Using context clues

Question 1

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

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

Question 2

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? Despite the ominous dark clouds, the picnic stayed dry. (ominous)

• A. beautiful
• B. threatening
• C. harmless
• D. fluffy

Question 3

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Mia was elated when she won the prize, jumping up and down with joy. (elated)

• A. very bored
• B. very happy
• C. very cross
• D. very worried

Question 4

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

Question 5

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

Question 6

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

Question 7

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The water was so murky that we couldn't see the fish. (murky)

• A. cloudy and dark
• B. freezing cold
• C. very deep
• D. crystal clear

Question 8

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The teacher's admonition — "Never run near the pool!" — made us slow down. (admonition)

• A. joke
• B. reward
• C. warning
• D. question

Question 9

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The cake was enormous; it filled the whole table. (enormous)

• A. very cold
• B. very big
• C. very sweet
• D. very old

Question 10

Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? His explanation was so convoluted that nobody could follow it. (convoluted)

• A. accurate
• B. brief
• C. complicated
• D. funny

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

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

Question 13

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The cake was enormous; it filled the whole table. (enormous)

• A. very cold
• B. very sweet
• C. very big
• D. very old

Question 14

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. totally angry
• C. uninterested
• D. completely sure

Question 15

Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The timid kitten hid behind the sofa when visitors came. (timid)

• A. shy and nervous
• B. playful
• C. hungry
• D. fierce

Question 16

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. completely sure
• C. totally angry
• D. uninterested