Vocabulary: Context Clues

"And the best lecturers combine knowledge with showmanship. They can make any subject from world history to computers, leap vividly to life."

In sentences above, the word showmanship means

• dramatic skill

• handwriting

• research ability

• popularity

"Business attire will impress the interviewer..... As the old saying goes, the clothes make the man (or woman)."

The word attire means

• notes

• answers

• clothing

• posture

"He just sat there looking woebegone while I pondered whether or not to help my fellow men."

In the sentence above, the word pondered means

• thought about

• remembered

• forget about

• knew

"He approached the door of the newspaper office timidly, opened it, and stood on the threshold as if uncertain about the kinds of creatures he would face inside.. He just looked nervous and uncomfortable."

The word timidly means

• confidently

• shyly

• loudly

• on schedule

"It was th lie and the deliberate attempt to cheat me out of money that really angers me."

The word deliberate means

• easy

• fair

• planned

• weak

If my mother had mended my pants while the rip was small, it would not have gotten so much bigger.

What does the underlined word mean?

• ripped

• bought

• fixed

• worn

Maria is the most consistent student that I have all day.  I know that she will always bring all of her materials and do well because that is what she has done all year.

The word consistent means

• constant and dependable

• chaotic and confusing

• dishonest and deceiving

• enthusiastic and positive 

There was a variety of foods to choose from at the buffet: six kinds of salad dressing, seven different types of breads, and at least a dozen different desserts!

What is the meaning of the underlind word variety?

• delicious

• mixture

• hunger

• similarity

On a Monday morning, my students are usually lethargic.  While I talk, they lay their heads down on their desk, they are slow to complete their work, and they do not even seem like they want to hurry out of the room when the bell rings.

What is the meaning of lethargic?

• enthusiastic 

• rushed

• lack of energy

• wanting to work harder

She offered a feeble excuse for her late work and they could tell she wasn't telling the truth.

• truthful

• weak

• excellent

• unhealthy