COMMON WORD STORY THE VATICAN This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: neurotoxin papalumbug patsy humeral syncline humbug orange melancholic blueberry angle iron zodiac manhandle blunder definition transsexual gorgeous stun chimpanzee bowling langniappe Here is my story: The idea that the papal court by definition was full of pious pansies is meer humbug. The Vatican is stunningly gorgeous with mosaics of zodiacs and other artwork. They have their own zoo with chimpanzees, a bowling alley, even a movie theater. In the past, they had their own army and manhandled people they did not like. A former pope’s blunder was eatting blueberries and oranges poisoned with neurotoxins by assassins. He became melancholic and irrational. the notion that the papal court by nature was full of holy weaklings is nonsense. The Vatican is incredibly beautiful with inlays of the star signs and other paintings. They have a zoo with apes, bowling lanes, even a film viewing complex. In the past, they had their own army that ruffed up people they didn’t like. A past pope’s mistake was to eat fruit tainted bt enemies with mind killing substances. He got sad and crazy. Concluding Thoughts: This is a good activity for several reasons: It gets you to learn or review words you haven’t seen for a while - gets you cracking opened a dictionary. The mind can build to what it is called to do. Writing a story may seem impossible with a certain collection of words but you can do it! Start small, see what words go together, make sentences. See if you can improve my story. I find a story suggests itself from what I have been thinking about.

COMMON WORD STORY 19 ENGLAND WINS THE ALASKAN RACE This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words.gland From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: CUP TOGGLE VITUPERATION CLOVERLEAF SNATCH CASULTY REJOINDER NORM DEICE PEMMICAN VILLA BOULEVARD IMMINENT EMBLAZON CONE TRADE HERMETIC OBLONG INAUGURATE DITTO Here is my story: The oblong gold cup trophy for the Alaskan race as snatched by the English team in 2010. Their sled deiced and emblazoned with the Union Jack stood ready for the imminent starting gun. As was the norm, the start was down a broad boulevard next to the villa of the mayor. The team had rations of pemmican and first aid gear for any casualties. Their win inaugurated a string of victories for England. The slender gold bowl trophy for the Alaskan race as grabbed by the English team in 2010. Their sled warmed up and decorated with the English flag stood ready for the soon to be start. As usual, the start was down a wide road next to the governor’s mansion. The team had dry food and first aid equipment for and injuries. Their win strted a row of victories for England.

COMMON WORD STORY 15 PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: TRUISM PTARMIGAN VISOR BLATHER PEACOCK DIGNITY POPLIN HORSE BRIDAL SMELL DAUGHTER LAUGHTER PROPANE PION QUITTANCE DOGE NITHER FRUMP SECRETARIAT MUTE Here is my story: It is a truism that important people have dignity. The doge in Venice like a peacock on his war horse with guilded visor, the general in his poplin shirt with medals, the future wife in her bridal party. All radiate dignity in a mute way. It is an unspoken truth that important people demand respect. The prince in Venice like a strutting cock on with war stead with golden helmet, the General in his military uniform shirt with medals, the future wed woman in her bridal party All glow with worthiness in a silent way. Concluding Thoughts: See my full list of 17000 words. I have tried to give a spectrum of words that reflect the way sound changes meaning. What I mean is that I focus on root words of a family of words. In this way, I have a smaller number of words that represent the language. It is alot of fun.

Common Word Story 12 Howard Carter Finds King Tut Here is my writing exercise: I have collected a list of 17000 words. I then have randomly picked twenty words from it. Out of these I have written a story with at least ten words from that list. It’s a fun writing exercise you should try. Here is the twenty word list: moment quest embark gin rubby sandbox price despair kook teach prior chaplain recur occident panoply legislate cine filligree panache omnipresent My story: After WW1, the Egyptians legislated approval for occidentals to resume the quest for King Tut’s tomb. So, Carter embarked on his prior digging in the sandbox which was the Valley of the Kings. It was at a heavy price and as failure recurred, his sponsor Lord Canarvan began to dispair. Then came that cine moment. The tomb was found with the full panoply of a pharaoh. Golden filigree was omnipresent, giving panache to the grave goods. After WW1, the Egyptians voted to OK Westeners to re-start the search for King Tut’s tomb. So, Carter went back to his former digs in the dusty playpen which was the Valley of the Kings. It was very expensive work and as the former failure continued again, his backer Lord Canovan started to have doubts. Then came that cinamatic event. The tomb was found with a full set of burial gear of a pharaoh. Golden coverings were everywhere giving the grave goods an impressive appearance.

COMMON WORD STORY 25 BEN HUR Here is a story made with common words. I picked them off trhis list: culvert impute solo monster endotoxin charioteer ominous agrarian badinage number terminate ionosphere hold up unequaled persimmon confraternity habituate gal postulate remain My Story: Ben Hur is an equaled story: His boyhood army friend returns to Palistine. When asked during their badinage, Hur says a number of people talk against Rome. Imagining a confraterity of rebels, the friend demands a list. Hur refuses. When tiles from Hur’s roof culvert fall, terminating the governor’s parade, blame is imputed on him and his sister and mother. They are arrested and remain in ominous circumstances. The friend knows their innocence but says he is not a monster, only acting for Rome’s good by being cruel to his friend. Hur habituates to the life of a galley slave rower. His solo rescue of the admiral earns his freedom. He become the admiral’s son in Rome. However; a happy ending is held up when Hur finally postulates he can rescue his mother and sister. He has agrarian adventures, becomes a charioteer, gets a gal, kills the bad guy and saves his family. All very improbable, but fun. Ben Hur is a fabulous story: His boyhood friend returns to Palistine. When asked during their casual conversation, Hur says a number of people talk against Rome. Imagining a society of rebels, the friend demands a list. Hur refuses. When tiles from Hur’s roof drain fall ending the governor parade, blame is charged on him and his mother and sister. They are arrested and kept in threatening conditions. The friend knows they are innocent but says he is not a monster, only acting for Rome’s good by being cruel to his friend. Hur gets used to the life of a galley slave rower. His single handed rescue of the admiral earns his freedom. He becomes the admiral’s son in Rome. However; a happy ending is delayed when Hur finally figures he can rescue his mother and sister. He has adventures in the countryside, become a chariot racer, gets a girl, kills the bad guy and saves his family. All very unlikely, but fun.

COMMON WORD STORY 16 WHAT AMERICANS WANTED This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: RABBLE GLOBE ERE SCRIPT JUDICIOUS CONCEPT FACILITY CAPTIOUS DEBENTURE PEER LADYFINGER BACKFIRE DELTOID PENAL BUOY MANNEQUIN JURISPRUDENCE DISAVOW UNEARTH MILLER Here is my story: When the concept of global mercantilism was unearthed in Europe, it backfired on England. The American colonies were captious of penal measures to buoy up English industries. American industries were being kept down in favor of English ones. Millers, bakers and their peers formed a rabble, demanding independence. They wanted debentures payable in American issued script and disavowed allegiance to the crown. When the idea of world-wide nation favoring trade policy was invented in Europe, in had bad consequences for England. The American colonies were critical of laws to aid English industries. American industries were being held back in favor of English ones. Grain grinders, bakers and the like formed a mob, calling for freedom. They wanted debts payable in American created money and denied special loyalty to England. Concluding Thoughts: This writing exercise would look good in a newspaper like a crossword puzzle.

COMMON WORD STORY 17 YOU MUST BE PROPER This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: MOONSHINE MORTICIAN CANTOR WHOLESALE EUCLIDEAN CAIMAN DULY BENNY COOK FLICKER DEPOSE PLEDGE INVERSION POH MUSTY AEROPLANE POLYCHROME DECREE EYELASH ROSEMARY Here is my story: A cantor must be duly proper. Benny, who was also a part time mortician, took a wholesale pledge to abstain from moonshine. However; in a musty polychrome lab, he cooked up mash into alcohol in secret. He flavored it with rosemaery and it sold well. It was an inversion of everything decreed by his religion and position. When it was revealed, he was deposed from his place in the synogouge. A Jewish religious singer must be by definition well behaved. Benny, who was also an undertaker on the side, took a categorical oath to stay away from strong drink. However; in a moldy garish lab, he cooked up corn meal into alcohol in secret. He flavored it with herbs and it sold well. It was a complete about face from everything demanded by his religion and status. When it was made known, he was dropped from his job in the congregation. Concluding Thoughts: Like tarot cards, random words suggest a story. Here, I put words together into a somewhat logical story in a workman-like way.

COMMON WORD STORY 28 A SUPERMAN COMIC BOOK This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: SATISFY BEHAVIOR INSECTAVOR SHRILL SUPERMAN HERITAGE HOPPER RUBELLA SEROLOGY SAVOIR FAIRE TABLEAU DEFUNCT SCRIPTURE PARATAXIS PATERNAL AGOG TEREPIDATION ENTITY MINT TUDOR Here is my story: A shrill auction was held for a mint Superman comic book. The now defunct story was about an entity from another world doing super-human behaviors. He satisfied the definition of a super hero, leaving a generation agog with a heritage of crime fighting, giving bad guys trepidation. Noisy bidding took place for a brand-new looking Superman comic book. The now discontinued story was about a being from another world, doing very strong deeds. He filled the bill as a super hero, leaving a generation in awe with a memory of crime fighting, giving fear to the bad guys. FINAL THOUGHTS: Included with this story is a 17,000 word list of common words. Well, not really common, just every word I thought should be on a list of English words. I focused on word families to cut down on the number of entries, so I listed government not governmental, etc. I have seen a few such common word lists; some were a joke, some lacked depth and inclusiveness. My list is very personal to me, as I included only words I have seen used myself. As I have dabbed in a few fields of study, it is bigger without being tiresome. This list is interesting in itself. Look at it and see if I missed and important words.

COMMON WORD STORY 26 Why People COME TO AMERICA This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: HUG ROW VISAGE NOBILITY PROCIUTO DENDRITE CROSS TRANSPIRATION MODIFY SLOPE NICHE INTEGRAL SCOOTER CRIME SCUFF JUDICIARY PASSENGER RORSCHACH TEST QUOTIDIAN DEMILITARIZE Here is my story: Many immigrants come into the USA illegally. Judical policy has been modified to leave the boarder open; some would say it is demilitarized; this is integral to their coming. Cranes have taken out rows of fencing, aiding passenger traffic by foot, car, even scooter. You see their scuffed visages with a rugged nobility. They are climbing a steep slope, looking for a niche in life. Many travelers come into the USA illegally. Laws have been changed to leave the boarder passable; some would say it is pacified; this is a main element of their coming. Heavy machinery has taken down lines of barriers, smoothing their traffic by foot, auto, scooter. You see their roughed up faces with stark dignity. They are going up a high hill, looking for a place in life. FINAL THOUGHTS: The English language is like an organ with many voices. With it you can express stories, ideas and moods. The list of 17,000 common words I’ve included here is a good start to realize the range English has achieved.

VOCABULARY - COMMON WORD STORY 29 What happened to the criminal This is a writing exercise using common words. I have collected a list of 17,000 words. From this I have chosen twenty words at random. The exercise is to write a story with at least ten of them. I have included my story along with a translation into other words. Here is the list: mosquito forbode flex superb brink up species sterling meningitis saucepan stall spasm usher clavichord hotcakes functional racketeer cerement limpid grieve Here is my story: The racketeer ran from the law. He stalled on the brink of a forboding swamp. It was full of mosquito and flea species that cause meningitis. The beginning water being limpid, seemed to usher him in. When he was up to his waist, the spasms began. He was in a functional breakdown and stuck. The sterling law officers retrieved his body for ID. The swamp goo were his cerements. No one grieved for him. The gangster ran from the law. He hesitated on the edge of a scary bog. It was full of vermin that cause brain sickness. The beginning water waa clear seeming to invite him in. When he was up to his naval, the convulsions began. He was physically paralyzed and fixed in place. The great law officers got back his body for ID. The swamp muck were his winding sheets. No one mourned for him. FINAL THOUGHTS: Good, no?

Vocabulary Word Version: The inadvertent misconception made by the casino in its ads that its spa facilities are a free compliment to people checked into its hotel rooms was decried by people when they went to the spa and were told there is a $100 dollar entrance charge even to those in the hotel. Simplified Version: The unintentional impression made by the casino in its ads that its spa amenities are a free addition to people checked into its hotel rooms was disapproved of by people when they went to the spa and were told there is a $100 entrance charge even to those in the hotel. Paraphrase: The casino ran an ad showing its spa. It made it look like this was part of the deal when you went there and got a room. This was not done on purpose. People complained when they went to the spa and were told there is an additional $100 dollar entrance fee even to those in the hotel.

VOCABULARY STORY: Discerning people enumerated the discordant amounts of actual discounts disclosed in a court case and the promised discounts in deceptive ads by a cruise ship company. SIMPLIFIED STORY: Alert people listed the different amounts of actual reductions in prices revealed in a court case and the promised cuts in tricky ads by a cruise ship company. PARAPHRASE: A court case was brought against a cruise ship company. It was claimed that it was wrongfully offering lower prices that it did not honor. Those following the story closely counted all the difference in the advertised prices and the actual prices charged.

WHY AM I WRITING MORE VOCABULARY STORIES: I am embarking on writing yet more vocabulary stories; I already have 1000 similar stories on TES. So, I should explain the reasons for offering these to you: My common word stories are a flop. Not many people want those. But many people have looked at and have downloaded my fancy vocabulary stories. (It is a thrill to see my work go all around the world!) There is a continuing desire for fancy vocabulary learning; these words have earned their way in the world! It also seems that certain subjects attract interest in themselves. The new format with 5 words is quick, easy and clear. WHAT THESE STORIES CAN BE USED FOR: Vocabulary words can be used for do nows. You can challenge students or yourself to make A story out of 5 fancy words. It is easy and gets easier with practice. Paraphrasing stories, makes it clear that you know what the words mean. Short interesting stories can delightfully made by cleaver minds. There can be different takes on the same set of words. You can add a paraphrase to rephrase the ideas to make the story clearer; not stilted by the need to get words used. I feel energized to write these stories. Words are flexible enough to serve as a medium to express ideas I am currently thinking about. For example; I really went to a casino spa that was shockingly charging $100 dollars extra to its hotel guests; this found itself into story 1. I hope you use my word sets and stories to improve your vocabulary and thinking - to keep your gray matter in the pink, along with me. Paul Skittone

New vocabulary story 3 CAN YOU MAKE A STORY CONTAINING THESE FIVE WORDS?: PLAUSIBLE POLARIZE OMINOUS DEBUNK PLACATE MY VOCABULARY STORY: There are many plausible ominous theories about the Kennedy Assassination that have polarized American society ever since 1963. To placate conspiracy theorists and debunk their ideas, many government documents have been declassified. SIMPLIFIED STORY: There are many believable alarming theories about the Kennedy Assassination that have torn American society ever since 1963. To calm conspiracy theorists and discredit their ideas, many government documents have been declassified. PARAPHRASE: The Kennedy Assassination has been controversial ever since it happened in 1963. There are shocking theories that many people believe. Government documents have been declassified in an attempt to disprove many of these ideas and satisfy critics.

New vocabulary story 4 CAN YOU MAKE A STORY CONTAINING THESE FIVE WORDS?: POLEMICAL PONDEROUS OBTUSE OFFICIOUS OBSTINATE MY VOCABULARY STORY: Many people find the polemical writing of Marx ponderous and obtuse. He is also obstinately officious in his desire to change the world. SIMPLIFIED STORY: Many people find the argumentation writing of Marx heavy, awkward and difficult. He is also unreasonably bent on offering his services in his desire to change the world. PARAPHRASE: The works of Marx rub many people the wrong way. He is tedious and difficult. He continually rants about advice to turn the world inside out; which seems totally unreasonable.

NEW VOCABULARY STORY 76 Do Now CAN YOU MAKE A STORY CONTAINING THESE FIVE WORDS?: CATALYST CAPACITY GRATIFY CAPITULATE HIERARCHY MY VOCABULARY STORY: The capacity of 19th trains gratified the need for transportation of the masses. The train companies capitulated to the high classes by making a hierarchy of seating with first class carriages. Trains were a catalyst bringing on the modern age. SIMPLE VERSION: The ability to carry of 19th trains satisfied the need for transportation of the masses. The train companies gave in to the high classes by making a rank of seating with first class carriages. Trains were a agent of change bringing on the modern age.

COMMON WORD STORY 51 AMERICAN FOOTBALL In the old days, before the leagues, American football was a lame affair. The gridiron had diverse players, blacks, irish, WASPs. The Giants were fretful of coming up with the rent for the Polo Grounds; an ancient stadium, scrawled with graffiti. The roundblock was the fear of a cascade of injuries at the hands of frisky violent opponents. One player, W.A Titel, is in the pantheon of greats. In the old days, before the leagues, American football was a puny thing. The field had varied players, blacks, irish, white anglo-saxon protestants The Giants were nervous about coming up with the rent for the Polo Grounds; an very old stadium, covered with with spray painted words. The main problem was he fear of a series of injuries at the hands of lively violent opposing teams. One player, W.A Titel, is in the hall of fame of the greats.

BARBARIANS AND CHRISTIANS The plentiful patchwork of kingdoms resulting from the Roman Empires fall was ingested by Magyar empire without much fanfare in he 10th century. The Christians were impassive before their braided headed tormentors. There were bouts of violence with people clapped in chairs and held as hostages; peace proposals went nowhere. However; contact with the Christians embossed itself on the mentation and ways of the Barbarians, as culture transfused between the groups as they interacted. THE OLD BOXER Ridik Bow, a, once has TNT fighter with signature braids, once had TNT fists, now only has faded newspaper clipping. He quit without fanfare , after realizing the punches he had ingested during his many bouts had taken his physical ability away. In his last fight, the ring was like an inferno as fans clapped wildly as his punishment was plentiful.

COMMON WORD STORY 52 WHAT THE POOR VENICE DID In the principality of Venice, vagrants became inured to deterance by police. Young beggar girls turned on the water works to get sympathy. People became destitute all the time with run ins with the equivalent of the Renaissance IRS. They sold trinkets from cabinets trying to maximize profits, scalping tourists. Red eyed beggars used eloquent phrases to sell just to survive. In the governmental region of Venice, the homeless became use to to rough treatment by police. Young beggar girls cried to get sympathy. People became penniless all the time with encounters with the the Renaissance version of tax collectors. They sold junk from boxes trying to get the most profits, cheating tourists. Red eyed beggars used flowery phrases to sell just to survive.

COMMON WORD STORIES 50 CHEMICAL HAZARDS It is a historical fact; one must admit, that if you expose yourself to chemicals, it will not end well . There are tedious ads on the radio, to screw the public. Emolient ginko is relished to clear the skin. But this is not based on science; it is only an untrue figment to make money. It is a well known fact; one must recognize, that if you put chemicals on yourself, it will not end well . There are repetitious ads on the radio, to cheat the public. Creams filled with herbs are prized to clear the skin. But this is not founded on empirical research; it is only an untrue crazy idea to make money. In the Bosh capital of Nazi Germany, they had a burning laver in front of the Austrian embassy. A chromatic effluent pollutant screwed up the animals in the neighboring zoo. The panda had low hemoglobin levels and had to be admitted to the hospital, due to being exposed. In the German capital of Nazi Germany, they had a burning fire pan in front of the Austrian official offices. A colorful smoke by product messed up the animals in the zoo next door. The panda had low red blood cell levels and had to be put in the hospital, due to taking in this substance.