1100-week2自学笔记.docVIP

2nd Week 1st Day New Words laconic throng intrepid accost reticent To the Point Calvin Coolidge, our thirtieth president, was named Silent Cal by reporters because of his laconic speech. One Sunday, after Mr. Coolidge had listened to an interminable* sermon, a throng of newsmen gathered around him. An intrepid reporter accosted the Chief Executive: Mr. President, we know that the sermon was on the topic of sin. What did the minister say? He was against it, the reticent Coolidge replied. (*interminable see page 4. Each review word will be followed by an asterisk you will find the first use of the word by consulting the Index at the back of the book.) Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences: 1. His speech was usually rambling, but this time I found it brief and laconic. 2. If a surly panhandler should accost you, keep on walking. 3. Even under repeated questioning, the witness remained reticent. 4. A howling throng of teenage girls surrounded the rap artists. 5. The corporal received the Silver Star for his intrepid deeds in combat. Definitions Match the new words with their dictionary meanings. 6. laconic __06__ a. expressing much in few words 7. throng __08__ b. brave 8. intrepid __09__ c. to approach and speak to 9. accost __07__ d. crowd 10. reticent __10__ e. silent Todays Idiom the sword of Damocles any imminent danger (a king seated one of his subjects underneath a sword that was hanging by a hair, in order to teach him the dangers a king faces) E.g. Although the president of the company seemed quite secure, he always complained that there was a sword of Damocles hanging over his head. 2nd Day New Words furtive felon plethora hapless irate If I Had the Wings of an Angel Casting a furtive glance over his shoulder, the felon slipped out the main prison gate to be swallowed up in the British fog. A plethora of escapes from supposedly secure prisons embarrassed the hapless wardens. To compound*