Main Idea
Context Clues
Context Clues
Context Clues
Context Clues
100

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be

there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time

together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to

leave!

The main idea of this passage is:

A. Weekends are times to travel.

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

C. The writer’s grandparents live far away

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

100
The restaurant was formal, so I bought a new suit. What does "formal" mean?
upscale, dressy
100
The boy lingered in the stands after the concert. He was hoping to watch the band members pack up. What does "lingered" mean?
stayed
100
The three students decided to collaborate on the project, since they all had different talents to share. What does "collaborate" mean?
work together
100
The snow was a marvel to look at as it glistened in the bright sun. What does "marvel" mean?
an awesome sight
200

Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success. The main idea of this passage is: 

A. The Wright Brothers worked hard. 

B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.

C. Inventors build kites and bikes

B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.

200
The student strives to get an A on the test. What does "strives" mean?
try or tries
200
My objective was to get to work on time each day, so I would not get fired. What does "objective" mean?
goal
200
This school has a lot of diversity. We have students from many races, religions and cultural backgrounds. What does "diversity" mean?
different kinds of things or people together
200
Joe felt anguish when his dog died. He'd had his dog for 13 years. What does "anguish" mean?
extreme pain, sadness and suffering.
300

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him. The main idea of this passage is:

 A. The dog’s name is Paco. 

B. Everyone should have a dog. 

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

D. The dog is cute and sweet.

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life.

300
The girl had a very distinct way of dressing. She did not dress like the rest of the crowd. What does "distinct" mean?
different
300
Our hockey team was far superior than any other team in the league. We had not lost a game yet! What does "superior" mean?
the best
300
Cheerleaders are a boisterous group. They spend a lot of time jumping and shouting to energize the players and the fans. What does "boisterous" mean?
loud, noisy, energetic
300
Joe pledged his allegiance to his new team, even though, he missed many members of his old team. What does "allegiance" mean?
loyalty or devotion
400

Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe! The main idea of this passage is: 

A. Eric plays baseball.

 B. Eric scores a homerun. 

C. How to play baseball. 

D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

D. Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.

400
The continuous pounding of the hammers gave me a headache. It seemed like they had been working on the new ramp for days. What does "continuous" mean?
non-stop
400
The gymnast was so agile. I was amazed at the graceful way she moved during the floor routine. What does "agile" mean?
flexible, able to bend and move in many ways
400
The auditorium looks like it is filled to capacity. I don't think we will find an empty seat. What does "capacity" mean?
The largest amount possible
400
We had to make a chronological time line during Social Studies when we studied the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. What does "chronological" mean?
going in order of time
500

Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat! 

What is the main idea?

A. All pizza is good to eat. 

B. Homemade pizza is the best

C. Pizza is nasty

B. Homemade pizza is the best

500
The town is so rural that most of the residents are cows! What does "rural" mean?
country
500
Keep your speech concise to save time. We have many students who need to present their reports. What does "concise" mean?
short
500
Nina was completely inept at cooking. She seemed to burn everything she tried to cook. What does "inept" mean?
have little or no skill
500
To satisfy the nervous new parents, the doctor performed a painstaking exam of the baby, to ensure it was healthy. What does "painstaking" mean?
careful, thorough, taking a lot of care
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