Using Context Clues to Figure Out Unknown Words

Her mom told her to be careful how she handled the knife, because of its fine edge.

What does fine mean? 

• strong 

• neat 

• healthy 

• sharp 

The vendor made a handsome profit on Sunday, because the goods she sold were in great demand. 

What does handsome mean in this passage? 

• fair 

• good looking 

• pretty 

• abundant 

When she smiled and nodded at me, I knew that she had comprehended my words. 

What does comprehended mean? 

• understood 

• felt 

• realized 

• recognized 

The plan he gave me had never been carried out. It was quite a perilous undertaking that was full of risks.

What does perilous mean? 

• massive 

• dangerous 

• strange 

• famous 

About five miles from here, the two rivers merge to form one large river. 

What does merge mean? 

• run 

• seperate 

• meet 

• rush 

Jennifer is an amiable person; she has many friends and gets along well with everyone.

What does amiable mean? 

• carefree 

• devoted 

• good natured 

• sensible 

It amazed him that so much noise could come out of such small, weak creatures. 

In this passage, what does amazed mean? 

• pleased 

• surprised 

• disturbed 

• worried 

Many countries do not make sufficient use of their natural resources which include forests, rivers, mines, oil wells, copper and asphalt. 

What are resources in this passage?  

• wealth 

• supplies 

• ideas 

• devices 

Many farmers are exposed to the dangers of lethal insecticides. Those who spray plants without adequate protection have been know to die from the effects.

What does lethal mean? 

• dangerous 

• effective 

• deadly 

• serious 

Doctors have warned heart patients not to use certain foods that have been processed. They contatin chemicals that are dangerous to health.

What does processed mean in this passage? 

• stored 

• rated 

• developed 

• treated