Context Clues

Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!

In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

• a. an itchy skin condition

• b. funny

• c. trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese

• d. with little thought or consideration

Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while?

What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?

• a. hitting hard with a heavy tool

• b. going to too many expensive parties

• c. speaking or writing harshly about

• d. voting for a different candidate

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research.

What does “esteemed” mean?

• a. held over boiling water

• b. very old

• c. unable to chew gum

• d. 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. a reason to do something

• b. a small amount of money

• c. a tax

• d. 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” ?

• a. something that causes physical pain

• b. an early flag

• c. skirts that did not cover ankles

• d. the right to vote

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 _______.

• a. have strong disagreements over

• b. blow their noses into

• c. need to pay for a visit to a doctor

• d. eat with sweet candy

Removing seeds from cotton plants was a slow job until Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.

What is a cotton gin?

• a. a drink

• b. a book

• c. a machine

• d. a cloth

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.

• a. tickle

• b. amuse

• c. lose or misplace

• d. frighten or intimidate

The original Pilgrims called themselves the “Saints” and referred to others who joined with them for the voyage as the “Strangers.”

In this context, “original” means _______.

• a. one of a kind

• b. first

• c. humorous

• d. musical

The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact.

The Compact was _______.

• a. a container for makeup

• b. a small item

• c. a machine used for mashing corn

• d. an agreement