Unfamiliar words and phrases

Read the text message exchange. What does the word ambiguous mean in this context?

Alex: 'See you later.'
Maria: 'Your message is so ambiguous! Later today? This week?'

• Clear and specific

• Unclear or having more than one meaning

• Rude and disrespectful

• Funny and clever

Answer explanation

Maria's follow-up questions are context clues showing that Alex's message was not specific and could be interpreted in multiple ways, making it ambiguous.

The word 'conductor' has multiple meanings. Match each sentence to the correct meaning of 'conductor' used in it.

• The person who directs a musical group

• The orchestra's conductor raised her baton to begin the symphony.

• A material that allows heat or electricity to pass through

• The conductor checked everyone's tickets on the train.

• The person in charge of a train

• Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides a different context, allowing you to determine the specific meaning of 'conductor' as it relates to a train, music, or science.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

My new jacket is so versatile; I can wear it hiking, to a party, or just to school. Based on the examples, what does versatile mean?

• Able to be used in many different ways

• Expensive and stylish

• Only suitable for one purpose

• Uncomfortable but fashionable

Answer explanation

The examples (hiking, party, school) are a type of context clue that shows the jacket is adaptable and can be used in many different situations.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Sort the following phrases into two categories: Literal Meaning or Figurative Meaning.

Groups:

(a) Literal Meaning

,

(b) Figurative Meaning

• She has a heavy heart.

• He has a heavy backpack.

• I ate a piece of cake.

• The test was a piece of cake.

Answer explanation

Literal means the words mean exactly what they say (a heavy object, a real cake). Figurative means the words have a symbolic meaning (a sad feeling, an easy task).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

To build the model airplane correctly, you have to be meticulous and follow every tiny step. What does meticulous mean?

• Quick and careless

• Creative and artistic

• Very careful and precise

• Loud and disruptive

Answer explanation

The context clue 'follow every tiny step' indicates that being meticulous requires great attention to detail and precision.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Match each bolded word from the sentences to the description of its meaning or relationship to another word.

• An antonym for 'clear' or 'obvious'.

• His benevolent actions, such as donating to charity, showed his kind nature.

• A synonym for 'talkative'.

• The evidence presented was irrefutable, leaving no room for doubt.

• A synonym for 'kind' or 'charitable'.

• Unlike his quiet twin, Mark was quite loquacious.

• An antonym for 'doubtful' or 'questionable'.

• The old map was filled with obscure symbols that no one could decipher.

Answer explanation

This question tests the ability to use sentence context to understand a word's meaning and its relationship (synonym or antonym) to other words. For example, 'obscure' is contrasted with the idea of deciphering, making it an antonym of 'clear'. 'Benevolent' is explained by the example 'donating to charity', making it a synonym for 'kind'.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

After years of training, reaching the summit of Mount Everest was the pinnacle, the highest point, of her climbing career. What type of context clue does the sentence provide for the word pinnacle?

• A definition

• An example

• An antonym

• A comparison

Answer explanation

The phrase 'the highest point' is an appositive that is set off by commas and directly defines the word 'pinnacle' within the same sentence. This is a definition context clue.

Which sentence uses the word season to mean 'to add flavor'?

• My favorite season of the year is autumn.

• The chef taught me how to season the soup with herbs.

• We have season tickets to see the basketball team play.

• After a long dry spell, the rainy season began.

Answer explanation

In this context, 'season' is a verb related to cooking. The other options use 'season' as a noun referring to a time of year or a period for events.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The word run can mean many things. Sort the sentences into categories based on the meaning of run.

Groups:

(a) Move Quickly on Foot

,

(b) Manage or Operate

,

(c) Liquid Flowing

• We had to run to catch the train.

• Don't let the bathtub water run over.

• I saw him run across the park.

• My aunt wants to run her own store.

• It takes a lot of work to run a restaurant.

Answer explanation

Words can have multiple meanings. The surrounding words in each sentence provide context to determine if 'run' refers to moving, managing, or flowing.

Match each bolded word to its meaning, using the contrast clue provided in its sentence.

• Lacking energy; sluggish

• The desert is barren, while the jungle is teeming with life.

• Talkative

• Unlike my quiet and reserved sister, I am quite loquacious.

• Empty; unable to support life

• Some people feel lethargic in the morning, but I feel energetic.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides a contrast clue (e.g., 'unlike', 'while', 'but') that helps define the bolded word by showing what it is the opposite of.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5