elect    a. the method or instrument used to obtain a result or achieve an end
strait    b. to select; choose
means    c. conditions of life difficult to endure
majority    d. a narrow channel of the sea linking two larger areas of sea
hardship    e. the greater number or part of something
percentage    f. a son of one's sister or brother
boom    g. a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
nephew    h. proportion or rate per hundred parts