Context Clues - Contrast/antonym

My dog is quite docile, unlike my friend's hyperactive puppy. Based on this contrast, what does docile most likely mean?

• calm and easy to manage

• loud and energetic

• small and fluffy

• very smart

Answer explanation

The word 'unlike' signals a contrast. Since the puppy is 'hyperactive' (energetic), 'docile' must mean the opposite, which is calm and easy to manage.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Match each contrast signal word to its primary function in a sentence.

• Introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous one

• but

• Shows a direct comparison of two different things

• unlike

• Connects two opposite ideas within one sentence

• however

Answer explanation

'But' joins contrasting clauses, 'unlike' highlights a difference between two nouns, and 'however' is a transition word that signals an opposing idea.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Which of these words most often signals a contrast or an opposite idea in a sentence?

• because

• and

• although

• also

Answer explanation

'Although' is a conjunction used to introduce a clause that expresses a contrast with the main clause. 'Because' shows a reason, while 'and' and 'also' add similar information.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Sort the sentences into two categories based on the type of context clue used for the bolded word: "Uses a Contrast Clue" or "Uses a Definition Clue".

Groups:

(a) Uses a Contrast Clue

,

(b) Uses a Definition Clue

• He was gregarious, which means he was very sociable.

• The journey was perilous, or dangerous.

• The path was perilous, unlike the safe road we took yesterday.

• She is gregarious, but her brother is shy.

Answer explanation

Sentences with 'unlike' and 'but' show a contrast to give clues about the word's meaning. Sentences with 'which means' and 'or' provide a direct definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The old flip phone was obsolete, but the new smartphone had all the latest features. What does obsolete mean?

• out of date

• expensive

• popular

• brand new

Answer explanation

The word 'but' creates a contrast between the 'obsolete' old phone and the 'new' phone with 'latest features'. Therefore, obsolete must mean the opposite of new and modern, which is out of date.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Which sentence uses a contrast clue to help a reader understand the meaning of lethargic?

• After a good night's sleep, he was energetic, not lethargic.

• He felt lethargic, or slow and sluggish, after the big meal.

• His lethargic movements showed he was tired.

• Lethargic means lacking energy.

Answer explanation

This sentence directly contrasts 'energetic' with 'lethargic' using the word 'not', allowing the reader to infer that lethargic is the opposite of energetic. The other options provide a definition or an example, not a contrast.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The sentences below use contrast to define the bolded word. Match each bolded word to its antonym used as a clue.

• reckless

• Her point was trivial, unlike the main argument which was very important.

• scarce

• He was cautious, whereas his friend was reckless.

• important

• Water was abundant, not scarce.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides a direct antonym. 'Abundant' is the opposite of 'scarce', 'trivial' is the opposite of 'important', and 'cautious' is the opposite of 'reckless'.

I expected the video game's final level to be easy, but it turned out to be quite arduous. Based on the context, what does arduous mean?

• difficult and requiring a lot of effort

• fun and exciting

• short and quick

• simple and straightforward

Answer explanation

The word 'but' signals that 'arduous' is the opposite of 'easy'. Therefore, 'arduous' means difficult and requiring a lot of effort.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Read the sentence below. While Maria remained **optimistic** about the team's chances of winning, her brother was far more **pessimistic**, certain they were going to lose. Based on the contrast clue in the sentence, what does the word **pessimistic** most likely mean?

• Hopeful and confident about the future

• Tending to see the worst side of things or believe the worst will happen

• Not interested or concerned about the outcome

• Excited and energetic about the competition

Answer explanation

The sentence uses the word 'while' to create a contrast between Maria's optimistic attitude and her brother's pessimistic one. Since 'optimistic' means hopeful, the context clue tells us that 'pessimistic' must be the opposite, meaning someone who expects the worst.

In the sentence, "The desert is barren; however, the oasis is lush and green," which word is the primary antonym clue?

• however

• barren

• lush

• and

Answer explanation

The word 'however' is a transition word that signals a contrast between the idea of the desert being 'barren' and the oasis being 'lush and green'.