Using the Contextual Clues to Unlock Meaning - ELA Worksheets ... - Free Printable

To solve the problem, we need to use context clues from each sentence to determine the meaning of the highlighted words. Let's analyze each sentence step by step:

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A. She showed great prowess in painting and won first prize for her school.

- Word in question: *prowess*
- Context clue: The sentence mentions that she "won first prize for her school," which implies she demonstrated exceptional ability or skill in painting.
- Possible meanings:
- Anxiety: Worries or nervousness (not relevant here).
- Patience: Tolerance or endurance (not relevant here).
- Skill: Expertise or proficiency (fits the context).
- Power: Strength or authority (not directly related to painting skills).

Correct answer: skill

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B. He would not listen to anyone who tried to persuade him to stay at home.

- Word in question: *persuade*
- Context clue: The sentence indicates that someone was trying to make him stay at home, suggesting an attempt to convince or influence his decision.
- Possible meanings:
- Convince: To make someone believe or agree (fits the context).
- Force: To compel through pressure (too strong for this context).
- Please: To ask politely (not the main action here).
- Discourage: To dissuade or prevent (opposite of what is happening).

Correct answer: convince

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C. He took off his hat and held it upside down, shaking it briskly.

- Word in question: *briskly*
- Context clue: The sentence describes an action involving shaking a hat, and the word "briskly" suggests the manner in which he shook it. This implies a quick or rapid movement.
- Possible meanings:
- Rapidly: Quickly (fits the context).
- Slowly: At a leisurely pace (opposite of what is implied).
- Lovingly: With affection (not relevant here).
- Forcefully: With strength (not necessarily implied).

Correct answer: rapidly

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D. This expensive handbag is made of superior leather.

- Word in question: *superior*
- Context clue: The sentence mentions that the handbag is "expensive," which suggests high quality or better material.
- Possible meanings:
- Kind: Friendly or generous (not relevant here).
- Cheap: Inexpensive (opposite of what is implied).
- Better: Of higher quality (fits the context).
- Bored: Uninterested or weary (not relevant here).

Correct answer: better

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E. I haven’t had much sleep lately, so I feel drowsy.

- Word in question: *drowsy*
- Context clue: The sentence states that the person hasn't had much sleep, which typically leads to feeling tired or sleepy.
- Possible meanings:
- Tired: Lacking energy (fits the context).
- Active: Full of energy (opposite of what is implied).
- Energetic: Full of vitality (opposite of what is implied).
- Helpful: Providing assistance (not relevant here).

Correct answer: tired

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F. The chef added a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Word in question: *enhance*
- Context clue: The sentence mentions adding salt to improve the flavor of the dish, indicating an action that makes something better.
- Possible meanings:
- Decrease: To reduce (opposite of what is implied).
- Destroy: To ruin (not relevant here).
- Improve: To make better (fits the context).
- Remove: To take away (not relevant here).

Correct answer: improve

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Final Answers:

1. A. skill
2. B. convince
3. C. rapidly
4. D. better
5. E. tired
6. F. improve

Boxed Final Answer:
\boxed{A. skill, B. convince, C. rapidly, D. better, E. tired, F. improve}