Definition Clues
The desert is an arid, or very dry, place that gets little rain.
Very dry
The movie was side-splitting. Everyone thought it was very funny.
very funny
Unlike his generous sister, who donates money whenever she can, Mark is parsimonious.
stingy/frugal/cheap
A reptile, such as a snake or a lizard, is cold-blooded.
A cold-blooded animal like a snake or lizard
Marcus applied to three colleges with early deadlines. A week before decisions are released, he notices one application still says “incomplete-missing letter of recommendation." His counselor avoids eye contact when he asks about it and says, “I’ve been very busy lately.”
Make an inference about why Marcus's guidance counselor avoided eye contact.
The counselor did not write his letter of recommendation on time.
Maria felt fatigued, or extremely tired, after working a double shift.
The teacher was incensed when she saw that her students cheated on the last test; she couldn't control how angry she was.
very angry
The test was not straightforward, it was very difficult.
easy/simple
Celery, carrots, and broccoli are all produce.
Sofia’s group earned a lower grade than expected on their final project. During the presentation, one teammate read directly from the slides, another showed up late, and Sofia noticed their research section was shorter than required. After class, the teacher told Sofia, “Leadership means more than doing your own part well.”
Make an inference about what the teacher is implying about Sofia and her role as leader.
As a leader, she should have ensured the entire group was prepared and met all requirements, not just completed her own section.
The instructions were mandatory, which means they had to be followed.
Required
The athlete felt depleted after the marathon. He was wiped out.
wiped out
The weather was not balmy; it was cold and rainy.
pleasant/warm/nice
A hammer, screwdriver, and wrench are all mechanisms.
machine/appliance/tools
Jamal has been staying after school every day, but he tells his friends he “just needs extra study time.” Lately, he seems distracted, and his basketball coach mentions that Jamal hasn’t been attending practice. When asked about the team, Jamal shrugs and says, “Some things are more important.”
Make an inference about what might be going on in Jamal's life.
Jamal may have family responsibilities, a job, academic struggles, or a personal issue taking priority.
The bully was pugnacious, or eager to fight and cause trouble.
eager to fight and cause trouble
The view from the mountain was majestic. It was truly beautiful.
beautiful
He was not nonchalant; he always seemed to be so stressed.
calm/unconcerned
Ding-dong ditch, swapping out family photos until someone notices, and putting a whoopee cushion on someone's seat are all classic capers.
During her scholarship interview, Priya is asked about a time she failed. She smiles nervously and says, “I don’t really fail—I plan too carefully for that.” The interviewers exchange glances and quickly move to the next question.
Make an inference about why the interviewers reacted like that.
They likely felt her answer lacked honesty or self-awareness/ that she couldn't explain her weaknesses.
The medicine may cause lethargy, a feeling of wanting to sleep.
a feeling of wanting to sleep
Her explanation was concise and her teacher appreciated that it was short and to the point.
short/to the point
Her routine was not regimented and her days often looked chaotic.
well-organized
Anxiety, excitement, and anger are strong sentiments.
feeling/emotion
After school, Ethan tells his friend he’s “not worried at all” about graduation requirements. However, he hasn’t turned in two major assignments, and his teacher emailed home last week. When his friend asks if his parents know, Ethan quickly changes the subject.
Make an inference about why Ethan changes the subject.
He may not want to admit he’s in trouble or that he is afraid of the consequences.