Context Clues
The Wright Brothers
In the early 20th century, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright changed the course of history with their work in aviation. Fascinated by mechanics from a young age, they studied the principles of flight by observing birds and experimenting with gliders. After years of testing, they successfully flew the first powered airplane on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their invention laid the foundation for modern air travel. Despite early skepticism, the Wright brothers continued improving their designs, proving that human flight was possible and opening the door to an entirely new industry.
What does the word foundation mean in paragraph 1?
A) The starting point or basis for something
B) A type of material used in building
C) A place where airplanes are made
D) The final result of an experiment
A) The starting point or basis for something
Libraries have long been places where people can find information, borrow books, and learn new things. In the past, libraries were mainly used for checking out books, but today they offer much more. Many libraries provide access to computers and the internet, allowing people to research topics or apply for jobs. Libraries also host events like reading programs, educational workshops, and community meetings. Despite the rise of digital resources, libraries continue to be important community centers, offering valuable services to people of all ages.
Central Idea: Libraries offer a variety of services that benefit their communities.
Which piece of evidence supports the main idea?
A) "Many libraries provide access to computers and the internet, allowing people to research topics or apply for jobs."
B) "Libraries also host events like reading programs, educational workshops, and community meetings."
C) "In the past, libraries were mainly used for checking out books, but today they offer much more."
D) "Despite the rise of digital resources, libraries continue to be important community centers, offering valuable services to people of all ages."
D) "Despite the rise of digital resources, libraries continue to be important community centers, offering valuable services to people of all ages."
The invention of the airplane in the early 20th century revolutionized travel. Before airplanes, people traveled long distances by boat, train, or horseback, which could take days or even weeks. The airplane allowed people to reach destinations in a fraction of the time. It also helped connect different parts of the world, enabling easier trade, communication, and tourism. The success of early aviators, like the Wright brothers, proved that flight was not only possible but could become a practical means of transportation.
What can you understand about the significance of the airplane? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
The airplane was significant because it drastically reduced travel time and connected the world in new ways. The passage explains that "The airplane allowed people to reach destinations in a fraction of the time," showing how it sped up travel. Additionally, it helped with trade, communication, and tourism, as mentioned in "It also helped connect different parts of the world."
Which sentence correctly uses the word persevere?
a) She persevered by giving up and trying something else.
b) After the first failure, he chose to persevere and work harder to improve.
c) The student persevered by stopping once the task became too difficult.
d) He persevered in refusing to listen to others' advice.
b) After the first failure, he chose to persevere and work harder to improve.
Trees play an important role in the environment. One way trees help is by providing oxygen, which all living creatures need to breathe. Trees take in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Another important function of trees is to provide habitats for wildlife. Many animals, such as birds and squirrels, make their homes in the branches of trees. Trees also help prevent soil erosion by holding the soil together with their roots, which helps keep the land stable.
How does the author organize this selection?
A) By explaining the different ways trees benefit the environment
B) By comparing trees to other plants
C) By describing the role of animals in the environment
D) By listing the types of trees found in different habitats
A) By explaining the different ways trees benefit the environment
The smartphone has become an essential part of modern life. With the ability to make calls, send messages, and access the internet, smartphones have changed the way people communicate and stay connected. In addition to these basic functions, smartphones also offer a variety of apps that allow users to shop, track their fitness, manage their finances, and even control household devices. The convenience and versatility of smartphones have made them indispensable in everyday life.
Which definition of "indispensable" is being used by the author?
A) Something that is not needed.
B) Something that is difficult to use.
C) Something that is essential and necessary.
D) Something that is expensive and rare.
C) Something that is essential and necessary
The invention of the light bulb changed the world in many ways. Before it was created, people relied on candles, oil lamps, and gaslights to light their homes and streets. These sources of light were not only less efficient but also dangerous. Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the first practical light bulb in 1879, though many other inventors worked on similar ideas. Edison's light bulb provided a safer and more reliable source of light. This invention helped people extend their daily activities into the night, leading to new industries, improved safety, and changes in how people lived and worked.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, changing the world forever.
B) The light bulb changed the way people lived by providing safer and more reliable lighting.
C) The light bulb replaced candles and oil lamps, making life easier.
D) Edison's light bulb helped to extend the working day for many industries.
B) The light bulb changed the way people lived by providing safer and more reliable lighting.
The printing press was one of the most important inventions in history, revolutionizing the way information was shared. Before its invention, books were copied by hand, which was a slow and expensive process. In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg developed a printing press that used movable type, allowing books to be produced much faster and at a lower cost. This invention made books more accessible to people, helping to spread knowledge and new ideas across Europe. The printing press played a key role in the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution by making information available to a wider audience.
According to the paragraph, what was the primary impact of the printing press?
A) It made books easier to carry and store
B) It increased the cost of producing books
C) It allowed books to be created faster and more affordably
D) It replaced all handwritten documents immediately
C) It allowed books to be created faster and more affordably
Which situation demonstrates a benign outcome?
a) A car accident with serious injuries.
b) A fire that destroys an entire neighborhood.
c)A flood that causes widespread damage.
d) A minor injury that heals on its own without complications.
d) A minor injury that heals on its own without complications.
The internet has transformed how people access and share information, particularly in the field of education. Online learning platforms, like Coursera and Khan Academy, offer courses on a wide range of subjects, making education more accessible to people across the globe. Students can now take classes from prestigious universities without ever leaving their homes, providing opportunities for those who might not have had access to traditional education. The internet has also created a space for educators to share resources and ideas, improving teaching methods and reaching wider audiences. However, not all students benefit equally from online education. Issues like lack of reliable internet access or suitable devices can hinder some students’ ability to participate in online learning. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction in online classes can make it more difficult for students to stay motivated and engaged.
How did the author organize the text?
A. By explaining how the internet has both helped and challenged education.
B. By discussing the different online education platforms available today.
C. By comparing online learning to traditional classroom learning.
D. By listing the advantages of online learning over traditional methods.
A. By explaining how the internet has both helped and challenged education.
Refrigeration has transformed the way people store and preserve food. Before modern refrigerators were invented, people used ice houses, underground cellars, and salted meats to keep food from spoiling. In the 19th century, scientists discovered how to use compressed gases to create cold temperatures, leading to the development of the first mechanical refrigerators. By the early 20th century, refrigerators became common in homes, allowing people to keep dairy, meat, and vegetables fresh for longer periods. Today, refrigerators use advanced cooling systems and temperature controls to keep food safe and prevent waste.
What is the meaning of the word compressed in the paragraph?
A) Spread out over a large area
B) Stored in tightly sealed containers
C) Pressed into a smaller space
D) Turned into a liquid
C) Pressed into a smaller space
Electricity is a crucial part of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and technology. It is generated in different ways, including burning fossil fuels, harnessing wind energy, and capturing sunlight through solar panels. Power plants produce electricity and send it through power lines to homes and buildings. Some sources of electricity, like coal and natural gas, can harm the environment, while renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, offer cleaner alternatives. As technology advances, scientists continue to develop new ways to generate and store electricity more efficiently.
Which sentence from paragraph 1 best states the central idea?
A) "Power plants produce electricity and send it through power lines to homes and buildings."
B) "Electricity is a crucial part of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and technology."
C) "Some sources of electricity, like coal and natural gas, can harm the environment, while renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, offer cleaner alternatives."
D) "It is generated in different ways, including burning fossil fuels, harnessing wind energy, and capturing sunlight through solar panels."
B) "Electricity is a crucial part of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and technology."
The Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate, work, and share information. In the early days of the Internet, users primarily relied on dial-up connections, which were slow and often disconnected. The development of broadband Internet in the 1990s changed this by providing faster, more reliable connections. As the Internet became faster and more accessible, it grew beyond simple communication tools like email and chat rooms. New platforms, like social media, e-commerce websites, and streaming services, began to emerge, making the Internet a central part of daily life. Today, the Internet continues to evolve with advancements in technology, making it an essential tool for education, business, and entertainment worldwide.
According to the paragraph, what was one key impact of the development of broadband Internet?
A) It provided a way for people to communicate with others in person
B) It made it easier for people to use the Internet for business purposes
C) It allowed the Internet to grow beyond email and chat rooms
D) It made dial-up Internet connections more common
C) It allowed the Internet to grow beyond email and chat rooms
"He tried to manipulate the situation to make himself look better in front of his boss."
What does manipulate mean in this sentence?
a) To ignore the situation and focus on something else.
b) To help others achieve their goals.
c) To control or influence someone unfairly.
d) To be honest and transparent with others.
c) To control or influence someone unfairly.
The history of transportation is a story of continuous innovation. From the earliest days, when humans used their feet or animals for travel, to the invention of the wheel and the development of carts and boats, transportation has always evolved to meet human needs. The industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought about significant changes, including the development of steam-powered trains and ships, which allowed goods and people to travel faster and farther than ever before. The 20th century saw the rise of automobiles and airplanes, making long-distance travel more accessible to the average person. Today, electric cars, high-speed trains, and even self-driving vehicles are shaping the future of transportation. Despite all these advances, the need for efficient and sustainable transportation systems remains a key challenge, as we continue to look for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our travel.
Which statement best describes the conclusion of the passage in the paragraph?
A. The development of high-speed trains has been the most significant advancement in transportation.
B. Self-driving vehicles will become the dominant form of transportation in the future.
C. The need for electric cars is the most important transportation issue today.
D. Transportation has greatly improved over time, but challenges still remain.
D. Transportation has greatly improved over time, but challenges still remain.
Bridges have been essential for connecting cities, towns, and communities for centuries. Early bridges were made of wood or stone and often relied on natural materials like tree trunks or rocks to span small rivers. As engineering advanced, stronger materials such as iron and steel allowed for the construction of longer and more durable bridges. Suspension bridges, for example, use cables to support the roadway, enabling them to stretch across vast distances. Today, modern bridges are designed to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather, and even earthquakes, ensuring safe passage for people and vehicles.
Which sentence from the passage best supports that "span" means "to stretch across a distance."
A) "Early bridges were made of wood or stone and often relied on natural materials like tree trunks or rocks to span small rivers."
B) "As engineering advanced, stronger materials such as iron and steel allowed for the construction of longer and more durable bridges."
C) "Suspension bridges, for example, use cables to support the roadway, enabling them to stretch across vast distances."
D) "Today, modern bridges are designed to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather, and even earthquakes, ensuring safe passage for people and vehicles."
A) "Early bridges were made of wood or stone and often relied on natural materials like tree trunks or rocks to span small rivers."
The growth of cities has been a significant trend throughout history, and it continues to shape the modern world. Urbanization refers to the process by which more and more people move from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities, education, and living conditions. While urbanization can lead to economic growth, it can also bring challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and strained public services. Many governments are working to address these challenges by investing in infrastructure, public transportation, and green spaces. Despite the challenges, urbanization remains a key factor in global development, and cities will continue to grow and evolve in the coming decades.
What is the overall central idea of the passage?
A. Urbanization brings challenges that require government solutions.
B. Cities have grown steadily throughout history and continue to evolve.
C. Urbanization creates job opportunities and better living conditions.
D. Overcrowding and pollution are the main issues caused by urbanization.
B. Cities have grown steadily throughout history and continue to evolve.
The process of recycling has become an essential part of waste management in many countries around the world. In the past, much of the waste people produced ended up in landfills, where it could take hundreds of years to decompose. Today, many materials like paper, plastic, and glass are recycled and repurposed into new products, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. However, there are challenges in the recycling process. One of the main issues is contamination—when non-recyclable items are mixed with recyclable materials. This can cause problems at recycling plants, where workers have to manually sort through the waste. Additionally, some materials are difficult to recycle, requiring advanced technology to break them down. Despite these challenges, recycling remains a crucial part of creating a more sustainable environment.
Match the letter (Detail) with the number (Problem):
Details:
A. Non-recyclable items mixed with recyclable materials.
B. Some materials are difficult to recycle.
C. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Problems:
1.The need for advanced technology to process certain materials.
2.Contamination at recycling plants.
3.The challenge of sorting and processing waste materials.
Which sentence correctly uses the word maneuver?
a) She was able to maneuver through the crowded room without bumping into anyone.
b) He made a maneuver by sitting down to relax.
c) The maneuver caused confusion and chaos in the group.
d) He maneuvered by ignoring the instructions.
a) She was able to maneuver through the crowded room without bumping into anyone.
The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, responsible for a wide variety of functions ranging from basic survival instincts to advanced cognitive abilities. Neurons, the brain's primary cells, transmit electrical signals to communicate information throughout the body. One of the key components of this communication is neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals between neurons. These neurotransmitters are crucial for functions such as mood regulation, memory formation, and muscle control. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels can lead to various neurological and psychological disorders. Advances in neuroscience are allowing scientists to explore new treatments for these disorders by targeting specific neurotransmitter systems.
What is the meaning of the technical phrase "transmit electrical signals"?
A. Neurons store information in the brain for later use.
B. Neurons send electrical impulses to other parts of the body.
C. Neurons receive electrical charges from the body.
D. Neurons generate electrical power for the brain to function.
B. Neurons send electrical impulses to other parts of the body.
Video games have come a long way since their inception in the 1950s. The first video games were simple, using basic graphics and limited gameplay. In the 1970s, arcade games like Pong became popular, offering a more interactive experience. As technology advanced, so did the complexity of video games. In the 1990s, 3D graphics and multiplayer options revolutionized gaming, allowing players to explore vast virtual worlds and interact with others online. Today, video games are a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering everything from immersive role-playing games to competitive esports. Video games are now a central part of modern entertainment, with millions of people playing games on various platforms, including consoles, computers, and smartphones.
What is the meaning of the word "immersive" in the paragraph?
A) Boring and uninteresting
B) Easy to understand
C) Able to engage and absorb the player
D) Repetitive and predictable
C) Able to engage and absorb the player
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans and players. It was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor, who wanted to create a new game to keep his students active during the winter months. Naismith developed a game with simple rules, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals. The game quickly gained popularity and spread across the United States and beyond. Over time, the rules and equipment were refined, and basketball became the fast-paced, high-scoring sport we know today. The NBA, formed in 1946, is now the premier professional basketball league, with players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant becoming international icons. Basketball has also become a global sport, with countries all over the world participating in international competitions such as the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Basketball is a sport that has evolved over time, becoming popular worldwide.
B. The NBA is the most famous professional basketball league.
C. Dr. James Naismith invented basketball to keep his students active.
D. International competitions have made basketball a global sport.
Which piece of evidence supports this main idea?
A. Basketball is a sport that has evolved over time, becoming popular worldwide.
Supporting evidence: 1. "Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans and players."
Soccer, known as football in most parts of the world, is the most popular sport globally. Played in nearly every country, it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. The game is simple to understand, requiring just a ball and a goal, but it takes skill and teamwork to excel. In countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, soccer is more than just a game; it is part of the national identity. Every year, millions of people gather to watch major tournaments, like the World Cup, where the best teams from around the world compete for the title of world champions.
What makes soccer unique is its ability to unite people across cultures. Whether it’s a match in a small neighborhood or a large stadium, soccer creates a sense of community and excitement. The sport is known for its incredible displays of athleticism, strategy, and passion. Players train for years to develop their skills, and fans support their teams with great enthusiasm. The sport’s universal appeal shows that, no matter where you are in the world, soccer can bring people together and inspire pride and teamwork.
What can you understand about the role of soccer in uniting people? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
The passage explains that soccer unites people by creating a sense of community and excitement, regardless of where the match is played. The evidence supporting this is found in the sentence: "Whether it’s a match in a small neighborhood or a large stadium, soccer creates a sense of community and excitement." This shows that the sport connects individuals, bringing them together to share in the passion and enthusiasm for the game. Additionally, the mention of soccer's "universal appeal" highlights its ability to unite people across cultures.
Which of the following is NOT a use of the word distinct?
a) There is a distinct difference in the two actors' performances.
b) The distinct flavors of chocolate and vanilla made the dessert delicious.
c) The two songs sounded distinctively the same.
d) The distinct border between the two countries was easy to spot.
c) The two songs sounded distinctively the same.
The practice of meditation has been used for thousands of years to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Originating in ancient India, meditation has become a popular practice worldwide for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. During meditation, individuals focus their attention on a particular object, thought, or their breath, helping them to clear their minds and achieve a state of calm. Research has shown that regular meditation can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and even lower blood pressure. Many people incorporate meditation into their daily routines to manage stress and enhance their mental and emotional health.
How does the author organize this selection?
A. By describing the scientific evidence behind meditation.
B. By explaining the origins of meditation and its modern uses.
C. By comparing the benefits of meditation to other stress-reduction methods.
D. By listing the steps required to practice meditation.
D. By listing the steps required to practice meditation.