I Survived The Joplin Tornado, 2011 — Vocabulary
Lauren Tarshis
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
4 top 1000
massivevery large
The entrance has massive brass doors.more
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The town had no tornado siren, so Dr. Gage had no way of knowing that a massive, rainwrapped tornado was heading right for him.†p.37.93 more
Show general definition very large in size, number, or effect
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traditiona long-established practice
My family's Thanksgiving tradition is to gather together and eat turkey.more
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Scrabble used to be another Saturday night tradition — Mom and Dad versus Dex and Jeremy.p.19.5
something typically done
Show general definition a long-established or previously long-established practice or belief

and/or:

one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
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warydistrustful
She was taught to be wary of strangers.more
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He kept one eye on the radar map, and kept glancing warily into the rearview mirror.†p.50.5
wary → warily:in a nervous or distrustful manner
Show general definition careful or nervous about something
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constantcontinuous
The history of computers is a history of constant technological advancement.more
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It's constant pain.†p.68.9
unchanging, continuous, or happening repeatedly
Show general definition unchanging, continuous, or happening repeatedly
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laboratorya workplace where people do scientific or medical research
We've had success in the laboratory, but are a long way from treating patients.more
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And the sounds are transmitted back to my lab.†p.28.1
laboratory → lab:a workplace where people do scientific or medical research, or produce drugs or chemicals (also used figuratively)  OR  (as an adjective) related to such a place
Show general definition a workplace where people do scientific or medical research, or produce drugs or chemicals

or (as an adjective): related to such a place
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debrispieces of something that has been destroyed; or trash that is lying around
She swept up the debris.more
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There were the extra-strong metal plates bolted to the sides to protect from flying rocks and debris.†p.24.14 more
Show general definition pieces of something that has been destroyed; or trash that is lying around
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enhanceimprove
This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more
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Dex knew that EF-5 tornadoes are the strongest tornadoes, according to a system called the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which scientists use to rate the strength of tornadoes.†p.32.8
enhance → enhanced:increased or improved
Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
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focusinto view (as an area of attention)
The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more
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And slowly the world around him came into focus.p.65.7
a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly
Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view