Ungifted by Gordon Korman Study Guide Ch. 1 - Unearthed Vocabulary battlement - A parapet at the top of a wall, usually of a fort or castle, that has squared openings for shooting through toupee - a wig or section of hair worn to cover a bald spot archrival – the most important competitor skulking – hiding something out of cowardice or fear scoffed – an expression of scorn, contempt, or mockery conceded – to grant as a right or privilege belligerence – an aggressive disposition nape - the back of the neck careened – to cause to heel over prognosis – the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of the medical case juggernaut – a massive inexorable forcer that crushes whatever is in its path carom – a rebounding at any angle pulverized – to reduce to very small particles obscured – not clearly seen or easily distinguished Questions 1. Why is Donovan interested in ancestry.com? 2. To what was the narrator referring when he said, “the howl of protest that went up all around the building surprised even me”? What does this statement mean? 3. Why were the Daniels making grotesque faces at Donovan through the window? 4. What did Nussbaum mean by saying, if he’s any kind of basketball fan, you’re golden”? 5. why Donovan wondered if he’d ever need enemies. 6. Who are the Hatfields and the McCoys? How the Daniels be similar to them? 7. How Donovan’s possible inherited survival skills come in handy after the events of chapter one? Chapter 2 - Unidentified Vocabulary alumni – a person who is a former student of a particular school tenpin – a bottle-shaped bowling pin knoll – a small round hill skewered – to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively foundry – an establishment where founding is carried on vandalism – willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property chagrin – distress of mind caused by humiliation
Chapter 5 - Unknowing Vocabulary insurrection – an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government smattering – superficial piecemeal knowledge pang – a piercing spasm of pain vector – to change the direction for steering troglodyte – a person characterized by reclusive habits or reactionary attitudes lapel – the part of a garment that is turned back shoddy - inferior, imitative, or pretentious articles or matter Study Questions 1. Why didn’t the student get in trouble for throwing an airplane out of the bus? 2. Why did Donovan feel guilty that his mother was of him? 3. How does Donovan justify his ability to copy answers off of Noah’s paper? 4. What does “the Youkilis factor” mean? 5. What was Donovan’s excuse for swimming in the mall fountain? 6. To what does Donovan admit in reference to attending the Academy? Chapter 6 - Uncredited Vocabulary deadpanned – marked by an impassive matter-of=fact manner, style, or expression vaunted – highly or widely praised or boasted about spelunking – the hobby or practice of exploring caves convulsive – violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic mirth – gladness as shown by laughter bereft – lacking something needed, wanted, or expected dissertation – an extended written treatment of a subject brandished – to shake or wave menacingly tantalized – to or torment as if by presenting something desirable to the view by continually keeping it out of reach prospect – something that is awaited or expected incredulous – skeptical Study Questions 1. What does Mr. Osborne mean when he says, “a mosquito couldn’t make it through the screening process”? 2. What does Donovan do during Robotics that surprises and excites most of his classmates? 3. What had Noah never seen before? Chapter 7 - Unrepaired Vocabulary evicting – to put a tenant our by legal process unperturbed – not worried, upset, or confused