The Cynics - Review 1

C2 Proficiency · Word Formation · Close-up C2, National Geographic Learning

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the space in the same line.

CYNICISM

PHILOSOPHY

CONVENTION

FUNCTION

EMINENCE

ORTHODOX

NORMAL

PASSIVE

According to the dictionary, a (17) ___ person believes that people are insincere and are only interested in themselves. The word originated in the (18) ___ schools of ancient Greece. Cynicism was a way of life for this unusual and (19) ___ group. It derived its name from the Greek word for 'dog' (kunos) to denote its indifference to luxury. For this reason, their fellow Greeks considered them a (20) ___ lot. The most (21) ___ Cynic was Diogenes. By all accounts, he was quite a(n) (22) ___ character who chose to live in a storage jar and took the simple way of life to (23) ___ extremes. There are many stories about Diogenes, but the most famous relates to Alexander the Great. When Alexander stood before him and asked if he wanted anything, Diogenes' (24) ___ response was to request that Alexander move a little to one side because he was blocking the sun.

The Cynics

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