Context Clues

In the sentence, 'The teacher's instructions were ambiguous, so nobody knew exactly what to do,' what does ambiguous mean?

• Very loud and clear

• Unclear or having more than one meaning

• Written in a different language

• Helpful and detailed

Answer explanation

The context clue 'so nobody knew exactly what to do' shows that the instructions were confusing or unclear. Therefore, 'ambiguous' means unclear.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2F

Match each clue word to the type of context clue it signals.

• Example (gives a specific instance)

• for example, such as, including

• Cause and Effect (shows a reason/result)

• but, unlike, however

• Contrast (shows a difference)

• because, so, as a result

Answer explanation

These words signal specific relationships: 'but' signals a contrast, 'for example' introduces an example, and 'because' indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

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

• Quiet and reserved

• Sociable and outgoing

• Athletic and strong

• Smart and studious

Answer explanation

The contrast clue 'Unlike his shy brother' indicates that 'gregarious' is the opposite of shy. The phrase 'loved being the center of attention' further supports that it means sociable.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Sort these sentences by the type of context clue used to define the bolded word: Synonym, Antonym, or Example.

Groups:

(a) Synonym

,

(b) Antonym

,

(c) Example

• While my dog is quite active, my cat is mostly lethargic.

• The journey was perilous; it was a very dangerous trip through the mountains.

• Some celestial bodies, such as the Sun and stars, are visible from Earth.

Answer explanation

The first sentence uses 'dangerous' as a synonym for 'perilous'. The second uses 'such as' to give examples of 'celestial bodies'. The third uses 'while' to contrast 'active' with 'lethargic'.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

My uncle loves all things culinary, such as cooking, baking, and creating new recipes. What does culinary mean?

• Related to sports

• Related to reading

• Related to food and cooking

• Related to building things

Answer explanation

The context clue 'such as cooking, baking, and creating new recipes' provides examples that all relate to food. Therefore, 'culinary' is related to food and cooking.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

Match each word to its definition, using the context from the sentence it could appear in.

• In short supply; rare

• ecstatic (She was ecstatic to win the first-place prize.)

• Hard-working and careful

• diligent (A diligent student always finishes their homework.)

• Extremely happy and excited

• scarce (During the drought, water became very scarce.)

Answer explanation

A 'diligent' student is hard-working. Being 'ecstatic' is feeling extremely happy. When water is 'scarce,' it is rare or in short supply.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The elephant was massive; the huge animal could barely fit through the gate. Which word in the sentence is a synonym clue for massive?

• elephant

• huge

• gate

• barely

Answer explanation

The sentence restates the idea of the elephant being 'massive' by calling it a 'huge animal.' 'Huge' is a synonym for 'massive' and serves as a context clue.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

In the sentence 'The cheetah ran swiftly,' what is the function of the word swiftly?

• It names the animal.

• It describes how the cheetah ran.

• It tells where the cheetah ran.

• It is the action the cheetah did.

Answer explanation

The position of 'swiftly' after the verb 'ran' shows that it is an adverb describing the action. It answers the question 'How did it run?'

Tags

CCSS.L.5.6

CCSS.L.6.2B

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.2B

CCSS.L.8.2C

Group these sentences based on whether they use a 'Contrast Clue' or an 'Example Clue' to explain the bolded word.

Groups:

(a) Contrast Clue

,

(b) Example Clue

• My brother is talkative, but I am rather taciturn.

• He had many beverages, including juice, water, and milk.

• Unlike the smooth rock, the tree bark was very coarse.

Answer explanation

The sentences with 'unlike' and 'but' show a contrast to define the word. The sentence with 'including' gives examples to define the word.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

As a novice driver, he was nervous about driving on the highway for the first time. What does novice mean?

• An expert with a lot of experience

• A person who is new to an activity; a beginner

• Someone who is calm and relaxed

• A professional who teaches others

Answer explanation

The context that he was 'nervous about driving... for the first time' suggests that he is new to driving. Therefore, a 'novice' is a beginner.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C