Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
Phineas Gage
confer
verb
talk together
The two doctors confer, but Dr. Harlow takes over the case.
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
hoist
verb
lift
A few yards behind Phineas, a group of his men are using a handcranked derrick crane to hoist a large piece of rock.
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
counter
verb
fight
It will take nearly a century for science to develop the first “antibiotic,”
At Grade Level
penicillin, to counter infections.
Phineas Gage
conducts himself
verb
phrase
behaves
The ways in which he deals with others, conducts himself, and
makes plans will all change.
Phineas Gage
cultured
adjective
educated about The microscope became a new kind of “high-tech” entertainment for
human thought
cultured gentlemen, and in 1665 an Englishman named Robert
and ways of living Hooke came up with a microscopic “hit.
Phineas Gage
bland
adjective
plain or easy to
digest
Phineas is knocked flat by the medicines and spends the next two
Across Grade
weeks in bed, where Dr. Harlow keeps him on a “low,” or bland, diet. Level
Phineas Gage
extracts
verb
pulls out
He cleans the skin around the hole, extracts the small fragments of
bone, and gently presses the larger pieces of skull back in place.
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
elevated
adjective
raised
Dr. Harlow dresses the burnt skin and has Phineas put to bed with
his head elevated.
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
array
noun
collection
The body’s immune system tries to kill the invading bacteria with an
array of special immune cells, while the bacteria try to protect
themselves against immune cells by cranking out toxic chemicals.
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
established
adjective
settled
Once these bacteria get established in the body, they reproduce
wildly.
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
decay
noun
rotting
Eventually, Pasteur will unravel the three great biological mysteries of
At Grade Level
his time—fermentation, decay, and infection.
Phineas Gage
vulgar
adjective
rude
He spouts vulgar language in the presence of women.
Phineas Gage
vital
adjective
necessary for life None of this vital activity is visible in gross anatomy.
Across Grade
Level
At Grade Level
At Grade Level
Across Grade
Level
1
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
Phineas Gage
fundamental
adjective
primary
By just holding a brain in your hands you (and the doctors of
Phineas’s day) can’t see the thing that makes this organ work, the
brain’s fundamental unit, which is the brain cell, or neuron.
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
transmit
verb
communicate
The cortex is where you actually see what your eyes transmit, smell
what your nose senses, taste what your tongue samples, touch what At Grade Level
your nerves report, and hear what your ears pick up.
Phineas Gage
singular
noun
unique
How the neurons inside those folds and ridges connect is what
makes every human being singular.
Phineas Gage
drastically
adverb
extremely
“This case has been cited as one of complete recovery…without any
impairment to the intellect,” he says, but in truth, Phineas’s
At Grade Level
personality changed drastically after the accident.
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
persistent
adjective
determined
“Previous to his injury, though untrained in the schools, he possessed
a well-balanced mind, and was looked upon by those who knew him
At Grade Level
as a shrewd, smart business man, very energetic and persistent in
executing all his plans of operation.
Phineas Gage
subsequent
adjective
following
“I think you have been shown that the subsequent history and
progress of the case only warrant us in saying that physically, the
recovery was quite complete,” says Dr. Harlow."
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
generates
verb
produces
If there are exact locations in the brain that allow for the ability to
hear or to breathe, is there a place that generates human social
behavior?
Across Grade
Level
Phineas Gage
drastically
adverb
extremely
“This case has been cited as one of complete recovery…without any
impairment to the intellect,” he says, but in truth, Phineas’s
At Grade Level
personality changed drastically after the accident.
Phineas Gage
persistent
adjective
determined
“Previous to his injury, though untrained in the schools, he possessed
a well-balanced mind, and was looked upon by those who knew him
At Grade Level
as a shrewd, smart business man, very energetic and persistent in
executing all his plans of operation.
Phineas Gage
subsequent
adjective
following
“I think you have been shown that the subsequent history and
progress of the case only warrant us in saying that physically, the
recovery was quite complete,” says Dr. Harlow."
Across Grade
Level
2
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
Phineas Gage
generates
verb
produces
If there are exact locations in the brain that allow for the ability to
hear or to breathe, is there a place that generates human social
behavior?
Across Grade
Level
verb
related
In addition, greater interconnectedness among various regions of the
brain allows for better communication between parts associated with At Grade Level
different functions.
At Grade Level
Across Grade
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent associated
Brain
Demystifying
the Adolescent aspects
Brain
noun
features
Some aspects of brain development in adolescence are reflected in
changes in brain structure for instance, certain parts of the brain are
relatively smaller in childhood than in adolescence, whereas other
parts are relatively larger
Demystifying
the Adolescent relatively
Brain
adverb
in comparison
for instance, certain parts of the brain are relatively smaller in
childhood than in adolescence, whereas other parts are relatively
larger
Demystifying
the Adolescent speculate
Brain
verb
guess
Before the development of brain imaging technology, scientists could Across Grade
only speculate about the workings of the adolescent brain.
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent miniscule
Brain
adjective
tiny
Neurons do not actually touch; there’s a miniscule gap between them
At Grade Level
called a synapse.
Demystifying
the Adolescent enhances
Brain
verb
improves
Just as pruning a rose bush—cutting off weak and misshapen
branches—produces a healthier plant with larger flowers, so synaptic At Grade Level
pruning enhances the brain’s functioning.
Demystifying
the Adolescent Initially
Brain
adverb
at first
Initially, the brain produces many more connections among cells than Across Grade
it will use.
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent acquire
Brain
verb
gain
but the development of new synapses continues throughout life as
Across Grade
we learn new skills, build memories, acquire knowledge, and adapt to
Level
changing circumstances
Demystifying
the Adolescent elicited
Brain
verb
caused
It makes us want whatever elicited the squirt because the feeling of
pleasure it produces is so strong.
At Grade Level
3
Source
Reveal Word
Definition
Contextual Sentence
adjective
related
For instance, in experiments in which participants are presented with
a rapid succession of images and asked to push a button when a
Across Grade
certain image appears but refrain from pushing it when a different
Level
image appears, adolescents are less likely than children to activate
prefrontal regions that are not relevant to performing the task well.
Demystifying
the Adolescent simultaneously
Brain
adverb
In addition, individuals become more likely to use multiple parts of the
brain simultaneously and coordinate activity among prefrontal regions
and other areas of the brain, such as the limbic system, a region
Across Grade
at the same time
that’s important for our experience of reward and punishment and for Level
processing emotional and social information, such as reading
someone’s facial expression or judging what a person thinks of us.
Demystifying
the Adolescent capable
Brain
adjective
able to perform
the task
At the same time that the adolescent brain is maturing in ways that
enable teenagers to become more capable of reasoned thinking, it’s At Grade Level
also changing in ways that make them do risky things.
Demystifying
the Adolescent malleable
Brain
adjective
adaptable
It’s important to keep in mind that the brain is very malleable, or
“plastic,” and that its development is affected by experience as well
as biology.
At Grade Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent affected
Brain
verb
influenced
It’s important to keep in mind that the brain is very malleable, or
“plastic,” and that its development is affected by experience as well
as biology.
Across Grade
Level
noun
thoughtful
guessing
Although scientists agree about the ways in which the structure and
function of the brain change during adolescence, the implications of
these changes for adolescent development are still the subject of a
great deal of ongoing research and considerable speculation.
Across Grade
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent relevant
Brain
Demystifying
the Adolescent speculation
Brain
POS
Word Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent exuberant
Brain
adjective
joyful
Psychologists draw a distinction between “cold” cognition (when we
think about something that doesn’t have much emotional content, like
how to solve an algebra problem) and “hot” cognition (when we think
At Grade Level
about some- thing that can make us feel exuberant or excited, angry
or depressed, like whether to go joyriding with friends or throw a
punch at someone who insulted a girlfriend).
Phineas Gage
verb
take back
Phineas has come for a final examination by Dr. Harlow and to
reclaim his old job on the railroad.
reclaim
Across Grade
Level
4
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Phineas Gage
intolerable
adjective
unbearable
"...and while recovering, he was grossly profane, coarse, and vulgar, Across Grade
to such a degree that his society was intolerable to decent people.” Level
Phineas Gage
grave
adjective
serious
how to make or break eye contact, how to murmur agreement or
quiet objection, how to smile at the right moment or not to smile at all At Grade Level
if the subject is grave.
Phineas Gage
cordial
adjective
friendly
They exchange cordial letters.
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
consent
verb
agree
Why else would she consent?
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
scoffed
verb
laughed
dismissively
...of her son's case to science, Dr. Harlow recalls how many scoffed
at Phineas when Dr. Bigelow first presented his case in Boston.
At Grade Level
Phineas Gage
partial
adjective
incomplete
"Mentally the recovery certainly was only partial.”
Across Grade
Level
noun
features
Some aspects of brain development in adolescence are reflected in
changes in brain structure (for instance, certain parts of the brain are Across Grade
relatively smaller in childhood than in adolescence, whereas other
Level
parts are relatively larger).
adverb
about
The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons, cells
that carry information by transmitting electrical charges within the
brain by means of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Phineas Gage
aspects
Demystifying
the Adolescent approximately
Brain
Word Level
Across Grade
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent optimal
Brain
adjective
best possible
When it comes to more basic abilities, such as those involving
memory, attention, and logical reasoning, especially under optimal
Across Grade
conditions, the average 15-year-old is just as mature as the average Level
adult.
Demystifying
the Adolescent autonomy
Brain
noun
independence
The Need to Practice Autonomy
At Grade Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent inconsistency
Brain
noun
unevenness
Teachers sometimes are surprised by the inconsistency in students’
behavior, especially during the middle school years.
At Grade Level
5
Source
Reveal Word
Demystifying
the Adolescent underlying
Brain
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
adjective
basic
You may have had an MRI exam to diagnose the underlying cause of Across Grade
some sort of pain.
Level
Demystifying
the Adolescent refers
Brain
verb
points
Although the technology used in this sort of imaging is the same as
that used by neuroscientists who study brain development, the “f” in Across Grade
fMRI refers to the use of the test to examine how the brain functions, Level
and not just its anatomy.
Demystifying
the Adolescent transitional
Brain
adjective
in-between
In addition to being a transitional time in physical, intellectual,
emotional, and social development, adolescence is a time of
important changes in the structure and function of the brain.
Demystifying
the Adolescent inclined
Brain
adjective
likely
This may make teenagers more inclined to take risks when they’re
with their friends because they’re more likely to focus on the rewards At Grade Level
of a risky choice than on the potential costs.
Demystifying
the Adolescent unwieldy
Brain
adjective
awkward and
clumsy
It makes the brain more efficient by transforming an unwieldy network
At Grade Level
of small pathways into a better organized system of superhighways.
adjective
irregular
Dr. Harlow writes: "He is fitful, irreverent, indulging at times in the
grossest profanity (which was not previously his custom), manifesting
At Grade Level
but little deference for his fellows, impatient of restraint or advice
when it conflicts with his desires.”
Demystifying
the Adolescent intends
Brain
verb
plans
He intends to walk.
Demystifying
the Adolescent cited
Brain
verb
mentioned as an "This case has been cited as one of complete recovery ... without any Across Grade
example
impairment to the intellect,”
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
verb
persuaded
Phineas Gage
fitful
induced
At Grade Level
Across Grade
Level
...I am induced to offer you the notes of a very severe, singular, and,
so far as the result is taken into account, hitherto unparalleled case, At Grade Level
of that class of injuries, which has recently fallen under my own care.
6
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
unparalleled
adjective
unmatched
...I am induced to offer you the notes of a very severe, singular, and,
Across Grade
so far as the result is taken into account, hitherto unparalleled case,
Level
of that class of injuries, which has recently fallen under my own care.
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
preparatory
adjective
preparing for
It appears from his own account, and that of the by-standers, that he Across Grade
was engaged in charging a hole, preparatory to blasting.
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
rendered
verb
caused to be
The tamping iron is round, and rendered comparatively smooth by
use.
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
convulsive
adjective
sudden and
uncontrollable
I am informed that the patient was thrown upon his back, and gave a
few convulsive motions of the extremities, but spoke in a few
At Grade Level
minutes.
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
unaccustomed
adjective
not used
You will excuse me for remarking here, that the picture presented
was, to one unaccustomed to military surgery, truly terrific; but the
patient bore his sufferings with the most heroic firmness.
Across Grade
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
terrific
adjective
terrible
You will excuse me for remarking here, that the picture presented
was, to one unaccustomed to military surgery, truly terrific; but the
patient bore his sufferings with the most heroic firmness.
Across Grade
Level
plentiful
He seemed to be perfectly conscious, but was getting exhausted
from the hemorrhage, which was very profuse both externally and
At Grade Level
internally, the blood finding its way into the stomach, which rejected it
as often as every 15 or 20 minutes.
Across Grade
Level
At Grade Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
profuse
adjective
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
conclusive
adjective
decisive
who was still sufficiently conscious to say that "the iron struck his
head and passed through," was considered at the time sufficiently
conclusive to show not only the nature of the accident, but the
manner in which it occurred.
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
discretion
noun
good judgment
I think no surgeon of discretion would have upheld me in the trial of
such a foolhardy experiment, in the risk of disturbing lacerated
vessels,
Word Level
At Grade Level
7
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
retained
verb
held in place
the lacerated scalp was brought together as nearly as possible, and
retained by adhesive straps, excepting at the posterior angle, and
over this a simple dressing—compress, night-cap and roller.
Across Grade
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
unimpaired
adjective
undamaged
Sensorial powers remain as yet unimpaired.
At Grade Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
incoherent
adjective
confusing
—Restless and delirious; talks much, but disconnected and
incoherent.
Across Grade
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
lucid
adjective
clear thinking
He is delirious, with lucid intervals.
At Grade Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
sloughed
verb
shed
Shaved the scalp a second time, and brought the edges of the
wound in position, the previous edges having sloughed away.
At Grade Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
enlightened
adjective
educated
I think the case presents one fact of great interest to the practical
surgeon, and, taken as a whole, is exceedingly interesting to the
enlightened physiologist and intellectual philosopher.
Across Grade
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
omitted
verb
left out
In my effort to be brief, which I fear you will think an utter failure, I
have omitted much in my notes that might interest some readers.
At Grade Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
unadvisedly
adverb
unwisely
"The fractured portions of bone, excepting those which were
removed at the first dressing, have united firmly, and the at remark
was made unadvisedly…"
At Grade Level
8
Source
Reveal Word
POS
Definition
Contextual Sentence
Word Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
excessive
adjective
too much
—Has been very restless during the day; skin hot and dry; tongue
red; excessive thirst; delirious, talking incoherently with himself, and
directing his men.
Across Grade
Level
Passage of an
Iron Rod
Through the
Head
ascertain
verb
find out
The scalp was shaven, the coagula removed, together with three
Across Grade
small triangular pieces of the cranium, and in searching to ascertain if
Level
there were other foreign bodies there,
9