Multiple Meaning Words

Read this sentence: There was a brilliant column in the Virginian Pilot yesterday about the election.  In this sentence, the word ___column___  means-

• A.  a tall, slender structure, like a large post
• B.  anything that seems tall or slender
• C.  a line of persons following one behind another
• D.  a part of a newspaper used for a special subject

Read this sentence: That car is still in mint condition, even though it is ten years old. 
In this sentence, the word  mint  means-

• A.  a plant used for flavoring
• B. As good as new
• C.  a place where money is made by the government
• D. A large amount

Read this sentence: The heavy snowfall caused the shed room to buckle.In this sentence, the word  buckle  means-

• A. To bend out of shape
• B.  a clasp used to hold together the ends of a belt
• To fasten together with a buckle
• D.  to force yourself to work hard

Read this dictionary entry: Handle:  1  (noun) the part of something you hold onto with your hand; spoons, pitchers, hammers, and pails have handles.  2  (verb)  to touch, feel, or use something with your hand.  3  (verb) To manage something.  4  (verb)  to deal with something  Which sentence is an example of definition 2?

• A.  The teacher will handle the behavior problems of the group.
• B.  The rider will handle the horse well.
• C.  Please grab the frying pan by its handle so you don’t burn yourself.
• D.  I will handle the old book carefully to avoid tearing the pages.

Strike:  1  (verb) to hit.  2  (verb)  to tell the time by making a sound.  3  (noun)  a baseball pitched through the strike zone and not swung at.  4  (noun)  The act of stopping work in this way. 
Which sentence is an example of definition 4?

• A.  A big storm caused lightning to strike the barn.
• B.  The miners went on strike when the company refused to increase their paychecks.
• C.  I heard the clock strike twelve right as we left for lunch.
• D.  The pitcher threw another strike and the boy trudged back to the dugout.

Spare:  1 (verb)  to show mercy to someone; decide not to harm or destroy.  2 (verb)  to get along without something; do without.  3 (verb) to use in small quantities or not at all.  4  (adjective)  extra  5  (noun) in bowling, the act of knocking down the pins with two balls. 
Which sentence is an example of definition 1?

• A.  The team will spare their opponent by not running up the score.
• B.  Please donate your spare change to the animal rescue fundraiser.
• C.  The kids cheered when Mrs. Thirus threw a spare at the bowling alley.
• D.  I can’t spare the car today; you’ll have to walk