Context Clues

1.No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. If something is ubiquitous,

•  it is fuzzy and will bite you
• it is everywhere
• it costs too much money
• it causes rashes

Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning! In the above context, what does “rash” mean? 

• an itchy skin condition
• funny and silly
• trying to hide a piece of cheese
• with little thought or consideration

Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while? What does “bashing” mean in the above selection? 

• hitting hard with a heavy tool
• going to too many parties
• speaking or writing harshly about
• voting for a different candidate

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does “esteemed” mean? 

• held over boiling water
• very old
• unable to chew gum
• greatly admired

I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder. What is the meaning of “incentive”? 

• a reason to do something
• a small amount of money
• a tax
• a good job

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United States until 1920. What is “suffrage” ? a.  b. c.  d. 

• something that causes pain
• an early flag 
• skirts that did not cover ankles
• the right to vote

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. A group of Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers. A daunting task is one that would 

• tickle
• amuse
• lose or misplace 
• frighten or intimidate

When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe. To encounter, is to

• meet
• note how many
• fight 
• exchange text messages

 As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her. In the above passage, the word “frozen” means 

• very cold
• visible
• not moving
• not melted

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurtling into our planet. To divert is to

• change the direction of
• look for really high waves
• jump into a dry river
• look through a telescope