Context Clues (Multiple Choice) Grad 4-8 Vocabulary

The [portable] stage made it easy for the actors to perform in many cities. They can just get up and go! A. movable B. firm C. heavy D. colorful

A. movable Clue: the words "easy" and "get up and go"

It was [apparent] from his tears that the boy was sorry. A. obvious B. sad C. apologize D. hurting

A. obvious Clue: Real life experience; If someone had tears on their face when they were apologizing, would you believe them?

The agency asked for an official [document] so i provided my birth certificate. A. piece of paper B. statement C. passport D. hospital

A. piece of paper Clue: Real life experience: what is a birth certificate?

The messenger was [intercepted] on his way to the king and the letter was never delivered. A. stopped, cut off B. rushed, hurried C. fell, tripped D. slow

A. stopped, cut off Clue: the words "the letter was never delivered"

The [arrogant] prince bragged about his riches. He constantly thought he was better than everyone else. A. thinking you're superior B. thinking you're kind C. poor D. wealthy

A. thinking you're superior Clue: The words "thought he was better than everyone else"

When she walked into the candy store, the girl eyes lit up when the [numerous] kinds of candy, too many even to count! A. very many B. too little C. delicious, sweet D. colorful

A. very many Clue: the words "too many even to count"

After having no rain, the farmer's corps were very [sparse]. The family wondered how they would have enough for winter. A. rotten B. thin, not enough C. plentiful, many D. contained

B. thin, not enough Clue: the words "how they would have enough"

The wiggling worm [lured] the fish to the hood. It was caught. A. to smell B. to entice, trap C. having lots of movement D. to push away

B. to entice, trap Clue: Real life experience; Why do you put a worm on a hook when fishing?

The spies were able to [evade] being caught using a disguise. A. run very fast B. escape C. hold tightly D. mask

B. escape Clue: Real life experience; What is a disguise and why do you use it?

My [absent-minded] teacher loses his keys and his pencil almost every day! A. be grateful B. forgetful C. be intelligent D. careful

B. forgetful Clue: The words "loses" and "every day"

The twinkling Christmas lights [illuminated] the dark sky. It was almost as bright as day! A. glitter B. lighten up C. to cover D. to darken

B. lighten up Clue: the words "as bright as day"

CDs have become nearly [obsolete], as iPods have become popular. No one ever seems to use them anymore. A. popular B. out of date, useless C. plentiful, many D. common, typical

B. out of date, useless Clue: the words "no one ever seems to use them" and real life experience; How often do you use CDs?

The [defense] players tried their best, but the other team still scored. A. soccer B. players who block C. basketball D. players who score

B. players who block Clue: The words "the other team still scored"; if they got scored on, they must be trying to block.

The bear was [sluggish] after the long winter of hibernation. Her cubs had no trouble keeping up with her. A. hungry B. slow C. cold D. thirsty

B. slow Clue: real life experience; after a long time sleeping, how do you feel right after waking up?

Even though the father threatened discipline, the boy's cool look remained [nonchalant]. A. scared, frightened B. uncaring C. freezing D. concerned

B. uncaring Clue: the words "cool look"

The [miniature] Statue of Liberty was displayed on the small shelf. A. made out of clay B. freedom C. large D. small

D. small Clue: Real life experience; If it fits on a shelf, how large is it?

The eagle [soared] above the mountain-tops. A. to swim B. to skip C. to fly low D. to fly high

D. to fly high Clue: the words "above the mountain-tops"

The reporter insisted that the letter he used was [authentic.] He said that he had shown it to many experts before he used it in his story. a. real b. carefully written c. full of tasty worms d. very old

a. real Clue: He showed it to many experts.

If you don't [curtail] your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all! a. reduce b. follow c. behind d. buy

a. reduce Clue: If you spend too much, you'd be broke!

Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he is the [foremost] expert in their field. A. The first or main one B. craziest C. least informed D. loudest

a. the first or main one Clue: They want to hear from that specific professor, so he must be the main expert.

Murphy Mole is the [protagonist] in the new novel by Trent Troll. Murphy must stop Oscar Rat and Shrimpy Shark from enslaving the inhabitants of Lazy Woods Park. He risks his life in a series of events that lead to a final battle between good and evil. a. the main character of a story b. an animal that lives underground c. someone whose first and last names start with the same letter d. someone with bad body odor

a. the main character of a story Clue: Murphy Mole was the main character.

We used to [mock] the boy until we realized how much it hurt his feelings. a. to tease or make fun of b. to build or create c. to ask forcefully d. to sing about something

a. to tease or make fun of Clue: Teasing can hurt his feelings.

Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will [inhibit] the infection's attempt to spread. a. live in a certain place b. block or slow down c. itch or burn d. help out

b. block or slow down Clue: It's medicine, so it should stop an infection.

No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly [ubiquitous.] a. it is fuzzy and will bite you b. it is everywhere c. it costs too much money d. it causes rashes

b. it is everywhere Clue: Many devices have internet connection now.

The mummy was very brown and wrinkly. It looked [ancient!] a. young b. old c. cool d. gross

b. old brown and wrinkly: old

No matter what happens, I [assure] you that I will not forget how hard you have worked on this project. a. dare b. promise c. act foolish d. forget

b. promise Clue: He says no matter what happens that he would not forget.

The boy tried to [justify] his actions to his mother by explaining the reasons why he did what he did. a. depend b. prove c. strict d. concourse

b. prove Clue: He had to explain and prove himself.

Prunella and Paula are sisters, but they're very different. Prunella doesn't care what she wears. Paula, on the other hand, is quite [chic.] a. intelligent b. stylish c. full of feathers d. dressed in old clothes

b. stylish Clue: She is the opposite of not caring about what she wears.

The boy was caught stealing from the store. His [larceny] caught up with him when the owner showed him a video tape. a. gift b. theft c. lawless d. honor

b. theft Clue: It said he was caught stealing.

The sailors will have an easy day sailing because the sea is [calm.] a. beautiful b. without motion c. old d. blue

b. without motion Clue: Sailing is easy when the ocean isn't moving.

If you don't recover quickly from your condition, it could become [chronic.] Then you might have to take medicine for the rest of your life. a. is very painful b. lasts for a long time c. makes you smell bad d. isn't real

b. won't go away Clue: Root word: chron (time)

Removing seeds from cotton plants was a slow job until Eli Whitney invented the [cotton gin.] a. a drink b. a book c. a machine d. a cloth

c. a machine Clue: It was something invented to do a job.

Sometimes, the easiest way to get to a [remote] village is by boat. a. nearby b. next door c. far from other places d. across town

c. far away from other places Clue: You have to get to the village by boat.

Her Christmas bills added up. After the holidays, her [extravagance] was going to take several months to pay off. a. economy b. praise c. external d. overdoing

d. overdoing Clue: If her Christmas bills took several months to pay off, she probably overdid her spending.

No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a [clandestine] operation in order to succeed. a. family b. useful c. dangerous d. secret

d. secret Clue: It's a special military operation, so it should be secret.

Marsha is really an [introvert] because when I took her to Jason's party, she sat in a corner without speaking to anyone. a. friendly b. hungry c. unclean d. shy

d. shy Clue: She just sat in a corner and didn't speak.

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's [suffrage.] Only men could vote in the United states until 1920. a. something that causes physical pain b. an early flag c. skirts that did not cover ankles d. the right to vote

d. the right to vote Clue: It said, "Only men could vote."

The men here are very [industrious]. They always work until they accomplish their goal. A. hard working B. lazy C. clever D. crazy

A. hard working Clue: the words "always work until they accomplish their goals"

The hikers finally reached the mountain's [summit]. A. highest point B. valley C. stream D. forest

A. highest point Clue: real life experience; What's the notable part of a mountain? Does it go up or down?

The [abandoned] kittens were left in a box on Kate's doorstep. She wondered who left them there. A. left behind B. cold C. hungry D. many

A. left behind Clue: The words "left them there"

I am [craving] chocolate. I just can't stop thinking about getting my hands on some. A. longing for B. dark C. resisting D. enjoying

A. longing for Clue: Real life experience; If you can't stop thinking about getting some chocolate, you are longing for it.

Cars should always allow a [pedestrian] to cross the street so that no one gets hurt. A. a person on foot B. an injured animal C. a bike rider D. a bus

A. a person on foot Clue: Real life experience; who do you see trying to cross the street

After lying about stealing the candy, the boy worried what his teacher would think of him, knowing how [moral] he was. A. concerned about right/wrong B. uncaring C. religious D. having no political preference

A. concerned about right/wrong Clue: the words "worried what his teacher would think of him"

Did you know that popcorn starts out as [maize?] A. corn B. the ground C. farm D. seed

A. corn Clue: popcorn

The [ruthless] king let his servants go hungry. A. cruel B. kind C. useless D. compassionate

A. cruel Clue: real life experience; What kind of person lets someone else go hungry?

My family hates the [frigid] weather in January. A. warm B. cold C. still D. painful

B. cold Clue: Real life experience; What is the weather like in January?

Hurricanes and tornadoes are [treacherous]. Only a very foolish person would go out during that kind of weather. A. exciting B. dangerous C. spooky D. safe

B. dangerous Clue: real life experience; What do people do during hurricanes and tornadoes?

After having no food for 2 days, the man was very [feeble]. He could barely stand up. A. likable B. hungry C. weak D. thin

C. weak Clue: The words "could barely stand up" and real life experience; How do you feel when you don't have food for a while?

Poor Farmer Chevez [labors] sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation. A. plays B. eats C. works D. unions

C. works Clue: He is a farmer, does not take vacation, and should have rest.

I hope we can reach an [amicable] agreement. I don't like to fight. A. be hateful B. cold C. still D. peaceful

D. peaceful Clue: The word "agreement" and how they say they don't like to fight.

My favorite holiday is [Dia de los Muertos.] It's a holiday that celebrates people that have passed away. A. Halloween B. Day of the Living C. Day of the Dead D. Thanksgiving

C. Day of the Dead Clue: "celebrates people that have passed away"

In 1865, the United States [abolished] slavery, after the American Civil War. A. continue B. make known C. do away with D. promote

C. do away with Clue: Real life experience and historical knowledge; Is slavery still around?

Melissa has so many friends because she is a [gregarious] person. A. introverted B. shy, quiet C. friendly, outgoing D. rude

C. friendly, outgoing Clue: Real life experience; How do people with a lot of friends tend to act?

My son and his two [companions] love playing games. They are always happy to play together! A. jokes B. enemies C. friends D. games

C. friends Clue: The words "happy to play together"

The [gigantic] sky-scraper had 120 floors. It seemed to take forever to get to the top! A. skinny, thing B. lots of windows C. huge D. dark, gloomy

C. huge Clue: Real life experience; what does a sky-scraper look like? Why would it take forever to get to the top?

The beautiful scenery had a [hazy] quality, which unfortunately made it hard to see. A. beautiful B. green C. misty, foggy D. clear, sunny

C. misty, foggy Clue: the words "hard to see"

The plane kept [descending] until it reached the ground. A. rising B. shaking C. moving down D. tilting

C. moving down Clue: The words "reached the ground"

The soldier stood [petrified] with fear after seeing the destruction of the war. A. excited B. hurt, injured C. paralyzed with emotion D. running

C. paralyzed with emotion Clue: the words "with fear"

Only people with refined tastes could afford the [luxurious] hotels along the ocean. A. spotlessly clean B. inexpensive C. rich, expensive D. dangerous

C. rich, expensive Clue: the words "people with refined taste" and "afford"

I'm really hungry! That cracker didn't [appease] my hunger. I want a sandwich now. A. anger B. increase C. satisfy D. confuse

C. satisfy Clue: Real life experience; If you have a cracker and still want a sandwich afterwards, did that fill you up?

The [aroma] of a fresh backed pie lingered in the kitchen and made my stomach growl. A. taste B. feeling C. smell D. apples

C. smell Clue: Real life experience; How can you tell when someone made delicious pie when you walk into the house?

The story sounded [peculiar]. She didn't know whether or not to believe it. A. reliable B. true C. strange D. hilarious

C. strange Clue: the words "didn't know whether or not to believe it"

Kelsey was sick, her voice was almost [inaudible]. We had to lean forward to hear her. A. very loud, easy to hear B. very strange C. very soft, hard to hear D. very annoying

C. very soft, hard to hear Clue: The words " lean forward to hear" and real life experience; When people are sick, what happens to their voice?

Florida is known for its [tropical] weather. Many people travel to escape cold weather. A. dry B. clean C. cold D. hot

D. hot Clue: the words "escape cold weather"

After the harvest, we had an [abundant] amount of apples. We had so many apples! A. a shortage B. not enough C. very green D. a lot

D. a lot Clue: The words "so many apples"

The [awkward] boy could not catch the ball, even when it was thrown at a short distance. A. skilled B. proud C. new D. clumsy

D. clumsy Clue: Real life experience; If someone couldn't catch a ball, do you think they are skilled or athletic?

The [severed] telephone wire hung from the branch, making it impossible to make any calls. A. joined together B. small C. thin D. cut, separate

D. cut, separate Clue: the words "hung"

The captain was able to [navigate] the ship, even through the rough waters. A. ocean B. lose control of C. anchor D. direct, steer

D. direct, steer Clue: the words "even through the rough waters"

Michael is very [energetic]. He can run miles before getting tired. A. an athlete B. sleepy C. lazy D. full of energy

D. full of energy Clue: The words "full of energy" and real life experience; how do you feel after running just one mile?

Bill is such a [courteous] young man. He always says "please" and "thank you". A. rude B. amazing C. energetic D. having good manners

D. having good mornings Clue: The words "pleas and thank you"; if someone says "please" and "thank you" all the time, how do people see you?

Henry [prepared] a big feast for the family using every pot and pan in the kitchen. a. made b. bought c. ruined d. understood

a. made Clue: He used every pot and pan to make the feast.

Her [cardinal] rule is this: Be kind to others! She believes that everything else in life will fall properly into place if one follows that rule. a. main, or most important b. red c. like a bird d. not worth remembering

a. main, or most important Clue: "She believes that everything else in life will fall properly into place if one follows that rule."

B. horrible Clue: Real life experience/reaction; How would you feel about eating a snake?

The thought of eating a snake is [abhorrent] to most people. A. fun, lively B. horrible C. tasty D. hairy

It was [gratifying] to see how she acted toward her grandmother because her grandmother was always kind to her. a. pleasing b. nervous c. aggravating d. unclear

a. pleasing Clue: "Her grandmother was always kind to her."

I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an [incentive] for them to work harder. a. a reason to do something b. a small amount of money c. a tax d. a good job

a. a reason to do something Clue: It makes them work harder.

He picked the color [periwinkle] out of the crayon box because he wanted to color the sky. a. blue/purple b. red/orange c. yellow/green d. pink/red

a. blue/purple Clue: She only has a bruise.

Fortunately, the explosion [diverted] the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet. a. change direction b. searches c. jumps d. looks through a telescope

a. change direction Clue: It said it "would have" hurdled toward our planet, so it must have changed.

Mr. Lincoln was just [plumb] tired! He fell asleep when I was talking to him. a. completely b. to plump up c. a kind of pie d. measured

a. completely Clue: He was so completely tired he fell asleep.

Tommy was a real [avid] baseball card collector. He inherited the desire to collect cards because his dad had a collection, too. a. eager b. careless c. apart d. fearful

a. eager Clue: "had the desire"

He climbed the mountain and stood looking over the tops of the trees on the mountain across from him. He was right on the [precipice] and could have fallen. a. edge b. stiff c. top d. under

a. edge Clue: On the mountain, he could have fallen off, so he must have been on the edge of the mountain.

He cut the paper [precisely] on the line, and it fit perfectly in the grooves of the picture frame. a. exactly b. embellish c. outer d. advance

a. exactly Clue: If it fit perfectly, he must have cut it exactly right.

Of course, I'm not saying that your plan is no good. I tend to be [optimistic,] so I won't be surprised when you succeed. a. expecting the best b. needing glasses to see c. full of gas d. unselfish

a. expecting the best Clue: He said, "I won't be surprised when you succeed."

As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead, the young deer stood [frozen,] making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her. a. very cold b. visible c. not moving d. not melted

c. not moving Clue: The deer stood, probably still and quiet so no one could see her.

Most kids can't [RESIST] eating chocolate chip cookies if they are out on the table. a. eat b. throw away c. stay away from d. get close to

c. stay away from Clue: The cookies are tempting to get on the table.

I looked at the plans for your new house. This is earthquake country. You need to [fortify] the frame or you'll have a disaster with the first tremor. a. shake b. build c. strengthen d. destroy

c. strengthen Clue: The had to do something to the house frame to make it better during an earthquake.

In 1975, Governor James promised to do something about the high taxes in our state, buthe didn't present a tax cut bill to lawmakers until 1985, a [decade] later. a. 75 years b. 85 years c. a century d. 10 years

d. 10 years Clue: 1985 - 1975 = 10 years.

Yes, you thought this [replica] was a valuable work of art, but it even fooled a lot of experts. It certainly looked like the real thing! a. a dishonest act b. something ugly c. anything that has no value d. a copy

d. a copy Clue: "It looked like the real thing."

The ideas she presented to the class were clearly an untested [theory] because there had never been any research done on it. a. magic b. brutal c. indictment d. belief

d. belief Clue: She had an idea (belief).

A wonderful 98 year old woman is working day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts for the troops. What a [selfless] person she is! a. is selfish b. has no name c. likes to wear scarves d. cares more about others than herself

d. cares more about others than herself Clue: She is 98 and still working for others.

Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It's time to implement it and see if it's as brilliant as you claim. a. instrument b. take apart c. change d. carry out

d. carry out Clue: It was time to begin the plan.

Your plan looks good. It's time to [IMPLEMENT] the plan and see if works. a. instrument b. take apart c. change d. carry out

d. carry out Clue: They were going to see if the planned worked.

Brea and Elizabeth are having a [dispute] over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music. a. musical instrument b. choice of music c. discovery d. disagreement

d. disagreement Clue: They couldn't decide which station to play.

His love for her would be [eternal,] even after they separated. a. temporary b. nice c. reformed d. endless

d. endless Clue: He would love her even after they separate.

The news story was based on a letter that was a [fabrication.] Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again? a. made of cloth b. full of long words c. funny d. fake

d. fake Clue: No one will believe him, and he's in big trouble for writing it.

She did several backbends in a row to show how [limber] she was, so that she could be chosen for the squad. a. enthused b. responsive c. likely d. flexible

d. flexible Clue: She did backbends, and she was probably trying out for a cheerleading squad.

Christmas is a time when Dad [reverts] to his childhood. Mom says that he'll always be a child during this season. a. stands up straight b. peeks at presents c. eats too many gingerbread cookies d. goes back to being what he was

d. goes back to being what he was Clue: He's a dad, but he acts like a child during Christmas.

Wherever he goes, the [esteemed] Dr. Holmes is applauded for his life saving research. a. held over boiling water b. very old c. unable to chew gum d. greatly admired

d. greatly admired Clue: He is a doctor, and he saves lives.

Russia is a [vast] nation. It is the largest country in the world. a. small b. modern c. complex d. huge

d. huge Clue: It was the largest country.

Fortunately, the dizzy spell was [transient.] He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match. a. it sounds like a train b. it is quite harmful c. it helps you win d. it doesn't last long

d. it doesn't last long Clue: It said, "He was able to continue playing within seconds."

Your poster is very good. The drawing really lets people know what our club is all about. I do think that you could [enhance] it by adding some more color. That will tend to grab everyone's attention. a. draw it b. throw it out c. ruin it d. make it better

d. make it better Clue: Enhancing it will grab everyone's attention.