using context clues

It was night and the storm was raging. The big ship was tossed like a cork in the ocean. When the captain noticed that they were almost ashore, he saw a lighthouse, shining its beacon in the middle of the darkness. The captain steered the ship away from the rocks and guided it safely to land.
What does the word beacon mean?

• a light as a signal or warning
• a radio transmitter for a ship or aircraft
• a roadside sign

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.10

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

Yesterday we went to an amusement park. The first ride we went on was an extreme roller coaster. The recording at the beginning reminded us to stay seated during the entire duration of the ride.
What does duration mean?

• hard work
• a whole day
• the time something continues

Tags

CCSS.L.2.4E

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

My dad just found out that the company that he worked for was closing down and that he would lose his job. I knew this would definitely add to my dad's stress level. Even though my dad would look for work right away, just the thought of losing his job was a burden for him.
What does the word burden mean?

• something that is heavy
• a worry
• the main responsibility 

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

My friend Olivia practices her violin for hours every single day. She plays in the honor orchestra and her ambition is to go to London, England to play in the Philharmonic Orchestra when she gets older. 
What does the word ambition mean?

• greedy desire for power
• desire for success
• laziness

Tags

CCSS.L.2.4E

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

After m family moved out of the big city, my dad started working on his dream of farming. He planted rows of strawberries in the rich brown soil on our land. He felt confident that he would be able to cultivate the strawberries and make a good profit. 
What does cultivate mean?

• to try to develop something
• raise lots of plants
• prepare the soil for so planting

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Every time I ask my mom to do something, she tells me that she will be there to help me in "five minutes." I have learned over the years that her five minutes is not a literal five minutes, but that she'll be there as as soon as she can.
What does the word literal mean?

• the actual meaning
• using figurative language
• an exaggeration

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

I heard my mom and dad in the kitchen yesterday morning. It was Saturday, so I decided to try to sleep in. Unfortunately, the distinct smell of pancakes came drifting up to my room and made me hungry. I got out of bed and headed downstairs for breakfast. 
What does the word distinct mean?

• the same as everything else
• ordinary
• easily recognized 

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4