Context Clues

Emma was feeling very nervous about her first piano recital. Her hands were shaking, and she felt a bit sick to her stomach. Her mom noticed and said in a gentle voice, "It’s okay, Emma. You’ve practiced so hard; you’re going to do great!" Her mom’s calm words reassured her, and Emma felt a little better.

In these sentences, the word _____________ helps the reader understand that "reassured" means to make someone feel less worried.

• calm
• recital

• stomach

Liam looked out the window and sighed. The rain was pouring down, and he could see the dark clouds filling the sky. "It looks like a gloomy day," he said, feeling a little sad that he couldn’t go outside to play.

In these sentences, the word ________ helps the reader understand that "gloomy" means dull and a little sad.

• dark
• window

• outside

Sofia carefully observed the butterfly as it landed gently on a flower. She stayed very still, watching its delicate wings move slowly. The butterfly’s fragile wings were thin and almost see-through, like tissue paper.

In these sentences, the word ________ helps the reader understand that "fragile" means very delicate or easily broken.

It was a hot summer day, and the sun was blazing down on the playground. Ben was exhausted from running, and he decided to take a long gulp of water to refresh himself. After drinking, he felt reenergized.

In these sentences, the word _________ helps the reader understand that "refresh" means to make someone feel less tired.

As Mia walked into the new school, she felt uneasy. She didn’t know anyone and felt out of place. A friendly classmate came up to her and gave her a big smile, helping to relieve her worries.

In these sentences, the word _________ helps the reader understand that "relieve" means to make someone feel less worried.

The old dog lay down slowly and rested his head on his paws. His breathing was slow and quiet, and he seemed very peaceful. The family whispered and moved carefully, not wanting to disturb him.

In these sentences, the word _________ helps the reader understand that "peaceful" means calm and undisturbed.

As the team listened to their coach, they felt inspired. She spoke with great excitement and encouraged them to do their best, which lifted their spirits.

In these sentences, the word __________________ helps the reader understand that "inspired" means filled with the desire to do something.

Lucas had been working on his science project for hours. Finally, he solved the last part of the experiment and felt a sense of triumph. He jumped up and shouted, feeling proud of his success.

In these sentences, the word ________ helps the reader understand that "triumph" means a great success.

Mason heard a peculiar noise coming from the attic. It was strange and didn’t sound like anything he had heard before. Curiously, he went up the stairs to investigate the unusual sound.

In these sentences, the word ___________ helps the reader understand that "peculiar" means strange or different.

The night sky was vast, stretching far beyond what their eyes could see. The stars twinkled in the enormous sky that seemed endless.

In these sentences, the word ______ helps the reader understand that "vast" means very large or expansive.