1.

affect

have an influence upon

The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small-
and medium-sized companies affected by the flooding.

2. institute

set up or lay the groundwork for

Corporations have to be more and more focused on instituting higher labor standards.Washington

3. render

give an interpretation of

But authorities had rendered the weapon and the explosive device inoperable, officials
said.Chicago Tribune (Feb 17, 2012)

4. appeal

be attractive to

To get traditional women’s accessories to appeal to men, some designers are giving them manly
names and styles.New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)

5. generate

bring into existence

Qualities such as these are not generated under bad working practices of any sort.Hungerford,
Edward

6. theory

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world

Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important
contest.Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012)
7. range

a variety of different things or activities

Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the
schools offer a range of programs, including doctoral degrees.

8. campaign

a race between candidates for elective office

At the same point in 2004 — as an incumbent facing re-election — Mr. Bush had taken in about
$145.6 million for his campaign.New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)

9. league

an association of sports teams that organizes matches

"When I broke into the big leagues until a month ago, Gary kept in touch," Mets third baseman
David Wright said.Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)

10. labor

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

More labor is entailed, more time is required, greater delay is occasioned in cleaning up, and the
amount of water used is much greater.Hoskin, Arthur J.

11. confer

have a meeting in order to talk something over

Ms. Stewart said Mrs. Bachmann conferred with her family and a few aides after her disappointing
showing on Tuesday evening.New York Times (Jan 4, 2012)

12. grant

allow to have

He had been granted entry into the White House only for the daily briefing, later that
afternoon.New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
13. dwell

think moodily or anxiously about something

But it is hardly necessary to dwell on so normal an event.Vinogradoff, Paul

14. entertain

provide amusement for

The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands entertaining the crowds at halftime.

15. contract

a binding agreement that is enforceable by law

Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said.

16. earnest

characterized by a firm, humorless belief in one's opinions

Too much praise cannot be given to the earnest and efficient missionaries who founded and have
maintained this mission.Miller, George A.

17. yield

give or supply

It is a very important honey plant, as it yields an exceptionally pure nectar and remains in bloom a
long time.Parsons, Mary Elizabeth

18. wander

move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course

While each animal wandered through the maze, its brain was working furiously.New York
Times (Feb 16, 2012)

19. insist

be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

20. knight

a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry

The knight was gallant not only in war, but in love also.Crothers, Samuel McChord

21. convince

make realize the truth or validity of something

But though he listened he was not convinced.Reade, Charles

22. inspire

serve as the inciting cause of

His surprising performance inspired an outpouring of fan adoration that has been dubbed
"Linsanity."Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012)

23. convention

a large formal assembly

Last year, the industry’s main trade convention, the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, organized
workshops in Las Vegas focusing on lien laws and auction sales.New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)

24. skill

an ability that has been acquired by training

He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or
confidence needed.

25. harry

annoy continually or chronically

26. financial

involving fiscal matters

Meanwhile, universities have raised tuition every year, putting many students in
a financial bind.New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)

27. reflect

show an image of

Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived
uncaring on the part of parents.

28. novel

an extended fictional work in prose

Before Robert Barr publishes a novel he spends years in thinking the thing out.Anonymous

29. furnish

provide with objects or articles that make a room usable

Instead, according to court documents, the money went toward furnishing mansions, flying in

30. compel

force somebody to do something

But the flames grew too large, compelling firefighters to call off the rescue.New York Times (Feb
18, 2012)

31. venture

proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

32. territory

the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a state

On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities
and surrender all occupied territory.

33. temper

a characteristic state of feeling

Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good temper and
sweetness.Anonymous

34. bent

fixed in your purpose

The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a
faction bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending.

35. intimate

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

The female spider can choose when to cut off intimate relations by eating her partner, or kicking
him out.Scientific American (Jan 31, 2012)

36. undertake

enter upon an activity or enterprise

An autopsy has reportedly been undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks.

37. majority

more than half of the votes in an election

Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the majority party.
38. assert

declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true

In your talk you asserted the pill's risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and
stroke are minimal.

39. crew

the men and women who man a vehicle

Several pilots and crew members would have to escape at once, while safety divers watched, ready
to rescue anyone who became stuck.New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)

40. chamber

a natural or artificial enclosed space

"Today," said the old man, "you must push through with me into my most solitary chamber, that
we may not be disturbed."Carlyle, Thomas