英语阅读进阶Steps15.docx

1、英语阅读进阶Steps15Step 1 Vocabulary in Context There are four kinds of context clues: 1. Examples (marked by words like for example, for instance, including, and such as); 2. Synonyms (words that mean the same as unknown words); 3. Antonyms (words that mean the opposite of unknown words); 4. General sens

2、e of the sentence (clues in the sentence or surrounding sentences about what words might mean). ExercisesI. Directions: For each sentence below, underline the examples that suggest the meaning of the italicized word. Then write the letter of the meaning of that word in the space provided._1. Today w

3、as a day of turmoil at work. The phones were constantly ringing, people were running back and forth, and several offices were being painted. A. discussion B. confusion C. harmony_2. Some mentally ill people have bizarre ideas. For instance, they may think the TV is talking to them or that others can

4、 steal their thoughts. A. limited B. ordinary C. odd_3. Nocturnal creatures, such as bats and owls, have highly developed senses that enable them to function in the dark.A. feathery B. living C. active at nightII. Directions: Each sentence below includes a word that is a synonym of the italicized wo

5、rd. Write the synonym of the italicized word in the space provided._1. Airport security guards must observe peoples demeanor so as to notice any suspicious conduct. _2. I asked the instructor to explain a confusing passage in the textbook. She said, “I wish I could, but its obscure to me, too.” _3.

6、In the same way that the arrival of the mechanical equipment meant fewer farm jobs, the advent of the computer has led to fewer manufacturing jobs. III. Directions: Each sentence below includes a word that is an antonym of the italicized word. Underline the antonym of each italicized word. Then writ

7、e the letter of the meaning of the italicized word in the space provided._1. During the Middle Ages, everyone from the rich landowner down to the most impoverished peasant had a clear place in society. A. weak B. common C. poor _2. Computer manuals are often very hard to understand, so l was surpris

8、ed to discover how lucid this one is. A. long B. expensive C. clear _3. To keep healthy, older people need to stay active. Remaining stagnant results in loss of strength and health. A. inactive B. lively C. unhealthy IV. Directions: Use the general sense of each sentence to figure out the meaning of

9、 each italicized word. Then write the letter of the meaning of the italicized word in the space provided._1. The lizard was so lethargic that I wasnt sure if it was alive or dead. It didnt even blink. A. green B. inactive C. big_2. After the accident, I was angered when the other driver told the pol

10、ice officer a complete fabrication about what happened. He claimed that I was the person at fault. A. lie B. description C. confession _3. Whether or not there is life in outer space is an enigma. We may never know for sure until we are capable of space travel or aliens actually land on our planet.

11、A. reason B. certainty C. mystery Step 2 Main Ideas Recognizing the main idea is the most important key to good comprehension. There are three strategies that will help you find the main idea:1. Look for general versus specific ideas;2. Use the topic (the general subject of a selection) to lead you

12、to the main idea; 3. Use clue words to lead you to the main idea.ExercisesDirections: In each of the following groups, one statement is the general point, and the other statements are specific support for the point. Identify each point with a P and each statement of support with an S and write them

13、in the space provided.1. _A. Hungry bears searching for food often threaten hikers._B. Hiking on that mountain trail can be very dangerous._C. Severe weather develops quickly, leaving hikers exposed to storms and cold. _D. When it rains, the trail which is very steep at some points becomes slippery.

14、 2. _A. The pessimistic view of human nature holds that people are basically lazy and have to be forced to work._B. Political and business leaders often base their policies on one of several assumptions about people. _C. The optimistic view presumes people are interested in doing a job well and are

15、capable of directing themselves. _D. A middle-of-the-road theory is that while people do not dislike work, they do not work efficiently without appropriate direction. 3. _A. By decreasing the production of certain hormones, exercise lessens the risk of certain cancers._B. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, promotes mental health, and generates feelings of well-being. _C. People who exercise regularly have stronger bones, more limber joints, and a healthier heart. _D. Regular exercise four to five days a week has significant health benefits.