Speak: First Marking Period

by Laurie Halse Anderson
After calling the police during an end-of-summer party, Melinda is an outcast at school. How can Melinda tell the truth about what really happened when she won't even speak?

Here are links to our lists for the novel: First Marking Period, Second Marking Period, Third Marking Period, Fourth Marking Period

Here are links to our lists for other works by Laurie Halse Anderson: Speak: The Graphic Novel, Chains, Fever 1793, Shout
15 words 8550 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. obscene
    offensive to the mind
    The engine clanks, which makes the guys in the back holler something obscene.
  2. thespian
    a theatrical performer
    We fall into clans: Jocks, Country Clubbers, Idiot Savants, Cheerleaders, Human Waste, Eurotrash, Future Fascists of America, Big Hair Chix, the Marthas, Suffering Artists, Thespians, Goths, Shredders.
  3. faction
    a dissenting clique
    Our clan, the Plain Janes, has splintered and the pieces are being absorbed by rival factions.
  4. indoctrination
    teaching someone to accept beliefs uncritically
    The lights dim and the indoctrination begins.
  5. inconspicuous
    not prominent or readily noticeable
    And it gives me time to scan the cafeteria for a friendly face or an inconspicuous corner.
  6. errant
    straying from the right course or from accepted standards
    Principal Principal spots another errant student in the hall.
  7. alcove
    a small recess opening off a large room or garden
    Nicole has a full-length locker in a discreet, fresh-smelling alcove because she’s on the soccer team.
  8. wan
    pale, as of a person's complexion
    She’s smudging mascara under her eyes to look exhausted and wan.
  9. intimidated
    made scared or fearful as by threats
    I shouldn’t be intimidated.
  10. potpourri
    a jar of mixed flower petals and spices used as perfume
    I want to smuggle in a blanket and some potpourri, too.
  11. incite
    urge on; cause to act
    And they cheer on our boys, inciting them to violence and, we hope, victory.
  12. mayhem
    violent and needless disturbance
    We will wander underneath them and commit mild acts of mayhem.
  13. patron
    someone who supports or champions something
    “Kahlo, Monet, O’Keeffe. Pollock, Picasso, Dali. They did not complain about subject, they mined every subject for the root of its meaning. Of course, they didn’t have a school board forcing them to paint with both hands tied behind their backs, they had patrons who understood the need to pay for basic things such as paper and paint...”
  14. blather
    talk foolishly
    Heather paints her nails on her desk blotter and blathers.
  15. interrogation
    an instance of questioning
    After last night’s interrogation, I try to pay attention in biology.
Created on Wed Feb 13 14:10:36 EST 2013 (updated Fri Aug 08 14:36:46 EDT 2025)

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