Using Context Clues | Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one. We’ll use context clues — that means looking at the rest of the sentence to figure out what the bolded word probably means.

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1. The coach admonished her for picking daisies when she should have been defending the goal.

- What was she doing wrong? Picking flowers instead of playing defense.
- So the coach is probably upset or telling her off.
- “Admonished” = told someone firmly they did something wrong.
→ Best match: A. Criticized

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2. He tried to perturb his sister by putting his foot closer and closer to her side of the car.

- He’s annoying his sister on purpose (moving his foot into her space).
- “Perturb” here means to bother or annoy.
→ Best match: B. Irritate

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3. She showed great prowess in the engineering competition and won first prize.

- She won first prize → she must be really good at engineering.
- “Prowess” = skill or ability, especially in a tough area.
→ Best match: C. Skill

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4. I don’t wish to impede your progress; I was merely trying to make sure you understand the instructions.

- Speaker says they’re NOT trying to stop you — just help you understand.
- So “impede” must mean to slow down or block progress.
→ Best match: A. Slow

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5. He just had to get back at the other player; he was quite vindictive.

- “Get back at” = revenge.
- So “vindictive” = wanting revenge or being mean because you’re angry.
→ Best match: C. Resentful *(Note: “Resentful” fits best among options — it means holding onto anger, which leads to wanting revenge.)*

Wait — let’s double-check:
- A. Loving → no
- B. Thoughtful → no
- C. Resentful → yes, close to vindictive (wanting to hurt someone because you feel wronged)

Actually, “vindictive” is stronger than resentful — but among these choices, C is still the closest.

But wait — maybe we should think again. Is there a better fit?

Looking at definitions:
- Vindictive = having or showing a strong desire for revenge.
- Resentful = feeling bitter about having been treated unfairly.

They’re related, but not exact. However, since “revenge” isn’t an option, and “resentful” is the only negative emotion tied to being wronged, we’ll stick with C.

*(Later note: In some contexts, “vindictive” might be matched with “spiteful,” but that’s not an option. So C is best available.)*

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6. The onslaught of dishes came right after the party of 18 left the restaurant.

- 18 people left → lots of dishes suddenly appeared.
- “Onslaught” = a huge, overwhelming amount coming all at once.
→ Best match: B. Invasion *(as in, a sudden flood or attack of dishes)*

“Trickling” is too slow. “Handful” is too small. “Invasion” suggests a big rush — perfect.

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7. The cat had some trepidation as it passed the dog’s kennel.

- Cat is passing a dog’s area → probably scared or nervous.
- “Trepidation” = fear or anxiety about something that might happen.
→ Best match: A. Confidence? No — opposite!
Wait — options are:

A. Confidence
B. Hunger
C. Unease

“Unease” = nervousness or worry → YES!

So answer is C. Unease

*(Earlier I misread — now corrected.)*

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Now let’s list all answers clearly:

1. A. Criticized
2. B. Irritate
3. C. Skill
4. A. Slow
5. C. Resentful
6. B. Invasion
7. C. Unease

Double-checked all — makes sense with context.

Final Answer:
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. C