Unfamiliar words and phrases

After reading the confusing instructions for the science project, Maria felt completely perplexed. What does the word perplexed mean in this sentence?

• Excited and ready to start

• Angry and frustrated

• Baffled and puzzled

• Calm and confident

Answer explanation

The context clue 'confusing instructions' suggests that Maria was baffled and puzzled. The other options do not fit the feeling of confusion.

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

• Definition Clue

• He showed great fortitude, for example, by continuing the race even after he fell.

• Synonym/Restatement Clue

• The meeting was mandatory; in other words, everyone was required to attend.

• Example Clue

• The desert is an arid place, a very dry region with little rainfall.

• Antonym/Contrast Clue

• Some people enjoy gregarious activities, like parties, while others prefer to be alone.

Answer explanation

Each sentence uses a different type of clue: 'in other words' provides a synonym for mandatory, 'while others prefer to be alone' contrasts with gregarious, 'for example' gives an instance of fortitude, and 'a very dry region' defines arid.

In which sentence does the word run mean 'to manage or be in charge of'?

• I need to run to the store before it closes.

• My dad hopes to run his own coffee shop one day.

• Please don't run in the hallways.

• The colors in this new shirt might run in the wash.

Answer explanation

In this context, 'to run his own coffee shop' means to manage it. The other options refer to moving quickly, colors bleeding, or making a quick trip.

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

Groups:

(a) Literal Meaning

,

(b) Figurative Meaning

• It's raining cats and dogs.

• The soup is very hot.

• My brother is a couch potato.

• She has a heart of gold.

• He has a heavy backpack.

Answer explanation

Literal phrases mean exactly what they say. Figurative phrases use non-literal language (like metaphors or idioms) to create an image or effect.

Jamal was a diligent student, always completing his homework on time and studying hard for every test. What does diligent mean?

• Lazy and unmotivated

• Popular and friendly

• Creative and artistic

• Hardworking and careful

Answer explanation

The context clues 'completing his homework on time' and 'studying hard' indicate that diligent means hardworking and careful.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• Unclear

• Trivial

• Essential

• Vague

• Plentiful

• Crucial

• Unimportant

• Abundant

Answer explanation

A synonym is a word with a similar meaning. 'Abundant' means plentiful, 'crucial' means essential, 'vague' means unclear, and 'trivial' means unimportant.

When a student says, 'I have a mountain of homework,' what do they mean?

• Their homework is literally shaped like a mountain.

• They have a very large amount of homework.

• Their homework is about geology.

• They have to climb a mountain to do their homework.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'a mountain of homework' is a figurative expression (a hyperbole) used to emphasize that the amount of homework is very large, not that it is a literal mountain.

Unlike his shy and quiet brother, Marco was very gregarious and loved being the center of attention at parties. What does gregarious mean?

• Shy and reserved

• Sociable and outgoing

• Intelligent and witty

• Serious and thoughtful

Answer explanation

The context clue 'Unlike his shy and quiet brother' shows a contrast. Therefore, 'gregarious' must mean the opposite of shy, which is sociable and outgoing.

Sort the sentences based on the meaning of the word light.

Groups:

(a) Not Heavy

,

(b) Illumination (Brightness)

,

(c) To Ignite (Start a Fire)

• Turn on the light so I can see.

• Her backpack was surprisingly light for a long trip.

• The feather is very light.

• We used a match to light the campfire.

Answer explanation

The word 'light' has multiple meanings. It can mean 'not heavy,' 'a source of brightness,' or 'to set something on fire.' Each sentence uses one of these specific meanings.

The coach's instructions were so ambiguous that some players started a passing drill while others began running laps. Based on the context, what is the most likely meaning of the word ambiguous?

• Loud and forceful

• Unclear or open to multiple interpretations

• Specific and detailed

• Quiet and hard to hear

Answer explanation

The context shows that the players did different things because the instructions were not clear, leading to different interpretations of what they were supposed to do. This indicates that 'ambiguous' means unclear or open to more than one interpretation.