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Worksheets

Context Clues

Total questions: 52

Worksheet time: 41mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the movie Maleficent, a vengeful fairy curses an infant child. 
a)
harmful
b)
magical
c)
hated
d)
scary
2.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the movie Mean Girls, the main character has trepidation about starting high school; she has been raised in Africa and is worried that she won't fit in. 
a)
anger
b)
excitement
c)
humor
d)
fear
3.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In Frozen, Prince Hans had lofty expectations for how much control he would have over Arandelle because of his impending marriage to Anna. 
a)
small
b)
shaky
c)
high
d)
lowly
4.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In The Lion King, Simba led a covert life after being scared away from Pride Rock; even his family didn't know he was alive. 
a)
hidden
b)
helpful
c)
loud
d)
meaningful
5.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the move Inside Out, Joy was remiss in her duties by keeping Sadness away from the controls. She later realized that Sadness was an equal part of life and allowed her time on the controls. 
a)
neglectful
b)
cautious
c)
justified
d)
intentional
6.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is very ardent about destroying the rebel forces- some may say it's his life's purpose. 
a)
hateful
b)
passionate
c)
intentional
d)
decisive
7.
Based on the sentence, what does the blue word most likely mean?
In the move Guardians of the Galaxy, the main character was a terrestrial man who was captured by extra-terrestrials and he never got the chance to return to Earth. 
a)
not from planet earth
b)
solar
c)
of or on planet earth
d)
water based
8.
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. 
a)
suggested
b)
explained
c)
proved
d)
denied
9.
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. 
a)
negative
b)
correct
c)
biased
d)
positive
10.
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. 
a)
quicken
b)
agree on
c)
prevent
d)
complete
11.
"The waggle dance may not qualify as a language, but it is a sophisticated form of communication. It's a complex series of movements bees use to tell each other where to find food."
What is a synonym for the word sophisticated?
a)
advanced
b)
mysterious
c)
substitute
d)
unspoken
12.
"Doctors have linked chronic stress to a number of health problems, from a weakened immune system and depression to heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity."
Chronic most likely means _____.
a)
going in order; like first to last
b)
incessant; never-ending
c)
temporary
d)
interrupted
13.
"Those who weren't struck down by diseases like polio or measles were often felled by contaminated water, spoiled milk, or poor nutrition."
What is a synonym for the word felled?
a)
demolished
b)
raised
c)
None; it's the past tense of the word fell
d)
united
14.
PART A
"And yet many kids lack time to cultivate the kinds of deep friendships that are truly nourishing."
What is the meaning of cultivate?
a)
ignorance
b)
a group of people that share ideas
c)
abandon
d)
develop
15.
PART B
How could Kendra cultivate her relationship with her little sister?
a)
Kendra could make cookies with her sister.
b)
Kendra could hog the bathroom each morning and never let her sister in.
c)
Kendra could refuse to let her sister borrow her clothes.
d)
Kendra could hang out with her friends instead of helping her little sister with her homework.
16.
LeBron James knows that some anxiety before a game is useful. It invigorates him, sharpens his focus."
Choose the word closest in meaning to invigorate.
a)
debilitate
b)
implore
c)
initiate
d)
energize
17.
What's more, the news is filled with stories lamenting the fact that American students have fallen behind their peers in other countries academically, and the U.S. is losing it's competitiveness--that we are no longer global leaders in science and technology."
What is most likely the meaning of lamenting, as it is used above?
a)
to regret or grieve
b)
to cry
c)
to celebrate
d)
showing relief
18.
Your high school English teacher wants you to write an essay that argues the positive effects that playing video games has on teenagers. He asks you to be sure to include a claim, backed up with evidence from multiple texts and sources.
A claim means ____.
a)
Take a stand on a topic. It's the same as writing a thesis statement.
b)
Your opinion that isn't based on facts.
c)
A hook statement to entice the reader.
d)
A conclusion statement.
19.
A good essay includes all of the following . . .
a)
hook, thesis and conclusion
b)
hook and thesis
c)
hook, thesis, points, text evidence, conclusion
d)
hook, thesis, my opinions, conclusion
20.
The central idea of a text is ____.
a)
The same thing as point of view.
b)
my personal opinion of the piece of writing
c)
a summary of the text
d)
the main point the author is making
21.

Andy is a wonderful Soccer player. He is VERSATILE; he can play different positions well.. What does the word VERSATILE mean?

a)

many abilities

b)

boring

c)

not skilled

d)

exciting

22.

Britney couldn’t see the school building; it was SHROUDED by smoke and dust.” What does the word SHROUDED mean?

a)

Covered

b)

ruined

c)

bounced

d)

invisible

23.

We thought that Ms. MacNaugten would be very DISTRAUGHT when told that someone hacked the yearbook site; however, she took the news very calmly. What does the word DISTRAUGHT mean?

.

a)

anxious

b)

upset

c)

happy

d)

fearful

24.

Jesus is so APPREHENSIVE about appearing in the play that he has an upset stomach.

a)

thrilled

b)

modest

c)

bored

d)

nervous

25.

The VIGILANT guards stayed up all night to make sure no one came near the castle.

a)

disguised

b)

watchful

c)

superior

d)

youthful

26.

Violence, whether it is hitting, kicking, or punching, is not tolerated at Fanwood.

This uses which type of context clue?

a)

Antonym

b)

Synonym

c)

Example

d)

Definition

27.
We had so much fun at the party! Everyone had a terrific time.
This is an example of which type of context clue?
a)
Antonym
b)
Synonym
c)
Example
d)
Definition
28.

The robber tried to __________ the scene of the crime, but the police managed to catch him.

a)

select

b)

conceal

c)

organize

d)

flee

29.

If you park your car on the _______, it might roll all the way down.

a)

slope

b)

driveway

c)

level

d)

sidewalk

30.
The movie star’s large and beautiful home was palatial.
a)
ugly
b)
tiny
c)
for dogs
d)
like a palace
31.
At the restaurant we were offered a variety of beverages, like milk and ice tea.
a)
bread
b)
silverware
c)
drinks
d)
milk
32.
Slavery was abolished in the U.S. after the Civil War.
a)
outlawed
b)
exchanged
c)
running
d)
common
33.
Pedestrians should look both ways before crossing the street
a)
crosswalks
b)
walkers
c)
stoplights
d)
parrots
34.
Animals live in DIVERSE and varied communities. What is the meaning of the word DIVERSE?
 
a)
very different
b)
the same
c)
weird
d)
muggy
35.

Ladies, please stop the name calling. There is no reason to act uncivil.

a)

rude

b)

crazy

c)

tired

d)

outgrabe

36.

A dog whistle makes a high-pitched sound that is only audible to dogs.

a)

annoying

b)

able to be heard

c)

loud

d)

creating vapor

37.

Jane got it into her mind that she could get out of studying for any test just by feigning illness the night before the exam.

a)

becoming

b)

sleeping

c)

galumphing

d)

faking

38.

Your poster is very good. The drawing really lets people know what our club is all about. I do think that you could enhance it by adding some more color. That will tend to grab everyone’s attention.


When you enhance something, you __________.

a)

throw it out

b)

ruin it

c)

make it better

d)

draw it

39.

I just can’t beat Paula when we play chess! Every time I make a move that should lead me to victory, she makes a

better move that thwarts my plan.


If you thwart a robbery, you __________.

a)

commit a crime

b)

imagine a theft

c)

give warts to a thief

d)

stop a crime from happening

40.

Connie is never happy when everyone is getting along. She always instigates fights and then acts like little Miss Innocent.


When you "instigate" something, you __________.

a)

ignore it

b)

protect it

c)

get it started

d)

check it out

41.

Amy was feeling low. Every business she tried lost money or made only pennies a day. Her newest idea was selling chocolate covered baby shoes. She was convinced that it would be a lucrative business. Her friends tried to warn her that it was not a certain road to riches.


What does "lucrative" mean in this context?

a)

bringing in a lot of money, or profit

b)

showing no careful thought

c)

helping young feet to grow correctly

d)

tasting great with vanilla ice cream

42.

The owner of the restaurant wouldn’t allow Samantha to walk through the door. “I’m sorry,” she said, “but you started a food fight the last time you were here. You may not have ingress to my restaurant!”


What does "ingress" mean in this selection?

a)

the right to enter

b)

a good price for a meal

c)

any food that can be thrown

d)

a kind of bird that lives by the sea

43.

Her cardinal rule is this: Be kind to others! She believes that everything else in life will fall properly into place if one follows that rule.


What does “cardinal” mean in this context?

a)

like a bird

b)

red

c)

not worth remembering

d)

main, or most important

44.

I like that store. All the employees strive to make the customers feel right at home.


Which word is a synonym of “strive”?

a)

clean

b)

fail

c)

try

d)

complain

45.

“If you knew the gravity of the situation, you wouldn’t be laughing,” Mr. Farmer said quietly. He didn’t have to say more to get everyone’s attention.


What does “gravity” mean in this context?

a)

enjoyable, or comfortable

b)

humor

c)

seriousness

d)

a force that draws different objects toward each other

46.

Don’t feel stupid. Yes, you thought this worthless replica was a valuable work of art. But it even fooled a lot of experts. It certainly looked like the real thing!


A replica is __________.

a)

something ugly

b)

a dishonest act

c)

anything that has no value

d)

a copy

47.

“I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my car!” T. J. announced angrily. “I thought you would take good care of it, but I was wrong!”


What does "rescind" mean in this context?

a)

take back

b)

continue

c)

celebrate

d)

repeat

48.

The signal from the cable is too strong for our television. We’ll have to use a filter to attenuate it.


When you attenuate something, you _______________.

a)

get past it

b)

make it be less

c)

take good care of it

d)

watch it carefully

49.

Helen’s attitude toward dealing with criminals has changed over the years. She used to believe that everyone can change and deserves a second chance. She now believes that some crimes are so heinous that those responsible should be shown no mercy.


What does "heinous" mean in this context?

a)

unimportant

b)

accidental

c)

terrible

d)

guilty

50.

There may be some parts of my plan to arrest the thieves that should be changed. But I feel very strongly that renting the apartment over their headquarters is the linchpin of the scheme. We must do that immediately!


A "linchpin" is a...

a)

a computer designed for police work

b)

place where people live

c)

piece of metal used to connect things

d)

part that everything else depends on

51.

I looked at the plans for your new house. This is earthquake country. You need to fortify the frame or you’ll have a disaster with the first tremor.


What does "fortify" mean in this context?

a)

destroy

b)

strengthen

c)

build

d)

shake

52.

David hoped that nobody would know that he was in the building. Didn’t he realize that parking his new car in the driveway made his presence rather conspicuous?


If something is "conspicuous," it is __________.

a)

noticeable

b)

unfortunate

c)

expensive

d)

important