Context Clues and Word Meaning

The air was filled with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, making my mouth water.

What is the meaning of the underlined word, aroma?

• a noticeable smell

• a pleasant or noticeable smell

• the water is toxic.

• the water in the parking lot is fowl.

Answer explanation

aroma means a pleasant or noticeable smell, helps understand the sentence's meaning that the smell of cookies was making the speaker hungry.

After the storm, the streets were flooded, and I had to wade through ankle-deep water to get to my house.

• Water that is literally up to my ankles.

• A small puddle

• flooding that requires a boat to navigate thru.

• ankle deep is a major exaggeration of a little flooding.

Answer explanation

Literally ankle-deep. This is often used as an over-exaggeration however, in this instance, it's literal.

The teacher's lectures were often tedious, and most students struggled to stay awake during class.

• Hard

• boring

• funny

• serious

Answer explanation

Tedious can be serious and boring. It's not hard because you are not presenting.

The doctor prescribed antibiotics to help fight off the infection.

• to provide a remedy/medicine

• To give a pamphlet of ideas

• To give a physical pill or drug to fight off the infection.

• To give advice.

Answer explanation

When a doctor prescribes anything, prescribes is a verb. It can be a physical pill/drug, a paper for the pharmacy and he can prescribe advice such as "get some rest".

Sarah's exquisite dress was the highlight of the party, and everyone complimented her on her stunning outfit.

• different and unique

• fun and whimsical

• It stands out in a positive way.

• It's odd and she did not dress correctly for the party.

The room was filled with an acrid smell, making it difficult to breathe.

• A pleasant smell

• A toxic situation causing people to evacuate.

• An unpleasant smell.

• Fire

The athlete's agility and speed on the field were impressive to watch.

• Quick and Nimble

• Fast and clunky

• slow and steady

• average but entertaining.

The politician's bombastic speech failed to sway the audience, and most people left feeling unimpressed.

• Exciting and Meaningless

• Sounded good so it's probably exciting

• Boring and not factual

• Unrealistic yet honest

Answer explanation

 bombastic, which means using high-sounding language with little meaning, helps understand the sentence's meaning that the politician's speech was full of empty words and did not impress the audience)

The little girl's eyes were filled with mirth as she played with her toys.

• Gold and sparkles

• excitement and joy

• sadness and tears

• gunk-infection

Answer explanation

mirth, which means happiness or amusement, helps understand the sentence's meaning that the little girl was enjoying herself and feeling joyful

The teacher's condescending tone made the students feel small and insignificant.

• sarcasm-verbal irony

• scolding

• making someone feel stupid

• kissing up to get on one's good side

Answer explanation

condescending, which means talking down to someone, helps understand the sentence's meaning that the teacher was belittling the students and making them feel inferior