Context Clues
The teacher’s explanation was meticulous, showing attention to every small detail so that even the most confused student could follow along. She carefully reviewed each step of the problem before assigning the practice sheet. Later, the students worked in pairs to solve new problems on their own.
Vocabulary Question: Using clues from the passage, what does meticulous mean?
The teacher’s explanation was meticulous, showing attention to every small detail so that even the most confused student could follow along. She carefully reviewed each step of the problem before assigning the practice sheet. Later, the students worked in pairs to solve new problems on their own.
Sequencing Question: Which happened first — the teacher reviewing each step, or the students working in pairs?
She was cooking dinner when the phone rings loudly in the kitchen.
✅ She was cooking dinner when the phone rang loudly in the kitchen.
Subject: The cat, rain
Word/Prompt: because
Example student response: “The cat ran inside because it started to rain.
Compare the populations of two cities using larger than or smaller than.
“New York City has a larger population than Denver.”
The class president gave a concise speech. Instead of rambling on for several minutes, she summed up her ideas in just a few short, powerful sentences. Before the assembly ended, the principal reminded everyone about the upcoming dance.
Vocabulary Question: Based on the context, what does concise mean?
The class president gave a concise speech. Instead of rambling on for several minutes, she summed up her ideas in just a few short, powerful sentences. Before the assembly ended, the principal reminded everyone about the upcoming dance.
Sequencing Question: Which happened after the speech — the assembly ending, or the principal reminding students about the dance?
❌ Yesterday, I walked to the park and see my friends playing soccer.
✅ Yesterday, I walked to the park and saw my friends playing soccer.
Subject: My best friend, park
Word/Prompt: although
Example student response: “My best friend went to the park although it was very hot outside.”
Compare two shows you've watched using more interesting than or less
The Office is more interesting than Parks and Rec.
The museum guide gave an elaborate description of the ancient artifact. She explained not only its history but also the materials used, the culture that made it, and how it was discovered. Following the tour, the students ate lunch in the courtyard.
Vocabulary Question: What does elaborate mean in this passage?
The museum guide gave an elaborate description of the ancient artifact. She explained not only its history but also the materials used, the culture that made it, and how it was discovered. Following the tour, the students ate lunch in the courtyard.
Sequencing Question: Which happened after the description — the tour itself, or the students eating lunch?
❌ Last summer, we travel to California, and we visited the beach every day.
✅ Last summer, we traveled to California, and we visited the beach every day.
Subject: Marie, homework
Word/Prompt: after
“Marie did her homework after she finished eating dinner.”
Compare two sports teams using better than or worse than.
The Broncos are worse than ALL OTHER TEAMS!
Because the directions were so ambiguous, the students were unsure where to turn after the library. Some thought the path led to the cafeteria, while others argued it went to the gym. Finally, a teacher clarified the instructions.
Vocabulary Question: What does ambiguous mean in this passage?
Because the directions were so ambiguous, the students were unsure where to turn after the library. Some thought the path led to the cafeteria, while others argued it went to the gym. Finally, a teacher clarified the instructions.
Sequencing Question: Which happened last — the students becoming confused, or the teacher clarifying the directions?
❌ He usually studies in the library, but yesterday he forget his books at home.
✅ He usually studies in the library, but yesterday he forgot his books at home.
Subject: The teacher, smiled
Word/Prompt: when
Example student response: “The teacher smiled when the students answered the question correctly.”
Compare two movies using more exciting than or less exciting than.
“The action movie was more exciting than the romantic comedy.”
The athlete’s training was rigorous. He lifted weights, ran long distances, and practiced drills until he was completely exhausted. A week later, his hard work paid off when he won first place at the track meet.
Vocabulary Question: What does rigorous mean in this passage?
The athlete’s training was rigorous. He lifted weights, ran long distances, and practiced drills until he was completely exhausted. A week later, his hard work paid off when he won first place at the track meet.
Sequencing Question: Which happened first — the athlete’s intense training, or winning first place?
❌ They were running down the street when suddenly a car stops in front of them.
✅ They were running down the street when suddenly a car stopped in front of them.
Subject: Library, chores
Word/Prompt: if
Example student response: “We will go to the library if we finish our chores first.”
Compare two school subjects using more difficult than or less difficult than.
“Math is more difficult than English.”