Context Clues

Read this sentence:

Scientists also figured out how to make a vehicle that could go back and forth between Earth and Space. The next step was building such a space shuttle.

What does the word shuttle mean in the sentence above?

• something that goes into space

• something that lasts a long time

• something that goes back and forth

• something that can remain in orbit around Earth

Read this sentence:

Having such a vehicle would greatly simplify space exploration.

When you simplify, you make something...

• twice as simple

• not simple

• less simple

• more simple

Read this sentence:

Sometimes the power of a hurricane diminishes, or fades ,when it travels into the path of strong westerly winds.

What does diminishes mean in the sentence above?

• gets weaker

• gets stronger

• lasts much longer

• goes away completely

Read these sentences:

One day, great numbers of fruit plummeted to the ground. That is, it fell off the branches fast and hard.

What does the word plummeted mean?

• fell at low speed

• fell at high speed

• stayed on the ground

• stayed in the air

Read this sentence:

Audra was able to console herself a little, though she couldn't soothe herself much.

Which definition fits the word console as it is used in the sentence above?

• cabinet

• case

• comfort

• help

Read this sentence:

She wished she had someone to commiserate with about the project so that they could each express sorrow for the other.

What does commiserate mean in the sentence above?

• criticize

• laugh

• sympathize

• talk excitedly

Read this sentence:

They worked until two rows of cakes stood on the table and a huge bowl of frosting was made.

Which definition fits the word rows as it is used in the sentence above?

• streets or ways

• moves with oars

• noisy quarrels or disturbances

• objects arranged in straight lines

Read this sentence:

"The exertion will make us tired, but it will be worth it."

What does exertion mean in the sentence above?

• bread

• effort

• game

• viewpoint

Read this sentence:

"Wash all the equipment you use so it will be sanitary."

What does sanitary mean in the sentence above?

• clean

• fresh

• tasty

• useful

Read this sentence:

Finally they took off and were airborne, but it was still another eleven hours before they would land in Tokyo.

What does airborne mean in the sentence above?

• dizzy from the high altitude

• off the ground

• into orbit in space

• thrown about by the wind