Free Printable 8.4b Use context, structure, and connotations to determine

1.

When people who come to the U. S. from foreign countries want to become citizens, they must go through a process called naturalization. The process requires them to file an application, take a naturalization test, and appear in court.

In the passage above, what does the word naturalization mean?

a)

A. a test that foreigners must take before entering the U.S.

b)

B. a test that people must take to become U.S. citizens

c)

C. an application for citizenship in the U.S.

d)

D.the process by which people may become U.S. citizens

2.

Marcus took his turn at the front of the line.

In which sentence is the meaning of turn closest to its meaning in the passage above?

a)

A.You must wait your turn to buy your popcorn.

b)

B.The boy will turn twelve next month.

c)

C. The meat will turn rancid if you leave it out.

d)

D.Water will turn to ice if it gets very cold.

3.

The conceited actress wanted to talk only about herself. She knew she was more interesting than everyone else. She didn’t want to waste time hearing other people talk about their boring lives.

What does conceited mean in the passage above?

a)

A. friendly

b)

B. talented

c)

C. shy

d)

D. vain

4.

Snowmobiles are causing problems in some of our national parks. Particulate matter, emitted by engines of vehicles, is a cause of haze and smog.

In the passage above, what is the meaning of the words particulate matter?

a)

A. particular

b)

B. haze

c)

C. smog

d)

D. soot

5.

A security guard making his hourly rounds at the Smith Federal building in Washington, DC noticed light coming from the building’s back door. He looked inside and saw a wooden box with a note taped to the outside: "Do not come any closer, this box will EXPLODE." Near the box, the guard noticed a large black flashlight. Realizing the potential danger of the situation, he carefully retraced his steps and called for assistance.
Which word is a synonym (has nearly the same meaning) of the word potential?

a)

A. unattainable

b)

B. unlikely

c)

C. possible

d)

D. positive

6.

Nature uses air, water and land again and again. This is called recycling. Energy in the form of sunlight provides the power for nature to recycle.
What does recycling mean in the passage above?

a)

A. energetic

b)

B. returning

c)

C. using again

d)

D. naturally occurring

7.

Mammals share three common characteristics. Mammals have hair for fur. Also, unlike reptiles, mammals are warm-blooded, which means that their body temperatures do not change to match the temperature of their surroundings. Finally, in the early part of their lives, mammals feed off of milk that their mothers produce.
What type of context clue is used to help you define the word characteristics?

a)

A. example

b)

B. antonym

c)

C. synonym

d)

D. explanation

8.

Paul Ancel, an important poet of the twentieth century, was born in Bukovina, Romania. He wrote under the pseudonym Paul Celan, an anagram of his last name. Unlike his parents, who were deported and killed in Nazi labor camps, Celan was interned by the Nazi for 18 months before he could escape and join the Red Army. Following World War II, Celan wandered between borders when Bukovina was erased from the world map. He was an immigrant in Paris for a while. Although he was freed from the Nazi labor camps in 1944, his spirit never recuperated from the horrendous experiences. Celan's most noted poem Death Fugue exposes his need of healing.
Which word from the paragraph helps the reader understand the meaning of the word recuperated?

a)

A. healing

b)

B. erased

c)

C. wandered

d)

D. escape

9.

Paul Ancel, an important poet of the twentieth century, was born in Bukovina, Romania. He wrote under the pseudonym Paul Celan, an anagram of his last name. Unlike his parents, who were deported and killed in Nazi labor camps, Celan was interned by the Nazi for 18 months before he could escape and join the Red Army. Following World War II, Celan wandered between borders when Bukovina was erased from the world map. He was an immigrant in Paris for a while. Although he was freed from the Nazi labor camps in 1944, his spirit never recuperated from the horrendous experiences. Celan's most noted poem Death Fugue exposes his need of healing.
As used in the paragraph above, interned means .............

a)

A. imprisoned.

b)

B. affirmed.

c)

C. clamored.

d)

D. dictated.

10.

Paul Ancel, an important poet of the twentieth century, was born in Bukovina, Romania. He wrote under the pseudonym Paul Celan, an anagram of his last name. Unlike his parents, who were deported and killed in Nazi labor camps, Celan was interned by the Nazi for 18 months before he could escape and join the Red Army. Following World War II, Celan wandered between borders when Bukovina was erased from the world map. He was an immigrant in Paris for a while. Although he was freed from the Nazi labor camps in 1944, his spirit never recuperated from the horrendous experiences. Celan's most noted poem Death Fugue exposes his need of healing.
The paragraph states that "Celan" is an anagram of "Ancel." What is the definition of anagram?

a)

A. rearrangement of letters

b)

B. the renaming of self

c)

C. pseudonym of a poet

d)

D. Romanian version of a word

11.

Norman and Bella knew they were being followed. As they tried to bolt through the alley, they could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer. Norman panicked and wanted to shelter himself in the shadows, but Bella had a brilliant idea. She picked up a nearby stick, waved it at the dogs, and tossed it. They immediately went for it, and Norman and Bella walked away relieved.
Using context clues, you can determine that brilliant means what?

a)

A. friendly

b)

B. smart

c)

C. sunny

d)

D. shiny

12.

Norman and Bella knew they were being followed. As they tried to bolt through the alley, they could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer. Norman panicked and wanted to shelter himself in the shadows, but Bella had a brilliant idea. She picked up a nearby stick, waved it at the dogs, and tossed it. They immediately went for it, and Norman and Bella walked away relieved.
Using context clues, you can determine that bolt means what?

a)

A. to tighten

b)

B. to run fast

c)

C. to work

d)

D. to fasten

13.

Norman and Bella knew they were being followed. As they tried to bolt through the alley, they could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer. Norman panicked and wanted to shelter himself in the shadows, but Bella had a brilliant idea. She picked up a nearby stick, waved it at the dogs, and tossed it. They immediately went for it, and Norman and Bella walked away relieved.
Using context clues, you can determine that shelter means what?

a)

A. a dog

b)

B. a home

c)

C. to hide

d)

D. to surprise

14.

Baking has become a popular activity and a career for many people. More and more home bakers are choosing to invest their time and money on mastering the art of baking and learning new and advanced techniques. Gone are the days when people would buy cakes that were readily available at bakeries. These days, baking is all about making custom cakes that are created and designed after many discussions with the customers. These cakes are exclusive to each client and have a unique appearance and taste.
As used in the passage, what does the word custom mean?

a)

A. fee for imports and exports

b)

B. to be common to a group

c)

C. made to a person's requirements

d)

D. habitual customers

15.

The damage ended up being relatively minute.

Which sentence uses the word minute as it is used in the box above?

a)

A.I'll make a few minute changes to your essay.

b)

B. I'll just take a minute of your time.

c)

C. I'll set the microwave for one minute.

d)

D. I'll be there in just a minute.

16.

A Student Council president is a representative of the students and plays an important role in conducting activities and events in the school. The chosen president works in close association with the students as well as the school authorities. One of the important duties of the Student Council president is to ensure that disagreements or problems in the school do not hamper school activities and meetings.
As used in the passage, what does the word hamper mean?

a)

A. to give a hard time to

b)

B. to limit the effect of

c)

C. to interfere with

d)

D. to slow down

17.

The teacher asked the students to record the boiling point of the acidic solution.

Which sentence uses the word solution as it is used in the box above?

a)

A.As a solution to heavy and constant rains, people in these regions build strong houses with sloping roofs.

b)

B.Jess added more sugar to the water and then poured this solution in the bowl containing lemon juice.

c)

C.Ron came up with a brilliant solution at the last minute to clear the misunderstanding.

d)

D. Nathan spent an hour finding the solution to the complex math problem.

18.

settle \'se-t^əl\ verb
1. to come to a decision
2. to establish a residence or colony
3. to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court
4. to close an account by making a payment

What is the meaning of the word settled in this sentence?
After checking out of the hotel, Amy settled the bill at the reception desk.

a)

A. definition 3

b)

B. definition 4

c)

C. definition 2

d)

D. definition 1

19.

keen ('kEn) adj. [English]
1. having a sharp edge or point
2. full of enthusiasm
3. having or showing mental sharpness
4. very nice
What is the meaning of the word keen in the sentence below?
Chris' teachers often compliment his keen mind.

a)

A. definition 4

b)

B. definition 3

c)

C. definition 2

d)

D. definition 1

20.

gallery \'ga-lə-rē, 'gal-rē\ noun
1. a building for exhibiting art and paintings
2. an outdoor balcony
3. spectators at a sporting event
4. a photographer's studio
What is the meaning of the word gallery in this sentence?
Justin had a clear view of the New York City skyline from the gallery of the Empire State Building.

a)

A. definition 3

b)

B. definition 1

c)

C. definition 4

d)

D. definition 2

8.4b Use context, structure, and connotations to determine

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 40mins

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