VOCABULARY
CARTOON
OF THE DAY
180 Reproducible Cartoons That Help Kids
Build a ROBUST and PRODIGIOUS Vocabulary
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND • SYDNEY
MEXICO CITY • NEW DELHI • HONG KONG • BUENOS AIRES
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the activity sheets from this book for classroom
use. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write
to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
Cover design by Maria Lilja
Illustrations by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Interior design by Josué Castilleja
ISBN 0-439-51769-9
Copyright © 2005 by Marc Tyler Nobleman
All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I N T ROD UCT ION
W
elcome to FunnyBone Books: Vocabulary Cartoon of the
Day! Cartoons pack more value than many people realize.
Good ones require both verbal and visual literacy. The best ones
are an inseparable blend of language and image; they cannot be
understood if one of those two elements is removed. They’re an
odd little fusion of puzzle, story, and art. And all this is conveyed
in the time it takes to read this sentence.
Best of all, cartoons are funny. Humor is consistently one of the
most effective ways to grab people’s attention—and improve their
memory. We usually remember what makes us laugh. Advertisers
know this. Politicians know this. Kids especially know this. As
an educator, you must know it, too, or else you wouldn’t have
read this far.
Some teachers and parents worry that our children have been
hit by an epidemic of short attention spans. Whether or not that’s
true, this book turns short attention spans into a learning tool.
However, kids won’t see it coming—or won’t mind if they do.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The 180 vocabulary words in this book comprise of verbs, nouns,
and adjectives. They’re all in common use. Many were gathered
from the pages of mainstream news and entertainment magazines
that kids will soon be reading, if they aren’t already. In other
words, this is living language. Though some of the words have
multiple meanings, only one meaning is defined, typically the most
popular one.
A speaker at a 2002 Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators conference said that in 1945, the average schoolchild’s
vocabulary included 10,000 words. Today, that number has
dwindled to 2,500. Ideally, by the end of this book, we’re back
up at least to 2,680—and hopefully counting.
Welcome to the positive side of short attention spans. It’s time to
learn by laughing.
4
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This school map you drew might confound
our new students, considering it’s a school
in ancient Egypt.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
1
confound
(verb)
To confound
means to confuse or
mix someone up.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Grandpa, I think you misconstrue how
e-mail works. You don’t need to put a
stamp on the computer screen.
2
misconstrue
(verb)
To misconstrue
means to get the
wrong idea about
something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When it comes to
what’s cool, my dad
gets it but my mom
is oblivious.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
3
oblivious
(adjective)
A person who is
oblivious does not
know or is not aware
of what’s happening.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You don’t have to be too
canny to outsmart this cat.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
4
canny
(adjective)
Someone who
is canny is
clever or smart.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Is this an overt attempt to get a better grade,
or do you think I’m not eating healthily enough?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
5
overt
(adjective)
Overt means
something that
is open to view;
not secret.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
From now on, we need to meet in
a more covert location.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
6
covert
(adjective)
Something covert
is not shown
openly; secret.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
All you need to do is sit still, look at me, and
smile for an interminable length of time.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
7
interminable
(adjective)
Interminable means
something that seems
forever, as if there’s
no end in sight.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When we built it, we were going more for
look than longevity.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
8
longevity
(noun)
Longevity means
a long life.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The lunch ladies may look scary, but they’re
benign. I’m not so sure about the lunch, however.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
9
benign
(adjective)
Something that
is benign
is harmless.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
Actually, I’m an innocuous breed of shark.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
10
innocuous
(adjective)
Something that is
innocuous is safe
and harmless.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m an infallible speller, as
long as the words are three
letters or less.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
11
infallible
(adjective)
A person who is
infallible never
makes a mistake.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My vocabulary is extensive. It’s my spelling
that’s incorrigible.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
12
incorrigible
(adjective)
If something is
incorrigible, it is
unable to be corrected.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
He’s so loquacious, he keeps talking even
after everyone else has left the room.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
13
loquacious
(adjective)
Someone who
is loquacious
talks too much.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I’m the most verbose person you’ll ever meet,
or run into, or encounter, or come across. But
I probably said that already.
14
verbose
(adjective)
Someone who
is verbose uses
more words than
is necessary.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This is the most benevolent
planet I’ve ever visited.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
15
benevolent
(adjective)
Benevolent means
kind and caring.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
That’s the kind of duplicitous thinking
I like to see.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
16
duplicitous
(adjective)
Duplicitous means
tricky and dishonest.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My mom takes excessive measures
so I won’t scrape my knee.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
17
excessive
(adjective)
Something
that’s excessive
goes beyond
the usual limit.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I can overlook the movie’s mediocrity since
the action figures are so cool.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
18
mediocrity
(noun)
Mediocrity is the
state of being
ordinary or average.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
No wonder she’s sullen—her brother used
her coin collection to buy more stamps for
his stamp collection.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
19
sullen
(adjective)
A person who is
sullen is sulky or
quietly in a bad mood.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I chose him because they say the bigger
the dog, the better the disposition.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
20
disposition
(noun)
Disposition
means personality
or character.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’ve heard about this team. If they lose
to us, they’ll gloat that their mascot is
faster than ours in the wild.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
21
gloat
(verb)
People who gloat
are happy about other
people’s failure.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I can dispel rumors that the Earth
is flat. My new theory is that it’s
shaped like a banana.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
22
dispel
(verb)
To dispel means to
get rid of something
by driving it away.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I have an aversion to acorns, but still have
this nagging urge to gather something.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
23
aversion
(noun)
Aversion means
a strong dislike
toward something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My son has an affinity for snakes. He also has
an affinity for leaving their cage door open.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
24
affinity
(noun)
Affinity means a
fondness for or attraction
toward something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
New ghosts actually get a choice
of sheet patterns, though most
have a predilection for plain white.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
25
predilection
(noun)
Predilection
means a preference
for something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Part of me has a penchant for algae and
the other part for hamburgers.
26
penchant
(noun)
Penchant means
a strong liking
for something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Ponderous dinosaurs plus rain equals
easy drinking for us.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
27
ponderous
(adjective)
Something that
is ponderous is
heavy and massive.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Being a behemoth has its pros and cons.
He’s always picked first for football games
but he never wins at hide-and-seek.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
28
behemoth
(noun)
A behemoth is
something extremely
large and powerful.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It’s a shame all that pulchritude on
top is spoiled by such a hideous face.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
29
pulchritude
(noun)
Pulchritude
means beauty.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
30
salient
(adjective)
If something is
salient, it stands out
or is noticeable.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I understand your indignation, but I can’t
change the fact that the “Dress as a Sandwich,
Get a Free Sandwich” promotion is over.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
31
indignation
(noun)
Indignation means
anger, especially over
something that’s unfair.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Once or twice I can understand, but there’s
real cause for chagrin when you’ve bumped
into the bowl as much as he has.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
32
chagrin
(noun)
Chagrin is an
uneasy feeling of
disappointment
or humiliation.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You’ve got it backwards. Next time, check the
hieroglyphics before you try to impersonate
one of the gods.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
33
impersonate
(verb)
To impersonate
means to mimic
or pretend to be
someone else.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Since our ghost moved from the attic to the
kitchen, he has developed a prodigious appetite.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
34
prodigious
(adjective)
Something that is
prodigious is enormous
or extraordinarily great
in size or quantity.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My first few potions weren’t potent, but
I’m starting to get the hang of it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
35
potent
(adjective)
Something that is
potent is powerful
and effective.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This repository is only for my eyes of newt!
Who put their wings of bat in here, too?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
36
repository
(noun)
A repository is a
place or container
for storing things.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m unflappable, except when it comes to
spiders, snakes, thunder, ghosts, broccoli,
and my own shadow.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
37
unflappable
(adjective)
Someone who is
unflappable has a
lot of self-control
and is not easily
upset or frightened.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
He’s not being stoic. He ate garlic bread and
doesn’t want anybody to smell his breath.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
38
stoic
(adjective)
Someone who is
stoic does not show
any feeling, whether
it’s pleasure or pain.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My diorama may appear to be nothing more than
an idyllic scene. But those chipmunks are actually
plotting to take over the world.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
39
idyllic
(adjective)
Idyllic describes
something that’s
pleasant and peaceful.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I don’t want future generations to think
we were all austere.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
40
austere
(adjective)
Something that’s
austere looks
harsh or severe.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The more mendacious he is, the more
clothes I can hang out to dry.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
41
mendacious
(adjective)
Someone who is
mendacious is given
to lying or falsehood.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I don’t know where you heard that cats have
nine lives, but it doesn’t seem plausible enough
to me that I’d jump.
42
plausible
(adjective)
Something that is
plausible seems
reasonably true
but may not be.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Hey, bro, how do I look? Don’t be afraid to be candid.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
43
candid
(adjective)
Someone who is
candid is honest
and sincere.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’ll ignore that last barb about my hat,
except to say that you have no feeling
for presidential history.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
44
barb
(noun)
A barb is a negative
or insulting comment.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
For my next exploit, I will bend this steel
bar with my bare hands.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
45
exploit
(noun)
An exploit
is a daring or
heroic act.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
So much for the claim that this mountain
is indomitable.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
46
indomitable
(adjective)
Something that is
indomitable cannot
be conquered.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I want to instill in you the belief that you can
do anything. Just remember to dress warmly,
look both ways, and say “please” before doing it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
47
instill
(verb)
To instill means to
put a feeling or idea into
someone’s mind slowly.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This video game is too didactic. It doesn’t
even give your score—you have to add up
your points yourself.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
48
didactic
(adjective)
Something that
is didactic is
designed to teach.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I now see where your daughter gets her generous
demeanor, though she just brings me apples.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
49
demeanor
(noun)
Demeanor is
someone’s behavior
toward others.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Raising your hand to ask a question is a sign
of deference—in a classroom. You don’t need
to do it all the time.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
50
deference
(noun)
Deference means
respect for an older or
more superior person.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You think you’re spry just because you jumped
over a candlestick? Try climbing a beanstalk
sometime.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
51
spry
(adjective)
Someone who
is spry is
nimble or lively.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When I said I feel more intrepid when you’re
with me, I meant when you’re in front of me.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
52
intrepid
(adjective)
A person who is
intrepid is fearless
and brave.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Eating more vegetables is a great start. But
to feel truly robust, you might want to cut
back on cupcakes and donuts for side dishes.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
53
robust
(adjective)
A person who
is robust feels
healthy and strong.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Why doesn’t cooking put you in the same
buoyant mood it puts me in?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
54
buoyant
(adjective)
A person who feels
buoyant is happy
and cheerful.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My job requires precision—one wrong move
and I’m advertising the new movie starring
Tom Hanky instead of Tom Hanks.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
55
precision
(noun)
Precision means
exactness or accuracy.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Our policy explaining the types of items
that are appropriate for Show and Tell is
apparently too nebulous.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
56
nebulous
(adjective)
If something is
nebulous, it is not
clear or specific.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I don’t have time to get into the whole story. I
need a segue between Humpty Dumpty sitting
on the wall and Humpty broken beyond repair.
57
segue
(noun)
A segue is a
smooth transition
from one thing
to another.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
During a lapse in the conversation, I offered
to entertain everyone by juggling. But they
said they preferred the awkward silence.
58
lapse
(noun)
A lapse is a
temporary pause
or interruption.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Fancy hotels that put a mint on the pillow don’t
impress me. If the whole bed was made entirely
of chocolate—now that would be opulent.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
59
opulent
(adjective)
Something that
is opulent shows
wealth or luxury.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I don’t mind that it’s only a curtain. It’s
still a sublime view.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
60
sublime
(adjective)
Something that is
sublime is impressive
and puts one in awe.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
“Be true and be you” is my mantra. “Polly want
a cracker” is just something I say a lot.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
61
mantra
(noun)
A mantra is a
phrase that sometimes
expresses a major
belief and is
often repeated.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Don’t make me reiterate it. I already
forgot what I just said.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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62
reiterate
(verb)
To reiterate means
to repeat or say
something again.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I can abide with the bread touching the vegetables
and the vegetables touching the meat, but I freak
out when the meat touches the bread.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
63
abide
(verb)
To abide means
to tolerate or put up
with something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We’ve only been inside for thirty seconds.
How can you be wistful for recess already?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
64
wistful
(adjective)
A person who is
wistful is longing
for something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I don’t understand why my parents ask me
on a perennial basis how school is. They
should know—they used to go, too.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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65
perennial
(adjective)
If something
is perennial,
it is ongoing or
constantly repeated.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Studying astronomy has left an indelible
impression on me—right here, when I got
too close to a meteor shower.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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66
indelible
(adjective)
Something that is
indelible cannot be
removed or erased.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My parents like to cull old photos from our
albums and put them on display…but only
if they’re highly embarrassing.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
67
cull
(verb)
To cull means to
pick out from a group.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This sweater would complement the pants
I just got for my birthday—both hideous,
but in the same way.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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68
complement
(verb)
To complement
means to match things
that go together.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It’s not the cell phone. He doesn’t sound
coherent in person either.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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69
coherent
(adjective)
Someone who
is coherent is
clear and easy
to understand.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Since I got my foot stuck in the door,
everyone tells me how gallant I am.
VOCAB UL ARY
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70
gallant
(adjective)
A gallant person is
courteous and noble.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The female students voted for a rabbit as class
mascot, while the boys wanted a mutant hybrid
of a shark, tiger, and snake.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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71
hybrid
(noun)
A hybrid is a mix
of different breeds
or varieties.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m just trying to brighten up the terrain.
VOCAB UL ARY
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72
terrain
(noun)
Terrain is a
piece of land.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
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73
It’s been so long since I left that I forgot
what the impetus was for coming here.
impetus
(noun)
An impetus is
something that
spurs one to
move, change,
or speed up.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
It’s the culmination of lots of hard work—
two percent by me, the rest by Mother Nature.
74
culmination
(noun)
Culmination
means the end
result or climax.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I certainly won’t appear dexterous to
whoever finds me.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
75
dexterous
(adjective)
Dexterous describes
someone who is nimble,
skillful, and clever.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I don’t speak any other languages, but I
am proficient in Chinese checkers.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
76
proficient
(adjective)
Someone who is
proficient has
mastered a
particular skill.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I have a knack for fetching, but I don’t see
how I’ll ever be able to make a living with it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
77
knack
(noun)
A knack is a
clever way of
doing something;
a special talent.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I started walking upright on a lark. I didn’t
think anyone else would do it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
78
lark
(noun)
A lark is something
done just for fun.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We may play the worst music, but
we banter better than any other
disc-jockey team in town.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
79
banter
(verb)
To banter means
to speak playfully
or teasingly.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
That was an impressive harangue, Michael,
but I still don’t think the administration will
replace the school’s water fountains with
chocolate-milk fountains.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
80
harangue
(noun)
A harangue is a
speech delivered with
strong feelings.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I was able to coax him to come out of
his shell, but I still can’t get him to
catch a Frisbee.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
81
coax
(verb)
To coax means to
persuade gently.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
82
Want to come over after school? Don’t
worry, I won’t coerce you into listening
to my piano lesson again.
coerce
(verb)
To coerce
means to force.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
While Ms. Loonin is out, I’ll be your substitute teacher.
Other classes have called me “Ersatz Mr. Katz.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
83
ersatz
(adjective)
Ersatz is a substitute
or an imitation of
something else.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This museum isn’t known for its
historical research.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
84
remnant
(noun)
A remnant is a
remainder or a surviving
piece of something.
REMNANT:
either
9th century Scottish plate
or
14th century Italian helmet
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You said to clean up only things we spill.
However, in the name of veracity, I
confess that I threw that.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
85
veracity
(noun)
Veracity means
truthfulness.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m guessing there’s a discrepancy between
the seating chart and reality, though it is
possible that everyone in this class is
named “Space Monkey.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
86
discrepancy
(noun)
Discrepancy
means a difference
or inconsistency.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It seems like every time we comply with a
rule, a new one comes along to get used to.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
87
comply
(verb)
To comply means
to follow a rule or
obey a request.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
For the next few years, I’ll need some leeway
to style my hair in a way that may be different
than what was allowed in your own childhood.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
88
leeway
(noun)
Leeway is the
flexibility or freedom
to do things.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Before you choose me, do you agree to walk
me every day, in sickness and in health, in
beautiful and in inclement weather, as long
as we both shall live?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
89
inclement
(adjective)
Something that
is inclement is
severe or rough. In
describing weather,
it means stormy.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Somehow the car wash sensed it could
bamboozle me into giving them business.
I don’t even have a car.
90
bamboozle
(verb)
To bamboozle
means to trick
or deceive.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It’s only on February 2nd that I use my
shadow to prognosticate. All other times
I prefer more conventional methods.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
91
prognosticate
(verb)
To prognosticate
means to predict
the future.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I envision a day when the world will finally
be at peace. We might even get out of
school early.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
92
envision
(verb)
To envision
means to imagine or
picture something
in one’s head.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Not every fairy has the finesse to fly, get the
tooth from under the pillow, and leave a quarter
without waking the child. What makes you think
you’re right for this job?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
93
finesse
(noun)
Finesse is the
ability to handle a
delicate situation.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Now we know that it is possible to
botch a snowman.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
94
botch
(verb)
To botch something
means to do something
badly or mess it up.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Moving to Hawaii is exciting, but it’s only
fair to warn you: the number of school snow
cancellations will drastically subside.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
95
subside
(verb)
To subside means
to decrease or
become less.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Sweetie, I appreciate your help, but a nap is
usually all it takes to assuage a headache.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
96
assuage
(verb)
To assuage
means to reduce,
lessen, or relieve
something that pains.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Let’s see if this will deter kids from
drinking too much soda.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
97
deter
(verb)
To deter means
to discourage
or prevent.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Until we know if it’s friendly, let’s
eschew making eye contact.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
98
eschew
(verb)
To eschew means
to avoid something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
“Sam’s horse must eat oats” is a mnemonic
I use to remember the Great Lakes: Superior,
Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. For that
same reason I also named my gerbil “Shmeo.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
99
mnemonic
(noun)
A mnemonic is
a formula or rhyme
used to help
remember something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
These humans don’t seem to know that
my moniker is Sir Grorraw Furrlar, Prince
of Hounds. They keep calling me “Peanut.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
100
moniker
(noun)
A moniker is a
name or nickname.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We haven’t been able to discern any
microscopic life up here.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
101
discern
(verb)
To discern
means to detect
or recognize.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I have an inkling that we’re boarding
alphabetically.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
102
inkling
(noun)
An inkling is a
slight clue or hint.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I like it like this. If you’re looking for
camaraderie, try the next island over.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
103
camaraderie
(noun)
Camaraderie means
a spirit of friendship,
especially in a group.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Membership benefits comprise a pamphlet,
a bumper sticker, and a clothespin.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
104
comprise
(verb)
To comprise
means to consist of
or to include.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
After I lost a five-dollar bill, nothing could
console me…until I found a ten-dollar bill.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
105
console
(verb)
To console
means to comfort
or help someone
feel less upset.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
While I’m grounded, I’ll contemplate what
I did wrong. If you buy me a new computer,
I’ll even write an essay about it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
106
contemplate
(verb)
To contemplate
means to consider
or think about
something for a while.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This book is so prosaic that I’d rather read
the owner’s manual for a vacuum cleaner.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
107
prosaic
(adjective)
Something that is
prosaic is dull and
unimaginative.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
In my house, we divvy up kitchen responsibilities.
My parents cook and clean, and I embellish
the fridge door.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
108
embellish
(verb)
To embellish means
to make something
more beautiful by
decorating it.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Unless you clean out your locker, you’ll
soon see life-forms flourish in there
that belong in the science lab.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
109
flourish
(verb)
To flourish
means to thrive or
grow successfully.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
110
The guy next to me talked on his cell
phone throughout the whole movie. Then,
to exacerbate the situation, he asked
to borrow mine when his battery died.
exacerbate
(verb)
To exacerbate
means to make
things worse.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
If I’m having a hard day, why should I have
to wait till I get home to immerse myself
in a warm bath?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
111
immerse
(verb)
To immerse means to
plunge into something
(often water) and be
covered completely.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m bored with water. Think we’ll ever get
a chance to imbibe anything else?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
112
imbibe
(verb)
To imbibe
means to drink.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
We have more results to go over, but our
preliminary findings suggest you’re allergic
either to tests or to scientists.
113
preliminary
(adjective)
Something that
is preliminary
is introductory
or opening for
something else.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I was on the brink of a major breakthrough
in my research when I accidentally switched
my DNA with a gorilla’s.
114
brink
(noun)
Brink means
edge or verge.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The din in here makes crying useless. For
maximum attention, wait till you’re the only
newborn in the room before you start bawling.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
115
din
(noun)
Din means a loud,
continuous noise.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I finally found the source of the incessant noise
you’ve been hearing, and it’s not a ghost.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
116
incessant
(adjective)
Something that is
incessant is continuous
without interruption.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m trying to curb my desire to return
home right away. I want to enjoy all the
free publicity for a little while longer.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
117
curb
(verb)
To curb means
to control
or restrain.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It’s hard to forbear when it comes to
a second piece of this delicious pie. Are
you done with that?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
118
forbear
(verb)
To forbear means
to hold back or go
without something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My parents won’t augment my allowance
now that the software I created has
sold a million copies.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
119
augment
(verb)
To augment
means to add on to
or increase.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
As soon as the sign went up, our customers
were quick to inundate us with suggestions.
The most common has been “Get a box to
hold the suggestions.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
120
inundate
(verb)
To inundate
means to overwhelm
or to flood.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I’ve missed the palpable tension of the
game since they changed the regulation
height of the net.
121
palpable
(adjective)
Something that
is palpable can
easily be felt.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
It’s just one of those arcane features that
every old house has.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
122
arcane
(adjective)
Something that is
arcane is hidden
or mysterious.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You’re my big brother. That doesn’t mean
you’re my prototype.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
123
prototype
(noun)
A prototype is an
original or early
version of something
on which later
versions are based.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Seems like it was just yesterday when
I carved this, and already it’s obsolete.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
124
obsolete
(adjective)
Something that is
obsolete is
old-fashioned and
no longer useful.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
The only thing that makes me bristle
more than seeing the kids track in mud
is when I do it myself.
125
bristle
(verb)
To bristle means
to react by
showing anger.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
If you irk your parents by asking for a
glass of water every bedtime, you might
get one of these, too.
126
irk
(verb)
To irk means
to annoy.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When it comes to asking questions, she’s
indefatigable. But when it comes to
answering them, she’s quickly exhausted.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
127
indefatigable
(adjective)
Someone who
is indefatigable
is not capable
of being tired out.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’ve never seen such tenacity when it
comes to keeping the environment clean.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
128
tenacity
(noun)
Tenacity is the
determination to
keep doing what
one believes in.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
It’s a good start, but he wants even more
brevity in his name. How about just the dot?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
129
brevity
(noun)
Brevity is
the shortness
of something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I have a copious collection of bookmarks
but only one book.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
130
copious
(adjective)
Copious means
plentiful or containing
a large amount.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Four dollars, eleven cents—my talent is
the ability to gauge how much money is
lost in a couch without lifting a cushion.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
131
gauge
(verb)
To gauge means to
guess or estimate the
contents or capacity
of something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Earth Day might make the others feel
left out. Let’s designate April 23 as
“Rest of the Planets Day.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
132
designate
(verb)
To designate means
to choose something for
a specific purpose.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Would you help me disseminate these
flyers? I’m asking students to reduce
the amount of paper they use.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
133
disseminate
(verb)
When you
disseminate
something, you
distribute or
spread it around.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When you push this button, the ultrasonic sound
that will emanate drives away mosquitoes. Only
problem is, other animals seem to love it.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
134
emanate
(verb)
To emanate
means to flow out
of something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We don’t just impose late fines anymore. Now
we also give a quiz to make sure you actually
read the book you held onto for so long.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
135
impose
(verb)
To impose means to
establish or bring about
something by force.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
If my mom can take advantage of my filing
skills on Take Our Daughters to Work Day, she
can compensate me in the form of a Take Our
Daughters to the Mall Day.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
136
compensate
(verb)
To compensate
means to make up
for something with
another thing
that’s equivalent.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Mom, you’ve made smart investments for
me so far, but I’m feeling bullish enough to
take over from here.
137
bullish
(adjective)
Someone who is
feeling bullish
is confident
and optimistic.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Despite your tepid reaction to my science
report, I hope you know more about sea
cucumbers than you did an hour ago.
138
tepid
(adjective)
Tepid means
lukewarm;
unenthusiastic or
lacking passion.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You should exemplify good posture
at all times, but remember to watch
your head, too.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
139
exemplify
(verb)
To exemplify means
to show or demonstrate
by example.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
His rain dances are inimitable. The best
I can do is make someone spill his drink.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
140
inimitable
(adjective)
Something that is
inimitable cannot be
imitated or matched.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I just finished the Raisin Bran box. Tomorrow
I’ll start to peruse Corn Flakes.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
141
peruse
(verb)
To peruse means
to read carefully.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I talk about ivory-billed woodpeckers a
lot, but since I actually know nothing
about them, I also digress a lot.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
142
digress
(verb)
To digress means
to stray or get off
the subject one
was talking or
writing about.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The scientists can propel
me using their voices. But
I can do what I want when
I’m out of earshot.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
143
propel
(verb)
To propel means
to move something
forward or ahead.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I’m sure justice will prevail no matter what,
but you should know that you have your
suit on inside out.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
144
prevail
(verb)
To prevail means
to succeed or triumph.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Sorry, but due to space restrictions, the
quota for people wearing sombreros in
this elevator is one.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
145
quota
(noun)
A quota is
the amount or
proportion allowed
for certain things,
such as a place.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
After the newspaper did a story about me,
droves of people contacted me. They wanted to
know how they could get into the newspaper, too.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
146
droves
(noun)
The word droves
refers to a large
group, like a crowd.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Breakfast in bed on my birthday brings
me felicity, but in the future, I’d prefer it
on top of the covers.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
147
felicity
(noun)
Felicity is another
word for happiness.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Why didn’t you tell us you had a qualm about
heights before we started on this plan?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
148
qualm
(noun)
A qualm is a feeling
of uneasiness, like
being uncomfortable
about something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
I’m annoyed by bad hair days, but
I loathe bad face days.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
149
loathe
(verb)
To loathe means
to dislike strongly
or despise.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I extol your ability to learn from your
mistakes. But to pass your test tomorrow,
you’ll have to learn from books, too.
150
extol
(verb)
To extol means
to praise highly.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Jim’s only in third grade but he’s got enough
clout with the fifth graders to sit at their
lunch table.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
151
clout
(noun)
Clout means
influence or power.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Maybe he’s not a predator. Maybe
he’s just a mouse devotee.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
152
devotee
(noun)
A devotee is
someone who
is a loyal fan
or follower.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Our teachers always exhort us to
follow our dreams. Last night I dreamt
I went to school without any pants.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
153
exhort
(verb)
To exhort means to
encourage or advise.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Somehow the chimpanzee that escaped
from the zoo has been able to elude capture.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
154
elude
(verb)
To elude means
to avoid or escape
from something.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Please use discretion when buying me a
birthday present—no toys that clash with
the color scheme of my room.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
155
discretion
(noun)
Discretion means
good judgment.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Your apprehension is for the wrong reason.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
156
apprehension
(noun)
Apprehension means
worry or anxiety.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I remember when this desert was desolate.
It feels so crowded these days.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
157
desolate
(adjective)
Something that
is desolate is
empty or lifeless.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
All aspects of secret agent training are rigorous,
but the hardest part is remembering which pen is
just a pen and which is a mini-parachute.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
158
rigorous
(adjective)
Something that is
rigorous is harsh
and very difficult.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We do have a precedent for this. The last
time a principal locked himself out of his
office, we just gave him a new office.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
159
precedent
(noun)
A precedent is
something that has
already happened
that may be used as
an example in dealing
with a similar event.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
After Daniela’s emotionally draining role
as “Tree” in her class play, she will take
a hiatus from acting.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
160
hiatus
(noun)
A hiatus is a
rest or a break.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
When greedy men hear the name Robin
Hood, they quiver in fear…or maybe
because it’s cold out.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
161
quiver
(verb)
To quiver means
to shake or tremble.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We ran out of tape but I found lots of
other things that can also adhere my
posters to the wall.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
162
adhere
(verb)
To adhere
means to stick fast,
as if by glue.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
The colors and the stripes look great, but
I’m not crazy about the paucity of stars.
Can we add a few more?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
163
paucity
(noun)
Paucity means the
smallness of number.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We wanted a frugal vacation this year, so we just
switched houses with our neighbor for a week.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
164
frugal
(adjective)
Frugal means
thrifty or
inexpensive.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Sunshine may be a boon for you,
but it’s always bad news for me.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
165
boon
(noun)
A boon is
a benefit or
advantage.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Somehow “Declaration of Autonomy”
doesn’t sound right.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
166
autonomy
(noun)
Autonomy means
self-government
or independence.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
We convene for international disasters, alien
invasions, and occasionally, a game of beach volleyball.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
167
convene
(verb)
To convene means
to come together.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
You said you don’t condone staying up
late to watch TV—you never said anything
about getting up early.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
168
condone
(verb)
To condone
means to overlook
or excuse behavior
that may be wrong.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
Whenever the neighborhood kids need a
hopscotch expert, they solicit my advice.
So as you’d expect, I have a lot of free time.
169
solicit
(verb)
To solicit means
to call upon or
seek by request.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I actually don’t like to bellow. I only do it
because the tourists come such a long way
and I’d hate to disappoint them.
170
bellow
(verb)
To bellow means
to roar or shout
in a deep voice.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I mapped out the interior myself, but I
brought in a more experienced architect
to design the facade.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
171
facade
(noun)
A facade is the
front of a building.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Although the cover says we’re co-authors, we
didn’t divide the work equally. I researched and
wrote the whole book while he chose the epigraph.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
172
epigraph
(noun)
An epigraph is a
quotation at the
beginning of a
book that suggests
its theme.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My dad likes to reminisce but he’s not so
good at it. The other day he said, “When I
was your age, I was also nine.”
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
173
reminisce
(verb)
To reminisce
means to fondly
remember something
in the past.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I couldn’t divulge my secret identity
right now even if I wanted to—someone’s
stepping on my cape.
174
divulge
(verb)
To divulge
means to reveal
or make public.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
He’s our most assiduous camper—
the cabin wasn’t there an hour ago.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
175
assiduous
(adjective)
A person who is
assiduous is very
hardworking and
attentive to details.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I see luminous stones on the bottom of
the pool! Oh, wait, that’s just the nail
polish on my toes.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
176
luminous
(adjective)
Something that
is luminous is
shiny and bright.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
If we combined your acumen, time, sales skills,
lemonade mix, table, sign, pitcher, and cups with
my spoon, we’d make great business partners.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
177
acumen
(noun)
Acumen is another
word for expertise
or intelligence.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
My elation just decreased by one-third.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
178
elation
(noun)
Elation is the
state of being happy
or filled with joy.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I never stop roasting marshmallows until
the last ember has died out.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
179
ember
(noun)
An ember is a
small, glowing piece
of coal or wood.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
I like your optimism, but I don’t think they’ll
expand summer vacation to include fall, too.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
180
optimism
(noun)
Optimism is the
belief in good
things happening;
positive thinking.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
94
Note s
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Note s
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day © Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources