Vocabulary Surge Context Clues

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.

Choose the answer that most closely matches the underline word in the sentence above.

• it is fuzzy and will bite you

• it is everywhere

• it costs too much money

• It is dangerous

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!

In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

• an itchy skin condition

• funny

• trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese

• with little thought or consideration

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while?

What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?

• hitting hard with a heavy tool

• going to too many expensive parties

• speaking or writing harshly about

• voting for a different candidate

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder.

In the sentence above, what does the word "incentive" mean?

• a reason to do something

• a small amount of money

• a tax

• a good job

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men could vote in the United states until 1920.

What is “suffrage” ?

• something that causes physical pain

• an early flag

• skirts that did not cover ankles

• the right to vote

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.2.4E

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.

A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.

• amuse

• frighten or intimidate

• hurt

• educate

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.

What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

• matures

• peeks at presents

• adds up

• goes back to being what he was

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.2.4E

The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves.

Which word in the above paragraph means supplies that are available to be used?

• vast

• geothermal

• obtained

• reserves

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

Using IQ tests and MRI brain scans, researchers have found that the measurable intelligence of teenagers can rise and fall over time. We used to believe that intelligence was static. But now, because of new studies, we know that teens and even fully mature adults can grow more brain cells when needed.

What does “static” mean in the above selection?

• noise

• not changing

• unreal

• changing

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.

If a statement is plausible, __________.

• you must always believe it

• you should never believe it

• it's hard to understand because it makes no sense

• it's believable enough to possibly be true

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4