Unit 9: Vocabulary 2

​talent (n)
If you have talent, you have special abilities.

Example 1: Her mathematical talent was apparent from a young age; in school she worked several grades beyond her age.

Example 2: Able to speak five different languages, he showed talent in communication

Example 3: The intricate steps showed off the dancers' talent.

​analytic (adj)
Analytic means "having to do with the careful study of something"

Example 1: To be a good programmer, a computer engineer must have an analytic mind.

Example 2: Scientists use analytic tools to research

​calculate (v)
When you calculate something, you figure it out or solve a problem.

Example1: She was able to calculate the answer to the math problem.

Example 2: Meteorologists look at data and calculate what the weather will be like.

Example 3: They used the builders' measurements to calculate the total square footage of the house.

​confidence (n)
If something or someone makes you feel confidence, you feel that something or someone has the ability to succeed.

Example 1: When you study for a test, you can have confidence that you will do well.

Example 2: For a musician, a good way to boost confidence is to practice before a concert.

Example 3: If a bridge across a river looks like it is broken, it is difficult to have the confidence to walk across it.

​research (n)
Research is the act of studying something or gathering information about it.

Example 1 When I want to make fun weekend plans, I go online to do research on various possibilities.

Example 2: Scientists are doing research to discover the causes of climate change.

Example 3: A research paper would require you to find information about a topic in several different sources.

​capable (adj)
If something is capable, it means it "has what is needed to do something."

Example 1: A tornado is capable of overturning a car.

Example 2: She has a lot of experience and is a capable employee.

Example 3: Ned has driven a bus for 15 years and is a very capable driver.

​determine (v)
To determine something means "to learn or find out by getting information."

Example 1: After talking with both drivers, the police determined the cause of the accident.

Example 2: Mrs. Smith said she will determine how much food to buy after she knows how many people will attend the party.

Example 3: When we know how warm it is, we will determine whether we eat outside or inside.

​reaction (n)
When two substances meet and act on each other, a change takes place.

Example 1: Applying a fertilizer to the soil and watering it will create a reaction that releases phosphorus, a food plants can use.

Example 2: Explosions occur when a chemical reaction transforms explosive materials into gas.

Example 3: A firefly's light is produced by a reaction involving a special protein, a pigment called luciferin and oxygen.

​astonishing (adj)

When something is astonishing, it is very surprising or amazing

Example 1: To see it snow in June was astonishing.

Example 2: My mother said it was astonishing when I made my bed four days in a row.

Example 3: The results of the experiment were astonishing; many scientists couldn't believe they were true.