(This word indicates some fundamental changes in ideas or actions.)

5 If you are in agony about something, do you feel (a) in painand uncomfortable, or (b) happy and

comfortable?

6 If you do something in the presence of someone, are they (a) with you, or (b)somewhere else?

7 If someone affirmed something, did they (a) show theyrespect and approve of it, or (b) not respect or disapprove of it?

8 If you do something on purpose, do you (a) mean to doit, or (b) do itby accident? 6 Complete the sentences with the correctform of the words and expressions in the boxes in Activities 4 and 5.

1 Many people greet radical ideas with suspicion because they areafraid of change. 2 Looking at the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, you feel as if you are inthe presence of a genius whohad an extraordinary vision of the future.

3 You need to peer closely at the figures on the board, particularly as thehandwriting is so bad.

4 It doesn’t take an advanced level ofintelligence to realize that you need at least two numbers to be ableto workout the sum.

5 If you lean forwards, you may see the star as he comes out of the theatre, but you’llprobably only catcha glimpse of him.

6 I rubbed some medicine onto the wound hoping to stop the pain, but I’m still in agony.

7 Tom’s excellent exam results affirmed the teacher’sfaith in his ability. 8 The police think the fire was started on purpose.

7 Answer the questions about the words andexpressions.

1 If you thwart something, do you (a) stop it, or (b)encourage it?

2 If there is a dearth of something, is there (a) a lot of it, or (b) not enough? 3 Does unmitigated encouragement suggest (a) completely positive,or (b) slightly negative support?

4 If a teacher is maligned by their pupils, do you think they say(a) nice things, or (b) bad things about theteacher?

5 If you humiliate someone, do you make them feel (a) good, or (b) upset andembarrassed?

6 If someone speaks at length, do they speak (a) for a longtime, or (b) for a short time?

7 If something is prevalent, does it occur (a) often, or (b) notvery often?

Active reading 2

Dealing with unfamiliar words

4 Match the words in the box with theirdefinitions.

1 to connect or combine two or more things so that together they form aneffective unit (integrate)

2 involving a lot of imagination and new ideas (creative)

3 connecting ideas in a sensible way (logical)