Context Clues #14

Read the sentence.

The dictatorial boss threatened to fire any employee who did not kowtow to every one of his demands.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "kowtow" as it is used in this sentence.

• ignore

• give in

• challenge

• question

Read the sentence.

Because he failed to turn in the last three assignments and the semester project, his grade plummeted from an A to a D in just a week.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "plummeted" as it is used in this sentence.

• looked like a plume

• descended gradually

• improved

• dropped suddenly

Read the sentence.

The reason she didn't care for that horror movie at all was that instead of using real suspense and drama, the directors went for campy nonsense backed by silly 1930's organ music, overdramatic acting, and monster costumes that looked like they came from a children's cartoon.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "campy" as it is used in this sentence.

• absurdly exaggerated

• having to do with tents

• serious and dramatic

• ghostly, scary

Read the sentence.

Considering her relative inexperience in government and her lack of connection with the Washington crowd, most people thought of her as an outlier who would be unable to secure the nomination.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "outlier" as it is used in this sentence.

• novice

• outsider

• insider

• outdated person

Read the sentence.

As he began to get older and more mature, he started to prefer a more staid and unadventurous lifestyle in contrast to the wild, crazy exploits of his younger days.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "staid" as it is used in this sentence.

• exciting

• dangerous

• settled

• stupid

Read the sentence.

He was trying to make up with his girlfriend after he had unintentionally hurt her feelings; but his poor choice of words only tended to exacerbate the situation — like pouring gas on a fire.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "exacerbate" as it is used in this sentence.

• examine

• improve

• make worse

• soothe

Read the sentence.

Harold often wished his wife would be less ambiguous about what she wanted from him, but rather would get right to the point in no uncertain terms.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "ambiguous" as it is used in this sentence.

• positive

• definitive

• exact

• unclear

Read the sentence.

Even though Sandra's criticism was a bit hard to take, Jada still appreciated her candor — especially because nobody else was willing to say what they really thought.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "candor" as it is used in this sentence.

• criticism

• directness

• falsehood

• unclear meaning

Read the sentence.

A chaotic classroom (where students are talking loudly, running around, and throwing objects) is hardly a conducive environment for taking a major test when quiet and careful thought is needed.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "conducive" as it is used in this sentence.

• favorable

• useless

• conclusive

• contrary

Read the sentence.

Even though every employee needs constructive criticism and correction from time to time, a good boss will never disparage his or her workers by insulting them or making them feel worthless.

Use context clues to determine the meaning of "disparage" as it is used in this sentence.

• ridicule

• admire

• disagree with

• flatter