What Is The Context?

It is a sad and haunting strain that met our ears as we entered the old theater.  There was a beauty in the voice we'd never forget.  This would be a special concert.  What does strain mean?

• effort
• injury
• melody
• filter

I want you to weigh his words carefully.  He seems sincere and presents his arguments well.  There is, however, something that doesn't quite ring true about the candidate.  What does weigh mean?

• to measure the mass
• to put pressure on the scale
• to think about
• to be important

Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate.  That became obvious to me when I found out how much time he's donated to the campaign.  Perhaps Michael knows what he's doing.  What does the word ardent mean?

• old
• intelligent
• foolish
• very strong

Mary, of course you're overweight. You eat too much junk food.  Even worse,you exercise infrequently.  What does infrequently mean?

• with a frown on one's face
• at a gymn
• while wearing heavy clothes
• not often

Your uncle wouldn't even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip.  That's  one example of his penurious ways.  In contrast, many people who have much less money have donated a great deal to the cause.  What does penurious mean.

• very old
• very wealthy
• very humorous
• very stingy

There is a very interesting article about solar storms in the February 14, 2000 issue of Time magazine.  It tells about how these disturbances not only affect spacecraft, but can also disrupt terrestrial life.  For example, they have seven caused automatic garage doors to open in one town.  What does terrestrial mean?

• of or on the planet earth
• protective of automotive equipment
• solar
• in or near a pond

"Michelle, I'm very upset about what you said," Rosie stated firmly.  "You didn't come right out and accuse me of eating all your candy.  On the other hand , your remarks about my love of chocolate were made for a reason. You are insinuating that I'm the candy thief."  What does the word insinuating mean?

• to keep something hot or cold
• to suggest without clearly stating
• to do something evil
• to protect from disease

I think it would help our basketball team if we allowed girls to play.  I've seen how Patty has a knack for making the tough shots when they're needed most.   She wants to play on our team and we'd win more games with her help.  What does knack mean?

• to throw or toss
• a hard punch
• a kind of sports bag
• an ability

Connie is never happy when everyone is getting along.  She always instigates fights and then acts like little Miss Innocent.  What does the word instigates mean?

• check it out
• protect it
• get it started
• ignore it

This is a clandestine operation  It is extremely important that no one discovers what you're doing!  A clandestine operation is supposed to be _________

• dangerous
• harmful
• exciting
• secret