Life of Pi by Yann Martel Vocabulary—Magic Squares Activity

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Vocabulary—Magic Squares Activity

Purpose
The magic squares activity is a great way to make vocabulary come alive for students. Using it they
are incorporating problem-solving skills and math skills. It involves students in learning vocabulary
words without students even realizing they are doing so. This activity can also be used in a multitude
of areas.

Directions
STEP 1: CONSTRUCTION
Prepare a magic squares worksheet for students. All numbers across and down should equal the
same number, the magic number. There are great resources online for creating these worksheets
easily. Some of these are:

• http://mathforum.org/alejandre/magic.square.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_square
• http://www.geocities.com/~harveyh/magicsquare.htm
The words that you choose to use should be from Life of Pi. A prepared magic squares worksheet
has been included with this document.
You can use this strategy either before or after introducing students to the assigned vocabulary
words for the novel. If you provide it for them as an introduction, students will be able to infer the
definitions on their own. By finding that numbers do not correspond correctly in the box, students
will know they have selected the wrong definition. If using it as a refresher after introducing the
vocabulary words, you can see which words some of the students may be struggling with
understanding.

STEP 2: HAND OUT WORKSHEET
Hand out the worksheet you have created, or the one provided for you with this document. Inform
the students that in order to find them magic number they must match their vocabulary words to the
definitions and place the number into the corresponding lettered box. Allow a set amount of time,
which will depend on the number of boxes students are expected to fill in. A good time may be
anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Once all students have completed the worksheet, allow them to
partner up and check their answers with another student’s.

STEP 3: DISCUSSION
Have a short discussion about the vocabulary words.

Edgeworth—BYU--2008

Vocabulary Words and Definitions A secluded building, often the residence of a
Ashram p.8 guru, used for religious instruction in Hinduism
Latrine p. 11
Cesspool p.11 A toilet, or something used as a toilet

Lasciviousness p.13 A cistern, well, or pit for retaining the sediment
Menagerie p.14 of a drain or for receiving the sewage from a
stupefy p.15 house
Avatar p. 54
Indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or
Incongruous p.60 lewdness
Tarpaulin p.106
Zenith p.118 A collection of live wild animals on exhibition
Gait p.116
Cataleptic p.113 To overwhelm with amazement; astound;
astonish
Marauder p.132
Tantamount p.169 In Hindu Mythology: the descent of a deity to
Mien p.175 the earth in an incarnate form or some manifest
Curmudgeonly p.218 shape; the incarnation of a god

Out of keeping or place; inappropriate;
unbecoming

Material, such as waterproofed canvas, used to
cover and protect things from moisture

A highest point or state; culmination

A manner of walking, stepping, or running

A physical condition usually associated with
catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by
suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity
of posture, and often by loss of contact with
environment

Someone who attacks in search of booty

Equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or
signification

Air, bearing, or demeanor, as showing character,
feeling, etc

A bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person

Answers to the Magic Squares Worksheet
Magic Number= ___34___

16 5 9 4

2 11 7 14

3 10 6 15

13 8 12 1

Edgeworth—BYU--2008

Magic Squares
Vocabulary for Life of Pi

Directions: Select from the numbered statements the best match for each vocabulary word. Put the
number in the proper space. The total of the numbers will be the same across each row and down
each column. Find the magic number.

A. Curmudeonly ABCD
B. Ashram
C. Menagerie E F GH

D. Stupefy I J KL
E. Avatar
F. Tarpaulin MN O P
G. Cataleptic
1. A secluded building, often the residence of a
H. Cesspool guru, used for religious instruction in Hinduism
I. Zenith
J. Gait 2. A toilet, or something used as a toilet
K. Latrine 3. A cistern, well, or pit for retaining the sediment
L. Lasciviousness
of a drain or for receiving the sewage from a
M. Incongruous house
N. Mien 4. Indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or
O. Marauder lewdness
P. Tantamount 5. A collection of live wild animals on exhibition
6. To overwhelm with amazement; astound;
astonish
7. In Hindu Mythology: the descent of a deity to the
earth in an incarnate form or some manifest
shape; the incarnation of a god
8. Out of keeping or place; inappropriate;
unbecoming
9. Material, such as waterproofed canvas, used to
cover and protect things from moisture
10. A highest point or state; culmination
11. A manner of walking, stepping, or running
12. A physical condition usually associated with
catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by
suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity
of posture, and often by loss of contact with
environment
13. Someone who attacks in search of booty
14. Equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or
signification
15. Air, bearing, or demeanor, as showing character,
feeling, etc
16. A bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person

Edgeworth—BYU--2008

Edgeworth—BYU--2008