Why Cats and Dogs Fight

A Romanian FolktaleRetold by Tamim Ansary

modestly• Adv.-Having or showing a humble opinion of one's

own talents, abilities, and value.

• John acted modestly when he accepted his award, and never bragged about always being on the Honor Roll.

counterproposal• counter v.-to act in a different or opposite way• proposal n.-a plan or idea• counterproposal n. An idea or plan offered that is

opposite or different from the original. I offered a counterproposal, or a different idea, when my friends suggested we go roller skating. (I really hate roller skating.)

persnickety• adj. overly picky about details

• Mrs. Smith is so persnickety about the way she makes us organize our desks.

grovel• v. to beg or plead in

a humiliating way

• Sarah made her brother grovel when he asked to play her video game.

resentment• n. negative feelings towards a person or situation

• I felt resentment towards my “ex” best friend after she started telling lies about me.

restore• v. to bring back to the original condition

• The construction workers were trying to restore the building back to its original condition after the hurricane.

Admiration• n. A feeling of

appreciation and respect.

• I showed my admiration for my mother by helping her around the house.

sulkily• adv. Acting in a way shows moodiness,

resentment, or bitterness.

• The boy sulkily walked out of the room when his mother told him he couldn’t have dessert.