Context Clues
What does the word geography mean in the paragraph below?
Today we studied geography or the things on the Earth’s surface like mountains, oceans, and rivers. We were looking at volcanoes. It was very interesting to find out the shape of a volcano changes as the volcano gets older. I didn't know that!
a) the study of the the things on earth's surface.
b) the shape of volcanoes
c) something interesting in school
d) the idea that the shape of things change as they get older
a) the study of the the things on earth's surface.
Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat!
The main idea of this passage is:
a) Pizza is made from flour
b) How to make homemade pizza
c) Pizza is easy to make
d) Pizza makes the kitchen smell delicious
b) How to make homemade pizza
Sunday night Adam doesn't eat his dinner and decided to go to bed early. On Monday morning, Adam wakes up coughing. His head hurts, and his body aches. He calls out to his Mom.
What is happening in this paragraph?
Adam is sick. Since it's Monday, he probably won't be going to school.
Elenor invites the new girl Jessica over to play. When Jessica arrived, she didn't bother to wipe her shoes. She got mud all over Elenor's white bedroom carpet and didn't even say sorry. Then, she hopped onto Elenor's bed and took out a cherry juice box. When cherry juice dripped onto Elenor's tan comforter, Jessica just shrugged. Later, when Jessica was eating some Cheetos, she wiped the orange powder on her fingers onto Elenor's pillowcase. After Jessica left, Elenor felt so sad.
What is the theme/life lesson from the passage?
a) Don't make messes
b) Don't eat while at a friend's house.
c) Have courage to do the right thing
d) Treat others and their property the way you want to be treated
d) Treat others and their property the way you want to be treated
It was the first day of school and Cassidy had just moved to town. She hadn't made any new friends although she saw many kids riding their bikes in her neighborhood all summer long. She thought she would meet them one day, but never went outside to say hello. As Cassidy found her seat in class her teacher introduced herself and asked if there was anyone new to the school. Cassidy’s felt her heart jump and slowly raised her hand. She really didn’t like it when the attention was all on her.
The reader can tell that Cassidy is-
A. Happy
B. Terrified
C. Shy
D. Generous
C. Shy
What does the word dozen mean in the paragraph below?
My mother asked me to go to the store. She needed me to get some things for a dinner she was making for my family. I was surprised when I saw that she wanted me to buy a dozen eggs. What is she going to make that takes 12 eggs?
a) A carton of eggs
b) Eggs that are white
c) Eggs that are sold in the store
d) 12 items
d) 12 items
The monarch butterflies' survival is linked to migration. Each year, thousands of butterflies travel. They make their way to winter nesting grounds. This butterfly travels in search of a new spot to live and lay its eggs. When it gets warmer once again, a monarch returns back home. The breezy wind currents help. They make air travel smooth and effortless. Migration is just one way that animals survive.
The main idea of this passage is:
a) migration means movement
b) wind helps butterflies migrate
c) other animals migrate too
d) migration helps a monarch survive
d) migration helps a monarch survive
A family walks down the street. The Dad carries a sunshade, the Mom carries a big bag, and the children hold a bucket and shovel. The wind is whipping the little girl's hair around her head.
What is happening in this paragraph?
The family is heading to the beach.
Sidenote: I know it's a beach and not a pool because they have buckets for sand and it's windy because they are near an ocean.
Lisa's book report was due tomorrow. Her teacher had given the class an entire month to complete it. Most of Lisa's friends were already finished, but Lisa hadn't even started hers yet. When she got home she saw a note from her dad that read “Surprise! We're all going to the hockey game tonight. Your homework must be done first.” Lisa loved hockey and couldn't leave her bad luck. She’d never get her book report done before the game. Later, when her family left for the game, Lisa had to stay home to finish her book report. She vowed to herself that next time she would be sure to start it sooner.
What is the theme/life lesson from the passage?
a) Don't put things off to the last minute
b) Dads are mean
c) Everybody has bad luck at one time or another
d) Homework is dumb
a) Don't put things off to the last minute
Jordon could not wait for Spring Break. He and his family were planning a trip to Colorado! They plan on going snowboarding, white water rafting, and ziplining. The last time Jordon went snowboarding he ended up breaking his arm because he tried to jump a ramp. No one had showed him how to jump it, but when he was coming up to it, he just couldn't help but give it a try. Jordon was especially looking forward to the white water rafting. His dad let him pick the river they would go down. So of course, Jordon picked the one with the biggest falls!
The reader can tell that Jordon is-
a) Sneaky
b) Adventurous
c) Serious
d) Aggressive
b) Adventurous
What does the word pollution mean in the paragraph below?
Water pollution is a problem for all of us. When we say our water is polluted, it means trash, dirt, and other harmful things have gotten into the water and made it dirty. Pollution happens when we put harmful things like this into our water, air, or any part of the environment. Because we need clean water in order to stay alive, it is very important to keep things that do not belong in the water out of the water.
a) cleaning out things that have harmed our environment
b) worrying about a problem
c) putting something into our environment that is harmful
d) something good for us
c) putting something into our environment that is harmful
Some rabbits change their fur with the seasons. In the summer, they have thinner coats with short fur. As the weather cools, their fur grows longer and thicker. Spring brings more changes to a rabbit's appearance. The warm coat is no longer needed and the animal molts. Rabbits shed their dense coats in the spring. It gathers on bushes and shrubs.
The main idea of this passage is:
a) rabbits loose their fur
b) they need more fur in the winter
c) A rabbit’s fur can change across the seasons.
d) molting means shedding
c) A rabbit’s fur can change across the seasons.
Emily watches as the nervous boys and girls go up the steep incline. Then…Whoosh! They scream with excitement as they speed downhill. Emily cannot wait to have a go.
What is happening in this paragraph?
Emily is nervous to ski/snowboard/sled down the hill after watching other kids having fun.
"You must clean your room before your baseball game," Steven's mom stated. Steven hated cleaning his room. Because he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, he threw all his clothes and toys into a huge pile in his closet and closed the door. "Done!" Steven exclaimed. Right before it was time to leave for the game, Steven's mom went into Steven's room to get his uniform out of the closet. All of his clothes and toys came tumbling out. "Steven" she shouted. "If you'd cleaned your room properly in the first place, you wouldn't have to stay home and clean it all over again."
What is the theme/life lesson from the passage?
a) Keep your room clean
b) Children and parents should be treated equal
c) It's better to do things correctly the first time.
d) Determination is the key to success
c) It's better to do things correctly the first time.
As they arrived to the campgrounds Mark read over the rules that were posted, then began to help his dad set up the tent. After the tent was set up Mark’s dad asked, “Will you and your sister go look for some sticks to start a fire?” “Yes, sir, “ Mark responded. He took his sister’s hand and as they were walking around looking for sticks, Mark noticed some litter on the trail and picked it up to throw away later.
The reader can tell that Mark is-
a) Careless
b) Organized
c) Generous
d) Respectful
d) Respectful
What does the word captivity mean in the paragraph below?
There are many animals living in captivity. Many animals are hurt in the wild and then are brought to zoos to heal. After they heal, many animals are unable to return to the wild because they depend on humans too much. They must stay in their cages the rest of their life.
a) freedom
b) release
c) confinement
d) bliss
c) confinement
Having a sturdy home is of great importance to birds. Robins take care to build durable nests. Fibers twist and turn as a robin builds. As the nest takes shape, a hollowed portion forms. This rounded section will one day hold eggs.
The main idea of this passage is:
a) nests are for birds
b) nests are round
c) much effort is put into creating a nest
d) fibers are used to make nests strong
c) much effort is put into creating a nest
As Sara eats the doughnut for lunch, her tooth starts to ache. She complains about it to her friend. “I know who you need to go and see,” the friend says.
What is happening in this paragraph?
Sara needs to visit the dentist because she might have a cavity.
Brooke and Nicole were unhappy when Mrs. Bair assigned them to be partners for a project. Because they didn't get along they decided to work separately on different parts of the project. When the draft was due, Brooke noticed that the design and artwork of Nicole's part was much better than hers. Nicole noticed that Brooke had done a lot of research and that her writing was much stronger. Seeing each other’s strengths, Brooke asked Nicole if she wanted to work together on the final draft. That way they can each focus on what they did best. In the end, their project received the highest grade in the class.
What is the theme/life lesson from the passage?
a) Teamwork can lead to a better result
b) Be kind to others
c) Treat others the way you want to be treated.
d) Solve your problems early
a) Teamwork can lead to a better result
It was the big night, and Charlie was the star of the show. All his friends and family were out in the audience waiting to see him perform. Suddenly, he became very nervous and was unsure about his ability to perform. Jan could see it on his face. “Hey, Charlie! Don’t be nervous! We have been working so hard on this play. You are going to do great. Trust me, I’ve seen you perform your lines perfectly about a hundred times!” she said to him.
The reader can tell that Jan is-
a) Peaceful
b) Encouraging
c) Determined
d) Witty
b) Encouraging
What does the word valiant mean in the paragraph below?
The valiant young man ran in front of the car to save the little girl. His bravery saved her life.
a) heroic
b) scared
c) cowardly
d) fearful
a) heroic
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
The main idea of this passage is:
a) The Wright Brothers worked hard.
b) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
c) Inventors build kites and bicycles.
d) The first flight was in 1903.
b) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
“What would you like?” asked Dad. “Can I please have a Big Mac, Fries and a Coke,” replied Adam.
What is happening in this paragraph?
Adam is asking his dad to order him a burger, fries, and a coke from McDonalds.
Sidenote: I know the food is from Mcdonalds because Big Macs are only sold at McDonalds.
Jenny hated when her little sister Riley came into her bedroom. “Get out of my room!” Jenny yelled. She gave Riley a giant push towards the door. Riley tripped on one of Jenny’s shoes and slammed into the door. “See, that's what you get,” Jenny said as Riley ran out of the room crying. Later, Jenny was bored and decided to see what her older sister Karen was doing. As soon as Jenny entered Karen's bedroom, Karen pushed Jenny so hard that she fell to the floor. I heard what you did to Riley. How do you like it when someone else does that to you?” Karen yelled as Jenny ran out of the room crying.
What is the theme/life lesson from the passage?
a) Getting revenge is okay if it’s for a good reason
b) Treat others the way you want to be treated
c) You appreciate things more when you work for them
d) Always be prepared
b) Treat others the way you want to be treated
“Which way should we go?” Lily asked. “”Let’s check the map,” Joann said. “We don’t need to check the map. If you just listen to where I say to go, we will be on the best trail. Like I said, I’ve already hiked here and I know the best trail,” Taylor responded. “We also need to take a break soon, so I can eat. Did you guys bring snacks like I asked you to?”
The reader can tell that Taylor is-
a) Helpful
b) Demanding
c) Hateful
d) Inventive
b) Demanding