Read the sentences and determine which part(s) help readers determine the meaning of the underlined word.

My stomach was tingling and twitching with anticipation as the roller coaster crept closer to the drop. I had been waiting to ride The Scream Machine for years and was finally tall enough to meet the height requirements. I had prepared for the ride of my life and was nervous that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations.

Which words or phrases from the passage best help you determine the meaning of the word anticipation?

Read the sentence and determine the meaning of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

Haiti was not ready for a catastrophe of this level. The earthquake hit in the dead of night and shook the country to its core. Buildings were destroyed, lives lost, and families scarred for life. It happened so suddenly that people didn’t have time to prepare. 

What does the word catastrophe mean in the context of this sentence?

Read the following sentence and determine the meaning of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

While measuring the sides and angles of the square in his Geometry class Randy realized they were congruent.

What does the word congruent mean in the sentence above?

Read the sentences and determine the meaning of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

Amy and Sean could not agree on a restaurant for their first-anniversary dinner. They decided on The Pie Emporium as the tentative location until they could finalize their plans. They wanted to leave their options open in case a better idea came around.

What does the word tentative mean in the context of the sentences above?

Read the sentences and determine which context clues help readers to determine the meaning of the underlined word.

The teacher said we could not play an indoor recess game unless the class came to a unanimous decision. We all put our heads down and luckily there were no votes against the indoor relay race so we all got to play. Who knew that 30 students all felt the same way about running around a classroom!?

Which words from the passage best help you determine the meaning of the word unanimous?

Read the sentences and determine which part(s) help readers determine the meaning of the underlined word.

Tammy and Jean were walking down the sidewalk in New York City when Jean slammed headfirst into the street sign on the corner. She had been so involved in her conversation she was oblivious to the large metal pole right in front of her. Everyone stopped to ask if she was alright and how could she miss the sign? She had no response except a shrug of her shoulders and a muffled, “Guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

Read the following sentences and determine the meaning of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

“Annie is the most treacherous person I have ever met!!,” Natalie yelled as she ran up the stairs to her room. She could not believe that Annie would stab her in the back the way she did. She told Annie about the crush she had on Nick in secret and Annie blabbed it to the whole school! She would never be able to trust Annie again.

What does the word treacherous mean?

Read the sentences below and determine the closest synonym of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

Farmer Michelle had never seen a drought this severe. She needed to irrigate her crops at least four times a day just to keep them alive. The sprinklers and wells were pumping all day long, and she was afraid the aquifers would run dry.

Read the following sentences and determine the meaning of the underlined word using context clues or your prior knowledge.

The dog did not want to do the trick without a tangible reward. A “good boy” or clap of the hands was not enough, he wanted a pat on the head or a delicious treat! Words and cheers were not what this pup was after!

What does the word tangible mean?

Select the word that matches the definition provided. 

To help someone be calmer