Gerunds
Learning new languages is a rewarding experience that opens up many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What is the gerund in the sentence?
A) Learning
B) Languages
C) Experience
D) Opportunities
A) Learning
The scientist’s theory was unfounded, as there was no concrete evidence to support it.
What does the word unfounded mean based on the context of the sentence?
A) Well-supported by evidence
B) Based on facts
C) Without any basis or proof
D) Difficult to understand
C) Without any basis or proof
The manager’s gregarious nature made him popular among his coworkers, as he was always the first to initiate conversations and bring people together.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word gregarious in this sentence?
A) Popular among coworkers, initiate conversations, bring people together
B) Introverted, shy, and reserved
C) Hardworking, efficient, and focused
D) Quiet, solitary, and distant
A) Popular among coworkers, initiate conversations, bring people together
The artist was meticulous in her work, carefully adding every small detail to ensure that the painting was perfect. She took her time, never rushing through the process.
What type of context clue helps determine the meaning of the word meticulous in the sentence?
A) Definition clue
B) Synonym clue
C) Example clue
D) Antonym clue
A) Definition clue
The children were ecstatic when they found out they were going to the amusement park. They jumped up and down, laughing, and couldn't stop smiling. Their excitement was contagious, and even the parents couldn't help but feel a sense of joy.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word ecstatic in this paragraph?
A) Jumped up and down, laughing, couldn't stop smiling
B) Parents, amusement park, excitement
C) Children, parents, amusement park
D) Feeling joy, laughing, smiling
A) Jumped up and down, laughing, couldn't stop smiling
Reading books before bed helps Emily relax and unwind after a long day.
What is the gerund in the sentence?
A) Reading
B) Helps
C) Bed
D) Relax
A) Reading
The weather was inclement during the hike, with heavy rain and strong winds making it difficult to continue.
What does the word inclement mean based on the context of the sentence?
A) Calm and pleasant
B) Severe and harsh
C) Warm and sunny
D) Cold and dry
B) Severe and harsh
Her melancholy expression showed that she was deep in thought, reflecting on something troubling that had happened earlier.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word melancholy in this sentence?
A) Smiling, laughing, happy
B) Deep in thought, troubling, expression
C) Energetic, excited, cheerful
D) Unfocused, distracted, unclear
B) Deep in thought, troubling, expression
The storm last night was mild, with only light rain and a gentle breeze, making it far less intense than originally predicted.
What type of context clue helps determine the meaning of the word mild in the sentence?
A) Definition clue
B) Synonym clue
C) Example clue
D) Antonym clue
D) Antonym clue
The storm last night was so ferocious that it knocked down trees and caused widespread power outages. People were advised to stay indoors to avoid any dangerous debris being blown around by the wind.
What does the word ferocious mean based on the context of the paragraph?
A) Mild and calm
B) Very intense and violent
C) Unpredictable and random
D) Slow and steady
B) Very intense and violent
Which of the following sentences contains a gerund phrase?
A) Running every morning is a good habit.
B) I ran a marathon last year.
C) She runs quickly during the race.
D) He will run in the competition.
A) Running every morning is a good habit.
The children were elated after receiving the surprise gift, their faces glowing with happiness and excitement.
What does the word elated mean based on the context of the sentence?
A) Sad and disappointed
B) Angry and upset
C) Extremely happy and excited
D) Tired and bored
C) Extremely happy and excited
The benevolent teacher often volunteered to stay after school to help students who were struggling, showing kindness and generosity to everyone.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word benevolent in this sentence?
A) Teacher, volunteered, help students, kindness, generosity
B) Struggling, difficult, confusing
C) Staying after school, ignoring others
D) Authoritative, strict, serious
A) Teacher, volunteered, help students, kindness, generosity
The coach was very lenient with the team's practice schedule, allowing the players to take extra breaks when needed, and not requiring them to practice as hard as usual.
What type of context clue helps determine the meaning of the word lenient in the sentence?
A) Definition clue
B) Synonym clue
C) Example clue
D) Explanation clue
D) Explanation clue
The hiker was filled with trepidation as she made her way through the dense forest, hearing unfamiliar noises all around her. She took careful steps, unsure of what dangers might be lurking in the shadows.
What does the word trepidation mean based on the context of the paragraph?
A) Confident and fearless
B) Curious and eager
C) Nervous and fearful
D) Excited and energetic
C) Nervous and fearful
Which sentence contains a gerund used as the subject of the sentence?
A) Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity.
B) She enjoys swimming every weekend.
C) I love swim in the pool.
D) He is swimming right now.
A) Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity.
The manager's benevolent attitude towards his employees made the workplace feel supportive and welcoming.
What does the word benevolent mean based on the context of the sentence?
A) Harsh and critical
B) Kind and generous
C) Indifferent and neutral
D) Strict and controlling
B) Kind and generous
The hike up the mountain was grueling, as the steep terrain and hot sun made it feel like an endless challenge.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word grueling in this sentence?
A) Smooth, comfortable, pleasant
B) Easy, relaxing, enjoyable
C) Fast, exciting, fun
D) Steep terrain, hot sun, endless challenge
D) Steep terrain, hot sun, endless challenge
The child felt nostalgic as she looked through old family photos, remembering the fun times she had when she was younger.
What type of context clue helps determine the meaning of the word nostalgic in the sentence?
A) Synonym clue
B) Antonym clue
C) Example clue
D) Definition clue
C) Example clue
The debate team was unequivocal in their stance on the issue, making it clear that they supported the proposal without any doubts or hesitation. Their arguments were strong and decisive, leaving little room for disagreement.
What does the word unequivocal mean based on the context of the paragraph?
A) Clear and definite
B) Uncertain and doubtful
C) Complex and confusing
D) Weak and unconvincing
A) Clear and definite
Running in the park every morning has become a part of Sarah’s daily routine. She enjoys the fresh air and the sense of accomplishment after completing her run. Her goal is to continue running for fitness, as it helps her stay healthy and energized throughout the day.
What is the gerund in the paragraph?
A) Sarah
B) Running
C) Fresh
D) Completing
B) Running
The students found the math test to be arduous, requiring them to solve complex problems that took a lot of time and effort.
What does the word arduous mean based on the context of the sentence?
A) Easy and quick
B) Simple and fun
C) Difficult and requiring effort
D) Unimportant and trivial
C) Difficult and requiring effort
His meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the project was completed perfectly, without a single error.
What context clues help determine the meaning of the word meticulous in this sentence?
A) Ensured, detail, aspect
B) Every aspect, project, completed
C) Attention to detail, perfectly, without a single error
D) Single, error, mistake
C) Attention to detail, perfectly, without a single error
The artist’s work was exquisite, with every detail carefully crafted and masterfully executed, making it a true masterpiece.
What type of context clue helps determine the meaning of the word exquisite in the sentence?
A) Synonym clue
B) Antonym clue
C) Example clue
D) Explanation clue
A) Synonym clue
The scientist’s theory was met with skepticism by many of her colleagues, who questioned the validity of her findings and were unsure if her results could be replicated in further experiments.
What does the word skepticism mean based on the context of the paragraph?
A) Strong belief and trust
B) Indifference and lack of interest
C) Excitement and enthusiasm
D) Doubt and disbelief
D) Doubt and disbelief