Context Clues Practice

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and other electronics come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.

If something is ubiquitous, it is ​​ (a)   .

• everywhere
• dangerous
• mysterious
• happy
• exciting

Speaking rudely to the judges is rash behavior.

You really hurt your chances of winning!

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

• an itchy skin condition

• funny

• grown up

• with little thought or consideration

Some people are always bashing the class 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?

• going to too many expensive parties

• judging too harshly

• hitting hard with a heavy tool

• voting for a different candidate

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does “esteemed” mean?

• held over boiling water

• very old

• unable to chew gum

• greatly admired

I believe that if you increase the pay rate at this job, it will be an incentive for employees to work harder. Just like offering a dog better treats to learn more difficult commands.

Based on the context clues, an incentive is

(a)  

• something that motivates a person to do something
• financial reasons to keep more money
• dog treats
• paychecks

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 about
• blow their noses into
• legal issue
• need to pay for a visit to a doctor

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

• A dance

• A book

• A machine

• An animal

Jaki is a wonderful piano player. But Emily is more VERSATILE; she sings, acts, paints and writes poetry, and also plays the piano. What does the word VERSATILE mean?

• many abilities
• boring
• not skilled
• exciting

Tristin couldn’t see the school building; it was SHROUDED by smoke and dust.” What does the word SHROUDED mean?

• Covered
• ruined
• bounced
• invisible

Ben is so APPREHENSIVE about appearing in the play that he has an upset stomach.

• thrilled

• modest

• bored

• nervous