Context Clues

In the sentence, 'The team was jubilant after winning the championship game,' what is a synonym for jubilant?

• Overjoyed

• Disappointed

• Tired

• Confused

Answer explanation

The context clue 'winning the championship game' suggests a very happy feeling. 'Overjoyed' is a synonym for jubilant, meaning extremely happy. The other options describe negative or neutral feelings.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

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

• Synonym/Definition

• Unlike my quiet cat, the dog is quite boisterous.

• Cause and Effect

• Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are cold-blooded.

• Contrast/Antonym

• He was famished, so he ate three sandwiches.

• Example

• She was diligent, or hardworking, in her studies.

Answer explanation

Each sentence uses a different clue type: eating three sandwiches is the effect of being famished (Cause/Effect); 'unlike my quiet cat' shows boisterous is the opposite (Contrast); 'such as' introduces examples of reptiles (Example); 'or hardworking' provides a direct synonym for diligent.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Read the sentence: 'While my brother is full of energy, I often feel lethargic in the afternoon.' What does lethargic mean?

• Sluggish and lacking energy

• Excited and active

• Hungry and thirsty

• Happy and cheerful

Answer explanation

The word 'while' signals a contrast. The sentence contrasts 'full of energy' with 'lethargic,' so lethargic must mean the opposite: sluggish and lacking energy.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Sort these signal words and phrases into the type of context clue they usually point to: Contrast Clue or Example Clue.

Groups:

(a) Contrast Clue

,

(b) Example Clue

• however

• but

• unlike

• for instance

• including

• such as

Answer explanation

Words like 'however,' 'unlike,' and 'but' are used to show differences or opposites (contrast). Phrases like 'for instance,' 'such as,' and 'including' are used to introduce examples.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Read the sentence: 'The store sells many beverages, including soda, juice, and water.' Based on the examples, what are beverages?

• Types of snacks

• Kinds of drinks

• Cleaning supplies

• School supplies

Answer explanation

The context clue 'including' introduces examples of beverages. Since soda, juice, and water are all drinks, 'beverages' must mean kinds of drinks.

Tags

CCSS.L.K.5A

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

Because the little girl was so timid, she hid behind her mother's leg when new people came over. What does timid mean?

• Loud and outgoing

• Shy and nervous

• Angry and mean

• Curious and friendly

Answer explanation

The sentence shows a cause-and-effect relationship. The effect of being 'timid' is hiding from new people, which suggests the girl is shy and nervous.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

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

• Deep regret

• The desert is arid, so very few plants grow there.

• Perfectly clean

• The instructions were vague, leaving us unsure of what to do.

• Very dry

• She felt remorse for breaking the vase and apologized.

• Unclear

• His room was immaculate; there wasn't a speck of dust.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides a clue: 'arid' causes few plants to grow (dry); 'immaculate' is explained by 'not a speck of dust' (clean); 'vague' caused confusion (unclear); 'remorse' led to an apology (regret).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

The artist was very meticulous, carefully checking every single brushstroke on the painting. What does meticulous mean?

• Careless and messy

• Fast and rushed

• Showing great attention to detail

• Talented but lazy

Answer explanation

The phrase 'carefully checking every single brushstroke' is an example that defines 'meticulous.' It shows the artist is paying close attention to detail.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

The hikers trudged through the deep snow, exhausted from the effort. The word trudged suggests they were walking in what way?

• Skipping happily

• Running quickly

• Walking slowly and with heavy steps

• Floating lightly

Answer explanation

The context clues 'deep snow' and 'exhausted' help you understand that 'trudged' means to walk in a difficult, tired way. The position of the word as an action (verb) also helps define it.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

In the sentence, 'The water was scarce in the desert, but it was plentiful near the oasis,' what does scarce mean?

• Abundant or easy to find

• Rare or in short supply

• Dirty and unsafe

• Cold and icy

Answer explanation

The word 'but' signals a contrast between 'scarce' and 'plentiful.' Since plentiful means there is a lot of something, scarce must mean the opposite: rare or in short supply.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B