Context Clues
The dog was famished, whining by the empty bowl." What does famished mean?
A: Famished = extremely hungry
Q: What’s the difference between to, too, and two?
A: To = direction, Too = also or excessive, Two = the number 2
Q: Dog is to bark as cat is to ______.
A: Meow
Q: Which word is more positive: "thin" or "slim"?
A: Slim
Q: True or False: All homophones are homonyms.
A: False
"Her elation was obvious after she got the highest grade." Define elation.
A: Elation = great happiness or joy
Q: Fill in: "I will ______ the gift you gave me." (accept/except)
A: Accept (means to receive)
Q: Pen is to write as knife is to ______.
A: Cut
Q: Which is more negative: "cheap" or "inexpensive"?
A: Cheap
Q: What are two meanings of the word bark?
A: Bark = dog’s sound; bark = outer layer of a tree
Q: "The storm was relentless, continuing through the night." Define relentless.
A: Relentless = never giving up; constant and harsh
Q: "He hurt his left ______ while skateboarding." (heel/heal)
A: Heel = part of the foot
Q: Leaf : Tree :: Petal : ______
A: Flower
Q: Which is neutral: "old," "ancient," or "elderly"?
A: Old
Q: "The wind will ______ the sailboat." (wind/wind)
A: Wind (verb – to twist)
Q: "Despite the barrage of questions, the speaker remained calm." Define barrage.
A: Barrage = a rapid or overwhelming outpouring (of something)
Q: Give two meanings of lead.
A: Lead = a metal, or to guide/direct
Q: Sugar : Sweet :: Lemon : ______
A: Sour
Q: How does "house" differ in connotation from "home"?
A: "Home" has a warmer, emotional tone; "house" is more neutral
Q: What type of analogy? "Feather : Bird :: Scale : Fish"
A: Part to whole
Q: "The students were indifferent to the new rules—they didn’t care either way." Define indifferent.
A: Indifferent = showing no interest or concern
Q: Define tear (noun) and tear (verb). What makes them homographs?
A: Tear (noun) = drop from eye; Tear (verb) = to rip; Same spelling, different meaning/pronunciation
Q: What kind of analogy is: Hot : Cold :: Wet : Dry?
A: Antonym analogy
Q: Why might an author choose youthful instead of childish?
A: Youthful is positive, energetic; childish is negative, immature
Q: Use context clues: "She gave a curt response, speaking quickly and sharply." Define curt.
A: Curt = rudely brief