Word Function

In the sentence, "My friend's text was so ambiguous; I couldn't tell if we were meeting at the park entrance or the cafe," what does ambiguous mean?

• Clear and specific

• Funny and entertaining

• Open to more than one interpretation

• Written in a secret code

Answer explanation

The context clue "I couldn't tell if we were meeting at the park entrance or the cafe" shows that the message had multiple possible meanings, which is the definition of ambiguous.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2F

Match each bolded word to the description of its function and likely meaning in the sentence.

• Describes HOW an action is done, so it likely means 'done with care'.

• The roller coaster ride was exhilarating!

• Describes a THING (the ride), so it likely means 'thrilling or exciting'.

• He cautiously peeked around the corner.

• Names a QUALITY someone has, so it likely means 'the act of not giving up'.

• Her persistence paid off in the end.

Answer explanation

Each word's function (describing an action, a thing, or a quality) provides a clue to its meaning. 'Cautiously' is an adverb, 'exhilarating' is an adjective, and 'persistence' is a noun.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

In which sentence does the placement of the word jubilant help explain its meaning *after* it is used?

• Jubilant, the team captain lifted the trophy over her head.

• The team was jubilant; they had just won the state championship.

• The crowd's jubilant cheers filled the entire stadium.

• She felt both jubilant and excited at the same time.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the clause "they had just won the state championship" is placed directly after "jubilant" and functions as an explanation for the feeling, clarifying its meaning.

Sort each sentence into the category that describes the type of context clue used to define the bolded word.

Groups:

(a) Synonym Clue

,

(b) Antonym Clue

,

(c) Example/Explanation Clue

• The project was tedious, unlike the fun game we played yesterday.

• She felt tranquil, a sense of calm washing over her.

• The student showed great ingenuity, such as building a robot from scrap parts.

• Some people are extroverts, while others are shy and keep to themselves.

• He was gregarious, or very sociable, at the party.

Answer explanation

Sentences are sorted by how they define the unknown word: by providing a synonym (a word with the same meaning), an antonym (an opposite), or an example that illustrates the meaning.

The artist was meticulous, carefully painting every tiny detail on the model spaceship. Based on its function describing the artist, what does meticulous mean?

• Creative and imaginative

• Quick and messy

• Showing great attention to detail

• Friendly and talkative

Answer explanation

The word "meticulous" functions as an adjective describing the artist. The clue "carefully painting every tiny detail" explains this quality, meaning the artist is very careful and precise.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Match each word to the sentence that provides the best context clues to its meaning.

• His bright yellow coat was conspicuous in the crowd of people wearing black.

• Resilient

• Even after losing the first round, the resilient player came back to win the tournament.

• Conspicuous

• She gave a tentative knock on the door, unsure if anyone was home.

• Tentative

Answer explanation

Each sentence contains strong context clues: 'conspicuous' is contrasted with black, 'resilient' is shown by coming back after a loss, and 'tentative' is explained by being unsure.

After the huge holiday dinner, I felt lethargic and just wanted to nap on the couch. Which phrase from the sentence is the best clue to the meaning of lethargic?

• After the huge holiday dinner

• I felt

• and just wanted to nap on the couch

• on the couch

Answer explanation

The desire to "nap on the couch" is a direct result and explanation of feeling lethargic. This clue indicates that lethargic means sluggish or lacking energy.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

The speaker was apprehensive, his hands trembling slightly as he approached the podium. How does the sentence structure help define apprehensive?

• It compares 'apprehensive' to another feeling.

• It defines 'apprehensive' using a dictionary definition.

• It places an action ('his hands trembling') right after the word to show what it means.

• It uses the word as the subject of the sentence.

Answer explanation

The comma followed by the descriptive phrase "his hands trembling..." is a structural clue. This appositive phrase explains or shows the meaning of apprehensive (anxious or fearful).

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Sort these sentences based on the placement of the context clue that helps define the bolded word.

Groups:

(a) Clue Before the Word

,

(b) Clue After the Word

• The dog was submissive, rolling onto its back when the bigger dog approached.

• Since the trail was so steep and rocky, the hike was arduous.

• She was ecstatic, jumping up and down with excitement.

• Because he hadn't eaten all day, he was absolutely ravenous at dinner.

Answer explanation

Words can be defined by clues that come before or after them. 'Ravenous' and 'arduous' are explained by the introductory clauses, while 'submissive' and 'ecstatic' are explained by the phrases that follow.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

Match each bolded word to its most likely meaning based on its function in the sentence.

• More than enough (an adjective describing 'supply').

• The loud music began to abate.

• To imitate or copy (a verb/action).

• The plan's failure was inevitable.

• Certain to happen (an adjective describing 'failure').

• He had an abundant supply of snacks.

• To become less intense (a verb/action).

• She tried to emulate her older sister.

Answer explanation

By identifying if a word is a verb (action) or an adjective (description), you can better infer its meaning. 'Abate' and 'emulate' are actions, while 'abundant' and 'inevitable' are descriptions.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C