Name Date

Lesson
1 Context Clues Teaching
You often can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word from context
clues, or information in the same or nearby sentences. In the following
example, learning that the hikers found the waterfall by hearing, not sight,
helps you understand the meaning of the word invisible—“unable to be seen.”
Deep in the forest, the waterfall was invisible, but the playful sound of
rushing water led us to it.

A. Context Clues in Action

In the sentences below, use context clues to help figure out the meaning of
the word printed in italics. Then write the meaning of the word on the line.

1. The squirrel hid in the tree and did not emerge until the people had left the park.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

2. The second crash of thunder was much louder and closer than the previous one.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

3. “That’s obvious,” he said angrily. “Anyone can see that it’s raining.”

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

4. Marta has excellent posture; she never slouches.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

5. The sun and rain caused the dying plants to turn green and flourish.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

6. The first time he skied down the hill without falling, José felt great satisfaction.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

7. After the truant had missed six days of school, the principal called her parents.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

8. The elevator stopped with a jolt, throwing everyone against the walls.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

9. Learning the shape of the leaves is a good way to identify a tree.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

10. When the four-year-old began composing music, people realized he was a genius.

meaning: __________________________________________________________________________

VOCABULARY 1
 Name Date

Lesson
1 Context Clues More Practice

B. Vocabulary Words in Action

Review the meanings of the words in exercise A. Then read the following sen-
tences. Write T if the sentence is true and F if it is false.

____ 1. The ending of an exciting mystery story is obvious.

____ 2. People usually feel satisfaction after finishing a hard job.

____ 3. A genius is less intelligent than other people.

____ 4. The previous page comes right after this one.`

____ 5. Graceful dancers always land with a jolt.

____ 6. It may be hard to identify a person wearing a mask.

____ 7. A living thing that does not flourish may die soon.

____ 8. When a rabbit emerges from its hole, it disappears below ground.

____ 9. A truant never misses a day of school.

____10. Standing up straight and tall leads to poor posture.

C. Vocabulary Challenge
Use context clues to figure out the meanings of the words in italics. Then circle
the word from the three choices next to the sentence that has a similar meaning.

1. Marla was absolutely sure that she had been accidentally/completely/constantly

asleep, because the alarm woke her.

2. The doctor assured him that the results of the confusing/unexpected/average

tests were completely normal.

Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.

3. After reading the story, answer the questions on opposite/front/related
the reverse side.

4. “I won’t accept that feeble excuse,” her father believable/weak/funny

said sternly.

5. It’s natural to grieve when someone you love dies. eat sweets/sing softly/be sad

2 VOCABULARY