Here is a context clues worksheet on the verb persist. It is, interestingly, only used intransitively. You can use an adverb with it, though most of them would be superfluous. But you’ll never place a direct object–i.e. a noun or noun phrase–after this verb. This is a nice strong verb, of Latin pedigree, in its own right.
It means, as we use it in conversational discourse, “to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning.” So this context clues worksheet conveys meaning using that definition. The verb, however, can also mean “to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (as a question or an opinion).” That, I assume, is how Senator Mitch McConnell meant it when he said of Senator Elizabeth Warren, “Nevertheless, she persisted” when Senator Warren refused to stop speaking during the confirmation hearing for Senator Jeff Sessions‘ for Attorney General of the United States.
It might be worth writing a second version of this document to reflect that second meeting. I’ll keep you posted.
If you find typos in this document, I would appreciate a notification. And, as always, if you find this material useful in your practice, I would be grateful to hear what you think of it. I seek your peer review.