Vocabulary Word Builder - Based on "The Confession," by John Grisham

This vocabulary challenge is based on words from The Confession, a crime drama by the best selling author John Grisham.

If you enjoy word challenges or learning new words, in context, then take a minute to complete this word challenge.

This is a novel that takes place as a potentially innocent victim is about to be executed by the state of Texas. He doesn't understand how the police got the wrong man, nor does he understand the mockery of a trial that put him on death row 9 years ago, all he knows is that he is innocent. Will a surprise confession deliver an innocent man from the throws of death? Read The Confession, by John Grisham to find out.

Meanwhile, test your vocabulary on a few of the words from Grisham's latest best seller.

Each word will be presented with three alternative definitions. Try to choose the best definition. To make it easier a quoted passage from the book The Confession, by John Grisham follows each vocabulary word. Answers are the end of the vocabulary quiz.

Some of these words are challenging, but some of them you may find familiar. The definitions will remain very basic for the sake of simplicity. Many of these are good SAT words to study and learn! Good luck.

1. Salacious - A) good, B) scandalous, C) juicy

"But like many rumors too salacious to leave alone, it persisted." p 19

2. Stoically - A) interested , B) unaffected, C) determinedly

" Between plays, he stood stoically and watched the offensive huddle, never once shaking his hand, never touching it, in no way acknowledging the pain that made his eyes water." p 108

3. Exonerated - A) pardoned, B) of his own power, C) having served his time

"The knowledge that his father had died before he could walk out of prison fully exonerated proved too much." p 109

4. Eviscerated - A) shamed , B) torn to shreds, C) treated respectfully

"He was eviscerated on cross-examination by Robbie Flak, who at one point demanded to have the dog brought to the courtroom, sworn in, and put into the witness chair." p 114

5. Repudiate - A) confirm, B) undermine C) renounce

"He could not accept the reality that a last minute affidavit signed by him would repudiate his testimony at trial." p 119

6. Circuitous - A) roundabout, C) short and straight, D) new and unknown

" Robbie left the house at 5:00 a.m. and drove a circuitous route to the office." p 177

7. Surreptitious - A) secret, B) accidental, C) overt

"Robbie, trying to appear upbeat, replayed for the gang his conversation with Fred Pryor about the surreptitious recording from the strip club." p 178

8. Ardent - A) considerate, B) enthusiastic, C) thoughtless

"The fans so ardent and loyal only a week earlier, now felt betrayed." p 191

9. Garrulous - A) kind, B) boisterous, C) talkative

"It was owned by a large, loud, garrulous man named Jesse Hicks, a second cousin of Reeva's." p 203

10. Adamant - A) contentious, B) stubbornly insistent, C) disturbed

"Each driver was adamant that his or her car had quit, and under Texas law this was not a crime." p 213

　

Vocabulary Answers: 1 - B, 2 - B, 3 - A, 4 -B , 5 - C, 6 - A , 7 - A , 8 - B, 9 - C, 10 - B

How did you do on the vocabulary quiz?

If you got 8 - 10 correct you are word wise.

5 - 7 correct answers means you have an astute understanding of vocabulary.

If you got 3 - 5 answers correct, take heart, you are resourceful and learning well.

If you got 1 or 2 correct, why not study the words and give yourself a do-over.