8/12/2019 Vocabulary & Spelling Words 1

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Name: ________________________________________ Hr. ______ Date: ____________

Spelling & Vocabulary Words 1

You will need to know how to spell, define and use these words correctly in a sentence.

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wreckage (REK-edge) (noun)After the explosion, workers sifted through the wreckage of the building, searching forbodies. They had to bring in a crane to move some of the large, broken pieces of the building.

Wreckage means broken parts of a vehicle, building, etc., that has been badly damaged

or destroyed.

2. vandalism(VAN-dahl-iz-uhm) (noun)After breaking the school window with a rock, the boy was arrested and charged withvandalism. This was not his first offense; last year he was caught writing hateful words with

spray paint on the door of the gym.

Vandalism is the act of deliberately destroying or damaging property.

3. mannerism(MAN-er-iz-uhm) (noun)The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly. He mimics his speaking style,

tone of voice, gestures, everything.

Mannerisms are a person's particular way of talking or moving.

4. heroism(HAIR-oh-iz-uhm) (noun)Women such as Alice Paul and Lucy Burns showed heroism by fighting for womens right to

vote. It took a lot of bravery to stand up to their opposition.

Heroism means great courage.

5. optimism(OP-tim-iz-uhm) (noun)Both men expressed optimism about the future of Detroit. They both believed it could

become a great city once again.

Optimism is a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future.

6. composure(kum-POH-zher) (verb)After the initial shock she regained her composure. Now she appears very calm.

Composure means calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance.

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7. legislature(LEJ-is-ley-cher) (noun)Our state legislature passed a law requiring people to wear safety belts while driving orriding in a car. They passed similar laws about car seats and booster seats for children.

A legislature is a group of people with the power to make or change laws.

8. sculpture(SKUHLP-cher) (noun)She made a beautiful sculpture of an elephant made from stone and clay. She says she prefers

molding things out of clay or carving things out of stone to painting or drawing.

A sculpture is a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc.

9. failure(FEYL-yer) (noun)He was often crippled by his fear of failure. He would only try something if he knew he

would be successful.

Failure is a lack of success in some effort or a situation, or an occurrence in which

something does not work as it should

10.weird(PRU-dint) (adjective)My sister listens to some really weird music; Ive never heard anything like it before.

Weird means unusual or strange.