Context Clues, Mood, and Tone Practice

Corey looked out the window and sighed. This was the third weekend in a row that the weather forecaster had predicted rain, and it looked like he was correct in his prediction. It was raining cats and dogs outside his window.

Corey was okay with rainy days happening during the week, when he was just sitting in a classroom anyway. In his opinion, though, a rainy Saturday was a waste of a perfectly-good weekend day.

“There’s no way that we are going to have our soccer game this morning,” Corey told his mom.

Just then, his mom’s cell phone buzzed, indicating a message had been received. She glanced at her phone and frowned. “Yep, no soccer game again this week.”

Which of the following words best reflects the mood of this passage?

• energetic

• gloomy

• nervous

• relaxed

Paige felt someone shaking her shoulder.

“What?!” she barked, refusing to open her eyes or move.

“I know it’s Spring Break, but you can’t sleep the whole

morning away. It’s already 9 o’clock. Come out to the kitchen and eat your breakfast after you get dressed,” Mom instructed.

A few minutes later, when Paige entered the kitchen, she still looked like a walking zombie. She opened the cupboard door that held the cereal, and scanned the shelf. “What happened to the Lucky Charms?” she roared.

“Your brother just finished them up this morning,” Mom answered. Paige slammed the door shut. “I’m not eating then.”

Which of the following words best reflects the mood of this passage?

• cranky

• somber

• scared

• hopeful

Dear Dad,

Congratulations on completing your first marathon! I know you set this goal a long time ago, and you worked really hard to achieve it. You have shown me that if I work hard, I can achieve my goals, too!

-Kaleb

Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• happy

• somber

• compassionate

• proud

“Which team do we play in soccer this week?” asked Tim.

“The Ravens,” replied Nathan, sighing. “We played them earlier in the season and they outscored us by three goals.”

“That’s not fair!” moaned Tim. “If we already played them, why do we have to play them again?” Nathan shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I think we should just forfeit the game now,” said Tim. “We have no chance of winning at all.”

Which of the following words best reflects the mood of this passage?

• optimistic

• pessimistic

• fearful

• restless

Aiden was rummaging through the kitchen cupboards, looking for an after-school snack for himself and his friend, Evan. He spotted a bag of marshmallows.

“Close your eyes and open your mouth!” Aiden directed.

“Why? What are you going to do?” Evan asked skeptically.

“You’ll see...” replied Aiden, while Evan obeyed.

Aiden plucked a marshmallow out of the bag and aimed for Evan’s mouth. The marshmallow hit Evan in the nose, and both boys started laughing. Evan opened his eyes. “Let me try!”

A few minutes later, Evan had a new idea. “Hey, let’s have a contest to see who can fit the most marshmallows in his mouth!” Soon both boys looked like chipmunks and were laughing hysterically.

Which of the following words best reflects the mood of this passage?

• determined

• silly

• surprised

• angry

“I thought you said the game was at 5:00,” stated Mom, as she pulled the car over to the curb beside the empty soccer field. “Where is everybody?”

“Maybe everyone else is running late,” suggested Tom.

No, we’re the ones running late. It is 4:45 now, and the game is set to start in fifteen minutes. Someone should be here by now,” Mom insisted. “Are you sure this is the correct day and time?”

“Yes, I know this is right because Coach Carter said ‘see ya at 4:40’ when I left school today,” Tom replied.

“Is this the correct location, then?” Mom asked.

Tom bit his lip. “I think it’s here. Let me text Ben and find out what is going on.”

Which of the following words best reflects the mood of the passage?

• relieved

• confused

• hyper

• angry

Dear Elizabeth,

Do you remember how Mom gave us each a white sweater for Christmas last year? Well,I went to wear mine yesterday, and it had a stain on the front of it! I know I didn’t do that. I think YOU stained YOUR shirt and then swapped it with mine, thinking I wouldn’t notice. Is that what happened?

-Kelsey

Which words best describes the tone of this note?

• suspicious

• disrespectful

• violent

• disappointed

Dear Jason,

I was sorry to hear that your grandfather passed away. I know how close the two of you were. I am sure you miss him a lot. Call me if you want to talk.

-Carter

Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• relaxed

• irritated

• sympathetic

• selfish

Dear Makenna,

We have cheerleading tryouts at my school next week. I’m pretty sure I’ll make the team. I have been practicing my jumps, and my ten years of gymnastics classes should help me stand out. Plus, you know me and my loud voice!

-Mandie

Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• nervous

• serious

• relieved

• confident

Dear Paul,

I know I told you that I would go bungee jumping with you next week when I see you. However, I changed my mind. I’m just not brave enough to jump off the platform. I keep having nightmares about my harness breaking.

-Brady

Which word best describes the tone of this note?

• sarcastic

• confused

• frightened

• envious