Context Clues
The richest man in town was losing his hearing and he offered a large reward to anyone who could find a remedy for his condition.
What word means solution or fix?
remedy
You may think of hunger as a problem that exists elsewhere, but nearly fifty million people in the U.S. are affected by food insecurity. That's almost fifty million people who sometimes have to make trade-offs between having enough to eat and meeting their other needs. Although many don't realize it, hunger affects urban, suburban, and rural communities. Joining together, we can take steps to end hunger-not just worldwide, but right next door.
What's the main purpose?
a. to inform readers about the worldwide effects of food insecurity.
b. to raise awareness about food insecurity in the U.S.
b
Iggy squinted as he tried to see through the holes in the ski mask. He could make out the large bag on the counter. The frightened women who put it there now had her hands raised. As he took the bag off of the counter, Iggy tipped an imaginary hat to the woman. The jest did not brighten her demeanor. Iggy exited the first set of doors, but stopped in the vestibule. Some of the windows of the building pulsated with blue and red lights. Iggy hurriedly walked back into the building.
What is Iggy doing in the building?
robbery
Which word shows a lack of affection for someone?
distrust or dislike
dislike
Everyone who knows me is fully aware that I have always been a huge fan of Jupiter's Rings; the band's logo is on almost every shirt I own. I've waited years to finally see them in person, so imagine my irritation when I left their concert wishing I could get three hours of my life back.
While the members are still incredibly talented, the songs they played were (dare I say it?) awful. Casting off his trademark guitar, the bassist strolled onstage with a cello and announced that they were going to try "something different." Then, instead of their classic hits, the band proceeded to play an unfamiliar and odd combination of bluegrass and rap music.
I've heard rumors that the lead singer is planning on going solo. As sad as I am to say it, I think breaking up the band might be the best thing that could happen to Jupiter's Rings.
Which is the author's point of view?
a. the band is no longer what it once was
b. the band is ready to take on new challenges
a
The curling iron was so hot that Martha singed her hair when she tried using it.
What word or phrase helps you know that singed means burnt?
The curling iron was so hot
You may think of hunger as a problem that exists elsewhere, but nearly fifty million people in the U.S. are affected by food insecurity. That's almost fifty million people who sometimes have to make trade-offs between having enough to eat and meeting their other needs. Although many don't realize it, hunger affects urban, suburban, and rural communities. Joining together, we can take steps to end hunger-not just worldwide, but right next door.
What words does the author use to help you understand the purpose?
exists elsewhere, but
people in the U.S. are affected by insecurity
Although many don't realize it
not just worldwide, but right next door.
Iggy squinted as he tried to see through the holes in the ski mask. He could make out the large bag on the counter. The frightened women who put it there now had her hands raised. As he took the bag off of the counter, Iggy tipped an imaginary hat to the woman. The jest did not brighten her demeanor. Iggy exited the first set of doors, but stopped in the vestibule. Some of the windows of the building pulsated with blue and red lights. Iggy hurriedly walked back into the building.
How do you know what Iggy is doing?
ski mask, taking a bag, woman's hands up, lights outside are hints in the story
Which word suggests a pleasant scent?
stench or fragrance
After scanning the description on its website, I made a spontaneous decision to stay at the Apple Bear Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains last weekend. There were many phenomenal aspects to this rustic-style lodge. The beds were luxuriously soft, there was a spacious deck to enjoy the outdoors, and the water pressure in the shower was fantastic!
My only real disappointment was that the lodge was located in a suburban subdivision instead of the picturesque mountain setting I had envisioned. The photographs online must have been taken on the roof, because when I looked out my window, all I could see was the house next door. Those glorious mountain vistas were completely obscured by the neighboring homes. Next time, I will read the reviews more carefully before booking a trip.
What is the author's point of view?
a. The lodge is comfortable and pleasant, but the view disappointing.
b. The reviews were misleading about the lodge's level of comfort.
a
After taking the final exam, Felix felt as though an enormous burden had been lifted.
What does the word enormous mean?
huge
Knowing how to read a city map is a valuable skill. First, figure out your location on the map. Check the street signs at the nearest intersection and use clues to help you find that intersection on the map. For example, if you are near a bridge or a park, look for those symbols on the map. The map's legend indicates what the symbols mean.
A map's compass rose reveals where north is. To establish direction, walk a block and revisit your map. Compare where you are to where you were. In which direction did you travel? Then locate your destination on the map.
The map's scale indicates distance ratios. For example, an inch may be equal to five hundred feet. Now you know where you are, how to get where you are going, and how far you have to go.
True or False?
The author's purpose is to explain to readers how to navigate a city with a map.
true
Iggy squinted as he tried to see through the holes in the ski mask. He could make out the large bag on the counter. The frightened women who put it there now had her hands raised. As he took the bag off of the counter, Iggy tipped an imaginary hat to the woman. The jest did not brighten her demeanor. Iggy exited the first set of doors, but stopped in the vestibule. Some of the windows of the building pulsated with blue and red lights. Iggy hurriedly walked back into the building.
Why does Iggy return inside of the building after having left?
He sees the lights and knows he is caught if he goes outside
Which word is more general?
communication or conversation
communication
What is meant by author's point of view?
the way an author looks at the topic he/she is writing about.
Derrick's participation on the school clean up crew was involuntary, unlike Scott, who genuinely wanted to make the school a cleaner place.
What does the word involuntary mean?
not self-chosen
Visiting the significant places in your area may enlighten you beyond expectation. For example, you may know that your hometown is renowned for cheese making, mining, or for a particular building such as a historic theater. But what inspired the first person to open a cheese factory, mine for silver, or imagine that theater? If the site has tour guides, test their knowledge. They often have interesting, obscure details to impart. Afterward, you may see your hometown in a whole new way.
True or false?
The author wants to persuade the reader to become a tour guide.
false
Missy looked at her brother Kirk with burning eyes. Her hatred seared through him. Sensing this, he turned toward her and their eyes met. She immediately fumed "I told you not to move the puzzle pieces, but you insisted. Well, I hope you are happy". He lowered his head and softly replied, "I'm sorry, I'll help you look".
What is Missy upset about?
a piece or pieces of her puzzle are missing
Which word is more negative?
leave or abandon
abandon
After possibly seeing one too many ninja movies, I decided to enroll in the local martial arts school and learn some awesome karate moves myself. The instructors at KickUps are probably the kindest people you will ever meet. They are constantly organizing fun charity events and modeling good citizenship and sportsmanship for their students. I've really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere cultivated by the numerous KickUps pizza parties and movie nights at the school.
As for my awesome new ninja skills—well, I might need to go to a different school for those. My instructor is warm and caring, but she doesn't inspire students to work hard to master the moves. I've been going for three months, and I haven't even made it past the most basic moves. But I have made a lot of friends, so that's an unexpected bonus.
What is the author's point of view about the instructors at the martial arts school?
They are better at building close community than at teaching martial arts.
Derrick's participation on the school cleanup crew was involuntary, unlike Scott, who genuinely wanted to make the school a cleaner place.
What word or phrase are clues to the meaning of the word involuntary?
unlike Scott, who genuinely wanted
Visiting the significant places in your area may enlighten you beyond expectation. For example, you may know that your hometown is renowned for cheese making, mining, or for a particular building such as a historic theater. But what inspired the first person to open a cheese factory, mine for silver, or imagine that theater? If the site has tour guides, test their knowledge. They often have interesting, obscure details to impart. Afterward, you may see your hometown in a whole new way.
True or false?
The reader could infer that the author is a person that knows the historical significance of things that her hometown is known for.
true
Missy looked at her brother Kirk with burning eyes. Her hatred seared through him. Sensing this, he turned toward her and their eyes met. She immediately fumed "I told you not to move the puzzle pieces, but you insisted. Well, I hope you are happy". He lowered his head and softly replied, "I'm sorry, I'll help you look".
How does Kirk feel?
He feels badly that he lost the pieces.
Which is less polite?
a blunt response or a direct response
a blunt response
I think we can all agree that one of the best things about the modern world is the ability to order food from the comfort of your couch. If you're using a delivery service like FastFood, your food appears at your doorstep as if it were magic. Sure, there's a steep fee for delivery. But that's nothing compared to the priceless luxury of being able to get burgers, pizza, or egg rolls while wearing pajamas.
Even magic sometimes falters, so I don't hold it against FastFood when my order is incorrect. For example, last week, my order of mac and cheese turned up as lentil soup, but no big deal. And I realize that the drivers often run a little behind, so if my food arrives cold, it doesn't upset me. I'm just thankful that there are services like FastFood to deliver my taco salad so I don't have to go out and leave my cozy couch.
What is the author's point of view about food delivery services?
The benefits of having food delivered far outweigh the problems with it.