Vocabulary Exercise #10: Synonyms of "To Look and To See" (Part 2)

Communicative Objective: Describing Looking and Seeing

Context: Entering the United States

Part 1, Speaking: The words listed below are all synonyms of the verbs “to look" and "to see." Each varies slightly from the others in meaning and use. Discuss the definition and application of each.

1.   inspect: (verb) to look carefully and critically at something  

            Example: You should always carefully inspect something prior to purchase.

2.   notice: (verb) to visually become aware of something (usually abstract)

            Example: I noticed that she seemed tired.

3.   observe: (verb) to watch for a specific purpose    

            Example: The police are observing him because they are suspicious.

4.   scrutinize: (verb) to very carefully inspect (negative)   

            Example: Employers scrutinize prospective hires.

5.   spot: (verb) to detect or recognize (usually a physical object)

            Example: I spotted a quarter under the bed.

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

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or “ICE,” is the agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for, among other duties, enforcing U.S. customs laws. These customs laws govern what may, and what may not, enter the U.S.

     Most civilian interaction with ICE representatives occurs at U.S. ports of entry. Upon arrival in the United States, citizens, residents and visitors are _____ electronically and by ICE staff. They are also interviewed. Their luggage is _____.  

     ICE representatives look for unusual behavior in the people they interview. If they _____ something strange, such as a person acting nervously, the person’s luggage is flagged for review.

     The interviewer’s colleagues then _____ the person’s luggage, examining every inch. They sometimes _____ contraband, such as drugs or large amounts of cash. 

Vocabulary Class: 
Are you interested in learning more vocabulary? Take this great class!
http://www.mylanguagesolutions.com/#!intermediate-reading-and-vocabulary/ccve

Answers: 
The answers to this exercise are available at the following link: 
http://www.mylanguagesolutions.com/#!english-exercises-answers/c11f1

© James Doyle, 2013

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