A science article described how some deserts bloom after rare rains. Seeds may remain in the soil for years, neither sprouting nor rotting, until moisture arrives. The author called these seeds dormant, explaining that they are alive but inactive, like a device switched off to save power. The passage provided an example: after a single storm, wildflowers appear within days because the seeds "wake" and begin growing. Then the author restated the idea: "They wait in stillness, prepared for the right moment." The article concluded that this waiting strategy helps plants survive unpredictable climates.
6. Read the passage. What does the word dormant mean based on the context?
- Dead and unable to grow even after heavy rain
- Alive but inactive, waiting for conditions to change (correct answer)
- Poisonous to animals that might eat the seeds
- Already flowering, spreading color across the desert
Explanation: This question tests SSAT Upper Level reading skills, specifically the ability to infer the meaning of vocabulary using context clues. Context clues are words or phrases in the surrounding text that help deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar word. They can include definitions, examples, restatements, or descriptions. In this passage, the word dormant is used in a sentence that provides a clear clue through an explanation, such as 'they are alive but inactive, like a device switched off to save power.' Choice B is correct because it aligns with the context provided by the seeds waiting for conditions to change, demonstrating the reader's ability to infer meaning accurately. Choice A is incorrect because it mistakenly relies on a permanent state like death, which is a common error when students focus on inactivity without noting potential revival. To support students, encourage them to identify and underline potential context clues as they read. Practice with diverse texts that use varied context clue types, ensuring students can recognize and apply these strategies across different contexts.