Context Clues

"Excuse me," she said. "The train conductor told me what happened. You were on the wrong train car." Then she pointed to the large board that had previously mystified Patrick. "You will want to catch the next train to Milan," she said. "From there it is easy to get to Rome."

In the excerpt above, the word mystified most likely means...

• mysterious

• confused

• frustrated

• shocked

David knew that the advanced studies program was rigorous. It would require
a great deal of reading and homework. Still, he felt he was up for the challenge.
What is the definition of the highlighted word? 

• boring
• difficult
• surprising
• shocking

The mummies of Egypt are very old.  So people think the Egyptians had special ways of embalming.  Actually, it was the dry air that helped them preserve the dead.
What does embalming mean? 

• Making pyrmaids
• Keeping dead things alive
• Keeping bodies from decaying or falling apart
• Keeping dead things dead

The garrulous boy rambled on continuously as he told his mother about his day at school.
What does garrulous mean? 

• Quiet
• Secretive
• talkative 
• Exhausted

A portion of the sign protrudes beyond the corner of the building, presenting an obstacle for every passerby.

• becomes invisible

• twists

• sticks out

• reappears

A book jacket often gives a synopsis of the plot, summarizing the main event. 

• grammatical system
• abbreviated version
• combination
• dishonesty

The interior of the building was as murky as the winter twilight with an overcast sky. 

• brilliant
• cold
• gloomy
• colorful

The owner of the famous restaurant greeted every guest cordially; there was nothing unpleasant or unfriendly about the place. 

• coldly
• grumpily
• warmly
• hurriedly

Jeremy is not infallible; he makes many errors. 

• always right
• sometimes uncertain
• rude
• optimistic

When Miss Webster gets hold of an idea, she is tenacious, never weak and changing. 

• offensive
• inconsistent
• friendly
• persistent