Understanding Vocabulary in Context

What does the word "symbolism" most likely mean in this sentence?

"You told Baker in that end-of-the-year five-page paper what was up with Esperanza’s dreams and the symbolism of the Mango Street house, and you pulled down a 96 percent—second highest grade in the class."

• The main events of a story

• The use of symbols to represent ideas

• The names of the characters

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.5.2D

What does the word "outstretched" most likely mean in this sentence?

"Between sentences you daydreamed finger rolls over outstretched hands."

• Bent or folded

• Stretched out or extended

• Hidden behind the back

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.K.5A

What does the word "uninitiated" most likely mean in this sentence?

"While you wait for gym manager Jimmy to arrive by bicycle with his massive ring of rattling keys, listen to the grown men around you. To the uninitiated they are uneducated."

• People who are new or not familiar with something

• People who are experts in a field

• People who are uninterested

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.8.4

What does the word "crass" most likely mean in this sentence?

"They’re poor. Black. Crass. Shifty. Steely-eyed. A reason to cross the street."

• Polite and well-mannered

• Lacking sensitivity or refinement

• Wealthy and generous

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RL.6.4

What does the word "shifty" most likely mean in this sentence?

"They’re poor. Black. Crass. Shifty. Steely-eyed. A reason to cross the street."

• Honest and trustworthy

• Deceitful or untrustworthy

• Friendly and open

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2F

What does the word "banter" most likely mean in this sentence?

"And you will hear the brilliance. The poetry. The philosophy. The verbal dance of on-court banter."

• Serious lectures

• Playful teasing or conversation

• Angry shouting

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.L.7.6

What does the word "warped" most likely mean in this sentence?

"You will laugh your way through all of this, sensing that their digs are some warped version of acceptance."

• Normal and straightforward

• Twisted or distorted

• Clear and simple

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

What does the word "prejudiced" most likely mean in this sentence?

"They’re prejudiced against Mexicans. Or soon-to-be ninth graders. Or both."

• Fair and unbiased

• Having an unfair dislike based on group

• Friendly and welcoming

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

What does the word "paralysis" most likely mean in this sentence?

"You’re confused almost to the point of paralysis."

• Inability to move or act

• Burst of energy

• Feeling very happy

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.8.4

What does the word "unexplainable" most likely mean in this sentence?

"You grab your stuff off the bleachers and start toward the door, but for some unexplainable reason you stop."

• Easy to understand

• Impossible to explain

• Funny or amusing

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4C

CCSS.RF.3.3A

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A