Understanding Vocabulary Through Context Clues

The storm was fierce, with winds howling and rain pouring down in sheets. It felt like the very sky was angry at them.

What does the word "fierce" mean?

• weak

• calm

• intense and strong

• beautiful

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Her hands were clammy from the nervousness she felt before the presentation. She wiped them on her pants, trying to calm down.

What does the word "clammy" mean?

• Dry and Cold

• Warm and Soft

• Damp and Sticky

• Smooth and Silky

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The child’s antics in the store made everyone laugh. She ran around, acting silly and making faces at strangers.

What does the word "antics" mean?

• serious actions

• silly and playful behavior

• sad moments

• boring tasks

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

The team’s diligence paid off when they finished the project ahead of schedule. They worked hard and stayed focused.

What does the word "diligence" mean?

• laziness

• careful and persistent effort

• off-task and distracting

• fun and enjoyment

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

The teacher asked the students to eliminate unnecessary details from their essays. She wanted their writing to be clear and to the point.

What does the word "eliminate" mean?

• add

• remove

• improve

• ignore

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.4.2D

CCSS.W.5.2D

The street was bustling with activity. People were walking, shopping, and talking, creating a lively atmosphere.

What does the word "bustling" mean?

• quiet and empty

• full of energy and activity

• dark and lonely

• slow and peaceful

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

The patient was feeling much better after the medication. The doctor noted that her recovery was progressing steadily.

What does the word "progressing" mean?

• Getting worse

• Moving forward or improving

• Staying the same

• Slowing down

Tags

CCSS.L.2.4E

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

The speaker’s tone was condescending, as if she believed the audience didn’t understand the topic as well as she did.

What does the word "condescending" mean?

• friendly

• humble

• snobby or patronizing

• confused

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

His generosity was evident in the way he gave away his toys to the less fortunate children. He always thought of others before himself.

What does the word "generosity" mean?

• selfishness

• willingness to share

• greed

• laziness

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

Some people say that ________ are just friends you haven’t met yet.

• peers

• strangers

• coaches

• colleagues

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6