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Worksheets

Context Clues

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 22mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In the sentence, 'Unlike my energetic puppy, my old cat is quite lethargic and prefers to sleep all day,' what does the word lethargic mean?

a)

Playful and active

b)

Sluggish and lacking energy

c)

Hungry and loud

d)

Curious and alert

2.

Match each clue word or phrase to the type of context clue it signals.

a)

but, however, unlike

1.

A contrast or opposite idea is coming.

b)

for instance, such as, including

2.

An example will be given to clarify.

c)

because, since, as a result

3.

A cause-and-effect relationship is shown.

d)

also, in other words, that is

4.

A synonym or restatement is provided.

3.

Before dinner, my mom asked me to set the table with all the necessary utensils, like forks, spoons, and knives. Based on the examples, what are utensils?

a)

Types of food

b)

Plates and bowls

c)

Tools used for eating

d)

Table decorations

4.

Read the phrases below, which could be part of a sentence. Sort each phrase into the category that best describes its role: 'Cause' or 'Effect'.

Categorize the following

The ice cream melted

He studied for the test

The power went out

She won the race

He got a good grade

The sun was very hot

Cause (The reason something happens)
Effect (The result of an action)
5.

Read the short paragraph: 'Maria practiced her guitar every day. She learned new songs and even wrote one of her own. By the time of the talent show, she felt confident.' What is the overall meaning?

a)

Maria doesn't like school.

b)

Consistent practice helped Maria become a better and more confident guitarist.

c)

Talent shows are scary.

d)

Writing songs is easy.

6.

Because she won the first-place trophy, Layla was jubilant. What does the word jubilant mean in this sentence?

a)

Feeling or expressing great happiness

b)

Tired and ready for a nap

c)

Disappointed in the result

d)

Nervous about the next competition

7.

Match each bolded word from the sentences to its correct meaning.

a)

My brother is so gregarious; he makes friends everywhere he goes.

1.

Sociable and friendly

b)

During the drought, water became scarce.

2.

In short supply; rare

c)

As a novice skateboarder, I fell down a lot.

3.

A beginner at something

8.

The path through the woods was treacherous, full of hidden roots and slippery mud. Based on its position and the clues, what does treacherous likely mean?

a)

Easy and safe

b)

Long and winding

c)

Beautiful and scenic

d)

Dangerous and unpredictable

9.

After a fun day, he felt completely content. In other words, he was perfectly happy and satisfied. Which word from the sentence is a synonym for content?

a)

Fun

b)

Completely

c)

Perfectly

d)

Satisfied

10.

Read each sentence. Based on the context, sort the bolded word into a 'Positive Feeling' or 'Negative Feeling' category.

Categorize the following

She was elated to get a puppy for her birthday.

He felt miserable after losing the game.

The scary movie was so terrifying.

The crowd was ecstatic when their team scored.

Positive Feeling
Negative Feeling
11.

While gym class is compulsory for all students, joining the after-school chess club is voluntary. What is the meaning of compulsory?

a)

Optional

b)

Required

c)

Fun

d)

Difficult

12.

Match each word to the sentence that provides the best context clues for its meaning.

a)

Diligent

1.

The diligent student always finished her homework on time and studied for tests.

b)

Baffled

2.

I was completely baffled by the magic trick; I had no idea how he did it.

c)

Vast

3.

From the mountaintop, we could see the vast forest stretching for miles.

13.

Read the paragraph: 'My dog, Buster, is a menace. He chews on shoes, digs holes in the garden, and barks at the mail carrier. We still love him, though.' Which sentence best summarizes the paragraph?

a)

Buster is a well-behaved dog.

b)

The mail carrier is afraid of dogs.

c)

Buster is a lovable but mischievous dog.

d)

Gardening is a difficult hobby.

14.

It was a prudent decision to save money for a new bike instead of spending it all on video games. Based on the context, a prudent decision is one that is...

a)

...quick and impulsive.

b)

...fun and exciting.

c)

...wise and careful.

d)

...popular with friends.

15.

Sort each sentence based on the main type of context clue it uses to define the bolded word: 'Synonym', 'Antonym', or 'Example'.

Categorize the following

He was famished, or extremely hungry, after the long hike.

Some celestial bodies, such as the Sun and stars, are visible at night.

The puppy was tiny, unlike the colossal adult dog next to it.

I felt tranquil and peaceful sitting by the calm lake.

The surface was abrasive, not smooth like the other side.

Synonym Clue
Antonym Clue
Example Clue
16.

After running the marathon, the runner was completely exhausted and could barely stand. What does exhausted mean, based on the cause-and-effect relationship?

a)

Full of energy

b)

Extremely tired

c)

Proud and happy

d)

Slightly thirsty

17.

Match each word with its antonym (a word with the opposite meaning).

a)

Generous

1.

Stingy

b)

Brave

2.

Cowardly

c)

Ancient

3.

Modern

d)

Simple

4.

Complex

18.

The party had a table full of beverages, including soda, juice, and water. What are beverages, according to the examples provided?

a)

Snacks

b)

Drinks

c)

Games

d)

Decorations

19.

The instructions for the model airplane were convoluted and hard to follow. The word convoluted is used to describe the instructions. What does this suggest?

a)

They were simple and clear.

b)

They were colorful and interesting.

c)

They were complex and confusing.

d)

They were written in another language.

20.

Her ambition to become a doctor drove her to study hard and get good grades in science. Based on the context, what is ambition?

a)

A type of science class

b)

A strong desire to achieve a goal

c)

A fear of failure

d)

A casual hobby