Understanding Vocabulary in Context

Jonas remembered that frightened was a deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen. What does frightened most likely mean in this sentence?

• Angry

• Excited

• Afraid

• Happy

He had seen even the smallest children punished for transgressions. What does transgressions most likely mean in this sentence?

• Good deeds

• Mistakes or rule-breaking

• Awards

• Chores

The rules say that if there's a third offense, he simply has to be released. What does offense most likely mean in this sentence?

• A crime or wrongdoing

• A celebration

• A reward

• A favor

He was constantly worrying about the disposition of his friend Asher, who talked too fast and mixed up words. What does disposition most likely mean in this sentence?

• Personality or attitude

• A job

• A test score

• A punishment

Lily considered the idea, and with a murmur of agreement, she turned back to her schoolwork. What does murmur most likely mean in this sentence?

• A loud argument

• A soft or quiet sound

• A happy dance

• A big surprise

It was one of the rituals, the evening telling of feelings. What does rituals most likely mean in this sentence?

• Special, repeated traditions

• Quick jokes

• Accidents

• Random events

He was distraught when he heard Asher's voice trembling. What does distraught most likely mean in this sentence?

• Happy and excited

• Extremely upset and worried

• Calm and peaceful

• Uninterested

Jonas’s father was a nurturer, meaning he took care of newchildren. What does nurturer most likely mean in this sentence?

• Someone who cooks meals

• Someone who takes care of others

• Someone who builds houses

• Someone who plays sports

The community was very meticulous in following the rules and ensuring everything was done perfectly. What does meticulous most likely mean in this sentence?

• Lazy and careless

• Neat and careful

• Fun and exciting

• Strange and confusing

Jonas tried to reassure his sister that everything would be fine. What does reassure most likely mean in this sentence?

• To scare someone

• To comfort or encourage

• To ignore someone

• To argue with someone