Blackwell

Level: B2

Years ago, people were not accustomed to the idea of a woman’s being a doctor. In order to get into medical school in 1847, Elizabeth Blackwell was asked to conceal the fact that she was a woman. This was contrary to her beliefs, and she did not do it. After entering medical school, Elizabeth often had to summon all her courage to face the unkindness of teachers and classmates. By her supreme efforts, she was able to complete her studies. Many people came to her graduation just to get a glimpse of a woman doctor. Dr. Blackwell soon found that most people were not inclined to go to a woman doctor. She had to struggle to earn a living. Then came the glorious day when she was offered a job as a doctor in a hospital. She did so well that she was asked to organize a new hospital and medical college. The United States today can boast of thousands of women doctors.

Glossary

accustom (someone to something) phrasal v. to make (someone, esp. yourself) familiar with (new conditions): It'll take time for me to accustom myself to the changes.

boast v. to have or possess something to be proud of : Ireland boasts beautiful beaches, great restaurants and friendly locals.

conceal v. to prevent (something) from being seen or known about; to hide (something): The entrance to the house is concealed behind high gates.

contrary adj. opposite: Contrary to all our expectations he's actually found a well-paid job and a nice girlfriend.

glimpse n. a look at somebody or something for a very short time or only partly: I caught a fleeting glimpse of the driver of the getaway car, but I doubt I would recognize her if I saw her again.

glorious adj. deserving admiration, praise and honour; beautiful: This was yet another glorious victory for the team.

incline v. to have a mental leaning towards; to be predisposed or have an inclination to or to do: The poor relations between the two countries incline me to feel (= make me tend to feel) pessimistic about an early settlement.

organize v. to make arrangements for (something) to happen: The group organizes theatre trips once a month.

summon v. to gather (your bravery or strength), esp. with effort: It took me six months to summon (up) the courage to ask her out for a drink.

supreme adj. at the highest level: The present constitution gives supreme authority to the presidency.

Synonyms

accustom- accustom herself to the new situation: adapt; adjust; acclimatize; get used to; make familiar/acquainted with; habituate.

boast- the town boasts two museums: possess; have; own; enjoy; pride oneself/itself on.

conceal- 1) conceal her face/conceal the letter: hide; cover; keep out of sight; keep hidden; screen; obscure; disguise; camouflage; mask; secrete; shelter; bury; tuck away. 2) conceal his identity: hide; keep secret; keep dark; hush up; cover up; dissemble; (inf.) keep the lid on.

contrary to- against; in opposition to; not in accord with.

glimpse- glance; brief look; quick look; peek; peep; (inf.) gander; once-over.

glorious- 1) our glorious monarch: illustrious; noble; celebrated; famous; famed; renowned; distinguished; honoured; eminent; excellent; magnificent; majestic; splendid; supreme; sublime; triumphant; victorious. 2) a glorious day: beautiful; bright; brilliant; sunny; perfect. 3) have a glorious time: splendid; marvellous; wonderful; delightful; enjoyable; pleasurable; excellent; fine; (inf.) terrific; great; fab.

incline- 1) that inclines me to believe you/I'm inclined to believe you: predispose; dispose; influence; bias; prejudice; sway; make willing; persuade; bend. 2) the door is inclined to bang: have a tendency; be liable/likely.

organize- establish; set up; form; lay the foundations of; found; institute; create; originate; begin; start; develop; build; frame; construct; assemble; structure; shape; mould; put together; arrange; dispose; regulate; marshal; put in order; put straight; coordinate; systematize; methodize; standardize; collocate; group; sort; sort out; classify; categorize; catalogue; codify; tabulate; be responsible for; be in charge of; take care of; administrate; run; manage; lick/knock into shape; see to.

summon- 1) summon (up) the courage to act: gather; collect; muster; rally; call into action; mobilize. 2) summon (up) half-forgotten memories: call to mind; bring to mind; call up; conjure up; evoke; recall; revive.

supreme- 1) the supreme commander: highest-ranking; highest; leading; chief; foremost; principal. 2) supreme bravery/a supreme effort: extreme; greatest; utmost; uttermost; maximum; extraordinary; remarkable.

Collocations

be accustomed to something

conceal the fact that

contrary to something

summon your courage to do something

get a glimpse of someone or something

be inclined to do something