Context Clues #2

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season. What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

• stands up straight

• peeks at presents

• drinks too much egg nog

• goes back to being what he was

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

• look for really high waves

• jump into a dry river

• look through a telescope

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a selfless person she is! A selfless woman _______.

• is selfish

• has no name

• likes to wear scarves

• cares more about others than herself

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?

• a large amount

• not enough

• dangerous

• having no known use

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 in the above selection?

• noise

• not changing

• moldy

• unreal

Poor Farmer Chevez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.

• plays

• eats

• works

• unions

It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone for awhile.

• people living as members of a group

• homes with messy floors

• the fastest runners

• people who are afraid of Girl Scouts

Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the house. An intruder is someone who intrudes. To intrude is to __________.

• paint or repair old buildings

• wear one shoes on the wrong feet

• go where one is not wanted or doesn't belong

• be very noisy

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

• the first or main one

• craziest

• least informed

• loudest

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 must always believe it

• you should never believe it

• its hard to understand because it makes no sense

• its believable enough to possibly be true