Determining Word Meaning

Hurricane Sandy came ashore in the fall of 2012 creating a disaster for so many people.  The amount of debris left behind from the fierce storm was unbelievable. Houses and cars had been flooded and furniture floated on the streets. Docks and piers had been broken up and washed away. Subways were filled with water, and many people were without power for several weeks in freezing cold temperatures. Before cleanup efforts began, many cities looked similar to a junkyard.

What is the definition of debris as it is used in the text?

• soil

• wreckage

• moisture

• treasure

After three long, tiring days, the climbers made it to the top of the very snowy Mount Everest. It was bitterly cold and extremely windy. After taking in the view of the other mountains, and snapping a few pictures, the climbers were ready to go begin their descent. This was the easy part of the journey because the force of gravity would help the climbers down the mountains.

 

Using your text, descent most likely means....

• movement downwards

• ride up

• part that would keep going

• a path that will straighten out

Throughout the state, there are growths of lilies, daisies, violets, and asters.  This creates a home for many insects, bugs, and birds.

What are asters?

• wood

• lakes

• flowers

• rocks

When Wei Yei got a tiny cut on her pinky finger, she became melodramatic, and sobbed and demanded to see a doctor.

What does melodramatic mean?

• quiet

• overly emotional

• angry

• not angry enough

Read the following directions:

Put each candle on a saucer. Have your teacher light the candles. Put a jar over two of the candles. Pay attention to the candles. Monitor what happens over time. You will see that the candle with the least air available is the first one extinguished. Keep watching to see which candle goes out next. Blow out the last candle.

What does monitor mean as it is used in the text?

• a computer screen

• to be careful of

• to watch closely

• to cause to happen

Read the following directions:

Put each candle on a saucer. Have your teacher light the candles. Put a jar over two of the candles. Pay attention to the candles. Monitor what happens over time. You will see that the candle with the least air available is the first one extinguished. Keep watching to see which candle goes out next. Blow out the last candle.

What does extinguished mean as it is used in the text?

• put out

• get brighter

• tire quickly

• ignite

Hurricane Sandy came ashore in the fall of 2012 creating a disaster for so many people.  The amount of debris left behind from the fierce storm was unbelievable. Houses and cars had been flooded and furniture floated on the streets. Docks and piers had been broken up and washed away. Subways were filled with water, and many people were without power for several weeks in freezing cold temperatures. Before cleanup efforts began, many cities looked similar to a junkyard.  (RI 4.4)

What is the definition of fierce as it is used in the text?

• loud

• powerful

• cold

• seasonal