I HAVE A DREAM

Martin Luther King Jr.

 Synonyms
Emancipation = liberation, release
momentous = important, significant
Decree = order, verdict, pronouncement
Beacon = fire, flare, guiding light, inspiration
Seared = parched, scorched
Withering = contemptuous, scornful, sarcastic
Captivity = imprisonment, custody, confinement
Manacles = handcuffs, chains, shackles
Languish = pine away, fade away, suffer
Appalling = awful, terrible, dreadful
Magnificent = superb, wonderful, splendid
Pursuit = chase, hunt, search
Default =non-payment, non-attendance, evasion
Vault = crypt, tomb (verb- jump, leap)
Hallowed = sacred, holy, sanctified
Fatal = deadly, lethal
Sweltering = boiling, scorching, sizzling
Desolate = deserted, isolated, bleak
Legitimate = lawful, rightful, legal
Discontent = dissatisfaction, unhappiness,
displeasure
Invigorating = stimulating, refreshing, energizing
Threshold = doorsill, doorstep, entrance, verge
Degenerate = deteriorate, disintegrate, worsen
Majestic = regal, royal, grand
Marvelous = wonderful, amazing
Militant = rebellious, revolutionary, combative
Engulf = overwhelm, overcome, surround
Unspeakable = disgusting, awful, appalling
Brutality = cruelty, viciousness, violence
Fatigue = exhaustion, tiredness, weariness
Mobile = movable, portable, transportable
Ghetto = slum
Righteousness = virtue, morality, uprightness
Unmindful = heedless, unaware, neglectful
Tribulation = misfortune, trial, suffering
Persecution = harassment, hounding,
discrimination
Veteran = experienced person, expert
Redemption = salvation, deliverance, rescue
Wallow = stumble, lurch, stagger
Creed = statement of belief, faith
Oppression = domination, coercion, cruelty
Oasis =retreat, refuge, haven
Exalt = praise, laud, acclaim
Hew = cut, chop, carve
Discord = disagreement, conflict, dispute
Symphony = work of art, piece of music
Liberty = freedom, independence
Prodigious = extraordinary, phenomenal,
unusual
Hamlet = village, settlement
 ANTONYMS
Prodigious X average
Discord X concord, accord
Exalt X disparage
Redemption X downfall
Oppression X liberty
Veteran X novice
Brutality X gentleness
Mobile X fixed
Mindful X unmindful
Desolate X populous
Content X discontent
Languish X flourish
Seared X wet
Captivity X freedom
Symphony X cacaphony
Idiomatic expressions:
To blow off steam
To have a rude awakening
To drink from the cup of bitterness
To fall heir to something
To stand on the threshold of something
To walk alone
To wallow in despair
 DISTINGUISH:
Decree / degree
Languish / languid
Appall /appeal
Heir / hair
Rise / raise /race
Right / rite
Trial / trail
Pray / prey
Jew / hew
 QUESTIONS
1. How would you define ‘discrimination’?
What kinds of discrimination do you see
around you today?
2. Do you feel that advances in technology have
caused a decrease in religious, gender and
racial discrimination? Explain.
3. ‘Even dark-skinned people are sometimes
racist’…. What is your opinion regarding this?
4. “Unity in India is a myth”. How do you
respond to this?
5. Do you see any similarities between the
ideologies and approach of Gandhi and Martin
Luther King Jr. ? Elaborate.
6. The author (King) envisages a series of
dreams of emancipation and progress… what
kind of vision do you have for your country?