Context Clues
Read the sentence and choose the best meaning of vital.
Water is vital to all living things; without it, life cannot survive.
A. optional
B. harmful
C. essential
D. ordinary
C. essential
Ethan’s backpack lay open with crumpled papers spilling out. He scanned the empty classroom, then snapped his fingers and muttered, “I knew I left it in my locker.”
What can you infer Ethan is looking for?
A. His jacket
B. His lunch
C. A missing assignment
D. A pen
C. A missing assignment
The plot of a story is a series of _____________ that happen.
events
An opinion is a statement that cannot be _________.
proven
The mangrove forests along tropical coasts form tangled roots that trap sediment, slow crashing waves, and provide shelter for young fish. Scientists say these tree communities shield inland villages from storm surge and erosion.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
A. Mangroves make fishing easier.
B. Mangroves protect coastlines and marine life.
C. Mangroves grow only in salty water.
D. Mangroves are difficult to study.
B. Mangroves protect coastlines and marine life.
On the trail, the hikers discovered a barren plateau where not a single tree or flower could be seen.
What does barren mean?
A. wooded
B. empty
C. fertile
D. hidden
B. empty
Mr. Alvarez kept checking his watch, tapping his foot, and peering down the hallway every few seconds. When the phone finally rang, he answered before the first ring finished.
What can you infer about Mr. Alvarez?
A. He was bored
B. He was nervous about an important call
C. He was angry at someone
D. He was about to leave for vacation
B. He was nervous about an important call
The _________ action are the events that happen after the exposition and lead up to the climax.
rising action
Choose TWO statements below that are facts.
A. With dark blue mesh and bright orange text, the Chicago Bears have the ugliest uniform in the NFL.
B. Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch recorded in a major league game at 105 MPH.
C. Mary Lou Retton was the first American to win the gold medal in the Women’s All-Around event.
D. Women’s basketball games are not as aggressive or exciting as men’s basketball games.
B. Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch recorded in a major league game at 105 MPH.
C. Mary Lou Retton was the first American to win the gold medal in the Women’s All-Around event.
During winter, the arctic fox’s coat turns white, blending in with snow and ice. When summer arrives, the same fox molts into a brown-gray shade that matches rocks and tundra plants. This color change helps the fox avoid predators and sneak up on prey.
What is the main idea?
A. Arctic foxes migrate south each year.
B. Arctic foxes change fur color for camouflage across seasons.
C. Arctic foxes live only on snowy mountains.
D. Arctic foxes eat mainly berries.
B. Arctic foxes change fur color for camouflage across seasons.
Which definition of incredulous best fits the context?
Jamal gave his sister an incredulous look, unable to believe she had gotten a 100 the difficult test.
A. doubtful
B. proud
C. relaxed
D. confused
A. doubtful
The campfire crackled low, and the hikers huddled closer, pulling their jackets tight as the wind howled through the trees. One camper added two more logs even though it was late.
What can you infer about the night’s temperature?
A. It is nighttime
B. It is cold
C. It is humid
D. It is stormy
B. It is cold
The __________ action are the events that happen in response to the climax and lead to the end of the story.
falling action
Choose TWO statements below that are opinions.
A. It is wrong to hunt bald eagles because they are a threatened species.
B. A low carbohydrate diet is the best way to lose weight.
C. The periodic table of elements arranges elements by atomic number.
D. The solar system is located in the Milky Way.
A. It is wrong to hunt bald eagles because they are a threatened species.
B. A low carbohydrate diet is the best way to lose weight.
1. A fish’s tail presses first to one side and then the other. The tail of a whale moves up and down. Eels and sea snakes move in an S pattern, bending their bodies. Scallops flap their shells, squeezing out water to push them along.
Which sentence below could be a TOPIC SENTENCE for the paragraph above?
a. The tail is an important part of a fish’s body.
b. Ocean animals use a variety of methods to get from here to there.
c. Animals crawl, run, and swim to get from place to place.
b. Ocean animals use a variety of methods to get from here to there.
In the article, scientists warned that the old equipment was obsolete and should be replaced before the next mission.
What does obsolete mean?
A. modern
B. unnecessary
C. outdated
D. portable
C. outdated
Jamal turned off the game console, put the controller aside, and opened his math book without anyone asking. He sharpened a pencil and started.
What can you infer Jamal’s priorities are at that moment?
A. Finishing his homework
B. Continuing the game later
C. Calling a friend
D. Watching TV
A. Finishing his homework
The ___________ is the turning point in the story where there is the most suspense.
climax
A brochure states: “The hiking trail is 3.2 miles long and climbs 800 feet to the summit.”
Which additional sentence would be an OPINION?
A. The trail is marked with multiple blue flags.
B. The summit offers a view of Lake Avery.
C. Experienced hikers will not find the trail challenging.
D. All dogs and pets must be on a leash.
C. Experienced hikers will not find the trail challenging.
The city library recently added a “Tech Corner” equipped with 3-D printers, video-editing computers, and robotics kits. Students reserve time to design keychains, film documentaries, and program small robots. By offering these resources, the library encourages creativity and STEM learning.
What is the main idea?
A. Technology is a great way to spark creativity.
B. The library’s new Tech Corner supports hands-on technology projects.
C. STEM education is important to student development.
D. The library will eventually replace books with computers.
B. The library’s new Tech Corner supports hands-on technology projects.
What does hinder mean in this sentence?
A sudden snowstorm threatened to hinder the delivery trucks, slowing progress along the highway.
A. assist
B. block
C. ignore
D. encourage
B. block
Kim wants to drive her three kids and their two friends to the soccer game. The problem is that her shiny new SUV only has room for five passengers including the driver.
Kim misses her old eight passenger SUV but she’s still thankful that the new one gets much better gas mileage.
1. Which of the following statements is false?
a. Kim’s new vehicle is not meant to carry six people.
b. Kim’s old SUV had seating for more passengers than the new one.
c. Kim won’t be able to take her kids to the soccer game.
c. Kim won’t be able to take her kids to the soccer game.
The __________ is the beginning of the story where the reader learns about the setting, characters, and background information.
exposition
Is the following a fact or an opinion?
Cesar Chavez signed a contract with the farm owners providing them with improved work conditions.
Fact
Which sentence from the science report states OPINION?
A. “Photosynthesis uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose.”
B. “Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not exist.”
C. “Photosynthesis is a fascinating process in biology.”
D. “Oxygen is released as a by-product.”
C. “Photosynthesis is a fascinating process in biology.”