Context Clues Quiz

Determine the meaning of the word gregarious using context clues: Marty is gregarious, not like his brother, who is quiet and shy.

• A) outgoing

• B) anti-social

• C) unfriendly

• D) kind

Answer explanation

The word 'gregarious' is used to describe someone who is outgoing and sociable. In this context, Marty is contrasted with his quiet and shy brother, indicating that he is outgoing.

Determine the meaning of the word tangible using context clues: There was a lot of tangible evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, to prove them guilty.

• A) tangled

• B) able to be touched

• C) guilty

• D) strong

Answer explanation

The word 'tangible' in the sentence means 'able to be touched'. This is evident from the context of fingerprints and DNA being physical evidence.

Determine the meaning of the word idyllic using context clues: It was an idyllic day; sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.

• hot

• energizing

• mild

• extremely pleasant

Answer explanation

The correct meaning of the underlined word 'idyllic' can be inferred from the context as 'extremely pleasant' due to the description of the day as sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.

Determine the meaning of the word anxiety using context clues: Emma had a lot of anxiety about the exam, but I had no worries about it.

• anger

• confidence

• nervousness

• sadness

Answer explanation

The word 'anxiety' in the sentence indicates a feeling of worry or nervousness. Since the speaker had 'no worries' about the exam, it implies they had no nervousness, making 'nervousness' the correct meaning of the underlined word.

Determine the meaning of the word stereotype context clues: American runner Anne Garrett did not take up running until age seventy-two. At 80, she set a national record for a half-marathon in her age group. She defies the stereotype that older people do not exercise, although she urges kids to run, too.

• a fixed idea about a group that is accurate and based on facts

• a fixed idea about a group that is completely wrong

• a fixed idea about a group that maybe unfair or untrue

• a fixed idea about a group that is based on my own opinion

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'a fixed idea about a group that is completely wrong' because the context shows that Anne Garrett defies the stereotype that older people do not exercise, proving it wrong.

Determine the meaning of the word voracious using context clues: The shrew is a tiny, mouse-like mammal with an elevated metabolic rate. In the space of just one minute, it breathes about eight hundred times, and its heart beats about one thousand times. The shrew is also voracious. Every day it eats its entire body weight in prey such as insects, worms, and salamanders.

• having a huge appetite

• having a love of food

• having a fear of insects

• having an aversion to exercise

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'having a huge appetite' because the context describes the shrew as eating its entire body weight in prey every day, indicating a voracious appetite.

Determine the meaning of the word resolute using context clues: I am determined to graduate with honor and my friend is just as resolute.

• firmly resolved or determined

• stubborn

• unsure

• careful

Answer explanation

The word 'resolute' in the context means firmly resolved or determined, as both the speaker and their friend are determined to achieve their goals.

Determine the meaning of the word accentuate using context clues: Many political candidates use advertisements that discuss what is wrong with their opponents during political campaigns. However, University of Missouri professor Bill Benoit has recommended that candidates avoid attacking their opponent's character. His research suggests that attack ads can backfire in dramatic ways. Benoit instead recommends that politicians instead accentuate the positive in their advertisements.

• dismiss

• avoid

• learn

• emphasize

Answer explanation

The word 'emphasize' means to highlight or give importance to something. In this context, the professor recommends that politicians focus on the positive aspects in their advertisements, which aligns with the meaning of 'emphasize'.

Determine the meaning of the word boisterous using context clues: Robotics competitions are often boisterous. Watching their creations perform against the others, the human competitors don't hold back from whooping and cheering.

• serious

• aggressive

• very noisy and lively

• mellow

Answer explanation

The correct meaning of 'boisterous' in this context is 'very noisy and lively' as indicated by the description of the robotics competition where human competitors cheer and whoop enthusiastically.

Determine the meaning of the word seldom using context clues: Since professional athletes need to stay in peak physical shape, most athletes seldom eat junk food.

• rarely

• often

• regularly

• never

Answer explanation

The word 'seldom' in the sentence indicates that athletes do not eat junk food often, meaning they rarely consume it. Therefore, the correct meaning of the bolded word is 'rarely'.