Vocabulary in Context

Vocabulary in Context

Read the paragraph on the slide. Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the word.

Keep in mind what we have learned about questions that use the word BEST.

These men were 10,000 miles from home, more than 1,000 miles from the nearest scrap of land. They carried a limited supply of food and water on a boat that was slowly sinking. Their situation was dire! Back then, there was no one to rescue them because no one knew they were missing. Radios did not exist yet, neither did engines or planes. It could take weeks for anyone to find them if anyone even knew they were missing!

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word DIRE.

• serious or urgent

• not important

• reassuring

• uncertain

Neuroscientists have actually shown that human beings are hard-wired to be optimists. So maybe that's why we think of fear, sometimes as a danger in and of itself. We like to tell each other and ourselves not to fear, not to worry, not to panic.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word OPTIMIST.

• someone who is hopeful and confident about the future

• someone who is always afraid of the future

• someone who does not care about the future

• someone who is happy about the future

The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, and the black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before the old man was elected to keep the items safe. Without these things, we did not believe the lottery could be held, so it was his job to make sure that no more if the items were lost.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word PARAPHERNALIA.

• items for catching ghosts

• items that should not be lost

• the equipment or items need for a particular activity

• items used by someone who tells the future

Even though we lost everything in the fire, we knew that we could rebuild. After all, our insurance was paid in full. We had not let it lapse like other families had. Those families were in trouble without the money to rebuild their homes.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word LAPSE.

• to continue

• to run out or end (such as a lease or a contract)

• to continue no matter what happens

• to be completely sure of an outcome

As they watched the jurors return to the jury box, the courtroom was gravely silent. This was a most serious matter with severe consequences. No one wanted to be on that jury and decide whether or not the accused man would be hanged.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word GRAVELY.

• extremely serious and solemn

• to be very scared

• silent confusion

• noisy and loud

The air was palpable that night. It was so think he could taste it as if it was alive. He felt that he could almost see the air floating and moving. Something was in the darkness and it was coming right for him.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word PALPABLE.

• something that can be eaten

• tasteful and thoughtful

• difficult to feel or notice

• easily noticed or felt

That dogged reported would not leave her alone. Everywhere she went, he was there trying to get a story or a photo. She knew he was going to ruin her life one day, but it would not be today.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word DOGGED.

• stubborn and determined

• easily fooled

• difficult to find

• smart and unforgiving

He was never coming back. She knew this, could feel it deep down in her soul. No matter what they said, she knew. The anguish made her scream in pain and frustration. She should have told him before he left how she really felt rather than let him believe a lie. Now it was too late.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word ANGUISH.

• severe emotional or physical pain

• unhappiness

• a deep feeling

• sadness

The lights were so bright. He knew they would never let him sleep until they got what they wanted. He could nto tell them. Lives of those he loved were at stake. No matter what he must remain silent.

As his eyes began to droop, another bucket of icy water was splashed in his face and once again the vivid lights burned through his eyes as if he were staring at the sun. He knew he could not take much more of this. Death was preferable, anything but this endless torture.

Multiple Choice

Use the context clues in the paragraph from the previous slide to determine the best meaning of the word VIVID.

• sharp and intense

• cool and soothing

• warm and hot

• extremely or intensely bright