Grade 6: "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

Seventh-grader Victor tries to impress his crush in this short story.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. elective
    a course that the student can select from among alternatives
    He was handed a packet of papers and a computer card on which he listed his one elective, French.
  2. catechism
    an elementary book summarizing the principles of a religion
    Besides, Teresa, a girl he had liked since they were in catechism classes at Saint Theresa's, was taking French, too.
  3. ferocity
    the property of being aggressive or forceful
    His teeth showed along with the ferocity of his soul.
  4. propel
    give an incentive for action
    A tiny, three-beat bell propelled students to their homerooms.
  5. conviction
    an unshakable belief in something without need for proof
    He scowled with greater conviction.
  6. anxious
    eagerly desirous
    The students squirmed in their chairs and ignored him, they were anxious to go to first period.
  7. linger
    leave slowly and hesitantly
    Only Teresa lingered, talking with the homeroom teacher.
  8. portly
    fairly large
    Mr. Lucas, a portly man, waddled down the aisle, asking, "What is a noun?"
  9. unison
    the act of occurring together or simultaneously
    "A person, place, or thing," said the class in unison.
  10. populace
    people in general considered as a whole
    Mr. Bueller said that if the students studied hard, at the end of the year they could go to France and be understood by the populace.
  11. bluff
    deceive someone about your strength or intentions
    He tried to bluff his way out by making noises that sounded French.
  12. curiosity
    a state in which you want to learn more about something
    Mr. Bueller, wrinkling his face in curiosity, asked him to speak up.
  13. sheepishly
    in a manner showing embarrassment or shame
    He looked sheepishly at the teacher, who was erasing the board, then widened his eyes in terror at Teresa who stood in front of him.
  14. plead
    appeal or request earnestly
    Oh please, don't say anything, Victor pleaded with his eyes.
  15. bouquet
    an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
    The rosebuds of shame on his face became bouquets of love.
Created on Thu Mar 26 11:22:06 EDT 2026 (updated Thu Mar 26 11:32:37 EDT 2026)

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