Unfamiliar words and phrases

In the sentence, 'Instead of playing video games, Maria was a diligent student, always finishing her homework before dinner,' what does the word diligent mean?

• Lazy and careless

• Smart but messy

• Hardworking and careful

• Friendly and outgoing

Answer explanation

The context clue 'always finishing her homework' suggests that a diligent student is one who is hardworking and careful with their studies.

The word 'light' has multiple meanings. Match each sentence to the correct meaning of 'light' being used.

• Pale in color

• Turn on the light, please.

• A source of brightness

• Her hair was a light brown.

• Not heavy

• The box was surprisingly light.

Answer explanation

Each sentence uses the word 'light' in a different context, which changes its meaning from weight to brightness to color.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

When my friend said the new video game was 'fire,' he wasn't talking about flames. What is the figurative meaning of 'fire' in this context?

• The game was literally burning.

• The game was excellent or amazing.

• The game was warm to the touch.

• The game was dangerous to play.

Answer explanation

In this figurative (slang) use, 'fire' means something is really good or impressive, not that it is literally on fire.

Sort each sentence based on the type of context clue used to define the underlined word: Definition, Example, or Antonym (Opposite).

Groups:

(a) Definition

,

(b) Example

,

(c) Antonym (Opposite)

• He was gregarious, not shy and quiet like his brother.

• Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are amazing to study.

• A novice, or beginner, needs a lot of practice to get good at chess.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted by how they provide clues: 'not shy' is an antonym, 'such as' gives examples, and 'or beginner' provides a direct definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The desert is so arid that most plants struggle to find water and the ground is often cracked and dusty. Based on the context, what is a synonym for arid?

• Wet

• Cold

• Dry

• Green

Answer explanation

The context clues 'plants struggle to find water' and 'ground is often cracked and dusty' suggest a lack of moisture. This implies that 'arid' means very dry.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Match each phrase to show if the word 'cold' is used in a literal or figurative way.

• Literal (low temperature)

• The winter air was very cold.

• Literal (an illness)

• He gave me a cold stare.

• Figurative (unfriendly)

• I have a bad cold and a cough.

Answer explanation

The word 'cold' can literally mean a low temperature or an illness, but it can be used figuratively to describe an unfriendly emotion or action.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

The director will conduct the orchestra, but first, we must review the code of conduct for the trip. What do the two meanings of 'conduct' mean in order of appearance?

• To lead; a type of metal

• Behavior; to carry electricity

• To lead; a set of rules for behavior

• A set of rules; to lead

Answer explanation

The first 'conduct' (verb) means to lead or guide. The second 'conduct' (noun) refers to rules of behavior. The context of 'orchestra' and 'code' helps determine the correct meanings.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Sort these words into two groups: Synonyms for 'Happy' or Synonyms for 'Sad'.

Groups:

(a) Synonyms for 'Happy'

,

(b) Synonyms for 'Sad'

• Elated

• Sorrowful

• Joyful

• Cheerful

• Gloomy

• Miserable

Answer explanation

The words are grouped by their meanings. 'Joyful,' 'cheerful,' and 'elated' are all synonyms for 'happy,' while 'gloomy,' 'miserable,' and 'sorrowful' are synonyms for 'sad.'

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Unlike my quiet and reserved cat, my dog is incredibly boisterous. What does boisterous mean in this sentence?

• Calm and peaceful

• Small and cute

• Noisy and energetic

• Sleepy and tired

Answer explanation

The word 'Unlike' signals an antonym clue. Since the cat is described as 'quiet and reserved,' the dog must be the opposite, which is noisy and energetic.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Match each prefix to its correct meaning.

• not

• un-

• wrongly

• pre-

• before

• re-

• again

• mis-

Answer explanation

Prefixes are added to the beginning of words to change their meaning. 'pre-' means before (e.g., prehistoric), 're-' means again (e.g., reread), 'un-' means not (e.g., unhappy), and 'mis-' means wrongly (e.g., misspell).