Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases as They Are Used in a Text

What is the central idea of this passage?

• People would have forgotten that Goths ever existed if the meaning of the word “Goth” never changed.

• “Goth” and “gothic” are used to describe things that are similar to the original Goths.

• The word “gothic” is often used to describe a style of building that has been unpopular since the 1200s.

• The meanings of the words “Goth” and “gothic” have changed over the years.

How do the key details in each paragraph support the main idea?

• They show how confused people continue to use the words “Goth” and “gothic” incorrectly.

• They show how people have chosen to use the words “Goth” and “gothic” in different ways.

• They show that people still use the words “Goth” and “gothic” to describe ancient Europeans.

• They show that new meanings have given the words “Goth” and “gothic” more popularity.

For vocabulary-based questions, you should ________________.

• skip the word if you do not know it

• highlight context clues that can be found around the word

• look for prefixes, roots, or suffixes inside the word to help you understanding its meaning

• replace the unknown word with each answer choice in the sentence and read it to make sure it makes sense and fits the context of the sentence

Answer explanation

Never assume you know what a word means without considering the context. The English language contains thousands of multiple-meaning words with more than one definition. You must first understand how the word is being used in the sentence to make sense of its meaning.

Context clues and word parts are your friends.

If you are asked to determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, you are being asked to...

• locate and circle the context clues in a text

• annotate the text with great detail

• correctly spell words

• figure out the meaning of words and phrases

After shattering through the thick plates of glass I began to attempt to rise back up to my feet, sharp pain seared through all of my limbs, causing me to wince in pain with each careful step I took.

What does the word seared most likely mean?

• to wound

• to join

• to cause a burning sensation

• to grill quickly

Among the things that the Internet has changed is the newspaper. Fifteen years ago, traditional newspapers could be found on most people's desks. Who knew that the popularity of broadsheets like the New York Times was about to flatline? Fifteen years ago, those broadsheets did not have to compete with countless free Internet news sources. Even if there were such sources, readers probably wouldn't have used them. They had grown used to getting information from their daily newspapers. The same cannot be said for those who've entered the workforce in the last fifteen years. They have grown used to getting information from the Internet. Those who do read newspapers rarely read the broadsheets that their parents favor. They are more likely to pick up a free alternative newspaper in a coffee shop than pay for a daily newspaper. A daily newspaper seems practically prehistoric. However, alternative newspapers have gained and lost popularity for as long as there have been newspapers. Some newspaper publishers see the current popularity of nontraditional news sources as part of the same trend. Others see the popularity of nontraditional news sources as the end of broadsheets. Both sides will discuss their ideas this week in Chicago. There, they will convene at a meeting for newspaper publishers. Read the following sentence from the passage. Who knew that the popularity of broadsheets like the New York Times was about to flatline? What does the word broadsheets mean?

• advertisements

• newspapers

• pamphlets

• classifieds

The reporter hurried to ​ (a)   the source of the controversial statement.

• hanker

• animated

• unique

• verify

In a group project, Amir noticed that Mashad was "cutting corners" on their work. What does it mean when someone is "cutting corners"?

• Literally cutting the corners of a page

• Doing something in the easiest or shortest way, often sacrificing quality

• Decorating a room

• Running around a block

In literature, a "red herring" is used to:

• Describe a fish

• Indicate danger

• Distract or mislead from important details

• Symbolize love

For homework last week, students were asked to accurately delineate scenes from “The Judgment of Paris.” Afterwards, students submitted a timeline of the Trojan War and a storyboard activity. The underlined word above means...

• draw very careful lines down the page with full detail for grouping notes

• describe, portray something precisely, or list in great detail

• break down, study, and explore

• draw pictures with great detail and creativity based on information gathered