• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Using context clues; Choosing precise words). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The path was so narrow that we had to walk in single file. (narrow) (not straight / not wide / not safe / not long) → not widePrompt: Look at the other words in the sentence. What do they tell you?
2. 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) (was eaten / was moved / wilted / grew well) → grew wellPrompt: Look for signal words: unlike, despite, so…that, a colon or dash that explains.
3. Choose the most precise word for the gap. The clue in brackets gives the general meaning. The old factory had been ___ for decades. (left empty) (abandoned / rebuilt / repainted / crowded) → abandonedPrompt: Several words could fit loosely. Which fits exactly?

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Academic vocabulary in context (SAT/ACT). Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? The artist's style is ___: she combines ancient techniques with digital tools. (it mixes different sources)
• Step 1: Words-in-context questions reward using every clue in the sentence.
• Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The artist's style is eclectic: she combines ancient techniques with digital tools."
• Step 3: So the answer is: eclectic
• Answer: eclectic
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? Rainfall in the region is highly ___, varying wildly from year to year. (unpredictable) (consistent / abundant / negligible / erratic) → erraticPrompt: Read the whole sentence. What does the gap need to mean? (A clue is given in brackets.)
2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? Supporters described the policy as ___, arguing that it would benefit every community equally. (divisive / provisional / arbitrary / equitable) → equitablePrompt: Identify the relationship: contrast (while, not…but), cause, or explanation (colon).

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? Her argument was ___ by the data she presented, which clearly supported each claim. (strengthened) (weakened / bolstered / ignored / delayed) → bolsteredPrompt: Read the whole sentence. What does the gap need to mean? (A clue is given in brackets.)
2. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? Some ecologists caution that removing a single predator can have ___ effects, altering an entire food web in ways that are hard to foresee. (far-reaching / trivial / temporary / intentional) → far-reachingPrompt: Identify the relationship: contrast (while, not…but), cause, or explanation (colon).

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-9.