Example
I needed some extra assistance, such as one-on-one sessions with my teacher, to help me pass Math class. Using context clues, what does assistance mean?
help
The private files were marked 'confidential.' Using context clues, what does confidential mean?
private
Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.
The lost campers sweltered in the heat of the desert sun.
A. ate B. became exceedingly hot C. slept D. sunbathed
B. became exceedingly hot
Hurricane Katrina caused a great CATACLYSM - New Orleans was a disaster.
Using context clues, what does CATACLYSM mean?
Disaster/mess
"I'm willing to tell what I know about the issues," the reporter said, "but I can't reveal my sources."
Using context clues, what does TELL mean?
To reveal or inform
My father's favorite SALUTATION is "Howdy, friend!" Using context clues what does SALUTATION mean?
Greeting
Nelson developed an affection for nature growing up in the woods of northern Wisconsin. As an adult, he brought his love of the land to his political career.
Using context clues, what is the meaning of the word affection.
love
Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.
Congress put a tariff on overseas goods so the price would not be lower than domestic products.
A. stamp B. prohibition C. advertisement D. tax
D. tax
Although she was SKEPTICAL about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea.
Using context clues, what does the word SKEPTICAL mean?
don't believe/doubtful
I threw out all my old notes, but made certain not to discard the new ones.
Using context clues, what does DISCARD mean?
To throw away
Objects like the sun are so luminous that it is difficult to look directly at them. Using context clues, what does luminous mean?
bright, radiant
Lean fats are essential to a healthy diet. Vegetables are very necessary too. Using context clues, what does essential mean?
necessary
Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.
The scared rock climber balanced precariously on the edge of the cliff.
A. gracefully B. lazily C. dangerously D. hopefully
C. dangerously
The factory supervisor demanded an INSPECTION, or a careful and critical examination, of all of the meats processed each day.
Using context clues, what does inspection mean?
a careful and critical examination/to look at something
The search crew sifted through all the evidence, and their hard word was rewarded with promotions for all of them.
Using context clues, what does the word PROMOTIONS mean?
To earn a higher position or rank
I believe that it would be better if people were given incentives for them to work harder, for example, lowering taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn. Using context clues, what does incentive mean?
motivation, a reason for doing something
The old man ambled slowly down the path while his dog walked next to him. Using context clues, what does amble mean?
walked
Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.
The mood was somber at the funeral of the former president.
A. silent B. serious C. bright D. presidential
B. serious
Olivia stared at the newest style of jeans in the catalog. She just had to have them. Her birthday money was not quite enough to cover the expense. Although she didn't want to GROVEL, she decided to plead with her parents for the money to buy them.
Using context clues, what does the word GROVEL mean?
plead; beg
"I'm trying to help you, not hinder you!" she exclaimed in annoyance.
Using context clues, what does HINDER mean?
Create difficulty/hardship
Lou was sent to the haberdashery to find a new suit. He needed to wear one for his uncle’s wedding. Using context clues, what does haberdashery mean?
a place where clothes for men are sold
The young girl was very aloof. Everyone thought that she was unsociable and unapproachable. Using context clues, what does aloof mean?
Unsociable, unapproachable
Which word most closely matches the underlined word in the sentence? Use the other words in the sentence for clues to the correct meaning.
The country cottage was just outside the quaint and picturesque town.
A. rustic B. small C. painted D. charming
D. charming
For the project, the teacher said the design was UNALTERABLE, but the color could be changed.
Using context clues, what does the word UNALTERABLE mean?
unchangeable/not able to be changed
The search crew sifted through all the evidence, and their hard word was rewarded with promotions for all of them.
Using context clues, what does the word SIFTED mean?
Separate/search through