Contextual Clues

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. If something is ubiquitous, ___________.

• it is fuzzy and will bite you

• it is everywhere

• it costs too much money

• it causes rashes

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does “esteemed” mean?

• held over boiling water

• very old

• have a lot of money

• greatly admired

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 tax

• a small amount of money

• a good job

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United states until 1920. What is “suffrage”?

• something that causes physical pain

• skirts that did not cover ankles

• an early flag

• the right to vote

As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her. In the above passage the word “frozen” means

• very cold

• visible

• not moving

• not melted

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

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 ones shoes on the wrong feet

• go where one is not wanted or belong

• be very noisy

If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all! Which word is a synonym of "curtail"?

• Reduce

• Follow

• Behind

• Buy

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed. Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?

• family

• uses

• danger

• secret