Understanding Context Clues

Read the sentence: "The malodorous garbage made everyone hold their nose in disgust." What does 'malodorous' mean based on the context?

• Pleasant smelling

• Bad smelling

• Colorful

• Large in size

In a text about marine life, you read: "The benevolent whale helped the injured dolphin reach the surface." Which context clues help you understand that 'benevolent' means kind?

• The word "injured" suggests the dolphin needed help

• The word "surface" tells us where they were going

• The word "whale" identifies the animal

• The word "marine" sets the location

PISA-style question: Read this excerpt from a news article: "Despite the inclement weather, the outdoor festival continued with modifications. Organizers moved activities under tents to protect visitors from the heavy rain and strong winds." What does 'inclement' most likely mean?

• Mild

• Favorable

• Harsh

• Predictable

"The lethargic student could barely keep his eyes open during the morning lesson." Which strategy best helps determine the meaning of 'lethargic'?

• Looking at the word's prefix

• Using the example given in the context

• Finding an antonym in the sentence

• Identifying a definition directly stated

"The archaeologist was ecstatic when she discovered the ancient artifacts; her joyful dance showed how happy she was." What type of context clue is used to understand 'ecstatic'?

• Example

• Definition

• Synonym

• Antonym

"Unlike his gregarious brother who loved parties, Tim preferred to spend quiet time alone." What context clue helps you understand 'gregarious'?

• The word "brother"

• The contrast with Tim's preference

• The word "parties"

• The word "quiet"

"The verdant forest was full of lush green plants and trees." Which context clue helps define 'verdant'?

• The word "forest"

• The phrase "lush green"

• The word "plants"

• The word "full"

"The diminutive puppy was so tiny it could fit in Maria's pocket." What type of context clue is used here?

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

• Definition

"The cafeteria food was insipid; it had absolutely no flavor at all." Which context clue helps you understand 'insipid'?

• The word "cafeteria"

• The word "food"

• The phrase "no flavor at all"

• The semicolon

"The novice painter made many mistakes, but that was expected since she just started learning last week." What helps you understand 'novice'?

• The word "mistakes"

• The phrase "just started learning"

• The word "painter"

• The word "expected"