Spelling Lists for Semester 1 Week 7

Tip of the week:


'Plead' & 'Sympathise'


To 'plead' is to request earnestly. It's a nicer word than 'beg' which implies a greater degree of grovelling.


'Plead' can be used in two ways:


When the bullies cornered Adam, he pleaded for mercy.   OR


When the bullies cornered Adam, he pleaded with them for mercy.


In other words, :

• 'plead' + for + mercy/pity/one more chance/etc.

• 'plead' + with +  

Then what happens after Adam pleaded with the bullies? Surprise, surprise, maybe the bullies have hearts of gold and they sympathised with him, thus letting him go!

To 'sympathise' (spelled 'sympathize' in the American way) is to feel someone's suffering and hence feel sorry for them.

This is the word that appeared in Semester 1 Week 6's composition and which I noticed many pupils having problems with.

Please remember: We always 'sympathise with' someone, i.e.

'sympathise' + with +   !

Advanced Composition

1. chlorinated water

2. shrieking and hollering

3. humanoid

4. intrepid

5. My taut nerves snapped.

6. inexplicable

7. corresponding

8. dwindling

Intermediate Composition

1. leash

2. anxiously

3. out of curiosity

4. wads of notes

5. beautiful

6. yearningly

7. commended

8. tempted