Middle School Context Clues

I think that all students would benefit from having recess every day. There are many advantages, such as focusing on class work better, fewer kids running in the hallway, and improved behavior overall. Plus, who doesn’t love going outside for some fresh air? What is the meaning of the word benefit in the paragraph?

• gain

• fundraiser

• be damaged

• love

I think that all students would benefit from having recess every day. There are many advantages, such as focusing on class work better, fewer kids running in the hallway, and improved behavior overall. Plus, who doesn’t love going outside for some fresh air?

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of benefit?

• every day

• some fresh air

• many advatages

• running in the hallway

The D.J. hadn’t shown up yet. There were several leaks in the cafeteria ceiling letting in constant drops of rainwater. The decorations kept falling off of the walls. The dance was supposed to start in 20 minutes. Alexis, the head of the dance planning committee, was almost in tears. “This night is a mess,” she thought to herself. “It’s an absolute catastrophe!” What is the meaning of the word catastrophe in the paragraph?

• celebration

• event that causes change

• disaster

• funny story

The D.J. hadn’t shown up yet. There were several leaks in the cafeteria ceiling letting in constant drops of rainwater. The decorations kept falling off of the walls. The dance was supposed to start in 20 minutes. Alexis, the head of the dance planning committee, was almost in tears. “This night is a mess,” she thought to herself. “It’s an absolute catastrophe!”

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of catastrophe?

• almost in tears

• is a mess

• thought to herself

• supposed to start in 20 minutes

The mayor had gathered all of the townspeople of Mayberry into the town square. “Citizens of this great city,” she began, “we have a serious problem that we need to address as a town.” A murmur went through the crowd. Everyone knew what she was talking about; raccoons had taken over city hall.

What is the meaning of the word citizens in the paragraph?

• strangers

• wild animals

• buildings

• inhabitants

The mayor had gathered all of the townspeople of Mayberry into the town square. “Citizens of this great city,” she began, “we have a serious problem that we need to address as a town.” A murmur went through the crowd. Everyone knew what she was talking about; raccoons had taken over city hall. Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of citizens?

• we have a serious problem

• a murmur went through the crowd

• townspeople of Mayberry

• racoons had taken over

As I slowly, carefully descended the steep, treacherous mountain, the anxiety that had been hanging over me like a dark cloud slowly began to disintegrate. I had been lost in the wilderness for almost a week with little food to eat and only small, half-frozen streams from which to drink. With every step I took, I was getting closer and closer to civilization. I would soon be in the town I had spotted from the mountain’s peak, able to sleep in a real bed and eat something other than trail mix and beef jerky. What is the meaning of the word civilization in the paragraph?

• disaster

• comfort of modern life

• politeness

• a destination

As I slowly, carefully descended the steep, treacherous mountain, the anxiety that had been hanging over me like a dark cloud slowly began to disintegrate. I had been lost in the wilderness for almost a week with little food to eat and only small, half-frozen streams from which to drink. With every step I took, I was getting closer and closer to civilization. I would soon be in the town I had spotted from the mountain’s peak, able to sleep in a real bed and eat something other than trail mix and beef jerky. Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of civilization?

• able to sleep in a real bed

• closer and closer

• half-frozen streams

• •with every step I took

Addie thought she had prepared herself for the math test; she had studied all week. She expected a high grade on the exam. But she couldn’t anticipate what her teacher would ask for the last question; who would have predicted that Mr. Butler would ask them to add together the number of words in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? What is the meaning of the word anticipate in the paragraph?

• be against something

• misunderstand

• be aware of

• look forward to

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