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Context Clues
Context Clues 2
Context Clues 3
Context Clues 4
Context Clues 5
100

Jane could have easily offended Bertha when she informed her that the dress did not fit her well, but Jane used tact and consideration when choosing her words, so Bertha understood without being hurt.

What does tact mean?

What is sensitivity or understanding.

100
When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe. To encounter, is to _______.
What is meet.
100
The original Pilgrims called themselves the “Saints” and referred to others who joined with them for the voyage as the “Strangers.” In this context, “original” means _______.
What is the first.
100

After Brian broke Darcy’s heart this last time, he will have to make some serious amends if he ever wants to win her back.

What does amends mean?

What is remedy or correction.

100

Some people are sure that the new health care law will mean better care for everyone. Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.

A controversy is something that people _______.

What is have strong disagreements over

200
The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves. What does “vast” mean?
What is a large amount
200
Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet. To divert is to _______.
What is change the direction of.
200

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a selfless person she is!

What does selfless mean?

What is cares more about others than herself

200
Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research. What does “esteemed” mean?
What is greatly admired.
200
I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder. What is the meaning of “incentive”? __________.
What is a reason to do something.
300

Kyle really wanted to play basketball, but since it overlapped with the volleyball season, he would just have to defer his hoop-dreams until next year.

What does defer mean?

What is to delay.

300
The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again? A fabrication is __________.
What is fake
300
Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning! In the above context, what does “rash” mean?
What is with little thought or consideration
300
Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season. What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?
What is goes back to being what he was.
300

In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.

What does daunting mean?

What is frightening or intimidating

400
Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match. When you describe an event as “transient,” you are saying that __________.
What is doesn't last long.
400

Stanley tried to determine the meaning of the vocabulary word, but there were so few clues in the sentence all he could do was hopelessly conjecture as to what the word might mean.

What does conjecture mean?

What is to arrive at by guessing.

400
Sunshine said, “Amber, why are you making such a big deal about Robert’s hair? Yes, he did dye it purple. It is rather unusual for a guy to have purple hair. On the other hand, it’s not exactly going to change the course of world history. It’s really quite a trivial matter.” What does “trivial” mean?
What is unimportant.
400

 The clues in the sentence were so helpful, Stanley was able to ascertain the meaning of the word beyond a shadow of a doubt.

What does ascertain mean?

What is to discover or find out

400
The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact. The Compact was _______.
What is an agreement
500
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. What does ubiquitous mean?
What is it is everywhere.
500

Jim wanted to ask Janet to the dance, but he felt it a universally acknowledged truth that popular girls like her didn’t go with unpopular guys like him.


What does universally mean?

What is always or without exception 

500

Both sides in the election contest are throwing accusations at each other. The Gore supporters claim that Governor Bush is trying to thwart the will of the people. The Bush supporters say that Mr. Gore is trying to create votes or assign choices to people who did not really cast votes for president.

What does “thwart” mean?

What is prevent or block

500
We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this dark planet? We doubted that. What is “trepidation”?
What is worry.
500

I wanted to just set the table and be done with it, but my mother scrupulously arranged each napkin, dish, and utensil until they were in perfect alignment. 

What does scrupulously mean?

What is carefully and thoroughly