Language Arts: Context Clues: Finding Word Meanings Worksheet

Question 1

The desert was arid, so dry that very few plants could grow there. What does arid mean, and which words helped you?

Accepted Answer

Arid means very dry. The words "so dry that very few plants could grow there" help explain the meaning.

Question 2

Mia was reluctant to jump into the cold pool, but her brother leaped in right away. What does reluctant mean?

Accepted Answer

Reluctant means unwilling or not eager to do something. The clue is that Mia did not jump in, while her brother did right away.

Question 3

The enormous pumpkin was so huge that it took three people to lift it. What does enormous mean?

Accepted Answer

Enormous means very large or huge. The word "huge" and the detail about three people lifting it are clues.

Question 4

Unlike the noisy cafeteria, the library was tranquil and calm. What does tranquil mean?

Accepted Answer

Tranquil means peaceful or calm. The word "calm" and the contrast with the noisy cafeteria help show the meaning.

Question 5

The chef garnished the soup with parsley, adding a small green topping before serving it. What does garnished mean?

Accepted Answer

Garnished means decorated or added a small topping to food. The clue is "adding a small green topping before serving it."

Question 6

Because the old cookie was brittle, it cracked into tiny pieces when Leo picked it up. What does brittle mean?

Accepted Answer

Brittle means easily broken. The clue is that the cookie cracked into tiny pieces when it was picked up.

Question 7

Our teacher asked us to summarize the chapter by telling only the most important events. What does summarize mean?

Accepted Answer

Summarize means to give a short version with the main ideas or most important events. The clue is "telling only the most important events."

Question 8

The path was visible in daylight, but after sunset it was too dark to see. What does visible mean?

Accepted Answer

Visible means able to be seen. The contrast with "too dark to see" helps explain the meaning.

Question 9

The puppy was timid and hid behind the chair whenever new people entered the room. What does timid mean?

Accepted Answer

Timid means shy or easily frightened. The clue is that the puppy hid behind the chair when new people came in.

Question 10

Many nocturnal animals, such as owls, bats, and raccoons, are active at night. What does nocturnal mean?

Accepted Answer

Nocturnal means active at night. The clue is the phrase "are active at night" and the examples of owls, bats, and raccoons.

Question 11

The principal commended the students for cleaning the playground, praising them during the morning announcements. What does commended mean?

Accepted Answer

Commended means praised or showed approval. The clue is "praising them during the morning announcements."

Question 12

The hallway was congested after the bell because students crowded together and could barely move. What does congested mean?

Accepted Answer

Congested means crowded or blocked. The clues are "students crowded together" and "could barely move."

Question 13

Lena tried to conceal the surprise gift by hiding it under her bed. What does conceal mean?

Accepted Answer

Conceal means to hide. The clue is "hiding it under her bed."

Question 14

The directions were vague, so we were confused about where to turn. What does vague mean?

Accepted Answer

Vague means unclear or not specific. The clue is that the directions made people confused about where to turn.

Question 15

After losing the game, the team felt dejected, but their coach reminded them that they had improved a lot. What does dejected mean?

Accepted Answer

Dejected means sad or discouraged. The clue is that the team had lost the game, and the coach needed to encourage them.

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