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Worksheets

Context Clues (Vocabulary)

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Define Context clues

a)

Authors will include an explanation of the word’s meaning through the definition.

b)

the literal definition of a word.

c)

writers use for descriptive effect rather than literal meaning.

d)

hints in the surrounding text that a reader can use to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

2.

Tristin 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

3.

Measles is a childhood disease that was eradicated in the USA 20 years ago, but it has returned to sicken people in several states because not all children have received vaccinations against it. The word eradicated means:

a)

frightening

b)

discovered

c)

completely eliminated or destroyed

d)

irrational

4.

Jared had a burning desire to play in the NBA, but he was pragmatic enough to realize that his lack of height and many basketball injuries in college might make his goal impossible to achieve. The word pragmatic means:

a)

nonsensical

b)

hopeful

c)

realistic

d)

lack of common sense

5.

Even though the administration tried to stifle student opposition to the new uniform code, they managed to express their concerns by carrying signs and speaking at the school board meeting. The word stifle means:

a)

to stop

b)

to sniff

c)

a minor or unimportant point

d)

to encourage

6.

Because she only gave the contract a cursory glance, Dina didn't realize that she had agreed to pay a penalty if she changed her cell phone company within the next two years. The word cursory means:

a)

a sideways look

b)

thoroughly read

c)

quickly, without attention

d)

impulsive decision

7.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


The class decided to exhibit the science projects during Parent Teacher Conferences.

a)

lose

b)

eat

c)

show

8.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


Typewriters became obsolete with the development of personal computers.

a)

popular

b)

out-dated

c)

round

9.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


The large vase was covered from top to bottom in a hand carved and ornate design. It must have taken weeks, or even months to create!!

a)

simple

b)

beautiful

c)

detailed

10.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


She offered a feeble excuse for her late work and they could tell that she wasn’t telling the truth.

a)

weak

b)

good

c)

believable

11.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


Becky had an innate ability to play the piano. She had never taken a lesson, yet she was able to play the most complicated songs.

a)

trained

b)

natural

c)

unnatural

12.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


When Meagan was the interim president of the garden club, she handled all the club business for the five months before a new president was elected.

a)

temporary

b)

permanent

c)

interesting

13.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


The abandoned house was overrun with vermin including rats, mice, and bugs. What is the correct meaning of the underlined word?

a)

mammals

b)

birds

c)

pests

14.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


The new sculpture was 20 feet tall. The enormous, immense figure loomed over the city. What is the correct meaning of the underlined word?

a)

tiny

b)

attractive

c)

giant

15.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?


The desert is an arid and dry landscape.

a)

decorative

b)

cold

c)

waterless

16.

Which phrase from the passage provides context clues for the meaning of the word savvy?


When I observe my sister, I can't help but notice how savvy she is. Shrewd and clever, she always makes good decisions. I find her inspirational and when I am around her, I strive to be as knowing as she is.

a)

"When I observe my sister"

b)

"I find her"

c)

"Shrewd and clever"

17.

What is the meaning of cordial as it is used in the sentence below?


She gave a cordial greeting which was so different from the cold, unfriendly words she'd said yesterday.

a)

friendly and warm

b)

quiet and proud

c)

angry and annoyed

18.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word irate?


The clown was irate. He angrily smashed the birthday cake and popped the balloons before fleeing the party.

a)

"the birthday cake"

b)

"the clown"

c)

"angrily smashed"

19.

What words give you clues to the meaning of perturbed?


Tonya was relaxing with a magazine when her father walked in, looking perturbed and sounding annoyed, too.

a)

relaxing with a magazine

b)

her father walked in

c)

sounding annoyed, too

20.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word bombastic?


The mayor's speech was bombastic. It was full of big words but had very little meaning. The town's citizens left the meeting more confused than ever.

a)

"The mayor's speech"

b)

"The town's citizens left"

c)

"full or big words but had very little meaning"