Vocabulary List 8.2: Sentences Worksheet | Student Handouts - Free Printable

Let’s go through each sentence one by one and figure out the missing vocabulary word based on context clues.

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1. Oliver Twist, the famous story by Charles Dickens, was originally published as a ___ in the mid-19th century.

→ Think: How were long stories like *Oliver Twist* first released back then? They weren’t always books right away — many came out in parts in magazines or newspapers over time. That format is called a serial.

✔ Missing word: serial

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2. Marlene’s ___ increased after she invested in stocks and bonds.

→ Think: What goes up when you invest successfully? Your money grows — that’s your wealth (total value of what you own).

✔ Missing word: wealth

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3. By including a ramp in front of the building, the architect made it ___ to the handicapped.

→ Think: A ramp helps people who use wheelchairs get inside easily. So the building became easier to enter — meaning it’s now accessible.

✔ Missing word: accessible

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4. It is best to exercise ___ when dealing with a toddler’s temper tantrum.

→ Think: Toddlers throw tantrums — yelling or getting angry won’t help. You need to stay calm and patient. The word for staying calm under pressure is patience.

✔ Missing word: patience

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5. Dominic’s room is in ___, with books, clothes, and toys strewn everywhere.

→ Think: If things are “strewn everywhere,” that means it’s messy — not organized. The word for extreme messiness is disarray.

✔ Missing word: disarray

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6. Malcolm is going to ___ his parents with his blue hair.

→ Think: Blue hair is unusual — most parents would be surprised or even shocked. The verb meaning “to surprise greatly” is shock.

✔ Missing word: shock

*(Note: Some might think “surprise,” but “shock” fits better emotionally here — blue hair is often seen as bold or rebellious.)*

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7. Due to the lingering effects of colonialism, increases in global trade, and the rise of the internet, English may become the world’s ___ language.

→ Think: When a language is used widely across the world for communication between different countries, it’s called a lingua franca — but that’s two words. Wait — maybe they want a single-word term?

Actually, looking at common usage: “world’s common language”? Not quite strong enough.

Another possibility: “world’s dominant language”? Possible.

But let’s reconsider — perhaps the intended word is universal? As in, understood or used everywhere.

Wait — actually, in educational contexts, especially around globalization, the phrase “world’s lingua franca” is standard — but since this is a fill-in-the-blank with one blank, and “lingua franca” is two words, that probably isn’t it.

Alternative: Maybe official? No — not all countries make English official.

Think again: What do we call a language that spreads globally due to trade, tech, history? Often called the global language — but again, not quite fitting.

Hold on — perhaps the expected answer is common? Still weak.

Wait — another idea: In some curricula, they teach that English is becoming the world’s de facto language — but that’s Latin and advanced.

Let me check typical middle/high school vocab lists for this level.

Ah! There’s a simpler fit: primary? Not quite.

Actually — I recall that in many textbooks, the phrase used is “world’s lingua franca” — but if only one word is allowed…

Wait — look at sentence structure: “the world’s ___ language.”

What adjective describes a language used internationally for communication? International? Too obvious.

Perhaps shared? No.

Let’s think differently — maybe the word is standard? Like “standard English” — but not quite.

Wait — here’s a better fit: universal. Yes — “universal language” is a common phrase meaning understood or accepted everywhere.

Example: Music is sometimes called a universal language.

In this context, English becoming the world’s universal language makes sense.

But let’s double-check #7 with logic:

Colonialism → spread English
Global trade → need common language
Internet → English dominates online

So yes — English is becoming the universal language of the world.

✔ Missing word: universal

*(Note: Some sources may say “global” or “common,” but “universal” is more precise and commonly used in this phrasing.)*

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Now, let’s compile all answers:

1. serial
2. wealth
3. accessible
4. patience
5. disarray
6. shock
7. universal

Final Answer:
1. serial
2. wealth
3. accessible
4. patience
5. disarray
6. shock
7. universal