OST_Context Clues Practice

1. The storm obliterated the small village, leaving nothing behind but rubble.
What does the word obliterated most likely mean?

• Created

• Destroyed

• Visited

• Protected

Answer explanation

The word 'obliterated' means to completely destroy or wipe out. In the context of the storm leaving only rubble, it indicates that the village was utterly destroyed, making 'Destroyed' the correct choice.

2. The new student was timid, barely speaking above a whisper when introducing herself to the class.
What does the word timid most likely mean?

• Confident
  

• Loud

• Excited

• Shy

Answer explanation

The word 'timid' describes someone who is shy or lacking in confidence. The context of the new student speaking barely above a whisper indicates she is not confident, making 'shy' the most appropriate meaning.

3. Even after running for miles, James was still invigorated, ready to keep going.
What does the word invigorated most likely mean?

• Energized

• Tired

• Bored

• Angry

Answer explanation

The word 'invigorated' means feeling energized and full of life. Since James was still ready to keep going after running, it indicates he was not tired, bored, or angry, making 'energized' the correct choice.

4. The detective found the letter to be illegible, full of smudges and faded ink.
What does the word illegible most likely mean?

• Easy to read

• Beautifully written

• Difficult to read

• Short

Answer explanation

The word 'illegible' refers to something that is difficult to read. The context of the letter being full of smudges and faded ink supports this meaning, making 'Difficult to read' the correct choice.

5. The medicine helped alleviate her headache, and soon she felt much better.
What does the word alleviate most likely mean?

• Increase

• Cause

• Relieve

• Worsen

Answer explanation

The word 'alleviate' means to make something less severe or more bearable. In this context, it indicates that the medicine helped to 'relieve' her headache, making her feel better.

6. The company issued a mandatory meeting, meaning all employees had to attend.
What does the word mandatory most likely mean?

• Optional

• Fun

• Unimportant

• Required

Answer explanation

The word 'mandatory' means that something is required. In this context, it indicates that all employees must attend the meeting, making 'required' the correct choice. The other options suggest the opposite.

7. 7. The fisherman cast his net into the water, hoping to catch some fish.

   What is the correct meaning of the word net in this sentence?

• The amount left after deductions

• To earn or gain something

• A piece of fabric used for catching things

• A group of connected computers

Answer explanation

In this context, 'net' refers to a piece of fabric used for catching things, specifically fish. The other options do not fit the context of fishing.

8. 8. The artist designed a model of the new sculpture before creating the full-size version.

   What is the correct meaning of the word model in this sentence?

• A small-scale version of something

• A person who displays clothing or poses for artwork

• A set of ideas used to explain something

• A person or thing that is an example for others

Answer explanation

In this context, 'model' refers to a small-scale version of the sculpture that the artist created before making the full-size version. This aligns with choice A, distinguishing it from other meanings of 'model'.

9. 9. The pilot had to bank the airplane to the left to avoid turbulence.

   What is the correct meaning of the word bank in this sentence?

• A collection or supply of something

• To tilt or turn in a direction

• A place where money is stored

• The side of a river

Answer explanation

In aviation, to 'bank' means to tilt or turn the airplane in a specific direction, which is the correct meaning in this context. The pilot banks the airplane to the left to navigate around turbulence.

10. 10. She had to refuse the invitation to the party because she had too much homework.

    What is the correct meaning of the word refuse in this sentence?

• To resist doing something

• To show unwillingness to do something

• Trash or garbage

• To decline or reject something

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'refuse' means to decline or reject the invitation. She could not accept it due to her homework, which aligns with the correct choice.