Using Context Clues to Determine Meaning

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded word in the paragraph below. Rana grew up in Denver and her speech was sharp and crisp. However, her grandfather had a beautiful country drawl. Not only did he tell great stories, but his words slowly poured out like sweet honey. She loved the way he lingered on each vowel of the words he spoke.

• to speak in another language

• to speak in a fancy, proper way

• to speak in a sharp, crisp way

• to speak in a slow manner by elongating (or drawing out) vowel sounds

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded word in the paragraph below.

The enclosure was made from stainless steel bars.  Every once in a while, a calf would poke its velvety nose through the fence and bawl for its mother.  Suma knew the calves missed their freedom to roam.  But with a storm coming, it was best to keep them out of the field.

• stainless steel bars

• a closed or fenced in space to keep animals

• a field

• an area to roam freely

Which definition matches the word used in the sentence below?

af•fect

1. v. To bring about a change in

2. v. To pretend to be or to have

The detective affected an interest in buying a diamond ring in order to speak with the jeweler.

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

The story was so depressing and morose, no one wanted to finish it. The strategy used to determine the meaning of the underlined word was:

• Antonym Clue

• Synonym Clue

• Inference Clue

• Definition Clue

• Example Clue

Wood, paper, and gasoline are all flammable substances. The strategy used to determine the meaning of the underlined word was:

• Antonym Clue

• Synonym Clue

• Inference Clue

• Definition Clue

• Example Clue

I love to read and have a plethora of books stuffing my overcrowded shelves. The strategy used to determine the meaning of the underlined word was:

• Antonym Clue

• Synonym Clue

• Inference Clue

• Definition Clue

• Example Clue

Although most glass is transparent, the specially made glass had a coating that made it opaque. The strategy used to determine the meaning of the underlined word was:

• Antonym Clue

• Synonym Clue

• Inference Clue

• Definition Clue

• Example Clue

Instead of picking a beautiful dress, my friend selected a grotesque mask and tattered clothing for the costume party. What is the best meaning of the underlined word?

• lovely

• attractive

• horrifying

• mysterious

I did not buy the gaudy dress because it was covered with sequins, beads, and feathers. What is the correct meaning of the underlined word?

• tacky

• beautiful

• expensive

• large

The abandoned house was overrun with vermin including rats, mice, and bugs. What is the correct meaning of the underlined word?

• mammals

• birds

• livestock

• pests