WorksheetsContext Clues
Total questions: 60
Worksheet time: 1hrs 29mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out. Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early. What does “expedite” mean?
a)
quicken
b)
agree on
c)
sue
d)
discuss
2.
The election could actually end up being decided in the U.S. Congress. Al Gore’s vice presidential running mate, Joe Lieberman, and perhaps Mr. Gore himself, would be able to vote on the matter. Some would argue that they should recuse themselves, but they would probably exercise their right to vote.
What does “recuse” mean?
What does “recuse” mean?
a)
step aside and not be involved
b)
admit that you are wrong
c)
leave the country
d)
insist on being heard
3.
If you count all the votes in an area that heavily supports candidate A, and only some of the votes in an area that heavily supports candidate B, you’ll skew the results in favor of candidate A. What does “skew” mean?
a)
roast
b)
ignore
c)
change
d)
ask
4.
We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this dark planet? We doubted that. Which word is a synonym of “trepidation”?
a)
movement
b)
worry
c)
enjoyment
d)
laughter
5.
Kathy was looking for a strong but light material to use for making her water jugs. Unfortunately, she chose noodelite. It proved to too porous to hold jelly. A porous material _____.
a)
is good for holding things that you pour
b)
protects you in pouring rain
c)
allows liquids to flow through it
d)
is necessary for making bowling balls
6.
We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you turn forty.
Which word is a synonym of “lofty”?
Which word is a synonym of “lofty”?
a)
high
b)
shaky
c)
small
d)
lowly
7.
No one suspected that Jerry was a spy. On the surface he behaved like any normal citizen. When his covert activity was discovered and announced to the world, we were all shocked. What does covert mean?
a)
friendly
b)
loud
c)
hidden
d)
helpful
8.
The workers stood in front of the factory and wondered what to do next. The doors were locked and the windows were boarded up. They doubted that they would even collect their final pay checks now that the company was insolvent. What does insolvent mean?
a)
hiring new workers
b)
broke, or out of money
c)
changing a name
d)
making too much money
9.
Kim was a very good substitute teacher. She liked working with third and fourth graders most of all. She especially liked discussing important current events issues with the kids. She had expected them to be indifferent to such grown-up topics as taxes and social security. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were really interested in those issues and wanted to learn more about them. What does indifferent mean in this question?
a)
similar
b)
not very unusual
c)
not caring
d)
gross
10.
Mr. Burke stood before his employees. They had never seen him in such a serious mood. “I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that your future with this company depends on how hard you work,” he stated firmly. What does remiss mean?
a)
angry
b)
honest and trustworthy
c)
important
d)
not helpful
11.
Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate. That became obvious to me when I found out how much time he’s donated to the campaign. Perhaps Michael knows what he’s What does “ardent” mean in the context of the selection?
a)
old
b)
intelligent
c)
foolish
d)
very strong
12.
“I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my toys!” T. J. announced angrily. “I thought you would take good care of them, but I was wrong!” What does rescind mean?
a)
repeat
b)
celebrate
c)
cancel
d)
continue
13.
Your uncle wouldn’t even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip. That’s just one more example of his penurious ways. In contrast, many people who have much less money have donated a great deal to the cause. What does “penurious” mean?
a)
very old
b)
very wealthy
c)
very humorous
d)
very stingy
14.
There is a very interesting article about solar storms in the February 14, 2000 issue of Time magazine. It tells about how these disturbances not only affect spacecraft, but can also disrupt terrestrial life. For example, they have even caused automatic garage doors to open in one town. What does “terrestrial” mean?
a)
of or on planet earth
b)
not from planet earth
c)
solar
d)
water based
15.
“Michelle, I’m very upset about what you said,” Rosie stated firmly. “You didn’t come right out and accuse me of eating all your candy. On the other hand, your remarks about my love of chocolate were made for a reason. You are insinuating that I’m the candy thief!” What does “insinuate” mean?
a)
to keep something hot or cold
b)
to suggest without clearly saying
c)
to do something evil
d)
to protect from disease
16.
The lost campers sweltered in the heat of the desert sun.
a)
ate
b)
burned
c)
slept
d)
sunbathed
17.
Each student was allotted two tickets to the dance.
a)
allowed
b)
joyful
c)
taken
d)
fed
18.
The thought of eating a rat is ABHORRENT to most people.
a)
fun
b)
horrible
c)
delicious
d)
exciting
19.
The president is always hoping for _____ support (support from two parties).
a)
Spartan
b)
bipartisan
c)
leisurely
d)
edible
20.
I had to sue my doctor for _____, professional misconduct, because she operated on my good arm instead of my broken arm.
a)
malpractice
b)
fake
c)
psyche
d)
nocturnal
21.
You should try to _____, or gather, support for your your cause.
a)
psyche
b)
intensity
c)
repress
d)
garner
22.
Owls are _____; they fly around and look for food at night.
a)
fake
b)
psyche
c)
nocturnal
d)
beneficiary
23.
Near the end of the semester, students often feel _____ with work; I too, felt overwhelmed with my workload.
a)
significant
b)
subdued
c)
Spartan
d)
inundated
24.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
The post-credits scene in the movie Avengers insinuated that there would be a sequel by revealing the next villain, Thanos.
The post-credits scene in the movie Avengers insinuated that there would be a sequel by revealing the next villain, Thanos.
a)
suggested
b)
explained
c)
proved
d)
denied
25.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the Hunger Games, the people living in the Capital had a skewed perception of the purpose and benefits of the games. They were too distracted by their rich lifestyle to see the horror right in front of them.
In the Hunger Games, the people living in the Capital had a skewed perception of the purpose and benefits of the games. They were too distracted by their rich lifestyle to see the horror right in front of them.
a)
negative
b)
correct
c)
biased
d)
positive
26.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the movie Zootopia, Judy Hopps wants to expedite the process of checking a license plate, but the sloths who work at the DMV take forever to do anything.
In the movie Zootopia, Judy Hopps wants to expedite the process of checking a license plate, but the sloths who work at the DMV take forever to do anything.
a)
quicken
b)
agree on
c)
prevent
d)
complete
27.
There was decorum in the way she listened. Hands folded, mouth closed, eyes on the teacher. Everyone else was talking, but she knew that was not proper or polite. Her mom had taught her that.
What does decorum mean?
What does decorum mean?
a)
rude
b)
quiet
c)
well mannered
d)
snotty
28.
Tris used candor when she told everybody that she was the one who killed her friend, Will. It was very hard for her but she knew she had to say the truth, even though it would mean that Christina would hate her. After she told everybody, the people in unison said, “Thank you for your candor.”
What does candor mean?
What does candor mean?
a)
honestly
b)
sincerity
c)
kindness
d)
sympathy
29.
Ronald hated the detention room because it was absolutely DEVOID of warmth and cheer.
a)
lacking
b)
wanting
c)
searching
d)
bland
30.
You must not be INDISCRIMINATE when you are shopping for shoes. Carefully consider which shoes will be best for you before making your purchase
a)
thoughtful
b)
thoughtless
31.
Julia had a difficult time trudging up the snowy hill with her textbook LADEN book bag.
a)
light
b)
slight
c)
burdened
d)
ugly
32.
Brenda was trying to study for her chemistry final when she was overcome by the SPONTANEOUS urge to go on a bike ride, but the urge passed as suddenly as it came.
a)
quickly stopping
b)
sudden impulse
c)
funny
d)
exciting
33.
John tried to catch his breath for a minute before he attempted the ARDUOUS climb up the peak of the mountain
a)
elegant
b)
tranquil
c)
wearisome
d)
peaceful
34.
____ is what you already know about something, which can be applied to what you read.
a)
stage directions
b)
context clues
c)
prior knowledge
d)
plot lines
35.
When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were afraid that the Indians would attack them. However, the Indians that they ENCOUNTERED were a peaceful and generous tribe.
a)
meet
b)
fight
c)
hide from
d)
ignore
36.
The thought of eating a rat is ABHORRENT to most people.
a)
fun
b)
horrible
c)
delicious
d)
exciting
37.
Petra has so many friends because she is a GREGARIOUS person.
a)
mean
b)
loud
c)
friendly
d)
talkative
38.
Your plan looks good. It's time to IMPLEMENT it and see if works.
a)
instrument
b)
take apart
c)
change
d)
carry out
39.
When her kitten gets stuck in trees, Laura puts food out and speaks softly to COAX him to come down.
a)
never listen
b)
get something out
c)
grab something quickly
40.
Which word matches or best defines the word in red?
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TV's and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TV's and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.
a)
Used by many people
b)
Available everywhere
c)
Very expensive
d)
Uniform or consistent
41.
Which context clue does the following sentence utilize?
The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey-covered homework the student turned in.
The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey-covered homework the student turned in.
a)
Definition/Restatement
b)
Comparison/Example
c)
Contrast
d)
Cause and Effect
42.
What is the definition of the highlighted word?
The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey-covered homework the student turned in.
The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey-covered homework the student turned in.
a)
Pleased
b)
Surprised
c)
Frustrated
d)
Disgusted
43.
Which context clue does the following sentence utilize?
Since Grace deferred her vacation, she was able to accomplish more at work first.
Since Grace deferred her vacation, she was able to accomplish more at work first.
a)
Definition/Restatement
b)
Comparison/Example
c)
Contrast
d)
Cause and Effect
44.
What is the definition of the highlighted word?
Since Grace deferred her vacation, she was able to accomplish more at work first.
Since Grace deferred her vacation, she was able to accomplish more at work first.
a)
Expedited
b)
Cancelled
c)
Delayed
d)
Advanced
45.
What is the definition of the highlighted word?
Unlike my frugal mother, I don't bother shopping at sales or clipping coupons.
Unlike my frugal mother, I don't bother shopping at sales or clipping coupons.
a)
Careful
b)
Thrifty
c)
Careless
d)
Wasteful
46.
Which context clue does the following sentence utilize?
Like the winners at the Oscars, I received accolades from my parents for my good grades.
Like the winners at the Oscars, I received accolades from my parents for my good grades.
a)
Definition/Restatement
b)
Comparison/Example
c)
Contrast
d)
Cause and Effect
47.
What is the definition of the highlighted word?
Like the winners at the Oscars, I received accolades from my parents for my good grades.
Like the winners at the Oscars, I received accolades from my parents for my good grades.
a)
Rejection
b)
Shock
c)
Disapproval
d)
Praise
48.
Jorge decided to sever his friendship with his rude neighbor. What is the meaning of sever?
a)
confirm
b)
serve
c)
clean
d)
separate
49.
The protagonist of Charlotte's Web is Wilbur, the pig. What is the meaning of protagonist?
a)
spider
b)
E. B. White
c)
main character
d)
the setting
50.
The lost campers sweltered in the heat of the desert sun.
a)
ate
b)
burned
c)
slept
d)
sunbathed
51.
The words hot and cold would be considered _____.
a)
antonyms
b)
synonyms
c)
context clues
d)
connotations
52.
Other potential causes are stresses, such as poor environmental conditions or lack of proper nutrition. What clue word means almost the same as potential?
a)
stresses
b)
possible
c)
modified
d)
suggested
53.
Other potential causes are stresses, such as poor environmental conditions or lack of proper nutrition. What clue word means almost the same as potential?
a)
stresses
b)
possible
c)
modified
d)
suggested
54.
These could make bees vulnerable so that diseases and pests can harm them more easily. Someone who is vulnerable is able to be-
a)
hurt
b)
modified
c)
ruled out
d)
recognnized
55.
Tanya loved her dad, but she wondered why she was so organized when he was so haphazard. A person who is haphazard is-
a)
lost
b)
lovable
c)
worried
d)
disorganized
56.
Again they searched meticulously, but no keys. If you did something meticulously, you would be-
a)
feeling silly.
b)
working very carefully.
c)
trying to finish quickly.
d)
trying to find something.
57.
However, without a known cause or cure, CCD remains a conundrum. A conundrum is a-
a)
cost of food.
b)
known cause.
c)
puzzling problem.
d)
cure for a disease.
58.
Mrs. Carlson thought her explanations were clear and concise, but everyone found them to be unfathomable.
a)
hard to understand
b)
easy to laugh at
c)
hard to believe
d)
easy to listen to
59.
Each student was allotted two tickets to the dance.
a)
allowed
b)
joyful
c)
taken
d)
fed
60.
Somehow I managed to _________ all the funds in my savings account buying shoes.
a)
eerie
b)
eclipse
c)
deplete
d)
monotonous
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