Read the article quickly. Match the words and the definitions.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct matches:
- empty-handed → without getting what you wanted
- mugshot → a police photo of someone’s face
- have a sweet tooth → love eating sweet things
- tracks → marks on the ground from a person or vehicle
Explanation:
Understanding vocabulary in context enhances comprehension and retention. The article provides crime-related stories that naturally incorporate these words, making their meanings clearer.
The first story describes a failed burglary attempt in Wellington, New Zealand. A man tries to break a shop window to steal skateboarding gear but ends up leaving empty-handed because the rock bounces off the glass and hits him instead. This illustrates how “empty-handed” refers to failing to obtain what one hoped for.
The second story highlights an amusing criminal mistake in Wales. A man notices his mugshot in a newspaper and sends in a better photo, leading to his arrest. This situation confirms that a mugshot is an official police photograph used to identify suspects.
The third story unfolds in Massachusetts, USA, where a man breaks into a store just to steal chocolate bars. His craving for sweets demonstrates the meaning of “having a sweet tooth,” which refers to a love for sugary foods.
The final story in Leicester, England, involves two burglars escaping on bikes. Their plan is foiled when police follow the tracks left behind in the frost, showing how “tracks” are the visible marks left by movement.
Each of these real-world scenarios reinforces the definitions in an engaging way, making them easier to recall. This exercise bridges vocabulary learning with practical application, strengthening contextual understanding.
