflameglowing

goldochrepeachpersimmon

pumpkinsalmonsandyshrimp

tangerineterra-cottatitiantopaz

Orange

bloodbloodshotblushbrickburgundycandy-applecardinal

cherryclaretcoralcranberrycrimsonfieryflame

flushedfuchsiagarnetgeraniummagentamaroonpersimmon

pinkraspberryroserosyrougerubyruddy

russetrustsalmonscarletstrawberrytomatowine

Red

alabasterashenblanchedbleachedblondbloodless

chalkycreamfairfrostedfrostyghostly

immaculateivorylightmarblemarshmallowmilky

oysterpalepallidpastypearlplatinum

powderypuresilverysnowyspotlessstainless

White

angularcircularconcave

conicalcylindricalelliptical

hexagonaloctagonaloval

proportionalrectangularsquared

sphericalspiraledtriangular

Shapes

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··· 20 ···

z  Boring: Thecavewasdark.L Interesting:  A shadowy gloom settled in the pitch-black cave.

Sight

admireexamineeyeeyeballfocusgapegawk

gazeglanceglareglimpseglowergoggleinspect

marknotenoticeobserveoglepeekpeep

peerperceiverecognizereviewscansearchsight

spotspystaresurveyviewwatchwitness

To See

appearancedisplayexhibition

hallucinationillusionimage

impressionmiragepicture

reflectionscenespectacle

viewvisionvista

A Sight

apparentcloudless

crystallinedistinct

lucidtranslucent

transparentunclouded

unobscuredvisible

Clear

alightfluorescentgolden

illuminatedincandescentlighted

litlucentluminous

moonlitphosphorescentstarry

sunnysunshinywell-lit

Light

blackblackishblackness

inkylightlessmuddy

nebulousobscurepitch-black

pitch-darkpitchysomber

sootysunlessunlit

Dark

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··· 21 ···

Sight

ablaze

aglow

beaming

blazing

brilliant

flaming

glaring

glowing

radiant

vivid

Bright

bleary

blurred

cloudy

dreary

dusky

faded

faint

foggy

fuzzy

gloomy

gray

lackluster

murky

opaque

overcast

pale

shadowy

shady

tarnished

unclear

Dim

burnished

crystal

dazzling

flickering

glassy

gleaming

glimmering

glinting

glistening

glittering

glossy

jeweled

polished

satiny

sheeny

shimmering

shining

silvery

sparkling

twinkling

Shiny

ashen

cloudy

colorless

dead

dismal

drab

dreary

dusky

faded

flat

hazy

indistinct

lackluster

low

matte

mousy

muddy

murky

muted

obscure

opaque

plain

subdued

toned-down

unlit

Dull

Ban

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··· 22 ···

z  Boring: Suddenly,asoundcamefromthebasement.L Interesting:  Suddenly, an ear-piercing shriek came from the basement.

Sound

catch detect eavesdrop listen overhearTo Hear

din noise note resonance toneA Sound

harmonicharmonious

mellifluousmelodic

melodiousrhythmical

sonoroussymphonic

symphonioustuneful

Pleasant

ear-piercingear-poppingear-splitting

gratingmonotonousnoisy

piercingraucousriotous

rowdyshrillwhiny

boisterousclamorousdeafening

Unpleasant

bangbawlbellowblareblastboomburst

clamorclangclankclapclashclattercrack

cracklecrashhollerpopracketrattlerumble

screamscreechshriekslamslurpsmashsnore

stompthudthumpwhackwhamwhirwhoop

Loud

crygasp

screamscreech

shrieksquall

stammerstutter

whimperyelp

Scared

barkbellowgrowl

grumblehissholler

jeerroarscream

shoutsnapsnarl

snortsputteryell

AngryB

anis

h B

orin

g W

ords

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··· 23 ···

Sound

bawlblubbercry

groanhowlmoan

sighsnifflesnivel

sobsquallwail

weepwhimperyowl

Sad

cacklechortlechuckle

giggleguffawhowl

laughroarshriek

snickersniggersqueal

tee-heetitterwhoop

Happy

bubblebuzzcalmclickclink

creakdronefizzgurglehiss

humhushmumblemurmurmutter

pitter-patterplinkrustlesighsizzle

swishticktinkletwitterwhisper

Quiet

breathlesshushed

inaudiblemouthed

mutednoiseless

quietsoundless

speechlessstill

Silent

barkbleatbraybuzzcacklecawcheepchirp

cluckcoocroakcrowgobblegrowlgrunthiss

honkhoothowlmeowmewmooneighpeep

purrquackroarscreechsnarlsnortsquawksqueak

squealtwitterwhimperwhinnyyapyelpyipyowl

Animal

bangbeatboomchantchime

clangclinkhumjinglejangle

pealplunkrattleringrumble

strumthumptinkletolltoot

trilltwangwarblewhistleyodel

Musical

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··· 24 ···

z  Boring: Themilksmelledbad.L Interesting:  The stench of the curdled milk turned his stomach.

Smell

inhale scent sniff snuff whiffTo Smell

aroma fragrance odor perfume scentA Smell

deodorized odorless scentless unseasoned unscentedNo Smell

appealing

delightful

divine

enticing

exquisite

heavenly

luscious

mouthwatering

pleasing

rich

savory

tantalizing

tempting

well-seasoned

zestful

Good Smelling

antiseptic

clean

crisp

earthy

fragrant

laundered

minty

new

piney

pure

sanitary

soapy

starchy

sterile

washed

Fresh

aromatic

buttery

candied

chocolaty

citrus

cloying

coconut

flowery

fragrant

fruity

honeyed

nectarous

perfumed

rich

saccharine

sugary

sweet-scented

sweet-smelling

toothsome

vanilla

Sweet

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··· 25 ···

Smell

acidic

curdled

fermented

rancid

soured

sourish

tart

turned

unwholesome

vinegary

Sour

curdled

damp

dank

decayed

decomposed

fetid

foul

gross

mildewed

moldy

musty

noisome

noxious

offensive

overripe

polluted

putrefied

putrid

rancid

rank

repulsive

rotted

ruined

spoiled

tainted

Rotten

acrid

astringent

biting

cutting

harsh

intense

piercing

pungent

salty

vinegary

Sharp

cinnamic

distinctive

gingery

peppery

piquant

seasoned

spiced

spirited

zesty

zippy

Spicy

detestabledisgustingfishyfoulgross

loathsomemalodorousnastynauseatingnoxious

odiousoffensiveputridrancidrank

raunchyreekingrepellentrepugnantrepulsive

sickeningstinkytaintedunappealingunpleasant

Bad Smelling

burning fumy gaseous smoky sootyBurnt

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··· 26 ···

z  Boring: Thecaketastedgood.L Interesting:  He savored each heavenly mouthful of the rich, chocolaty cake.

Taste

lick sample savor sip slurpTo Taste

bite morsel mouthful nibble sampleA Taste

bland

dull

flat

flavorless

insipid

tasteless

unflavored

unsavory

unseasoned

vapid

Tasteless

appetizing

delectable

delicious

delish

divine

flavorful

flavorsome

luscious

mouthwatering

palatable

pleasant

pleasing

rich

savory

scrumptious

tantalizing

tasty

well-prepared

well-seasoned

zestful

Good-tasting

bland

burnt

detestable

disgusting

distasteful

dull

fishy

flat

flavorless

gross

insipid

loathsome

nasty

nauseating

offensive

oily

rancid

rank

raunchy

repellent

repugnant

repulsive

savorless

sickening

tainted

tasteless

unappealing

unappetizing

undesirable

unpalatable

unpleasant

unripe

unsavory

unseasoned

vapid

Bad-tasting

Ban

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··· 27 ···

Taste

acidic

biting

briny

curdled

fermented

rancid

soured

sourish

tart

vinegary

Sour

curdled

decomposed

fetid

foul

gross

moldy

offensive

overripe

putrid

rancid

rank

repulsive

rotted

spoiled

tainted

Rotten

acidic

acrid

astringent

biting

bitter

burning

garlicky

harsh

medicinal

metallic

pungent

stinging

tangy

tart

vinegary

Sharp

biting

cinnamic

distinctive

fiery

gingery

hot

peppery

piquant

racy

seasoned

snappy

spiced

spirited

zesty

zippy

Spicy

acrid

alkaline

brackish

briny

highlyflavored

over-salted

pungent

salted

well-flavored

well-seasoned

Salty

buttery

candied

candy-coated

chocolaty

cinnamic

citrus

cloying

coconut

fruity

honeyed

nectarous

rich

saccharine

sugar-coated

sugared

sugary

sweetened

syrupy

toothsome

vanilla

Sweet

Ban

ish

Bor

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··· 28 ···

z  Boring: Theblanketfeltsoft.L Interesting:  I snuggled up in the cozy, satin blanket.

Touch

brushcaresscuddledabembracefeel

friskgrabgraspgrazehandlehit

hugitchnudgepatpawpinch

pokerubscratchsmoothsnugglesqueeze

stingstrikestroketagtaptickle

To Touch

bakingblazingblisteringboilingburning

feverishfieryflamingflushedhumid

lukewarmovenlikeroastingscaldingscorching

searingsizzlingsteamysummerysweaty

swelteringtepidtropicaltorridwarm

Hot

arcticbitingbitterbleakbrisk

chillycoolcrispcuttingfreezing

frigidfrostyfrozenglacialicy

numbingpiercingpolarshiveringshuddering

snowystingingtinglingtremblingwintry

Cold

aridbakedbald

barebarrendehydrated

droughtydustyparched

powderysappedshriveled

stalethirstytorrid

Dry

dampdankdewydrencheddripping

drizzlingfoggyhumidmistymoist

muggypouringrainyshoweryslippery

slushysnowysoakedsoakingsodden

soggysoppingsteamytearywatery

Wet

clammygloppy

glueygooey

gummygunky

pastysweaty

syrupytacky

Sticky

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··· 29 ···

Touchcreamyflatflowing

fluidflushglassy

glossypolishedsatiny

silkysleekslick

slipperyvelvetywaxy

Smooth

beardedbramblybristlybumpybushychapped

choppycoarsecraggygrainygrittyhairy

jaggedknottyleatherylumpymattedprickly

raggedridgedrockyruggedsandyscraggy

scratchystonytangledunshavenwirywoolly

Rough

barbedbrieryhornedjagged

knife-edgedneedlelikepeakedpointy

prongedraggedraggedyrazor-sharp

ridgedserratedspikedspiky

spinysplinterytaperedthorny

Sharp

callousdensefirm

ironleatherymetal

packedrigidrocky

solidstiffstony

thicktoughwooden

Hard

comfycozycreamycushy

doughydownyfeatheryfluffy

foamyfurryfuzzymushy

powderysatinysilkyspongy

squashysquishytendervelvety

Soft

beefybulkychunky

fleshyheftyleaden

loadedmassivemeaty

pulpystoutswollen

thickweightedweighty

Heavy

airybubbly

daintydowny

etherealfeathery

fluffyfrothy

powderysheer

Light

Ban

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··· 30 ···

Conditionsz  Boring: Theroomwasamess.

L Interesting:  The disheveled room was littered with beat-up toys and filthy clothes.

advancedbrand-newcontemporarycurrentcuttingedge

freshlatestmodernmodernisticnew-fashioned

newfoundnew-sprungnoveloriginalrecent

stylishtrendyultramodernunfamiliarunspoiled

untoucheduntroddenunusedup-to-dateyouthful

New

abandonedagedancientantiquatedantiquearchaicbroken-downcast-offcrusty

dateddecayeddecrepitdeteriorateddilapidateddiscardeddowdyfadedhackneyed

historicalmoth-eatenneglectedold-fashionedoutdatedoutmodedout-of-dateoutwornprimitive

primordialraggedyricketyrun-downrustyscruffyshabbyshoddystale

tatteredthreadbaretime-worntraditionalusedworm-eatenwornworn-outwrinkly

Old

bedraggledbotchycarelesscluttereddirtydisheveleddisordered

disorderlydisorganizedfilthyfoulfrowzyfrumpygrimy

grubbyill-kemptlaxlitteredmuddledmussynasty

raunchyruffledrumpledshabbyslackslapdashslipshod

sloppyslovenlyuncombedunkemptuntidywrinkledwrinkly

Messy

chipperclean-cutcombeddetailedfastidious

groomedimmaculatekemptmeticulousnatty

orderlyorganizedprimshipshapesnappy

snugspick-and-spansprucetidytrig

trimunclutteredunwrinkledwell-groomedwell-pressed

Neat

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··· 31 ···

Conditionsblackcontaminatedcruddydingydraggleddreggydungydustyfilthy

greasygrimygrubbygrungyickyimpuremangymildewedmoldy

muckymuddymurkynastypollutedraunchyscummyscuzzyslimy

smearedsmudgedsoiledsoilysootysordidsplotchedspottedsqualid

stainedsulliedsullytaintedtarnisheduncleanunsanitaryunsightlyunswept

Dirty

blankbrightcleansedcleardirtlessflawless

freshhygienicimmaculateimpeccablelaunderedpure

sanitaryshiningshinysparklingspick-and-spanspotless

squeakystainlesstaintlesstidyunblemishedunpolluted

unsoiledunsullieduntainteduntarnishedwashedwhite

Clean

completeentirefaultlessfirmfixedflawlessfullintact

mintperfectpermanentplenarypreservedrepleterootedsafe

securesetsettledshipshapesolidsoundstablesteadfast

steadyunblemishedunbrokenuncutundefiledundividedunharmedunified

unimpaireduninjuredunmarkedunmarredunruffledunscatheduntouchedwhole

Undamaged

beat-upbentblemishedbrokenburntburstbustedcollapsed

crackedcrippledcrumbleddemolisheddestroyeddingeddiscoloreddisintegrated

dismemberedflawedfracturedfragmentedimpairedinjuredmangledmarred

mutilatedpeelingpulverizedrippedrupturedseparatedseveredshattered

shiveredshotshreddedsliveredsmashedsplittatteredwrecked

Damaged

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··· 32 ···

z  Boring: Theballerinawasthin.L Interesting:  Petite and slender, the ballerina twirled like a dainty flower.

Body

angularbonyemaciateddaintyethereal

frailganglygauntlankylean

malnourishednarrowpetitepunyrawboned

scrawnyskeletalskin-and-boneskinnyslender

slightslimsticktwiggyunderweight

Thin

beefybig-bonedbloatedbrawnybroadbulgingbulky

burlychubbychunkydenseelephantinefull-bodiedgargantuan

heavy-sethuskylumpymassiveobeseoversizedpaunchy

plumpplumpishportlypotbelliedpudgyrobustrotund

roundshapelesssolidstockystoutthickwide

Heavy

compactdwarfeddwarfish

littlelowminiature

pint-sizedruntysquat

stuntedstubbystumpy

tinyundersizedwee

Short

alpinebeanstalk

ganglygiant

lankylofty

skyscrapingstick

stretchedtowering

Tall

athletic healthy shapely toned trimFit

decrepitdelicate

effeminateemaciated

feebleflaccid

fragilefrail

punysickly

Weak

beefybrawny

burlyfirm

muscularpowerful

robustrugged

solidstrapping

Strong

Ban

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··· 33 ···

z  Boring: Shehadprettyhair.L Interesting:  Long, flowing locks of strawberry blonde hair curled down her back.

Hair

cutfuzz

locksmane

mopstrands

tendrilstresses

tuftswisps

Hair

buzzedchin-length

croppedlong

mid-lengthreceding

shavedshort

shoulder-lengthwaist-length

Length

afrobangsbobbedbowlcutbraidedbunbuzz

cowlickcrimpedcurledcurlyfeatheredflattopgelled

kinkyknottedlayerednappymohawkpermedpigtail

pinnedpleatedponytailringletsshavedslickedspiked

stiffstraightteasedtussledtwistedunevenwavy

Style

amberash-blondeauburnblackbleachedblondbronzebrunette

chestnutcoalblackcopperdarkdirtyblondefairfakefieryred

flaxenfrostedgoldengrayhighlightedjetblacklightpale

platinumravenredrussetsandyblondesilversilverysnowywhite

strawstrawberryblondestreakedtawnytowheadedwashedoutwhiteyellow

Color

bouncycleancoarsedingydrabdrydullfine

flakyflowingfluffyflyawayfrizzyglisteningglossygrimy

groomedmessyneatoilypuffyraggedyrattyshaggy

shinysilkysleeksmoothsoftspringystragglystraw-like

stringytangledthickthintidytrimmedwiryunkempt

Condition

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Facez  Boring: Hehadanunusualface.

L Interesting:  He had droopy eyes, pointy ears, and a crooked nose.

dimpled double long pointy squareChin

beardbristles

clean-shavengoatee

mustachescratchy

scruffyshaven

sideburnswhiskers

Facial Hair

broad flat high long pronouncedForehead

archedbroad

bushydefined

highnarrow

penciled-inthick

thinwide

Eyebrows

dark full long short thickEyelashes

almond-shapedbeadybloodshot

brightbugcat

droopynarrowoval

puffyroundslanted

slitsquintywide

Eyes

elephant elf floppy pointy shell-likeEars

bonychipmunk

chubbydimpled

fullhigh

hollowpuffy

roundsunken

Cheeks

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Facecrackedfat

fullplump

poutypuckered

pursedsupple

thinwide

Lips

crooked gaping open slack-jawed wideMouth

bucked chipped crooked pointy straightTeeth

agedalbinoashenashybabyblanchedbleachedblotchyblushingbruisedclammy

clearcolddarkdimpledfairflushedfreckledfrecklyghastlywhiteghostlywhiteglowing

healthyleatherylightmilkywhitemoleyoilyoldolivepalepallidpastywhite

pimplypockmarkedrosyroughruddysallowscarredsensitivesicklysmoothsoft

splotchysuppleswarthytantautwashed-outweatheredwhitewrinkledwrinklyyouthful

Skin

bluntbroadbulbousbumpy

buttoncrinkledcrookeddelicate

flathookedlongpointy

pugRomanskijumpslender

straighttinyupturnedwide

Nose

broad flared narrow pointy wideNostrils

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Character Traitsz  Boring: Thenursewasnicetoherpatient.

L Interesting:  The tender and compassionate nurse never left her patient’s side.

bossyaggressivecontrollingdemandingdomineeringforcefulintimidatingoverbearingtyrannical

braveadventurousaudaciousboldchivalrouscourageousdaringdauntlessfearlessgallantheroicknightlyvaliantvalorous

cowardlyfearfulgutlesspassivespinelesstimidweak

crazydementeddisturbedinsanelunaticmaniacal

creativeartisticclevergiftedimaginative

ingeniousinnovativeinspiredinventiveoriginalunique

determineddrivenperseveringpersistentsteadfast

dishonestcorruptdeceitfuldeceptivedeviousdisingenuousuntruthful

disobedientdefiantinsubordinatelawlessrebelliousundisciplinedunmanageableunruly

drivenindustrioussedulousstudious

energeticactiveanimatedenthusiastichigh-spiritedlivelysprightlyvivacious

enthusiasticardenteagerearnestexcitedexuberantpassionatezealous

evilcorruptfiendishhatefulimmoralmonstroussinfulsinistervilewicked

forgivinggraciousmagnanimousmerciful

friendlyaffableamiableamicablecongenialconvivialcordialgenialgood-naturedwarm

funamusingconvivialenjoyableentertainingexcitingimaginativelivelyplayful

funnyamusingcomicalentertaininghilarioushumoroushystericalwitty

generousbenevolentcharitablemagnanimousnobleselflessself-sacrificingunselfish

hard-workingambitiousassiduousdiligent

honesthonorableforthrightsincerestraightforwardtrustworthytruthful

hostileaggressiveantagonisticargumentativebelligerentcombativecontentiouspugnaciousquarrelsome

humblemeekmodestself-effacing

irresponsiblecarelessflightyforgetfulinattentiveundependableunreliableuntrustworthy

jealouscovetousenviousgreen-eyedpossessive

kindcaringcompassionateconsideratecourteousgentlegraciouslovingsoft-heartedsweetsympathetictenderthoughtfulwarm

lazyheavy-footedidleindolentlanguorousslothfulslow-movingunmotivated

loyalcommitteddedicateddevotedfaithfulsteadfast

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Character Traitsmeanbarbarousbrutalcold-heartedcruelheartlessinsensitivemalevolentmaliciousruthlessuncaringunkindvicious

moralchasteethicalnobleprincipledpurerighteousvirtuous

negativecriticalcynicaldefeatedhopelesspessimisticsarcastic

outgoingconvivialextrovertedgregariouspersonablesociablesocialunreserved

politeaffablecivilcordialcourteousgraciousrespectful

positivecheerfulhopefulidealisticoptimisticsanguine

practicallevel-headedlogicalpragmaticrationalrealisticreasonablesensible

pridefularrogantboastfulconceitedegotisticalhaughtynarcissisticpompoussmugvain

respectableadmirablehonorablelaudablepraiseworthyreputableupright

responsibleconscientiousdependabledutifulmaturereliabletrustworthy

revengefulmaliciouspunitiveretaliatoryspitefulvengefulvindictive

rudeboorishchurlishdiscourteousdisrespectfulimpertinentimpoliteimpudentinconsiderateinsolentsurlyuncivil

selfishegocentricgreedymiserlyparsimoniousself-centeredstingy

seriousausterehumorlessintensesolemnsomberstern

sillychildishclownishimmaturenonsensicalsenseless

smartbookishbrightbrilliantcleveringeniousintellectualintelligentknowledgeablequick-wittedsharp

strangeawkwardbizarreeccentricmysteriousoddoutlandishpeculiarunusualweird

stubbornhardheadedheadstrongobstinatepersistentstiff-neckedstrong-willedwillful

stupidbrainlessfoolishidioticimbecilicmindlessmoronicsimpleunintelligentwitless

talentedaccomplishedadeptartisticbrilliantexperiencedexpertgiftedingeniousskilledskillful

trickyconnivingcraftycunningdevious

mischievousschemingshrewdslysneakywily

uncaringapatheticcallouscoldheartlessindifferentinsensitiveunsympathetic

understandingacceptingempatheticperceptivesensitivesympathetic

unforgivingbegrudgingbitterembitteredmercilessresentful

unsocialintrovertedreclusivereservedsolitarystandoffishunsociablewithdrawn

wisediscerningenlightenedinsightfuljudiciousperceptiveprudentsagacious

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Emotions / Feelingsz  Boring: Thesingeronthestagewasscared.

L Interesting:  Trembling in terror, the panic-stricken singer stood frozen on stage.

afraidaghastalarmedapprehensiveblanchedcowardlycoweddaunteddishearteneddismayeddistressedfaint-heartedfearfulfrightenedfrozenhorrifiedintimidatedpanickedpanickypanic-strickenpetrifiedrattledscaredshakenshockedspookedstartledstunnedterrifiedterror-strickentrembling

angryboilingcrossenragedfieryfumingfuriousheatedincensedindignantinflamedinfuriatediratemaddenedoutragedprovokedrabidragingriledvexedwrathful

annoyedagitatedbotheredcrabbycrankydisgruntleddispleaseddissatisfiedfrustratedgrouchygrumpy

ill-temperedirritableirritatedmoodypeevedpeevishpetulantsulkysullentemperamentalvexed

ashamedapologeticcontritedisappointedmournfulpenitentregretfulremorsefulrepentantruefulsorrowfulsorry

calmharmoniousmellowpeacefulplacidquiescentquietrelaxed

reposefulrestfulserenesoothingstillstormlesstranquilundisturbedunruffledwavelesswindless

confusedabashedaddledbaffledbefuddledbewilderedconfoundeddazeddisconcerteddisorienteddistracteddizzyflummoxedflusteredmuddledmystifiedperplexedpuzzledstumpedunglued

disappointeddisconcerteddiscontenteddiscourageddisenchanteddisgruntleddishearteneddisillusioneddissatisfieddownheartedembitteredfrustratedresentfulsaddenedthwartedungratifiedunsatisfiedvanquished

embarrassedabashedashamedchagrineddisconcerteddisgracedhumbledhumiliatedmortifiedshamed

excitedagitatedanimated

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Emotions / Feelingsarousedawakenedchargeddelightedeageremotionalenthusiasticfeverishhyperhystericaljumpylivelypassionatestirredthrilledwild

happyblessedblissfulblithecheerfulcheerychipperchirpycontentcontentedconvivialdelightedecstaticelatedexultantgleefulgratifiedjollyjoyful

joyousjubilantlightheartedmerrymirthfuloverjoyedpeppyperkyplayfulpleasantpleasedsunnythrilledupbeat

lonelydisconsolateforlornforsakenisolatedlonesomereclusiverejectedsecludedsolitaryunsocialwithdrawn

nervousanxiousapprehensiveconcerneddistressedflusteredhigh-strungjittery

jumpynervyrestlessskittishtenseuneasyuptightworried

proudcontenteddignifiedgratifiedhonoredpleasedsatisfied

sadbereavedbrokenheartedcrestfallencrusheddejecteddepresseddespairingdespondentdevastateddisconsolatedismaldolefuldowncastforlorngloomyglumgrief-strickengrieved

heartbrokenheartsickheartsoreheavy-heartedinconsolablelanguishinglow-spiritedlugubriousmelancholymiserablemorosemournfulsombersorrowfultroubledweepingwistful

shybashfulcautiouscoydemurehumbleintrovertedmeekmodestmousyquietrabbityreservedreticentself-conscioussheepishskittishtimidunassertive

surprisedagapeaghastamazedastonishedastoundedawestruckdumbfoundeddumbstruckflabbergastedflooredoverwhelmedshockedspeechlessstaggeredstartledstunnedthrownthunderstruck

upsetagitatedbothereddisconcerteddismayeddisquieteddistraughtdistresseddisturbedstressedtroubledungluedunsettledworried

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ample

behemoth

broad

bulky

burly

capacious

colossal

considerable

enormous

expansive

extensive

giant

gigantic

grand

great

hefty

huge

hulking

humongous

husky

immeasurable

immense

jumbo

magnificent

major

mammoth

massive

mighty

mountainous

monstrous

monumental

overgrown

oversized

prodigious

roomy

sizable

spacious

staggering

stupendous

substantial

titanic

towering

tremendous

unrestricted

vast

voluminous

whopping

baby

bite-sized

bitty

cramped

diminutive

dwarfish

inconsequential

inconsiderable

insignificant

light

limited

little

meager

microscopic

mini

miniature

miniscule

minor

minute

modest

narrow

paltry

petite

piddling

pint-sized

pocket-sized

puny

runty

scanty

scrubby

short

shrimp

skimpy

slight

smallish

stubby

stunted

teeny

teensy

tiny

toy

trifling

trivial

truncated

undersized

wee

Big Small

z  Boring: Thecatwasbigandthemousewassmall.L Interesting:  The monstrously oversized cat towered over the teensy mouse.

Big / Small

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adorablealluringappealingattractivebeckoningbecomingbewitchingbreathtakingcaptivatingcharmingclassycomelycutedazzlingdelightfuldivineelegantenchantingengagingenthrallingenticingexcellentexquisitefairfascinatingfetchingfineglamorousgood-lookinggorgeousgraceful

grandhandsomeidealimpressiveinterestinginvitinglovelyluringmagnificentmajesticmarvelousmesmericpleasantpleasingprettyradiantravishingrefinedresplendentshapelysightlysplendidstatuesquestunningsublimesuperbtantalizingwell-formedwell-groomedwinsomewonderful

abnormalappallingawfulbad-lookingbeastlybizarrecreepydeformeddisagreeabledisfigureddisgustingdistastefuldistortedeeriefoulfreakishfrightfulgrislygrossgrotesquegrungyhag-likehard-featuredhideoushomelyhorridhorrifyingill-favoredinelegantloathsomemisshapen

monstrousnastynauseatingobnoxiousoddoutlandishpiggishplainrepellentrepugnantrepulsiverevoltingshockingsickeningsordidsorrystrangeterribleunalluringunappealingunattractiveuncomelyundesirableuninvitingunnaturalunpleasantunseemlyunsightlyvileweirdwretched

Beautiful Ugly

z  Boring: Thehaircutwasugly.L Interesting:  The frightful haircut bordered on grotesque.

Beautiful / UglyB

anis

h B

orin

g W

ords

© L

eile

n Sh

elto

n, S

chol

astic

Tea

chin

g R

esou

rces

··· 42 ···

admirableamazingastonishingastoundingawe-inspiringawesomebeautifulbreathtakingbrilliantcommendabledistinguishedexcellentexceptionalexcitingextraordinaryfabulousfantasticfinegloriousillustriousimpressiveincredibleinspiringlegendaryloftymagnificentmarvelousmemorable

mind-blowingmiraculousnotablenoteworthyoutrageousoutstandingoverwhelmingphenomenalprodigiousremarkablesensationalspectacularsplendidstirringstrikingstunningstupendoussuperbsuperiorterrificthrillingunbelievableunrealunrivaledvaluablewonderfulwondrousabhorrent

abominableappallingatrociousawfulbasebeastlycontemptiblecurseddeplorabledespicabledetestabledisagreeabledisgustingdreadfulfoulfrighteningfrightfulghastlygrimgrislygruesomehatefulheinoushideoushorrendoushorriblehorridhorrific

horrifyingloathsomelousyluridmeannastynauseatingobnoxiousobsceneodiousoffensiveraunchyrepellentreprehensiblerepugnantrepulsiverevoltingscandalousscaryshamefulshockingsickeningterribleterrifyingunpleasantvilewretched

Good Bad

z  Boring: Theweatherwasbad,butwehadagoodday.L Interesting:  Despite the foul weather, we still had a sensational day at the park.

Good / Bad

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Interesting Boring

z  Boring: Thebookwasboring.L Interesting:  The dull, monotonous book left me feeling uninspired.

Interesting / Boring

absorbingalluringamusingappealingarrestingcaptivatingcharismaticcompellingcuriousdelightfulenchantingengagingengrossingentertainingenthrallingentrancingexceptionalexcitingexoticfascinatinggrippingimpressiveintriguingprovocativerefreshingrivetingspellbindingstimulatingstirringstrikingthought-provokingunusual

colorlesscommonplacedeaddrabdrearydrudgingdullflatho-humhumdruminsipidinterminablelacklusterlifelessmonotonemonotonousplatitudinousrepetitiousroutinespiritlessstalestereotypicalstodgytedioustiresometriteunanimatedunexcitinguninspireduninterestingvapidwearisome

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A Little A Lot

z  Boring: Thenightskyhadalotofstars.L Interesting:  The stars were numberless in the night sky.

A Little / A Lot

afewahandfulofascatteringofasprinklingofinconsequentialinconsiderableinfrequentinsufficientlimitedmeagerminorminutenegligibleoccasionalpaltrypettypiddlingrarescantscantyscarcescarcelyanyskimpyslightslimsomesparse

abundantbounteousbountifulcopiouscountlessendlessimmeasurableincalculableinfiniteinnumerablelimitlessmanymultifariousmultiplemultitudinousmyriadnumberlessnumerousplentifulplentyofscadsofseveralswarmingwithteemingwithuncountableunlimitedvoluminous

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Easy / Hardz  Boring: Thehomeworkwaseasy,butthetestwashard.

L Interesting:  The homework was manageable, but the test was complicated.

Easy Hardaccessible

apparent

basic

clear-cut

direct

effortless

elemental

elementary

evident

facile

manageable

obvious

painless

plain

routine

self-explanatory

simple

smooth

straightforward

uncomplicated

undemanding

understandable

uninvolved

workable

arduous

backbreaking

bothersome

burdensome

challenging

complex

complicated

confusing

demanding

difficult

exacting

exhausting

formidable

grueling

involved

laborious

painful

perplexing

problematic

puzzling

strenuous

troublesome

trying

unclear

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Comparing Words Contrasting Words

z  Boring: Tennisisplayedonacourt,andbaseballisplayedonafield.L Interesting:  Tennis is played on a court, whereas baseball is played on a field.

Compare / Contrast

alike

atfirstglance

besides

both

bycomparison

comparable

compare

comparedto

incommon

incomparisonto

inthesamemanner

inthesameway

justas

like

likewise

ontheonehand

resemble

resemblance

share

similarities

similarity

similarly

similarto

thesame

thesameas

although

atfirstglance

but

bycontrast

contrast

conversely

despite

differ

differences

different

differentfrom

eventhough

however

incontrast

instead

onthecontrary

ontheotherhand

opposite

unlike

variations

varied

vary

whereas

while

yet

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Be Specific! How to avoid using the word “thing.”

achievementaccomplishmentadvancementcontributionfeatimprovementprogresssuccess

beliefconvictionfeelingideanotionopinionpositiontheoryunderstandingview

chanceopportunitypossibilityprospect

characteristicaspectattributedistinctionfeaturepeculiaritypropertyqualitytrademarktrait

choicealternativedecisionoptionpossibilitypreferenceselection

effectaftermathconsequenceoutcomeramificationresult

effortactionattemptendeavorstepstrideundertaking

enjoymentactivityamusementdiversionentertainmenthobbyinterestpastimerecreation

experienceadventureaffairencounterenterpriseescapadeeventexplorationexposureinvolvementordealparticipationundertakingventure

goalaimambition

idealintentionobjectiveplan

issueargumentcontroversyfocusquestionsubjectthemetopic

itemarticlebelongingobjectparticularpossessionproduct

partaspectcomponentdetailelementfactorfeatureparticularsectionsegment

placearealocalelocationscenesettingspotsitevicinity

problemchallengeconcernconflictdifficultydilemmadisadvantagefrustrationhardshipobstaclepredicamentquagmirequandarystruggletrialtroubleweakness

proofdataevidencefactstatistictestimonyverification

reasonargumentexplanationjustificationmotivepretextrationale

situationcircumstanceepisodeeventhappeningincidentissuematteroccasionoccurrence

talentabilitycapabilitygeniusgiftpowerskillstrength

typecategorydescriptionexampleformgenregroupkindmodelpatternsortvariety

valueadvantagebenefitimportancemeaningmeritpurposesignificanceuseworth

wayapproachcoursedirectionmannermethodmodestylesystemtechnique

z  Boring: Frogsandtoadshavemanythingsincommon.L Interesting:  Frogs and toads have many characteristics in common.

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Boring Word/Phrase Page Boring Word/Phrase Page

Don’tgetstuckinoldwritinghabits!Whenyoufindyourselfabouttousethesetiredwordsandphrases,searchformorespecificandlivelyones!

50 Boring Words and Phrases to Avoid

Alittle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Alot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Asked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ate..................8

Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,26,42

Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Big . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Boring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Dirty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Easy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,26,42

Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Happy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,39

Hard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,45

Hear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Hot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Interesting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Kind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Fast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Loud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Old . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Purple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Sad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

See . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Said . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15

Slow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Smell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Sweet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,27

Tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Thing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Toendthispaper . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ugly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

White. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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My Own List of Interesting Words

Instead of…moved,Icoulduse

_____________,_____________,_____________(seepage7)

said,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage14)

big,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage40)

small,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage40)

beautiful,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage41)

ugly,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage41)

good,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage42)

bad,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage42)

interesting,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage43)

boring,Icoulduse_____________,_____________,_____________

(seepage43)

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