Contests & More

Learning doesn't have to be dull, nor the rewards from education deferred. At C2, we believe carefully structured contests and reward challenges can help engage some students and provide them with the incentive they need to shift their learning into a higher gear.

Words of the Week
Brain Teasers
C2 SAT Challenge

Words of the Week

Herman Melville once wrote "a fool thinks that by mouthing hard words he understands hard things." Never were there truer words - especially when it comes to preparing for the SAT. Real mastery of vocabulary comes not from just mouthing words, but from understanding them, using them - and knowing when not to use them.

Each day, devote yourself to learning a new word - one you normally wouldn't use in conversation. Here are some suggestions:

August 21, 2008

Root: PLIC, PLY – to fold

Though this root, from the Latin root plicare, literally means “to fold,” most of the words that derive from it are not literally related to folding (one that does is ply, which literally means “a single sheet or fold”).  Usually, this root is used to provide a sense of involvement or entanglement, as in the word apply, which literally means “fold toward,” but we know to mean “relate to” or “become involved with.” Some other words that come from this root: imply (literally, “to fold in with”), multiply (“to fold many times”), reply (“to fold again”), and duplicate (“to fold a second time”).

Two words to watch out for that seem to come from this root but do not: comply and supply.  Both of these words come from the Latin root plere, meaning “full.”

• accomplice (n.) [ac-, “toward” + com-, “together” + -plic, “to fold”] – a person who aids another in a crime
  Although Tom did not actually participate in the robbery, he acted as an accomplice by driving the getaway car.
• complicit (adj.) [com-, “together” + -plic, “to fold”] – involved with or participating in a crime or bad act
  The police believe that Ray is complicit in his brother’s crimes, so they keep a close eye on his activities.
  Noun form: complicity
• duplicitous (adj.) [du[o]-, “two” + -plic, “to fold”] – acting in two different ways in an attempt to deceive
  Doug duplicitously spread malicious rumors about Alicia even convincing her to be his prom date.
  Noun form: duplicity
• explicable (adj.) [ex-,“out” + -plic, “to fold” + -able] – explainable; clear
  Despite her fears about giving a presentation on particle physics, Natasha found the subject to be quite explicable.
  Verb form: explicate – to make clear; to explain
  Antonym: inexplicable – defying explanation; mysterious
• explicit (adj.) [ex-, “out” + -plic, “to fold”] – clearly expressed; detailed; outspoken or unrepressed
  Martin had a hard time navigating around the strange city without explicit instructions.
  Noun form: explicitness

Check out previous Words of the Week »

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Brain Teasers

Forget what the anatomy books tell you. The brain is indeed a muscle, and the only way it gets stronger is through exercise. Train yourself to become the intellectual equivalent of Arnold Schwarzenegger with a daily brain workout. Check back regularly for the C2 Brain Teaser of the Week, and push yourself.

Brain Teaser of the Week

August 21, 2008

Cry Vowel:
(written and contributed by: Jacob Peterson)

I’m thinking of two words.  Each of the words uses all of the English vowels (including “y”) in order, and does not have any other vowels.  What words are they?  They’re not exactly common words, but if you have a good SAT-level vocabulary, you should know at least one of them. (Hint: Think of the suffixes first!)

Check out previous Brain Teasers »

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C2 SAT Challenge

Think you got game? Score big and win some money in the process.

The C2 SAT Challenge is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get practice for the PSAT, SAT or ACT without having the scores officially recorded. Students in middle school preparing for Duke's TIP program, various Gifted and Talented Programs, and private school entrance exams have also taken the C2 SAT Challenge as a test-run for their individual big tests.

Awards. The top three finishers at each regional competition will receive the following cash prizes:

First Place	$500
Second Place	$300
Third Place	$200

Winners will also receive a plaque and have an article written up in the sponsoring newspaper and USAEDUNEWS.

How it works. Any student in grades 6-12 is eligible to take the Challenge. You don't have to be enrolled at C2. To register for a Challenge, contact a local C2 center. Registration fees vary from $30-$40 by region. Following the Challenge date, students can get their competition results by contacting a local C2 center. Parents are invited to accompany their children to the Challenge where they can hear more about C2 offerings along with information on the college application and financial aid process.

C2 SAT Challenge Dates:

More dates coming soon.

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