Name: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________

Context Clues Quiz:

Directions: Use context clues to choose the best answer
1. The husband was eminent in the field of medicine while the wife was
famous in the field of math.
The word eminent in this sentence means
a.
b.
c.
d.

unknown
famous
nobody
foolish

2. Grandmother was punctilious; that is, she was very strict about her
grandchildren following good manners.
a. weak
b. careless
c. strict in observing good manners
d. bad-mannered
3. Janice thought the man was friendly, but Casey though he was malicious.
a. friendly
b. sweet
c. kind
d. spiteful
4. Many people from the Orient are very careful not to cause ignominy, or
dishonor, to their families.
a. problems
b. culture
c. harm
d. dishonest
5. The young monk led a very ascetic existence. He rose at five in the
morning, spent an hour in prayer and then sat down to a simple breakfast of
grains and fruit. The rest of the day was spent in prayer and work until he ate
a light supper and retired at eight.
a.
b.
c.
d.

simple
horrifying
luxurious
busy

6. Since none of us brought an umbrella, we stood under the marquee

outside the hotel until the rain stopped.

a.
b.
c.
d.

tree
roof
awning or covering
lights

7. Larceny, such as stealing a car, can cause you to spend a lot of time in
jail.
The word larceny in this sentence means
a. bravery
b. theft
c. murder
d. conflict
EC. What is the type of context clue? ________________________________________
8. Throngs of people shopped at the mall the week before Christmas.
The word throngs in this sentence means
a. few
b. no one
c. little number
d. crowds

9. Brad made a cursory effort to finish his homework. This was unlike him;
usually he worked hard to finish before dinner.
The word cursory in this sentence means
a. valid
b. genuine
c. hurried
d. actual
10. In the beginning, the crowd had been orderly, but after the union leader
announced that there would be no wage increase, pandemonium broke out
and spread through the hall as people began shouting and throwing things at
the speaker.
a. confusion and disorder

b. fights
c. the sound of horns
d. calm