Hurricane or Just Insane?

The forecast was dreary, with lots of rain predicted. It was going to be very windy as well, according to various forecasters. Seemed like a good day to stay inside and get around to those leftover chores. Even so, nobody warned me of the potential to be scared out of my mind as the wind picked up and its intensity increased throughout the day. In the afternoon, gusts of wind wracked the house, and they appeared to be prying the skylights off the roof. Later, the row of 15 foot tall trees in my backyard swayed drunkenly to the ground and back again and again, until they finally all fell. When the electricity was lost and remained off, I had enough.

The next day was wet, but the wind had definitely dissipated. Still without power, we took a drive for hot food and drink, and to survey the neighborhood. Giant trees were down on each block, entangled with electric, telephone and television wires. Slabs of concrete sidewalk were shifted straight in the air; they had been no match for the tree roots that had grown for many years, and had held tenaciously while the trunks fell over. When electricity was restored after 48 hours, it felt like civilization had also returned. However, debris of the aftermath was evident everywhere.

Vocabulary:

dreary (adjective) - dark and glum

intensity (noun) - focused strength

swayed (verb) - moved from side to side

wracked (verb) - swept over violently

dissipated (verb) - slowly diminished

slabs (noun) - flat expanses

Practice:

1. The gray clouds and cold rain made me fell _______.

2. The dog studied the cat in its front yard with fierce ________.

3. The tightrope walker _________ from side to side.

4. Food poisoning caused him to be _________ with pain.

5. The snow slowly _________ as the sun warmed the ground.

6. The cranes placed large ________ for the basement foundation.

Grammar Point:

Did you notice that my writing style is using the past tense?

Activity:

Find the verbs that are used in the past tense. Have fun!!