Finals Study Guide - Context Clues

Finals Study Guide -

Context Clues

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.

Strong readers will always read the sentences surrounding the unknown word to look for clues.

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the underlined word as used in the passage?

Although the silver carp was originally imported into the United States in 1973 to help with plankton control, this fish is now considered harmful to the environment because it competes with other species that feed on plankton.  The Department of Agriculture has made it illegal to import or export this pernicious animal without a permit.

• overly common

• marine

• destructive

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the underlined word as used in the passage?

American advertisements from the 1950s have been widely accused of deprecating women by depicting them as housebound and passive.  However, some have argued that, rather than belittling women, many ads portrayed them as capable and independent, both inside and outside the home.

• misrepresenting

• disparaging

• caricaturing

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the underlined word as used in the passage?

The DJ on our college radio station is known for his unpredictable taste in music, sampling everything from the classical guitar to heavy metal to reggae.  When I interviewed him for the school newspaper, I learned that his musical choices mirror his mercurial temperament; our conversation was like few I’d ever had.

• changeable or variable

• passionate or excitable

• creative or artistic

Multiple Choice

Later in the speech, Michelle Obama says…"And today, as First Lady, whenever the term "authentic" is used to describe me, I take it as a tremendous compliment, because I know that I am following in the footsteps of great women like Maya Angelou. But really, I'm just a beginner -- I am baby-authentic. (Laughter.) Maya Angelou, now she was the original, she was the master." The word authentic most likely means...

• true

• honest

• appropriate

• genuine

Multiple Choice

In times of crisis, police officers must appear nonchalant while helping upset citizens. In this sentence, nonchalant means:

• calm

• high strung

• panic

• unconcerned

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct definition for the word in all caps.

Even flies did not move on that SULTRY day.

• cool

• wet and warm

• hot and moist