Context Clues

In the spring, the trees burgeoned with new leaves and sprouts. Each day we saw more and more new growth.

Using the explanation clue, the word burgeoned in this sentence means

•   thinned

• grew rapidly

• grew slowly

• died

After taking the lift to the top, Doug was reluctant to ski down the mountain. His friend Bob was eager to take off. Slowly, Bob got Doug to try to ski.

Using the contrast clue, the word reluctant in this sentence means       

• unwilling

•  happy

• ready

• excited

The summer heat made it feel as arid as the desert.

Using the comparison clue, the word arid in this sentence means  

• wet

• moist

• waterless

• damp

The sun made the lake water shimmer.

Using the explanation clue, the word shimmer in this sentence means :

• dirty

• dull

• sparkle

• dark

Although our supply of sugar began to diminish, we had plenty of flour.

Using the contrast clue, the word diminish in this sentence means  

• free

• stand

• weaken

• run away

Jack didn't think through the problem. He used conjecture to come up with the answer.

Using the clue, the word conjecture in this sentence means  

• skills

• guess

• math

• logic

My opponent hopes he finishes the 100-yard dash before me, so he can win the gold medal.

Using the explanation clue, the word opponent in this sentence means:

• friend

• challenger

• coach

• brother

Jane was wistful, or sad, that her best friend moved away.

Using the synonym clue, the word wistful in this sentence means  

• smiling

• sad

• glad

• happy

The sweltering summer heat was unlike the cold air of winter.

Using the contrast clue, the word sweltering in this sentence means

  

• cold

• cool

• hot

• comfortable

We were so spellbound at the talent of the singer that we could not hold back our amazement.

Using the comparison clue, the word spellbound in this sentence means  

• disgusted

• amazed

• happy

• ashamed