Unfamiliar words and phrases

Even though our team was losing badly, Maria remained optimistic, cheering for every small victory. What does optimistic mean in this sentence?

• Hopeful and confident about the future

• Annoyed and frustrated with her teammates

• Tired and ready to give up

• Quiet and not paying attention

Answer explanation

The context clue 'cheering for every small victory' suggests a positive and hopeful attitude. This indicates that 'optimistic' means being hopeful, not annoyed, tired, or quiet.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

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

• Example Clue

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

• Definition/Restatement Clue

• Unlike my talkative brother, I am quite taciturn.

• Contrast/Antonym Clue

• He showed great fortitude, such as climbing the mountain after breaking his arm.

Answer explanation

The sentences use different clue types: 'in other words' provides a direct definition, 'such as' gives a specific example of the word's meaning, and 'Unlike' sets up a contrast to show the opposite meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

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

Groups:

(a) Literal Meaning

,

(b) Figurative Meaning

• He ran a mile.

• It's raining cats and dogs.

• She has a heart of gold.

• The book is on the table.

Answer explanation

Literal phrases mean exactly what the words say. Figurative phrases use expressions not meant to be taken literally, like 'raining cats and dogs' (raining heavily) and 'heart of gold' (very kind).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

After the long hike, Liam needed a minute to catch his breath and rest on a fallen log. What does the word 'log' mean here?

• To record information in a journal

• A thick piece of a cut or fallen tree

• A unit of speed for a ship

• To enter a computer system

Answer explanation

The context of a 'long hike' and something 'fallen' points to the meaning of a piece of a tree. The other options are different meanings of 'log' that do not fit this outdoor context.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The new video game was so captivating; I was completely engrossed and couldn't stop playing. What is a synonym for 'captivating'?

• Boring

• Difficult

• Fascinating

• Expensive

Answer explanation

The sentence provides a synonym clue with the word 'engrossed,' which means to have all one's attention absorbed. This indicates that 'captivating' means fascinating or engaging.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

The word 'light' has multiple meanings. Sort the sentences into categories based on the meaning of 'light' used in each.

Groups:

(a) Not Heavy

,

(b) Illumination

• The feather was very light.

• Please turn on the light.

• The sun provides light and heat.

• Her backpack was not heavy, it was light.

Answer explanation

This task requires distinguishing between 'light' as a measure of weight (not heavy) and 'light' as a form of energy that makes things visible (illumination).

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The teacher's instructions were ambiguous, so several students asked for clarification. What does 'ambiguous' mean?

• Very long and detailed

• Unclear or open to more than one interpretation

• Simple and easy to follow

• Written in a foreign language

Answer explanation

The context clue 'so several students asked for clarification' indicates that the instructions were not clear. 'Ambiguous' means having more than one possible meaning, which would cause confusion.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The student was lethargic; he didn't have the energy to get out of bed. Which type of context clue is used here to explain 'lethargic'?

• An example clue

• A definition or explanation clue

• A contrast clue

• A synonym clue

Answer explanation

The phrase 'he didn't have the energy to get out of bed' directly explains or defines what 'lethargic' means in this context. It provides an explanation rather than a single-word synonym or a contrasting idea.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

Sort these words for 'walk' into categories based on their intensity: Casual Pace or Fast Pace.

Groups:

(a) Casual Pace

,

(b) Fast Pace

• race

• saunter

• amble

• stroll

• sprint

• dash

Answer explanation

The words are grouped by the speed they imply. 'Stroll,' 'saunter,' and 'amble' suggest a slow, relaxed pace, while 'dash,' 'sprint,' and 'race' suggest a very fast pace.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Match each figurative phrase to its actual meaning.

• To endure a difficult situation

• Break a leg

• A way to wish someone good luck

• Bite the bullet

• To reveal a secret

• Spill the beans

Answer explanation

These common idioms have figurative meanings that are different from their literal interpretations. 'Bite the bullet' means to face hardship, 'break a leg' is a wish for good luck, and 'spill the beans' means to tell a secret.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5B

CCSS.L.5.5B