| English Online with Speak Method |
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| Contact Us | Vowel
Sounds |
Grammar and Idioms | For Young People |
| Contemporary: having to do with modern times, about the present times |
| My father loves to read old books, but I like the contemporary books. I want to know what is popular now. |
| Conventional: formal or expected, having to do with customs, normalcy |
| He had a very conventional approach to parenting. He did not approve of his teenagers dating until they were twenty-one. |
| Determined: wanting to accomplish something |
| I may not have a lot of work experience, but I am always determined to learn new things and do well. |
| Disruptive: creating difficulty, getting in the way of something |
| The boy was disruptive during his high school class. He talked loudly while the teacher tried to speak, and eventually, he was sent out of the room. |
| Haphazzard: not planned, disorganized |
| Unfortunately, the city was planned in a haphazzard way. Many people never go downtown, but do all their shopping in the northern district. |
Practice 1: Complete the sentences. Answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. My niece is both competitive and _______________. I am sure she will attend a top university.
2. She realized she was being _______________ when the manager stared at her angrily.
3. They both like music from the 1920's, but they also like ___________________ music, stuff from recent years.
4. His office is arranged in a very _______________ way. It's a wonder he gets anything done.
5. Sometimes a ______________________ attitude helps peole avoid trouble, since they are doing what is normal.
Even More Second Syllable Stress: pronounce all of these words by stressing the second syllable.
| Ideal: perfect, exactly as one wants |
| She was looking for the ideal marriage. That's why she divorced 4 times. |
| Immense: very big, massive |
| The Pacific ocean is immense and difficult to cross without a large boat. |
| Persistent: trying hard, not giving up |
| His persistent effort was noticed by everyone. He never gave up. |
| Ongoing: continuous, not stopping |
| This sickness has been ongoing, and I'm getting tired of it. |
| Unique: one of a kind, original |
| We found a unique restaurant. They have food from Africa, Eastern Europe and China. |
Practice 2: Complete the sentences. Answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. The stadium was _______________________. It could seat 500,000 people.| Energetic: having a lot of energy, being active |
| His energetic attitude helped the team to move forward with the project. |
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