Number the Stars Vocabulary Quiz

What does the word "surge" in the sentence "Annemarie felt a surge of sadness." imply?

• A gradual increase of emotion

• A powerful rush of emotion

• A decrease in intensity

• A steady state of emotion

What does the word "staccato" in the sentence "She heard...the frighteningly familiar staccato of boots on the kitchen floor." refer to?

• A continuous sound

• A loud echoing noise

• A series of sounds or notes that are sharply separated from the others

• A musical instrument

What does the word "condescending" in the sentence "'Poor Great Aunt Birte,' he said, in a condescending voice." suggest about the speaker's attitude?

• Respectful and caring

• Indifferent and uninterested

• Having or showing the feeling that you are superior

• Excited and enthusiastic

What does the word "rummaging" mean?

• To fold things neatly

• To search untidily through a mass to find something

• To organize items systematically

• To look at something carefully

What is the meaning of "encased" as used in the sentence?

• To be trapped

• To be released

• To be covered in a case or close-fitting surround

• To be painted

The word "protruding" most nearly means:

• Sticking out

• Moving in

• Sitting down

• Lying flat

What does the word "commotion" mean as used in the text?

• A) A feeling of excitement

• B) A state of confused and noisy disturbance

• C) A peaceful situation

• D) A musical composition

What does the word "gnarled" mean as used in the text?

• A) Smooth and straight

• B) Rough and twisted, especially as a result of age

• C) Extremely large

• D) Delicately beautiful