Unfamiliar words and phrases

Even though the project was difficult, Maria was diligent and worked on it every night until it was perfect. What does the word diligent mean in this sentence?

• Careful and hardworking

• Lazy and unmotivated

• Quick and careless

• Creative and imaginative

Answer explanation

The context clues 'worked on it every night' and 'until it was perfect' suggest that Maria was persistent and careful, which is the meaning of diligent.

The word novel has multiple meanings. Sort the sentences into the category that matches the meaning of novel being used.

Groups:

(a) A Fictional Book

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(b) New and Original

• The scientist proposed a novel approach to solving the energy crisis.

• My English class is reading a historical novel about the Civil War.

• Using virtual reality for training was a novel idea for the company.

• I bought the latest novel from my favorite author.

Answer explanation

'Novel' can mean a long fictional book or something new and original. The sentences are sorted based on which of these two meanings is used in its context.

When the singer walked on stage, she looked out at a sea of faces, all cheering for her. What is the figurative meaning of the phrase sea of faces in this sentence?

• A large crowd of people

• People who are swimming

• A painting of the ocean

• Faces that are blue like the sea

Answer explanation

The phrase 'a sea of faces' is used figuratively to describe a very large crowd, comparing its vastness to the sea. It does not literally mean there is water.

Match each sentence to the type of context clue it uses to help define the underlined word.

• Definition/Synonym Clue

• The journey was perilous; in other words, it was full of danger.

• Example Clue

• The store sold various implements, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

• Antonym/Contrast Clue

• He was known for his malevolence, unlike his sister who was known for her kindness.

Answer explanation

The first sentence defines 'perilous' with a synonym. The second contrasts 'malevolence' with kindness. The third gives examples of 'implements'.

My friend's text message was so ambiguous that I couldn't tell if he was serious or joking. What does the word ambiguous mean in this context?

• Clear and easy to understand

• Open to more than one interpretation

• Very long and detailed

• Funny and entertaining

Answer explanation

The clue 'couldn't tell if he was serious or joking' indicates that the message had more than one possible meaning, which is the definition of ambiguous.

My brother is interested in the culinary arts. He loves everything about food, from baking bread to grilling steaks and making fancy desserts. Based on the examples provided, what does culinary most likely mean?

• Relating to painting and drawing

• Relating to sports and athletics

• Relating to building and construction

• Relating to cooking and food

Answer explanation

The sentence provides examples of culinary arts ('baking bread,' 'grilling steaks,' 'making fancy desserts'), which are a type of context clue that points to the meaning 'related to cooking and food'.

The principal had to address the students' concerns about the new lunch menu. In the sentence above, what is the meaning of the word address?

• The location of a building

• A formal speech

• To speak to or deal with a problem

• To write a name and location on an envelope

Answer explanation

In this context, 'address' means to deal with or speak about an issue. The other options are different, valid meanings of the word that do not fit the sentence.

Sort each phrase by whether its meaning is literal or figurative.

Groups:

(a) Literal Meaning

,

(b) Figurative Meaning

• He runs as fast as the wind.

• She received a piece of cake for dessert.

• The test was a piece of cake.

• I need to run to the store.

Answer explanation

Literal meaning is the actual, dictionary definition of words. Figurative meaning uses non-literal comparisons or exaggerations to make a point. 'A piece of cake' can be a literal dessert or figuratively mean something is easy.

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: Feeling nervous and uncertain about his first day at a new school, Leo was __________ about meeting so many new people.

• ecstatic

• indifferent

• apprehensive

• confident

Answer explanation

The context clues 'nervous and uncertain' point to a feeling of anxiety or fear about the future. 'Apprehensive' means anxious or fearful that something bad will happen.

My sister is very gregarious; she's the first to introduce herself at parties and has a huge circle of friends. What does the word gregarious most likely mean in this sentence?

• Shy and quiet

• Fond of company; sociable

• Serious and studious

• Artistic and creative

Answer explanation

The sentence provides example clues. The phrases 'she's the first to introduce herself at parties' and 'has a huge circle of friends' describe behaviors that allow a reader to infer that 'gregarious' means sociable and fond of company.