contextual clues

Because there was so little precipitation this year, the crops dried up and died.

• fertilizer

• planting

• rain

Although I was unable to understand all of the details of the presentation, I did get the gist of it.

• main point

• humor

• notes

My sister loathes broccoli, but she loves spinach.

• eats eagerly

• prepares and cooks

• dislikes intensely

One brother is an erudite professor; the other brother, however, has never shown any interest in books or learning.

• old; elderly

• well-educated; well-read

• snobbish; stuck up

The waiter was so brusque that we left only a small tip. He was impolite and impatient, and seemed annoyed whenever we asked for something.

• acting or speaking in a rude, abrupt manner

• frightening looking

• knowledgeable and skilled