Let’s go through each sentence one by one. The goal is to find the meaning of the underlined word using the definition clues in the sentence — like commas, dashes, or words such as “or,” “is,” “such as,” etc.
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1. Many _caverns_ or large caves can be found under the ground.
→ The word “or” tells us that “caverns” means the same as “large caves.”
✔ So,
caverns = large caves
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2. The _harsh_, rough, weather is cold and unbearable.
→ The comma after “harsh” and before “rough” shows they are describing the same thing.
✔ So,
harsh = rough
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3. _Serpents_ also called snakes, are cold blooded animals.
→ “Also called” means serpents are another name for snakes.
✔ So,
serpents = snakes
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4. _Foreigners_, people who live in other countries, often visit our island.
→ The phrase between commas explains what foreigners are.
✔ So,
foreigners = people who live in other countries
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5. The show will _commence_ or start at 5 p.m., next Sunday.
→ Again, “or” gives us the synonym.
✔ So,
commence = start
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6. _Herbivores_, such as cows and goats, are animals that eat plants only.
→ “Such as” introduces examples, but the full definition comes after: “animals that eat plants only.”
✔ So,
herbivores = animals that eat plants only
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7. Grand Mesa is the largest _mesa_ (flat-topped mountain) in the world.
→ The parentheses give the direct definition.
✔ So,
mesa = flat-topped mountain
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8. _Droughts_ or long periods without rain, can destroy agricultural crops.
→ “Or” again links droughts to their meaning.
✔ So,
droughts = long periods without rain
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9. A _deluge_ is a flood caused by heavy rainfall.
→ The word “is” directly defines deluge.
✔ So,
deluge = a flood caused by heavy rainfall
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10. Agony or pain is an _unpleasant_, nasty, feeling.
→ Commas separate synonyms: unpleasant, nasty → both describe agony/pain.
✔ So,
unpleasant = nasty (in this context)
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Final Answer:
1. caverns = large caves
2. harsh = rough
3. serpents = snakes
4. foreigners = people who live in other countries
5. commence = start
6. herbivores = animals that eat plants only
7. mesa = flat-topped mountain
8. droughts = long periods without rain
9. deluge = a flood caused by heavy rainfall
10. unpleasant = nasty
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of context clues worksheet for 4th grade.
