Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts : Use Context as a Clue to the Meaning of a Word or Phrase: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.4.A
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts
All Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
I think I will be able to come and play with you, but I need to confirm with my mom first.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “confirm”?
To be able to
To argue
To win
To make sure
To argue
The word “confirm” means to make sure. The context clues from the sentence let us know the child thinks they will be able to play but isn’t sure. This means they need to get a solid answer or make sure.
Example Question #1 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Brian is trying to eliminate all the weeds growing in his garden so they don’t kill his flowers.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “eliminate”?
To get rid of
To make sure
To grow
To be able to
To get rid of
The word “eliminate” means to get rid of. In the context of the sentence, weeds seem to be a bad thing because they kill Brian’s plants. It makes sense that he would want to get rid of them.
Example Question #1 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Megan estimated that 25 people would show up to her party, but she wasn’t completely sure.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “estimated”?
To make sure
To be aware of
To know
To guess
To guess
The word “estimate” means to guess. The clues in the sentence “she wasn’t completely sure” let readers know that she does not have a definite answer.
Example Question #2 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Josh’s dad was furious when he found out that Josh failed his math class because he didn’t do any of the homework all year long.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “furious”?
To be very angry
To be very happy
To be overjoyed
To find funny
To be very angry
The word “furious” means to be very angry. In the context of this sentence, an inference can be made that the father would not be very happy at all to find out this news.
Example Question #3 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
The teacher told Blin that if he studies really hard, the result will be a good grade on the test.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “result”?
To struggle to complete a task
To be grateful
To happen because of something
To do very well in something
To happen because of something
The word result means to happen because of something. A connection can be made between “studies hard” and “the result will be a good grade” that allows readers to understand this is a relationship where something happens because of a cause.
Example Question #1 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Ali’s teacher, Ms. Smith, is out sick for a week, so they will have a temporary teacher until Ms. Smith is feeling better.
What is the meaning of the underlined word “temporary”?
To be permanent
To be different from
To be fun
For a short time
For a short time
The word “temporary” means for a short time, not permanent. Readers can tell this teacher will not be there permanently or for a long time because Ms. Smith will only be out for one week.
Example Question #3 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
It was pretty obvious Caroline was upset that no one wished her a happy birthday at school or home!
What is the meaning of the underlined word “obvious”?
Hard to see
To be
Easily seen
Difficult to determine
Easily seen
The word “obvious’ means easily seen. Caroline was upset about her birthday being forgotten and people could tell easily.
Example Question #1 : Use Context As A Clue To The Meaning Of A Word Or Phrase: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4.A
Speed limit signs are posted along roads and highways to keep people safe. Going a faster speed than the sign indicates is prohibited. If you are caught going above the speed limited posted, you will be given a ticket and a fine.
What is the meaning of the underlined word?
not allowed
not likely
suggested
difficult
not allowed
prohibited means something is not allowed.
Example Question #1 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Speed limit signs are posted along roads and highways to keep people safe. Going a faster speed than the sign indicates is prohibited. If you are caught going above the speed limited posted, you will be given a ticket and a fine.
What is the meaning of the underlined word?
to tell
to show
to advertise
to report
to show
The word indicates means "to show".
Example Question #2 : Determine Or Clarify The Meaning Of Unknown And Multiple Meaning Words And Phrases: Ccss.Ela Literacy.L.4.4
Right before I needed to cook dinner, I realized that I didn't get anything out of the freezer to cook. I quickly grabbed a package of chicken out of the freezer and began to run it under very hot water in order to hasten the thawing process.
What is the meaning of the underlined word?
to speed up
to run
to cook
to boil
to speed up
The word hasten means to speed up.
All Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts Resources
