Understanding Vocabulary from Context Clues

1. 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

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

2. Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning! In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

• an itchy skin condition

• funny

• trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese

• with little thought or consideration

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

3. 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 small amount of money

• a tax

• a good job

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

6. 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

• an early flag

• skirts that did not cover ankles

• the right to vote

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

5. 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 _________.

• have strong disagreements over

• blow their noses into

• need to pay for a visit to a doctor

• eat with sweet candy

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

6. Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.

What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

• stands up straight

• peeks at presents

• drinks too much egg nog

• goes back to being what he was

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

7. 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

• like to wear scarves

• cares more about others than herself

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

8. Poor Farmer Chevez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.

the word "labors" means:_____________.

• plays

• eats

• works

• unions

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

9. Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the foremost expert in their field.

What does "foremost" mean?

• craziest

• loudest

• the first or main one

• least informed

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

10. Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!”

The word “extensive” means __________.

• costing a lot of money

• large amount

• having no color

• not enough

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4