Using Context Clues

As the storm intensified, the waves began to pummel the shore with great force.
What does the word “pummel” most likely mean?

Strategy Tip: Look at the clue “with great force” and the image of waves hitting the shore.

• Whisper to

• Hit repeatedly

• Laugh at

• Dry off

The teacher gave a concise explanation that made the topic easy to understand.

Strategy Tip: Think about what "easy to understand" suggests.

• Long and detailed

• Clear but complicated

• Short and to the point

• Hard to understand

What does the word “disapprove” mean?

Strategy Tip: The prefix “dis-” often means not or opposite of.

• To agree with something

• To not support something

• To do something twice

• To stop doing something

What does the word “careless” mean?

Strategy Tip: The suffix “-less” means without.

• Full of care

• Without care

• Very careful

• Uncaring toward others

If someone is acting predictably, what are they doing?

Strategy Tip: Think of the word “predict”—to say what might happen before it does.

• Acting in a random way

• Acting in a surprising way

• Acting in a way that others can guess

• Acting slowly

The word “portable” comes from the Latin root “port,” meaning “to carry.”
Which object is likely to be portable?

• A skyscraper

• A backpack

• A mountain

• A swimming pool

Despite the chaotic scene in the cafeteria, the teachers managed to keep control.

What does “chaotic” most likely mean?

• Calm and peaceful

• Noisy and out of order

• Silent and empty

• Neat and organised

What does the word reconsideration mean?

Strategy Tip: Break it down: re- means again, consider means think about, and -ation turns it into a noun.

• Deciding for the first time

• Thinking about something again

• Refusing to think

• Agreeing with someone else

The student’s meticulous notes helped her revise effectively for the test.
What does “meticulous” most likely mean?

Strategy Tip: The clue is that the notes helped her revise effectively

• Messy and rushed

• Neat and very detailed

• Quick and careless

• Long and confusing

The invention of the internet caused a revolutionary change in the way people communicate.

Strategy Tip: Think about how the internet changed communication

• Dangerous

• Temporary

• Sudden and important

• Gentle and slow