Context Clues
What are context clues?
Hints in the text that help a reader figure out the meaning of an unknown word.
Which type of figurative language compares two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”?
A. Personification
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Simile
D. Simile
What is the main idea of a passage?
The central or most important idea
What two elements must a reader combine to make an inference?
Text evidence and background knowledge.
Which text feature best helps the reader understand important information shown in a visual format in a nonfiction passage?
A. Caption
B. Dialogue
C. Flashback
D. Point of view
A. Caption
What does the word arid most nearly mean as it is used in the sentence?
“The desert was arid, with little rainfall and dry soil.”
Very dry
Which type of figurative language is used in the sentence below?
“The classroom was a zoo.”
A. Simile
B. Onomatopeoia
C. Metaphor
D. Alliteration
C. Metaphor
How do supporting details relate to the main idea?
A. They explain, prove, or give examples
B. They summarize to text
C. They provide definitions of words
D. They give main purpose of the article
A. They explain, prove, or give examples of it
Which statement best explains what it means to make an inference?
A. To restate information exactly as it appears in the text
B. To guess without using evidence from the passage
C. To use text evidence and prior knowledge to draw a conclusion
D. To identify the main idea of the passage
C. To use text evidence and prior knowledge to draw a conclusion
What is the best strategy to use when a reader is unsure of an answer on the Reading CSA?
A. Choose the first answer that sounds correct
B. Skip the question and never return to it
C. Reread the question and refer back to the text
D. Use personal experience to decide
C. Reread the question and refer back to the text
What does the word immaculate most nearly mean as it is used in the sentence below?
“The room was immaculate, spotless and perfectly clean.”
Very clean
What does the phrase “a wave of relief” suggest about the character’s feelings?
A strong feeling of relief
If all details describe the dangers of pollution, what is the main idea MOST likely about?
A. Pollution in schools
B. The harmful effects of pollution
C. The differences in recyclables
D. How pollution effects air quality
B. The harmful effects of pollution
What can the reader infer about the character based on the actions described below?
“The character slams the door and refuses to speak.”
A. The character is late for school
B. The character is upset or angry
C. The character enjoys being alone
D. The character has finished the conversation
B. The character is upset or angry
How does the author’s word choice affect the tone of the passage?
A. It tells how long the passage is
B. It reveals the author’s attitude toward the topic
C. It explains the main idea directly
D. It shows the reader’s opinion
B. It reveals the author’s attitude toward the topic
Why are context clues most helpful when answering vocabulary questions on the Reading CSA?
They allow the reader to determine word meaning without using a dictionary.
What does the figurative language in the sentence below suggest?
“Time crawled during the test.”
Time felt very slow.
Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
A passage explains how school uniforms can reduce distractions, promote equality, and help students focus on learning.
A. Many students prefer wearing comfortable clothing to school.
B. School uniforms help create a more focused and fair learning environment.
C. School uniforms should be required in all middle schools.
D. Reducing distractions is one benefit of wearing school uniforms
B. School uniforms help create a more focused and fair learning environment.
What can the reader infer based on the information in the sentence below?
“Jordan checked the clock repeatedly and tapped his foot while waiting in the hallway.”
A. Jordan enjoys spending time alone
B. Jordan is feeling impatient or anxious
C. Jordan forgot what time it was
D. Jordan is late for school every day
B. Jordan is feeling impatient or anxious
Why should a reader eliminate incorrect answer choices before selecting a final answer?
A. It saves time by skipping hard questions
B. It helps the reader guess more quickly
C. It increases the likelihood of choosing the correct response
D. It changes the meaning of the question
C. It increases the likelihood of choosing the correct response
Which context clue helps the reader understand the meaning of the word inedible in the sentence?
“The meal was inedible, or impossible to eat.”
Definition clue
Synonym clue
Why does the author most likely use figurative language in the passage?
To create imagery, emphasize ideas, and engage the reader.
Which statement best explains the author’s main idea?
A passage describes the causes of plastic pollution, its impact on oceans and wildlife, and ways individuals can reduce waste.
A. Plastic pollution is caused mainly by factories and large companies.
B. Plastic pollution harms the environment, but people can take actions to reduce its effects.
C. Recycling plastic is the best way to protect ocean animals.
D. Oceans contain many different types of pollution.
B. Plastic pollution harms the environment, but people can take actions to reduce its effects.
Which inference can be made about the setting based on the details in the passage?
“The streets were empty, the stores were closed, and lights flickered in the windows.”
A. The setting is during a busy workday
B. The setting is lively and crowded
C. The setting is quiet or possibly late at night
D. The setting is located in a shopping mall
C. The setting is quiet or possibly late at night
Which reading strategy is most important for answering all Reading CSA questions accurately?
A. Reading only the first and last paragraph
B. Using personal opinions
C. Memorizing vocabulary definitions
D. Using text evidence
D. Using text evidence