Explanation
Examples
Inference
Surprise me!
100

Grandma kneaded the dough, which means she pressed and folded it with her hands to make bread. The kitchen smelled delicious.


What does kneaded mean?  

Pressed and folded dough by hand

100

The picnic basket had utensils — forks, spoons, and knives — so everyone could eat easily at the park.


What does utensils mean?

Tools used for eating (examples: forks, spoons, knives)

100

Ava staggered after the long run; her legs felt like jelly and she panted for breath. She sat down until the dizziness passed.

What does staggered most likely mean?

Walked unsteadily or struggled to walk

100

The inventory listed supplies like glue, paper, and tape — items the class uses for projects. Ms. Allen checked the list twice.


What does inventory mean?

A list of items on hand (examples: glue, paper, tape)

200

The gardener watered the sapling each morning. The sapling was a young tree, not yet tall enough to reach the fence. After a month it grew stronger.  


What is a sapling?

A young tree  

200

The dog was submissive, rolling onto its back when the owner reached down, coming to the owner when called, and sitting when told to sit. The trainer rewarded good behavior.

What does submissive mean?

Listening and obeying 

200

he treasure map was tattered and faded; creases and missing corners showed it had been handled by many explorers over many years. 


What does tattered most likely mean?

Worn and torn from use


200

A harbor is a safe place where boats can stay, sheltered from strong winds and waves. The small harbor kept the fishing boats calm during the storm.


What does harbor mean?

A sheltered place for boats, protected from rough water

300

The museum displayed an artifact, an old object made and used long ago by people who lived in the area. Everyone admired its carvings.


What is an artifact?

An old object made and used long ago 

300

The zoo had marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas. Visitors watched them hop and climb with their babies in their pouches.


What does marsupials mean?

Animals who carry babies in a pouch (examples: kangaroos, koalas)

300

The vase crashed to the floor, shards scattering everywhere. Mom hissed and immediately grabbed a broom to sweep up the pieces.


What does shards most likely mean?

Broken pieces of a brittle object like glass

300

The magician’s trick baffled the audience; kids stared with wide eyes, unable to explain how the cards vanished. For example, one card disappeared from his sleeve.


What does baffled mean?

Confused (example: unable to explain how the card vanished)

400

The guide explained the exhibit was interactive, meaning visitors could touch displays or try activities instead of only looking. Kids jumped at the chance to press buttons.


 What does interactive mean? 

Involving touching or doing activities, not just watching

400

The storm left debris — broken branches, leaves, and pieces of siding — scattered across the yard. Dad grabbed gloves to help clean up.

What does debris mean?

Scattered pieces of broken things (examples: branches, leaves, siding)

400

The old book smelled musty, like someone had left it in the attic for years and years. Dust rose when I gently turned the page and sunlight fell across the words.


What does musty most likely mean?

Smelling old, stale, or damp

400

Marcus felt elated after the concert; he was filled with joy and could hardly stop smiling. His shoulders relaxed and he hummed happily. 


What does elated mean?

Very happy or joyful

500

The potion fizzed in the glass; it was an elixir, a special drink people believed could heal or improve health. The villagers hoped it would help the sick child.


What is an elixir

A special drink believed to heal or improve health

500

The science lab had specimens like shells, seeds, and tiny insects set out on trays for students to observe. Each specimen showed different textures and showed the students something new they hadn't seen until they took a closer look.

What does specimens mean?

Samples used for study (examples: shells, seeds, insects)

500

The new book was captivating; Marcus could not put it down. He read late into the night, eyes wide as the story surprised him.


What does captivating most likely mean?

Very interesting or exciting, holding attention

500

Since Ann loves plants, she is studying botany.  Ann is currently raising orchids.  They have colorful and unusually shaped flowers.


What does botany mean?

The study of plants

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