Context Clues

Synonyms

100

The witness began to prevaricate when questioned under oath. He hesitated instead of answering right away. Using the synonym clue, the word "prevaricate" in this sentence means

hesitate

200

Hurricane Katrina caused a great cataclysm - New Orleans was a disaster. Using the synonym clue, the word "cataclysm" in this sentence means

disaster

300

Ashley stared at the newest style of jeans in the catalog. She just had to have them. Her birthday money was not quite enough to cover the expense. Although she didn't want to grovel, she decided to plead with her parents for the money to buy them. Using the synonym clue, the word "grovel" in this sentence means

to beg

400

The events for the conference were listed in chronological order. They began with the first event of the day and ended with the closing ceremonies in the evening. Using the synonym clue, the word "chronological" in this sentence means

in time order

500

The young man had a robust appearance; that is, strong and healthy. Using the synonym clue, the word "robust" in this sentence means

strong; healthy

Antonyms

100

For the project, the teacher said the design was inalterable, but the color could be changed. Using the antonym clue, the word "inalterable" in this sentence means

unchangeable

200

The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to the pack. Using the antonym clue, the word "incompetent" in this sentence means

useless

300

Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea. Using the antonym clue, the word "skeptical" in this sentence means

doubtful

400

The sight of the ominous clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area. Using the antonym clue, the word "ominous" in this sentence means

stormy or dark

500

Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely. Using the antonym clue, the word "reticent" in this sentence means

secretive

Direct Definition

100

The student in Mr. Aboulela's SAT class aspires, aims to achieve, spending the next four years at Harvard University. Using context clues, what does "aspire" mean?

aims to achieve

200

Mr. Aboulela was very disappointed to see a student with his pants below his waist, a bad word on his shirt, and a hat on his head. She CHIDED him in the hallway, meaning he expressed his disapproval. Using context clues, what does "chided" mean?

expressed his disapproval

300

The factory supervisor demanded an inspection, which is a careful and critical examination of all of the meats processed each day. Using context clues, what does "inspection" mean?

a careful and critical examination

400

There are many theories, or ideas, about what made the Ice Ages happen. Using context clues, what does "theories" mean?

ideas

500

What is a direct definition context clue?

The definition of the word you don’t know is right in the text

Nonsense Words

100

Samantha is so brog that she gets an A on almost every test. What is "brog"?

smart

200

My weeple wags his tail everytime someone calls his name. What is a "weeple"?

dog

300

Tomorrow I'm going to the floz to get some vegetables for the week. What is "floz"?

grocery store

400

No repairs were needed for the old car because it was in zoosh condition. What is "zoosh"?

perfect; good

500

Sarah is so slen, such as complaining that the teacher didn't call on her, that it's hard to be her friend sometimes. What is "slen"?

annoying; whinny

So you think you're a context clue master?

100

The students in the science class worked together as a team. The great synergy that was created made the project a huge success. Using the explanation clue, the word "synergy" in this sentence means

teamwork

200

Supporting details hold up the main idea in a paragraph or piece of writing just like the pillars of the Parthenon buttress the top layer. Using context clues , what does "buttress" mean?

to support

300

The lawsuit was so frivolous that the judge dismissed the case and told the attorney not to bring any more silly cases into his court. Using the explanation clue, the word "frivolous" in this sentence means

silly

400

Ms. Trangle explained to her math class how fractions divide a whole into different parts. Hawa, as a good math student, cleaved the pie chart into eight pieces. Using context clues, what does "cleaved" mean?

to cut into parts

500

Mr. Covert will not accept answers in his class unless the students are able to support their answers with evidence from the text. He told the students they must corroborate their statements related to the text. Using context clues, what does "corroborate" mean?

to make more certain or confirm