Context Clues
The puppy was timid when meeting new people for the first time.
Timid: shy or lacking confidence; easily frightened.
Bark
The bark of the tree felt rough under my hand. (outer covering of a tree)
The dog began to bark loudly at the stranger. (sound a dog makes)
Break the ice
At the start of class, the teacher told a funny joke to break the ice.
Meaning: To do or say something to make people feel more comfortable.
The students were happy after recess, but they felt ________ when it started to rain.
Sad
The haunted house was so ________ that even the bravest kids refused to go inside.
(Antonym of “safe”)
Dangerous
The teacher asked the students to justify their answers with evidence from the text.
Justify: to show or prove that something is right or reasonable.
Date
What’s today’s date? (day on the calendar)
She went on a date with her best friend to the movies. (social meeting)
Hit the books
Example: I have a big test tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.
Meaning: To start studying seriously.
The knight was brave, but his squire was too ________ to join the battle.
Cowardly
The black cat scratched the old tree’s rough ________ before climbing higher after she heard the dog _____.
bark
During the storm, the hikers showed great resilience by continuing their journey despite the harsh weather.
Resilience: the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges.
Wave
The surfer rode a huge wave at the beach. (movement of water)
She gave me a friendly wave as I walked by. (gesture with the hand)
The ball is in your court
Example: I’ve done everything I can—now the ball is in your court.
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
The teacher said, “You may begin the quiz now, and it will ________ in 20 minutes.”
End
The vampire was generous with candy, but the mummy was too ________ to share.
Selfish
The mayor’s speech was so persuasive that many citizens changed their opinions about the new law.
Persuasive: able to convince someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argument.
Season
Fall is my favorite season because of the colorful leaves. (time of year)
You should season the soup with salt and pepper. (add flavor to food)
Bite off more than you can chew
Example: I agreed to help with three group projects, but I think I bit off more than I can chew.
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle.
The classroom was silent during the test, but it became ________ when the bell rang.
Noisy
After the costume contest, the teacher told a joke to ________ and make everyone laugh.
(Idiom meaning “make people feel comfortable”)
Break the ice
The scientist formed a hypothesis before starting her experiment to test her idea.
Hypothesis: an educated guess or proposed explanation that can be tested.
Current
The ocean current carried the boat away. (flow of water)
She reads the current news every morning. (happening now)
Burning the midnight oil
Example: She was burning the midnight oil to finish her science fair project before the deadline.
Meaning: Staying up late to work or study.
My aunt is very generous with gifts, but my uncle is quite ________.
Stingy
The kids screamed in joyful excitement, while the ghosts moaned in ________.
(Antonym for “joyful”)
Fear