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Vocabulary

6 (six)

ago (adv.)

To indicate how much time has passed since you did something, "x" + (time) + "ago" is a simple, useful construction. For example, "I spoke to her ten minutes ago." "She called me two years ago." "There were no airplanes 100 years ago."

Antonio's (poss., prop. noun)

An Italian restaurant in the dialogue.

appears, it (to appear)

Interchangeable with "It seems...."

assume, I (to assume)

Aunt Stephanie might have written "I understand," "I believe," or "I (pre)suppose" in the phrase "I assume that she will follow my wishes."

backed up (past. part., to back up)

best-kept (adj.)

This is the superlative form of "well-kept."

Bill of Rights (prop. noun)

The "Bill of Rights" contains the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

concerning (prep.)

Similar words and expressions include "about," "dealing with," "in relation to," "with respect to," "respecting," "in regard to," and "regarding."

copy (noun)

Declaration of Independence (prop. noun)

A famous document written by Thomas Jefferson and housed at the National Archives that declared independence for the thirteen original colonies from British rule in 1776.

dinner (noun)

Many Americans refer to their evening meal as "supper" instead of "dinner." "Dining out" or "going out to dinner" is, in many instances, the focus of one's evening entertainment. One can "invite" or "take" someone "out for dinner," plan a "romantic dinner for two," or "throw (or "host") a dinner party" for a group of people. People living on a strict budget can host a "pot luck dinner" for which guests bring a dish. Finally, theater goers can have dinner and then see a "play" or "musical" at a "dinner theater."

directed, she (to direct, past)

expect, I (to expect)

favorite (adj.)

following (adj. as noun)

One understands that "the following" refers to the "activities listed below" in Aunt Stephanie's letter.

Georgetown (prop. noun)

heavier (adj., comp.)

hills (noun, pl)

instruct, I (to instruct)

Aunt Stephanie's letter to her niece is quite formal, and is filled with words that give it an authoritative quality or style befitting a last will and testament. The following expressions help to create the letter's eloquence: "I therefore instruct" (she could have written "I hope that"); "while I do not expect" (she could have written "I don't want"); "follow my wishes" (she could have written "do as I say"); "My hope is" (she could have written "I hope that").

Italian (adj.)

Remember to capitalize all nouns and adjectives denoting nationality, race, ethnic background, and religion.

learn, she will (to learn, fut.)

Lincoln Memorial (prop. noun)

A famous monument in Washington with a larger than life statue of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

listed (past part.)

lived, I (to live, past)

moving (pres. part., to move)

National Arboretum (prop. noun)

National Archives (prop. noun)

near, you (to near)

Also "you approach," "you get close to."

niece (noun)

The male counterpart of "niece" is "nephew."

picturesque (adj.)

Synonyms include "scenic" or "beautiful."

proof (noun)

prove (inf., to prove)

remind, they (to remind)

repaired (adj.)

request! (imp., to request)

reread, you (to reread)

The prefix "re-" can be attached to almost any verb, meaning that the action of the verb can be done a second time, repeated, or done again.

secret (noun)

Shenandoah Valley (prop. noun)

A beautiful "river valley" in Virginia between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains.

sit, you (to sit)

soon (adv.)

Spirit of St. Louis (prop. noun)

student (noun)

taught, it (to teach, past)

therefore (adv.)

trucks (noun, pl.)

"Trucks" in the context of the Story most likely refers to "semi-trucks" or "trailer trucks" ("eighteen-wheel vehicles").

view (inf., to view)

wishes (noun, pl.)

years (noun, pl.)

Story

After a few hours, your car is repaired and you're driving through the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The green hills remind you of home. As you near the city, the traffic becomes heavier. Soon, you're not moving at all. Cars and trucks are backed up for what appears to be miles. You sit back and reread your aunt's instructions concerning your stay in Washington.