Let's solve each question by using
context clues — the surrounding words and sentences that help us understand the meaning of the underlined word.
---
1. The beaver gnawed on the branch before dragging it into the pond.
- The beaver is doing something to a branch, and then dragging it. Beavers are known for chewing wood.
- "Gnawed" means to chew or bite with teeth.
-
Correct answer: B. chewed
✔ Answer: B
---
2. The delightful aroma of food cooking in the kitchen made my mouth water.
- "Aroma" refers to the smell of food. "Made my mouth water" suggests it’s a pleasant smell.
- So, "aroma" = smell.
-
Correct answer: A. smell
✔ Answer: A
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3. The late students always had a plethora of excuses.
- "Plethora" means a large number or excess. The phrase "always had a..." implies many excuses.
- "Excessive number" matches this meaning.
-
Correct answer: C. excessive number
✔ Answer: C
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4. The mood was somber at the funeral of the former Prime Minister.
- A funeral is a sad, serious event. "Somber" describes a serious, solemn mood.
- "Serious" fits best here.
-
Correct answer: B. serious
✔ Answer: B
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5. When he didn’t understand the instruction, the student asked the teacher to clarify them.
- The student didn't understand → so they asked for help to make it clear.
- "Clarify" means to explain or make clear.
-
Correct answer: C. explain
✔ Answer: C
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6. The scared rock climber balanced precariously on the edge of the cliff.
- The climber is scared and on the edge of a cliff → danger!
- "Precariously" means dangerously or unsteadily.
-
Correct answer: A. dangerously
✔ Answer: A
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7. The frigid water made Aydan’s teeth chatter.
- Teeth chattering happens when someone is cold.
- "Frigid" means extremely cold.
-
Correct answer: A. cold
✔ Answer: A
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8. Instead of a grimace, Levon had a big smile across his face.
- "Instead of" means opposite. A "big smile" is happy; so "grimace" must be the opposite — a frown.
-
Correct answer: B. frown
✔ Answer: B
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
B
2.
A
3.
C
4.
B
5.
C
6.
A
7.
A
8.
B
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📝 Explanation Summary:
We used
context clues like:
-
Synonyms or definitions: e.g., "made my mouth water" hints at "smell".
-
Contrasts: "Instead of a grimace... a big smile" shows contrast.
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Examples or situations: "teeth chatter" → cold.
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Word associations: "funeral" → somber mood.
This helps readers figure out unfamiliar words without a dictionary!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of context clues 4th grade worksheet.
