Let’s go through each question one by one. We’ll use the words around the underlined word to figure out what it means — that’s called using “context clues.”
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1. He saw in the distance a beautiful, graceful bird soaring across the sky.
→ “Soaring” is something birds do when they fly high and smoothly without flapping much.
Options: falling (no), gliding (yes — smooth flying), leaping (jumping — not right for flying).
✔ Correct:
gliding
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2. The little boy became drowsy as the day turned into night.
→ When it gets dark, people often feel sleepy. “Drowsy” means tired or ready to sleep.
Options: desperate (no), active (opposite!), tired (yes).
✔ Correct:
tired
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3. He was amazed at the beauty he saw above him.
→ If you’re “amazed,” you’re surprised in a good way — like “wow!”
Options: pleased (maybe, but not strong enough), disappointed (no), astonished (yes — same as amazed).
✔ Correct:
astonished
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4. Little sparrow began to feel as powerful as the giant bird.
→ “Powerful” here means strong — even though the sparrow is small, it feels strong like the big bird.
Options: large (no — size isn’t power), strong (yes), beautiful (not related).
✔ Correct:
strong
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5. When the boy became chief, he ruled with wisdom.
→ A wise ruler makes smart choices. “Wisdom” = good judgment, understanding.
Options: many riches (money? no), no help (doesn’t fit), understanding (yes — knowing what’s right).
✔ Correct:
understanding
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6. The people watched with awe as the eagle flew above them.
→ “Awe” is a feeling of wonder or amazement — like being impressed by something amazing.
Options: anger (no), terror (scared — not necessarily), wonder (yes!).
✔ Correct:
wonder
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7. The pterodactyl was gliding high above the ground.
→ Same as #1 — “gliding” means moving smoothly through air without flapping.
Options: flapping (opposite of gliding), moving smoothly (yes!), spinning (no).
✔ Correct:
moving smoothly
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8. The boy was very confused after he bumped his head.
→ Bumping your head can make you feel mixed up or dizzy. “Confused” = not thinking clearly.
Options: mixed up (yes!), relaxed (no), excited (no).
✔ Correct:
mixed up
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9. The castle looked enormous in the background.
→ “Enormous” means really, really big. Even if it’s far away, if it looks huge, it’s enormous.
Options: very big (yes!), far (that’s where it is, not how big), near (no).
✔ Correct:
very big
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Final Answer:
1. gliding
2. tired
3. astonished
4. strong
5. understanding
6. wonder
7. moving smoothly
8. mixed up
9. very big
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of context clues worksheet for middle school.
