Middle School Context Clues

As we got closer, we noticed that a dog was wearing a tiny wetsuit and was surfing with his owner.  It was the most absurd thing I've ever seen?
What does absurd mean?

• serious

• very silly

• heartbreaking

• disgusting

The McDonald's arches were visible from the highway. We could see them from a mile away.

• rising above

• brightly lit

• able to be seen

• difficult to see

I heard my mom and dad in the kitchen yesterday morning. It was Saturday, so I decided to try to sleep in. Unfortunately, the distinct smell of pancakes came drifting up to my room and made me hungry. I got out of bed and headed downstairs for breakfast. 
What does the word distinct mean?

• the same as everything else

• ordinary

• easily recognized 

Yesterday we went to an amusement park. The first ride we went on was an extreme roller coaster. The recording at the beginning reminded us to stay seated during the entire duration of the ride.
What does duration mean?

• hard work

• a whole day

• the time something continues

After m family moved out of the big city, my dad started working on his dream of farming. He planted rows of strawberries in the rich brown soil on our land. He felt confident that he would be able to cultivate the strawberries and make a good profit. 
What does cultivate mean?

• to try to develop something

• raise lots of plants

• prepare the soil for so planting

Every time I ask my mom to do something, she tells me that she will be there to help me in "five minutes." I have learned over the years that her five minutes is not a literal five minutes, but that she'll be there as as soon as she can.
What does the word literal mean?

• the actual meaning

• using figurative language

• an exaggeration

I stopped letting anyone take pictures of me a while ago.  I guess you could call it a phobia.  No, actually, it's not a phobia.  It' an "aversion," which is a word I just learned in Mr. Browne's class.  I have an aversion to having my picture taken.  There, I used it in a sentence.  

• strong dislike

• healthy attitude

• excited feeling

• angry outburst

Double-stunned.  Stung.  Flabbergasted.  No words formed in my mouth

• Joyful or happy

• Focused or concentrated

• Lazy or disinterested

• Surprised or outraged

Use context clues to find the definition of the words in red: "One thing I've learned after being a middle-school director for twenty years: there are almost always more than two sides to every story.  Although I don't know the details, I have an inkling about what may have sparked the confrontation with James."

• Guess, party

• Idea, fight

• Misunderstanding, struggle

• Joke, problem

What's with you lately? You are moody, and taciturn, and secretive.

• Not talkative

• Excitable

• Happy

• Energetic