1100 words you need to know: TO THE POINT
Calvin Coolidge, our thirtieth president, was named “Silent Cal” by reporters because of his laconic speech.
One Sunday, a throng of newsmen gathered around him. An intrepid reporter accosted the Chief Executive: “Mr. President, we know that the sermon was the topic of sin. What did the minister say?” “He was against it,” the reticent Coolidge replied.
Vocabulary
1. laconic /ləˈkɒn.ɪk/ Adj.
using very few words to express what you mean:
She had a laconic wit.
2. throng /θrɒŋ/ N./c
a crowd or large group of people:
A huge throng had gathered round the speaker.
3. intrepid /ɪnˈtrep.ɪd/ Adj.
extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations:
a team of intrepid explorers
4. accost /əˈkɒst/ V./T often passive
to go up to or stop and speak to someone in a threatening way:
I’m usually accosted by beggars and drunks as I walk to the station.
5. reticent //ˈret.ɪ.sənt/ Adj.
unwilling to speak about your thoughts or feelings:
He is very reticent about his past.
Most of the students were reticent about answering questions.
Question
1. His speech was usually rambling, but this time I found it brief and … .
2. If a surly panhandler should … you, keep on walking.
3. Even under repeated questioning, the witness remained … .
4. A howling … of teenage girls surrounded the rap artists.
5. The corporal received the Silver Star for his … deeds in combat.
Answer
1. laconic
2. accost
3. reticent
4. throng
5. intrepid
Today’s Idiom: the sword of Damocles
meaning: any imminent danger
Although the president of the company seemed quite secure, he always complained that there was a sword of Damocles hanging over his head.
โฆษณา
- ดาวน์โหลดแอปพลิเคชัน
- © 2024 Blockdit
