Let’s go through each sentence one by one. We’ll look at the bold word and use clues from the rest of the sentence to figure out what it means.
---
1. It rarely rains here because we’re in a dry climate.
Clue: “rarely rains” → that means not much water falls from the sky.
So, “dry climate” must mean a place where there isn’t much rain or moisture.
→
Meaning: A place with very little rain or wetness.
---
2. When Jen picked on Liam, I was the only one to defend him.
Clue: “picked on” means someone is being mean or bullying.
If you “defend” someone when they’re being picked on, you’re standing up for them or protecting them.
→
Meaning: To protect or stand up for someone who is being treated badly.
---
3. When we see the signal, it will be time to get going.
Clue: “it will be time to get going” → so the signal tells us when to start moving or leave.
A signal is like a sign or message that tells you something important — like “go!”
→
Meaning: A sign or message that tells you when to do something.
---
4. I could not find any possible purpose for the object.
Clue: “could not find any... for the object” → meaning, why does this thing exist? What is it used for?
“Purpose” = reason why something exists or is done.
→
Meaning: The reason something exists or is used; its job or function.
---
5. My friend predicts I will be successful when I grow up.
Clue: “will be successful when I grow up” → this hasn’t happened yet.
Your friend is saying what they think *will* happen in the future.
→
Meaning: To say what you think will happen in the future.
---
6. I lost my ability to walk when I broke my leg.
Clue: “when I broke my leg” → after breaking your leg, you can’t walk anymore (for a while).
So “ability” = something you can do. If you lose it, you can’t do it anymore.
→
Meaning: The power or skill to do something.
---
Final Answer:
1. A place with very little rain or wetness.
2. To protect or stand up for someone who is being treated badly.
3. A sign or message that tells you when to do something.
4. The reason something exists or is used; its job or function.
5. To say what you think will happen in the future.
6. The power or skill to do something.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of context clues worksheet for 3rd grade.