Extensive Reading-Book D Unit 49 (E)

abilities

the capability to do something, competence
His ability to speak well extends beyond the classroom.

alumni

a person who has graduated from a school
The high school alumni celebrated their twentieth reunion this year.

anti-Semitic

of being against Jewish people
The candidates anti-Semitic remarks gave him a bad reputation.

arguably

characterized by being able to be argued or contested
His recipe for lasagna was arguably the best ever.

chairman

person in charge of a business or organization
The company's chairman resigned last night after the scandal was published in the paper.

congressman

a member of the United States House of Representatives
The number of congressmen from each state varies depending on the population of that state.

contributions

the giving or gift of something
Public contributions to the roadwork project helped get the job done quickly.

despite

in spite of
despite her poor preparation, Alice passed the quiz.

disputes

an argument or controversy
There were unresolved disputes that lingered for years.

establishing

to make or bring into existence
Rules are established for the benefit of the community.

former

coming before, previous
The former mayor was once a track and field athlete.

funded

to give funds, to pay
Television commercials are funded by the company who is selling its product.

host

a person who invites another person into their home or community
The host family was very kind and generous with their exchange student.

illustrious

exemplary, brilliant
Her illustrious career as an architect made her very successful.

legacy

something of great importance transferred from one generation to the next
The legacy she built helping children will endure for years to come.

mandates

an order or command
The mandates required that employers not judge applicants on base of religion, sex or political beliefs.

prestigious

having high value or regard
Few youth from our high school gained entrance into the prestigious college.

pursuits

an activity or engagement in something
The pursuit of happiness is perhaps the most important pursuit of all.

senator

a representative of the state
Each state in the US elects two senators to express the views and necessities of its citizens in Washington, D.C.

staggering

amazing, incredibly large
A staggering number of people attended the biology conference.