3. Sharpening reading skills

Euphemisms People sometimes use euphemisms when they want to talk about something unpleasant or improper in a nicer way. For example, a basement apartment is sometimes called a garden apartment. Readers need to be aware of euphemisms so that they are not fooled by them.

This chapter mentions two common euphemisms used in the abortion debate: "I'm pro-choice." That sounds better than saying, "I support abortions (killing unborn children)." "I'm pro-life" sounds better than saying, "I oppose abortions. I want to deny women the right to decide for themselves whether or not to have a baby." It usually sounds better to be for something than to be against something, so both sides of the abortion issue claim to be in favor of something good. (Choice is good; life is good.)

Here are some other widely used euphemisms. Can you translate them into simple, direct English? Work with a partner. Then share your answers with your classmates.

1. He's a senior citizen.

2. She passed away.

3. She was laid to rest yesterday.

4. That's an inner-city neighborhood.

5. That child is a slow learner.

6. He's living on a very limited income.

7. She's expecting.

8. He's terminally ill.

4. Understanding idioms and expressions

On each blank line, write the letter of the correct phrase to complete the sentence.

1. The Protestant work ethic encourages people to _________ .

1. give a lot of money to the poor

2. work hard and be successful

2. Separation of church and state is good for Americans because it ______ .

1. limits religious freedom

b. protects religious freedom

3. The Bible Belt is ________ .

1. a ropelike belt worn by a religious person

b. a section of the U.S. known for its conservative religious beliefs

4. Free will refers to _______ .

1. God's control over human destiny

2. personal control over human destiny

5. Willpower means .

1. the ability to resist doing something pleasant that you shouldn't do

2. a legal document telling what will happen to a person's money after his or her death

6. To make it to religious services means to _____ .

1. attend

2. perform

5. Taking words apart

A. Underline the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. He's an atheist. He doesn't believe in the (exist / existence) of God. Do you believe that a supernatural being (exists / existence)?

2. Does it (violate / violation) separation of church and state to say "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag?

3. Many religions have (restrict / restrictions) about what its members can eat and wear.

4. He (prayed / prayers) for his little girl's recovery from her serious illness. When she got well, he said, "God answered my (pray / prayers)."

5. People (congregate / congregation) along a parade route to watch a parade. People who attend the same church are called a (congregate / congregation).

B. Discuss the meanings of these two words beginning with self-.

self-discipline self-reliance

C. Study the meaning of these word parts. Then use them to complete the words defined below.

con- = with, together inter- = between poly- = many

dis-, il-, un- = not mis- = bad

1. fere (try to stop an action between others)

2. marriage (marriage between people of different religions or races)

3. legal (not legal)

4. fortune (bad luck)

5. gregation (a group of people coming together for religious worship)

6. populated (nobody lives there)

7. continue (stop doing something)

8. gamy (multiple marriages at the same time)