What are context clues?

In this example, what do you think "crescendo" means?

During the song's crescendo, the part where the music gets louder, the trumpets can be heard over the singer's voice.

In this example, what do you think "facet" means?

Blake studied every facet of the statue, and every part of it impressed him.

My father's favorite SALUTATION is "Howdy, friend!"

What are context clues?

Since I feel like they are my best feature, I use black eye liner and shimmery light brown eye shadow to accentuate my blue eyes.

What does accentuate mean as it is used in this sentence?

The football player was a voracious eater who could easily eat three large pizzas at dinner.

What does voracious mean as it is used in this sentence?

Some people are always bashing the class president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while?

What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?

Speaking rudely to the judges is rash behavior.

You really hurt your chances of winning!

In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does “esteemed” mean?

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed.

Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?

1. As it neared lunch time, the strong smell of pizza drifted down the hallway, quickly making our class hungry. This was probably due to the fact that out classroom was adjacent to the cafeteria; we were always the first ones in line for lunch.

What is the meaning of the word adjacent in the paragraph?

As someone who is frequently the new kid in a school, I have learned to adapt to new situations quickly. Sometimes it’s hard to adjust to new classrooms, teachers, and middle-school social orders, but I’ve gotten really proficient at it over the years. After a few weeks, no one even remembers that I’m the new kid.

What is the meaning of the word adapt in the paragraph?

People who work with statistics, or statisticians, often have to analyze large sets of data, looking closely for trends among numbers. Using mathematical techniques, they interpret patterns that explain the world around them. This can help them solve problems in many real world fields like business or government.

What is the meaning of the word analyze in the paragraph?

Addie thought she had prepared herself for the math test; she had studied all week. She expected a high grade on the exam. But she couldn’t anticipate what her teacher would ask for the last question; who would have predicted that Mr. Butler would ask them to add together the number of words in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?

What is the meaning of the word anticipate in the paragraph?

The class sat nervously as our teacher paced in front of us, obviously angry. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, she spoke. “To say that I am disappointed is an understatement,” she fumed. “Though I know that some of you maintained your correct, appropriate behavior for the substitute, the majority of you chose to forget the classroom rules.”

What is the meaning of the word appropriate in the paragraph?

The D.J. hadn’t shown up yet. There were several leaks in the cafeteria ceiling letting in constant drops of rainwater. The decorations kept falling off of the walls. The dance was supposed to start in 20 minutes. Alexis, the head of the dance planning committee, was almost in tears. “This night is a mess,” she thought to herself. “It’s an absolute catastrophe!”

What is the meaning of the word catastrophe in the paragraph?

I think that all students would benefit from having recess every day. There are many advantages, such as focusing on class work better, fewer kids running in the hallway, and improved behavior overall. Plus, who doesn’t love going outside for some fresh air?

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of benefit?

The D.J. hadn’t shown up yet. There were several leaks in the cafeteria ceiling letting in constant drops of rainwater. The decorations kept falling off of the walls. The dance was supposed to start in 20 minutes. Alexis, the head of the dance planning committee, was almost in tears. “This night is a mess,” she thought to herself. “It’s an absolute catastrophe!”

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of catastrophe?

As I slowly, carefully descended the steep, treacherous mountain, the anxiety that had been hanging over me like a dark cloud slowly began to disintegrate. I had been lost in the wilderness for almost a week with little food to eat and only small, half-frozen streams from which to drink. With every step I took, I was getting closer and closer to civilization. I would soon be in the town I had spotted from the mountain’s peak, able to sleep in a real bed and eat something other than trail mix and beef jerky.

What is the meaning of the word civilization in the paragraph?

As I slowly, carefully descended the steep, treacherous mountain, the anxiety that had been hanging over me like a dark cloud slowly began to disintegrate. I had been lost in the wilderness for almost a week with little food to eat and only small, half-frozen streams from which to drink. With every step I took, I was getting closer and closer to civilization. I would soon be in the town I had spotted from the mountain’s peak, able to sleep in a real bed and eat something other than trail mix and beef jerky.

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of civilization?