Grade 5 Context Clues worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- Read the sentence and the ones around it for clues.
- Clues can be a definition, a synonym, an opposite or an example.
- For words with more than one meaning, like bat or bank, pick the meaning that fits the sentence.
Example: “The window was transparent, so we could see the whole garden.” What does “transparent” mean? The clue: we could see through it to the garden. So it lets light and sight pass through. Answer: clear enough to see through
Question 1
What kind of context clue helps you understand “herbivore”?
A herbivore is an animal that eats only plants.
- definition (the meaning is explained)
- examples (examples are listed)
- antonym (an opposite is given)
definition (the meaning is explained)
Hint: The sentence tells you exactly what a herbivore is.
Question 2
Which meaning of “train” is used in this sentence?
Kenji will train for the race all summer.
- a line of railway cars
- to practise to get better
- the long back of a gown
to practise to get better
Hint: “train” has more than one meaning. Read the whole sentence, then try each meaning in its place.
Question 3
What does “ambiguous” mean in this sentence?
The directions were so ambiguous that half the class went to the gym and the other half went to the library.
- unclear
- very short
- easy to follow
- written in pencil
unclear
Hint: If students understood the directions in two different ways, were the directions clear?
Question 4
What does “persistent” mean in this sentence?
Kenji was persistent. Even after his kite crashed six times, he kept trying until it flew.
- easily bored
- not giving up
- always late
- very careless
not giving up
Hint: He kept trying after six crashes. What kind of person does that?
Question 5
Which meaning of “bank” is used in this sentence?
We sat on the bank of the river to watch the ducks.
- to tilt while turning
- the land along the side of a river
- a place that keeps money
the land along the side of a river
Hint: “bank” has more than one meaning. Read the whole sentence, then try each meaning in its place.
Question 6
What does “cautious” mean in this sentence?
The cautious cyclist slowed down and looked both ways before crossing the busy street.
- forgetful
- noisy
- speedy
- careful
careful
Hint: Slowing down and looking both ways are things a careful person does.
Question 7
What does “spacious” mean in this sentence?
The new apartment was spacious, with plenty of room for a piano and two bookcases.
- very old
- having lots of room
- close to school
- very crowded
having lots of room
Hint: Look at the words right after the comma: “plenty of room.”
Question 8
What does “scarce” mean in this sentence?
Water is scarce in the desert, so plants there store every drop they can.
- very cold
- hard to find
- everywhere
- salty
hard to find
Hint: If plants must save every drop, is there a lot of water or only a little?
Question 9
What does “timid” mean in this sentence?
Unlike her timid little brother, Ana was bold and spoke up right away.
- tall
- shy
- loud
shy
Hint: “Unlike” tells you timid is the opposite of bold and speaking up.
Question 10
What does “ancient” mean in this sentence?
The ancient castle was built more than eight hundred years ago.
- very small
- brand new
- very old
very old
Hint: Something built eight hundred years ago has been around a long time.
Answer key
- 1. definition (the meaning is explained)
- 2. to practise to get better
- 3. unclear
- 4. not giving up
- 5. the land along the side of a river
- 6. careful
- 7. having lots of room
- 8. hard to find
- 9. shy
- 10. very old
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.