connotation and denotation with context clues

When the United States became independent, Congress thought it needed a national bird. In 1782, the American bald eagle became the sign of the new nation. The bald eagle has a distinctive appearance. Its brown body and white head make it easy to recognize. Bald eagles are strong hunters that have sharp claws. A diving bald eagle can fly more than one hundred miles per hour. Perhaps Congress hoped the new nation would have the power of the eagle.

What is the meaning of distinctive as used in the passage?

• Special or unique

• larger than life

• Common or plain

Many animals hibernate during the winter. But they don't all hibernate in the same way. Chipmunks, for example, store food safely underground at the end of the fall. When winter comes, chipmunks enter a deep sleep. Every few days, they wake up and get food from their underground caches. Then they eat and go back to sleep. Bears, on the other hand, live off their fat during the winter. They usually don't eat or drink until hibernation ends in the spring.

What is the meaning of caches as used in the passage?

• Places to sleep

• Hiding places

• Grocery store

When people think about Japan, the city of Tokyo often comes to mind. Tokyo, Japan's capital, is one of the largest cities in the world. Many of the world's cars, televisions, and phones are made there. You can find big crowds and the latest fashion throughout the city. But Japan offers more than just the city of Tokyo. The country has many places where people can find serenity. Beautiful forests, mountains, gardens and castles offer a break from noisy, rushing city life.

What is the meaning of serenity as used in the passage?

• advice

• riches

• peace

The vulture is a large bird with an unusual diet. Humans generally avoid eating spoiled food. But to a vulture, nothing is better than a large helping of rotting meat. They will gather around a dead animal and eat it with gusto. Scientists aren't sure why, but vultures don't get sick from eating spoiled meat. It may be that something in the vultures' bodies keeps them healthy. Whatever it is, it lets vultures do an important job. They get rid of wormy, rotten stuff that could make people ill.

What is the meaning of gusto as used in the passage?

• enjoyment

• shyness

• wisdom

In 1798, the Americans were fighting the British. Deborah Samson wanted to help the American army. Only men could join the army, but Samson didn't let that stop her. She put on men's clothing and signed up for the army. For about two years, she kept her secret, pretending to be a man. The deception finally ended when she got sick and was taken to the hospital. Samson was sent home as soon as she was well. After the war, she gave talks about her time in the army. Crowds cheered to see Samson dressed in her army clothes. Today she's remembered as the first American woman in the army.

What is the meaning of deception as used in the passage?

• the act of putting on clothes

• the act of tricking people

• the act of joining an army

Which phrase has a more negative connotation?

• talk about something

• complain about something

• sing about something

Which phrase has a more positive connotation?

• snooping for something

• searching for something

Which phrase has a more negative connotation?

• scowl at someone

• frown at someone

• look at someone

Which phrase has a more negative connotation?

• talk about something

• disagree about something

• argue about something

Which phrase has the most positive connotation?

• having a feast

• having a meal

• having a snack