Vocabulary Exercise #19: Synonyms of "Thin" (Positive)

Communicative Objective: Describing Thinness (Positive)

Context: Thinness in Contemporary Media

Part 1, Speaking: The words listed below are all synonyms of the adjective “thin.” Each varies slightly from the others in meaning and use. Discuss the definition and application of each word.

1.   lanky: (adjective) positive synonym of thin, usually used only for males

Example: Many professional basketball players are quite lanky.

2.   slender: (adjective) positive synonym of thin, usually used only for females       

Example: Her waist is very slender.

3.   slight: (adjective) positive synonym of thin, used only for females

Example: She is short, slight woman.      

4.   slim: (adjective) positive, general synonym of thin      

Example: We all want to look slim for summer!

5.   twiggy: (adjective) generally positive, possibly critical, synonym of very thin, used only for females  

   Example: She is so twiggy! She should gain some weight.

Part 2, Reading Exercise: Complete the reading passage with the most appropriate vocabulary.

    Beginning in the 20^th century, popular Western ideals of beauty developed to include the very thin for the first time. Promoted by the rise of advertising agencies and the explosive growth of the media in the 1960s, images of _____ models filled catwalks and magazines. The most celebrated of these was undoubtedly the _____ Lesley Lawson, who came to be known by this nickname.

     In the 21^st century, attractive celebrities, like the _____ Ashton Kutcher and the _____ Calista Flockhart further the association of extreme thinness with beauty and style.

      This trend has unfortunately contributed to the rise of anorexia and bulimia in many adolescents, particularly females, obsessed with obtaining a more _____ look.    

© James Doyle, 2013

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Vocabulary Class: 
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Answers: 
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http://www.mylanguagesolutions.com/#!english-exercises-answers/c11f1