KA WORDCAST Passages, Lesson 15 Part TWO Today we will be looking at five very useful verbs from KA’s reader, Passages, Lesson15. In today’s reading passage from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a miracle has taken place. Scrooge has seen the error of his ways. The ghost of Christmas Past has shown him how and why he has become such a greedy, hateful man. Through the Ghost of Christmas Present, he has seen the true meaning of the holiday season. And the Ghost of Christmas Future has shown him the sad end that awaits him – if he doesn’t change. But Scrooge does change. He becomes a new man, one who cares about and loves and respects his fellow human beings. Now it is the day after Christmas. Scrooge is in his office waiting for his employee, Bob Cratchit, to come in. Scrooge, as you can imagine, has been the world’s worst boss. He has overworked and underpaid Bob, forcing him to work in terrible conditions in a cramped space called the Tank. But Bob has a large family to support, including a disabled son named Tiny Tim, and has no choice but to put up with Scrooge. But when Bob arrives at work … well, let’s see what happens. Last week, in Passages Lesson 15, Part 1, we looked at seven useful adjectives and nouns from the reading passage. Today, we will go over five useful verbs that you can use in your own writing. To listen to a recording of this passage, please tune in to the KA Voicecast website. A Christmas Carol is now available as a Well Read Audio Book on the ESL Publishing website. Well Read offers a selection of classic stories by great authors read at a relaxed, easy-­‐listening pace. Each story comes with a downloadable, fully annotated, absolutely free eBook. If you would like to listen to Well Read’s specially prepared rendition of this timeless Christmas tale (and just in time for the holidays!), please follow the link to the ESL Publishing website. 1. FEIGN “Hallo!” growled Scrooge, in his accustomed voice as near as he could FEIGN it. FEIGN is a verb that means to pretend to be affected by a feeling, condition, or injury. Synonyms include simulate, fake, sham, affect, give the appearance of, put on, bluff, posture, and masquerade. Soccer players are renowned for FEIGNING grievous injury at the slightest touch from another player as a ploy to get that player carded. There is no use pretending you like heavy metal music just to impress your boyfriend. You can’t FEIGN interest in something you loathe. “Dear Mrs. Clarke. Please don’t listen to my son Johnny if he says he’s not feeling well today. He’s just FEIGNING illness to get out of cross-­‐country running!” Although perfectly capable of changing the car tire herself, Amy FEIGNED helplessness so that a good Samaritan would come to her aid. She didn’t want to get her new white dress dirty. Sammi lay still and FEIGNED sleep, hoping that she would be able to catch a glimpse of the tooth fairy when he came to take the tooth from under her pillow. Plagiarism is the act of FEIGNING authorship of another person’s story or essay. The adjective form is FEIGNED, which means not real or pretended, or fictitious. When you really get to know her, you’ll see that Anne’s is a FEIGNED shyness. She can be very confident and even bold when she wants to be. Sharon burst out with a FEIGNED laugh as her boss made another one of his terrible jokes. It was later learned that the young, ambitious reporter had used FEIGNED sources in her Pulitzer-­‐Prize-­‐
winning feature story on the pharmaceutical industry. FEIGNER is a (seldom used) noun meaning a pretender or a person who creates misleading impressions. Some basketball players are masterful FEIGNERS who draw a lot of fouls by pretending that other players have hit them a lot harder than they really have. 2. ENDEAVOR I’ll raise your salary, and ENDEAVOR to assist you with your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon over a bowl of smoking bishop, Bob! The verb ENDEAVOR means to try hard to do something. Synonyms include make an effort, labor, attempt, strive, aim, venture, undertake, and aspire. Professor Schmidt ENDEAVORED to get his students to share his interest in his beloved medieval Italian poetry, but to no avail. The president has spent a good deal of his administration ENDEAVORING to gain affordable health care for all Americans. We should all ENDEAVOR to be more considerate of others. I am so sorry for the mix-­‐up in your booking. I will ENDEAVOR to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Marcie was charged with contempt of court after repeatedly ENDEAVORING to contact the jurors who were deliberating over her husband’s tax-­‐evasion charges. ENDEAVOR can also be a noun meaning an effort to do or attain something. Synonyms include attempt, try, shot, bid, venture, enterprise, and undertaking. Sean Conway recently succeeded in his ENDEAVOR to swim from Land’s End in Cornwall to John ‘O Groats in Scotland, swimming over 900 miles in 90 days. Wanting to impress his new teacher, John, who was usually an unenthusiastic student, made an honest ENDEAVOR to hand in an A-­‐worthy essay. Painting has been a lifelong ENDEAVOR and pastime for Harold, and now, at sixty years of age, he is savoring every minute of the gallery opening for his first exhibition. ENDEAVORER is a seldom used noun meaning a person who ENDEAVORS. Out of all my friends from high school, Larry has been the biggest ENDEAVORER, a man who is always trying something new and challenging. The expression “Best of luck in your future ENDEAVORS” means “I hope that everything goes well for you from now on.” Often it is a general wish, say from a teacher to a class of graduating students. It or a similar expression is also used to “soften the blow” when letting someone down if he or she has been unsuccessful at something, as in the following: I am afraid we cannot offer you a position at this time, but we wish you every success in your future ENDEAVORS. 3. STAGGER “And therefore,” he continued, leaping from his stool, and giving Bob such a dig in the waistcoat that he STAGGERED back into the Tank again: “and therefore I am going to raise your salary.” In the passage, the verb STAGGER means to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall. Synonyms include stumble, sway, wobble, reel, hobble, totter, lurch, and waver. After a night spent celebrating his promotion with his colleagues, Alex STAGGERED to his feet, swaying a little as he weaved his way through the crowded bar. Feeling a severe pain in his chest, Nick STAGGERED to the phone and dialled 911. How Frankie remained standing after a punch like that was incredible. That right hook from Danny could have STAGGERED an ox! STAGGER can also mean to astonish or deeply shock. Synonyms include stun, jolt, astound, shake, amaze, dumbfound, disconcert, take the breath away, and flabbergast. The news of Michael Jackson’s untimely death, coming as it did on the verge of his embarking on his comeback tour, STAGGERED his millions of fans around the world. STAGGER can also mean to arrange events, payments, work hours, etc. so that they do not occur at the same time. Synonyms include spread out and space out. Meetings are STAGGERED throughout the day, so you should be able to arrange your schedule so that you can attend all of the sessions that are relevant to your interests. Government cost-­‐cutting has meant that the local library has reduced its opening hours, which are now STAGGERED throughout the week. STAGGER can also mean to arrange objects or parts of an object in a zigzag order or so they are not in line. Synonyms include alternate, overlap, and take in turns. When putting up the shed, please note that it is important to STAGGER the screws at each joint to strengthen the structure. The seats in the auditorium are STAGGERED to ensure that everyone in the audience has a good view of the stage. STAGGER can also be used as a noun to mean an unsteady walk or movement. I saw Sal walking home from the pub with his usual STAGGER. How he makes it up the hill in that state I’ll never know. It took quite an effort for the newly born foal to make it to its feet, but once it did, it walked towards its mother with an awkward STAGGER. STAGGER as a noun can also mean an arrangement of things in a zigzag order so that they are not in line. The STAGGER of starting blocks at a race track can give the impression that the athlete in the outside lane has an advantage over the athlete on the inside lane, but of course this is not the case. STAGGERED is one adjective form meaning astonished, shocked, or astounded. Synonyms include stunned, surprised, shaken, overwhelmed, confounded, and flabbergasted. Tom had a STAGGERED look on his face when he complained to the waiter about the hair in his soup and the waiter didn’t even apologize or offer to replace it. STAGGERED can also mean not in a line. Darcy’s STAGGERED work schedule at the hospital meant that she often didn’t get enough sleep. STAGGERING is another adjective form that means causing great astonishment, amazement, or dismay. Synonyms include shocking, amazing, astounding, and stupefying. We received a STAGGERING number of responses after our radio appeal for contributions for the Asheville family whose home was destroyed in a fire last Sunday. Congratulations, Kate. Qualifying as a veterinarian is a STAGGERING achievement requiring many years of dedicated study, and I wish you all the best. Sincerely yours, Jake. The STAGGERING bills needed for maintenance and repairs mean that many historic old buildings fall into disrepair. What with the STAGGERING selection of smart phones on the market, I have no idea which one to buy. The adverb STAGGERINGLY means very much or extremely. Synonyms include enormously, hugely, and tremendously. The young singer is STAGGERINGLY popular considering she isn’t really all that talented, and not all that cute or charming, either. Giant redwood trees can reach up to 115 meters tall. When you stand next to one and look up, it is STAGGERINGLY high. 4. STRUGGLE I’ll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist you with your STRUGGLING family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon over a bowl of smoking bishop, Bob! In the passage, STRUGGLING is used as an adjective meaning involved in a STRUGGLE to overcome some hardship. So first let’s take a look at the verb STRUGGLE. STRUGGLE means to strive to attain something in the face of difficulty or resistance. Synonyms include try hard, endeavor, make every effort, exert oneself, labor, and take pains. With the increasing prices for even the bare essentials, many families on low incomes have to STRUGGLE to make ends meet. With a huge amount of paperwork to be filled in, Jamal STRUGGLED to meet the deadline for the submission of grant applications. Finding the hidden diaries in the museum’s archives was a fantastic discovery, but the old English used and the handwriting meant that the curator had to really STRUGGLE to make sense of what was in them. STRUGGLE can also mean to make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction. Synonyms include fight and strain. Caught in the weeds at the side of the lake, Carl STRUGGLED to break free, wasting valuable energy that he would need for the cycling and running legs of the triathlon. James was hit in the chest STRUGGLING with the shoplifters as they attempted to flee the convenience store he worked at after school. STRUGGLE can also mean to have difficulty handling or coping with something. Synonyms include contend, compete, wrangle, vie, and jockey. In their panic, the passengers STRUGGLED to fit the oxygen masks over their faces as the masks dropped from the overhead compartments. After Jane’s father suffered a stroke, his speech was so badly affected that she had to STRUGGLE to understand him, which was very frustrating for them both. The woman was STRUGGLING to get her huge suitcase on the subway before the door closed, and no one offered to help her. STRUGGLE can also mean to make one’s way with difficulty. It took the mountain rescue team four hours to STRUGGLE up the mountainside and reach the stranded climbers. Emma always ended her daily run by STRUGGLING up the soft dunes at the back of the beach, which left her panting but also gave her a satisfied sense of achievement. STRUGGLING is often used in sports to talk about a player or team that is having a hard time performing well or winning. The home team is STRUGGLING right now, but no matter how badly they do, they will always have me cheering them on from the sidelines. My favorite baseball player is STRUGGLING at the plate and is barely hitting .200 at the moment. STRUGGLE can also be a noun that means a forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or to resist attack. Synonyms include fight, scuffle, brawl, tussle, and skirmish. It was a STRUGGLE to hold off the mugger, but Sally was determined he wasn’t going to make off with her Chanel handbag without a fight. STRUGGLE can also mean a big effort or challenge. Pursuing a career in acting is often a STRUGGLE for recognition as well as a financial STRUGGLE. Math has always been a STRUGGLE for me, but my new tutor has helped me a lot. It was a STRUGGLE, but Sally was able to maneuver the new lounge room furniture into the positions she wanted, and she couldn’t wait to see the surprised look on her husband’s face when he came home from work. “It’s been a STRUGGLE,” the mayor said, “but we now have the federal funding we need to get our city’s schools back on the road to excellence in education.” STRUGGLE can also mean a conflict or contest. Synonyms include competition, battle, fight, clash, and feud. A power STRUGGLE for the party leadership left the party deeply divided and caused considerable damage to its image among the electorate. Now let’s go back to the adjective STRUGGLING as used in the reading passage. Cafes, restaurants, and bars in New York, Los Angeles, and London are staffed by STRUGGLING actors and artists all waiting for their “big break.” The recession forced Max to shut down his STRUGGLING window-­‐cleaning business and take up debt collecting, which turned out to be not that pleasant but surprisingly lucrative. STRUGGLINGLY is an adverb that means in a fighting or STRUGGLING manner. The illusionist pulled STRUGGLINGLY at his restraints to free himself before the rope snapped and plunged him into the icy water. 5. HEED Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little HEEDED them. In the passage, HEED is a verb that means pay attention to. Synonyms include take note of, attend to, listen to, notice, regard, and be mindful of. What happened to Steve is a tragedy, but he should have HEEDED the lifeguard’s warnings. “HEED the doctor’s advice,” I told my husband, “or you might not live to regret it!” When cooking and handling raw meat, always HEED the instructions on the packaging, as it is important to prepare meat properly to avoid food poisoning. Those with weak stomachs should take HEED: this rollercoaster is not for the fainthearted! HEED can also be a noun meaning careful attention. Synonyms include attention, notice, note, regard, attentiveness, and consideration. You should have alternate plans, as the weather will pay no HEED to the fact that you are planning an outdoor wedding. Janet shouted at her son to come inside out of the rain, but he paid her no HEED and continued to jump up and down in the mud puddle. The candidate lost simply because he paid insufficient HEED to the wishes and needs of the voters in his constituency. The saying TAKE HEED means to listen to and pay attention to what is being said. If we are to attract new members to the gym, we must TAKE HEED of the suggestions made by our current members and increase the number of exercise classes we offer. Make sure you TAKE HEED and listen to all the options before you make any decision. HEEDFUL is an adjective meaning aware of and attentive to. Synonyms include careful, mindful, cautious, prudent, alert, aware, and observant. I know you would like me to consider Rex for the supervisor position, but he is not a team player and only HEEDFUL of his own agenda. The captain cast a HEEDFUL eye over the ship’s crew as they went about their tasks. One of these sailors had been stealing from the pantry, but who was it? The adverb HEEDFULLY means attentive or mindfully. “Make sure you take the cake out of the oven at exactly half past three and no later,” Daisy told her husband Jack, who nodded HEEDFULLY to her instructions. The noun HEEDFULNESS means the trait of staying aware of your responsibilities. Synonyms include attentiveness, mindfulness, caution, and carefulness. Keen to show his HEEDFULNESS, Freddie scribbled notes furiously as the instructor detailed the correct way to administer first aid. HEEDLESS is an adjective that means showing a reckless lack of care or attention. Synonyms include disregardful of, unmindful of, careless of, negligent of, and oblivious to. Kurt is a terrible driver, all but HEEDLESS of what’s going on all around him. After the alarm was sounded to signal the evacuation, the captain stayed behind on the ship, HEEDLESS of the warnings and calmly making sure that all the lifeboats were filled and deployed. HEEDLESSLY is the adverb form. I HEEDLESSLY wrote “less people showed up than expected” instead of “fewer people showed up than expected,” and of course my wife gloatingly pointed my error out to me. Tune in next week for more fantastic words from Passages: Lesson 16 Part ONE!