Context Clues - Contrast/antonym

Read the sentence: 'After the long hike, I felt energetic, but my brother was completely lethargic.' What does lethargic most likely mean?

• Full of energy and excitement

• Lacking energy or feeling sluggish

• Happy and cheerful

• Hungry and thirsty

Answer explanation

The contrast word 'but' signals that 'lethargic' is the opposite of 'energetic.' Therefore, 'lethargic' means lacking energy.

Match each signal word to the relationship it indicates in a sentence.

• Introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous one.

• On the other hand

• Presents a contrasting point of view.

• However

• Signals a direct opposition between two things.

• Unlike

Answer explanation

Words like 'unlike,' 'however,' and 'on the other hand' are antonym clues that signal a contrast or difference between ideas in a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Read the sentence: 'While my sister is shy and quiet, my cousin is quite gregarious at parties.' What is the meaning of gregarious?

• Sociable and outgoing

• Awkward and clumsy

• Artistic and creative

• Serious and thoughtful

Answer explanation

The word 'while' indicates a contrast between the shy sister and the cousin. 'Gregarious' is the opposite of shy, meaning sociable and outgoing.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Sort these words into two groups based on their meaning: Words for 'Calm' or Words for 'Disorderly'.

Groups:

(a) Words for 'Calm'

,

(b) Words for 'Disorderly'

• peaceful

• frantic

• tumultuous

• tranquil

• serene

• chaotic

Answer explanation

These words are sorted into two opposing groups. 'Serene,' 'peaceful,' and 'tranquil' all relate to calmness, while 'chaotic,' 'frantic,' and 'tumultuous' all relate to disorder.

Which word in the following sentence signals a contrast? 'The puppy was playful, whereas the old cat just wanted to sleep.'

• playful

• whereas

• just

• sleep

Answer explanation

The word 'whereas' is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast between the playful puppy and the sleeping cat.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.5.6

Read the sentence: 'Some of his complaints were serious, but most were about trivial matters.' What does trivial mean?

• Extremely important

• Secret and mysterious

• Of little value or importance

• Difficult to understand

Answer explanation

The contrast word 'but' shows that 'trivial' is the opposite of 'serious.' If a matter is not serious, it is of little importance.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Match each word to the description of its antonym (opposite).

• Someone who expects the worst to happen.

• courageous

• Someone who is easily frightened by danger.

• optimistic

• Someone who is unwilling to share with others.

• generous

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with a description of its opposite. An optimistic person is hopeful, the opposite of someone who expects the worst. A courageous person is brave, and a generous person is giving.

Read the sentence: 'Water was scarce in the desert; however, it was abundant near the oasis.' What does abundant mean?

• Existing in large quantities; plentiful

• Difficult to find

• Clean and safe to drink

• Cold and refreshing

Answer explanation

The word 'however' signals a contrast with 'scarce' (meaning rare or in short supply). Therefore, 'abundant' means the opposite: plentiful.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

Which sentence uses a contrast clue to help define the word diligent?

• She was a diligent student because she always wanted to get good grades.

• Unlike his lazy brother, Mark was diligent and always finished his chores early.

• The diligent worker was praised by her boss for her excellent performance.

• To be diligent, you must pay close attention to your work.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses the contrast clue 'Unlike' to show that 'diligent' is the opposite of 'lazy,' helping the reader infer that it means hardworking.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Sort these words into two groups: 'Positive Traits' and 'Negative Traits'.

Groups:

(a) Positive Traits

,

(b) Negative Traits

• meticulous

• brave

• thoughtful

• careless

• reckless

• hostile

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by their connotation. 'Meticulous,' 'brave,' and 'thoughtful' are positive qualities, while their opposites 'careless,' 'reckless,' and 'hostile' are negative.