Using context clues

Question 1

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? Lena was ambivalent about moving: excited by the new school but sad to leave her friends. (ambivalent)

• A. having mixed feelings
• B. uninterested
• C. totally angry
• D. completely sure

Question 2

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The fragile vase broke when it fell over. (fragile)

• A. very heavy
• B. easily broken
• C. very expensive
• D. brightly painted

Question 3

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The once-bustling market was now desolate; not a single stall remained. (desolate)

• A. expensive
• B. empty and bleak
• C. crowded
• D. cheerful

Question 4

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Dad was furious when the window was smashed; his face went red and he shouted. (furious)

• A. very angry
• B. very calm
• C. very sad
• D. very proud

Question 5

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The plant thrived in the sunny window, growing three new leaves a week. (thrived)

• A. wilted
• B. was moved
• C. was eaten
• D. grew well

Question 6

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The puppy was so famished that it ate two bowls of food in a minute. (famished)

• A. very small
• B. very hungry
• C. very sleepy
• D. very dirty

Question 7

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? Unlike her gregarious brother, who loved parties, Ana preferred to spend time alone. (gregarious)

• A. sociable
• B. clumsy
• C. honest
• D. shy

Question 8

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? After the long hike, Jo was weary and wanted to lie down. (weary)

• A. lost
• B. lucky
• C. excited
• D. tired

Question 9

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The once-bustling market was now desolate; not a single stall remained. (desolate)

• A. empty and bleak
• B. cheerful
• C. crowded
• D. expensive

Question 10

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Dad was furious when the window was smashed; his face went red and he shouted. (furious)

• A. very calm
• B. very proud
• C. very angry
• D. very sad

Question 11

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The mayor's speech was laconic: just two sentences long. (laconic)

• A. extremely long
• B. full of jokes
• C. very rude
• D. using few words

Question 12

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The room was so dim that we could hardly see. (dim)

• A. not warm
• B. not bright
• C. not clean
• D. not quiet

Question 13

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The ruins were the vestiges of an ancient city. (vestiges)

• A. rulers
• B. new buildings
• C. remaining traces
• D. maps

Question 14

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? We had to postpone the match because of the storm, so we will play next week. (postpone)

• A. win easily
• B. put off until later
• C. watch on TV
• D. cancel forever

Question 15

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The scientist's hypothesis was corroborated when three other labs got the same result. (corroborated)

• A. delayed
• B. disproved
• C. confirmed
• D. ignored

Question 16

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Grandpa is very frugal; he never wastes money and always looks for bargains. (frugal)

• A. very generous
• B. very rich
• C. careful with money
• D. forgetful