Context Clues

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

• tax

• a good job

Some people are sure that the new health care law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.

A controversy is something that people _______________.

• eat with sweet candy

• come to an agreement over

• have strong disagreements over

• need to pay for a visit to a doctor

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The 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 ___________ someone.

• scare

• amuse

• excite

• frighten or intimidate

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet.

To divert is to ____________.

• change the direction of

• affect the planet

• continue in the same direction

• increase speed

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth's crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation's known coal reserves.

What does "vast" mean?

• having no known use

• an extremely large amount

• dangerous

• miniscule amount

Which of the following words means supplies that are available to be used?

• geothermal

• tapping

• continent

• reserves

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static, but now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

What does "static" mean?

• constant noise

• unreal

• not changing

• not able to be detected

Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the house.

What is an intruder?

• Someone who has an alarm system.

• A neighbor

• Someone who interrupts someone.

• Someone who goes where they are unwanted or don't belong.

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.

What does foremost mean?

• least informed

• the first or most reputable

• the loudest

• the least reputable

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.

If a statement is plausible, _______________.

• you HAVE to believe it.

• you CANNOT believe it.

• it's hard to understand because it makes no sense.

• it's believable enough to be true.