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Worksheets

Unfamiliar words and phrases

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 19mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Read the text message exchange. What does the word ambiguous mean in this context?

Alex: 'See you later.'
Maria: 'Your message is so ambiguous! Later today? This week?'

a)

Clear and specific

b)

Unclear or having more than one meaning

c)

Rude and disrespectful

d)

Funny and clever

2.

The word 'conductor' has multiple meanings. Match each sentence to the correct meaning of 'conductor' used in it.

a)

The conductor checked everyone's tickets on the train.

1.

The person in charge of a train

b)

The orchestra's conductor raised her baton to begin the symphony.

2.

The person who directs a musical group

c)

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

3.

A material that allows heat or electricity to pass through

3.

My new jacket is so versatile; I can wear it hiking, to a party, or just to school. Based on the examples, what does versatile mean?

a)

Able to be used in many different ways

b)

Expensive and stylish

c)

Only suitable for one purpose

d)

Uncomfortable but fashionable

4.

Sort the following phrases into two categories: Literal Meaning or Figurative Meaning.

Categorize the following

He has a heavy backpack.

She has a heavy heart.

The test was a piece of cake.

I ate a piece of cake.

Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
5.

To build the model airplane correctly, you have to be meticulous and follow every tiny step. What does meticulous mean?

a)

Quick and careless

b)

Creative and artistic

c)

Very careful and precise

d)

Loud and disruptive

6.

Match each bolded word from the sentences to the description of its meaning or relationship to another word.

a)

The old map was filled with obscure symbols that no one could decipher.

1.

An antonym for 'clear' or 'obvious'.

b)

His benevolent actions, such as donating to charity, showed his kind nature.

2.

A synonym for 'kind' or 'charitable'.

c)

Unlike his quiet twin, Mark was quite loquacious.

3.

A synonym for 'talkative'.

d)

The evidence presented was irrefutable, leaving no room for doubt.

4.

An antonym for 'doubtful' or 'questionable'.

7.

After years of training, reaching the summit of Mount Everest was the pinnacle, the highest point, of her climbing career. What type of context clue does the sentence provide for the word pinnacle?

a)

A definition

b)

An example

c)

An antonym

d)

A comparison

8.

Which sentence uses the word season to mean 'to add flavor'?

a)

My favorite season of the year is autumn.

b)

The chef taught me how to season the soup with herbs.

c)

We have season tickets to see the basketball team play.

d)

After a long dry spell, the rainy season began.

9.

The word run can mean many things. Sort the sentences into categories based on the meaning of run.

Categorize the following

I saw him run across the park.

My aunt wants to run her own store.

Don't let the bathtub water run over.

We had to run to catch the train.

It takes a lot of work to run a restaurant.

Move Quickly on Foot
Manage or Operate
Liquid Flowing
10.

Match each bolded word to its meaning, using the contrast clue provided in its sentence.

a)

Unlike my quiet and reserved sister, I am quite loquacious.

1.

Talkative

b)

The desert is barren, while the jungle is teeming with life.

2.

Empty; unable to support life

c)

Some people feel lethargic in the morning, but I feel energetic.

3.

Lacking energy; sluggish

11.

In which sentence is the phrase 'a walk in the park' used figuratively?

a)

For our daily exercise, my dog and I enjoy a walk in the park.

b)

The map showed a new trail for a walk in the park.

c)

After studying for weeks, the final exam was a walk in the park.

d)

We planned a picnic and a walk in the park for Saturday.

12.

The word 'light' has multiple meanings. Match each sentence to the correct meaning of 'light' used in it.

a)

The box was surprisingly light.

1.

Not heavy

b)

Turn on the light so I can see.

2.

A source of illumination

c)

She wore a light shade of blue.

3.

Pale in color

d)

We decided to light a campfire.

4.

To set fire to

13.

Even after losing the first game, the team was resilient and came back to win the championship. What does resilient mean?

a)

Able to recover quickly from difficulties

b)

Easily defeated or discouraged

c)

Angry about losing

d)

Lacking in skill or talent

14.

The word 'cold' can describe temperature or a person's feelings. Sort these phrases into the correct category.

Categorize the following

a cold glance

an ice-cold soda

a cold, heartless person

the cold wind

giving someone the cold shoulder

Describes Temperature (Literal)
Describes a Feeling/Attitude (Figurative)
15.

It is prudent to save some of your allowance for a larger purchase later, instead of spending it all at once. What is the best meaning of prudent?

a)

Acting with or showing care and thought for the future

b)

Wasteful and careless

c)

Difficult and complicated

d)

Fun and exciting