Understanding Word Meanings in Context

Determine the meaning of the word "ambiguous" in the following sentence: "The instructions were so ambiguous that no one knew what to do."

• Clear

• Vague

• Simple

• Direct

Answer explanation

The word 'ambiguous' in the sentence implies that the instructions were unclear and open to interpretation, leading to confusion. Therefore, the correct meaning is 'Vague.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

CCSS.L.9-10.4

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word "exacerbate" in the following sentence: "The heavy rain will exacerbate the flooding in the area."

• Improve

• Worsen

• Stop

• Ignore

Answer explanation

The word 'exacerbate' means to make a problem or situation worse. In this context, the heavy rain will worsen the flooding in the area.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What is the meaning of the word "benevolent" in the sentence: "The benevolent king was loved by all his subjects."

• Cruel

• Kind

• Indifferent

• Harsh

Answer explanation

The word 'benevolent' means kind in the sentence, so the correct choice is 'Kind'. The benevolent king was loved by all his subjects because he was kind and compassionate towards them.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

CCSS.L.9-10.4

In the sentence "The scientist's hypothesis was refuted by the new evidence," what does the word "refuted" mean?

• Supported

• Disproved

• Ignored

• Accepted

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'The scientist's hypothesis was refuted by the new evidence,' the word 'refuted' means 'Disproved.' It indicates that the hypothesis was proven to be incorrect or false.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Determine the meaning of the word "candid" in the following sentence: "She gave a candid response to the question, not hiding her true feelings."

• Dishonest

• Secretive

• Frank

• Evasive

Answer explanation

The word 'candid' in the sentence means 'Frank' as she responded openly without hiding her true feelings.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

CCSS.L.9-10.4

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word "mitigate" in the following sentence: "The government took steps to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis."

• Intensify

• Alleviate

• Ignore

• Exacerbate

Answer explanation

The word 'mitigate' in the sentence means to alleviate or reduce the effects of the economic crisis, making it the correct choice.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What does the word "ephemeral" mean in the sentence: "The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, lasting only a few moments."

• Permanent

• Lasting

• Fleeting

• Eternal

Answer explanation

The word 'ephemeral' means fleeting in the sentence, indicating that the beauty of the sunset lasted only a short time.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

CCSS.L.9-10.4

In the sentence "The politician's speech was filled with platitudes," what does the word "platitudes" mean?

• Original ideas

• Clichés

• Facts

• Lies

Answer explanation

In the sentence 'The politician's speech was filled with platitudes,' the word 'platitudes' means clichés, which are overused expressions lacking originality or freshness.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Determine the meaning of the word "ubiquitous" in the following sentence: "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society."

• Rare

• Uncommon

• Widespread

• Obsolete

Answer explanation

The word 'ubiquitous' in the sentence means 'widespread', indicating that smartphones are commonly found everywhere in modern society.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

CCSS.L.9-10.4

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word "inundate" in the following sentence: "The customer service department was inundated with complaints after the product recall."

• Overwhelmed

• Ignored

• Satisfied

• Assisted

Answer explanation

The word 'inundated' in this context means overwhelmed, as the customer service department received an excessive amount of complaints after the product recall.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

CCSS.L.9-10.4A