Context Clues
Directions: Read each sentence and select the correct synonym for the bolded word. Mark the letter of your choice in red. Next, write the name of the type of context clue used in the sentence in the appropriate space from the following choices:
Synonym
List
Definition
Example
Antonym
Common sense/Life experience
1. I didn’t know she hated me so much until she told my sister she abhorred me.
a. loved
b. hated
c. punched
d. ignored
Type of context clue:
2. The diamond looked so real the jeweler could not believe it was counterfeit.
a. genuine
b. colorful
c. rare
d. fake
Type of context clue:
3. The violence of the storm could not hinder the ship’s progress toward the island.
a. predict
b. show
c. block
d. defy
Type of context clue:
4. The lake was so placid, calm, and tranquil.
a. wet
b. pretty
c. joyful
d. peaceful
Type of context clue:
5. After his stress-induced breakdown, his psychiatrist recommended a respite from the
pressures of the world.
a. break
b. embrace
c. conclusion
d. procrastination
Type of context clue:
6. If you are going to get up before dawn tomorrow, you had better retire early tonight.
a. eat
b. pray
c. sleep
d. shower
Type of context clue:
7. When he punched him at the church the priest could not believe the two boys would fight in such a reverent place.
a. important
b. clean
c. cold
d. holy
Type of context clue:
8. My brother behaved inanely at the dinner party; he tried to pull the table cloth out from under the dishes, he tried to juggle three cups and he ran around clucking like a chicken.
a. seriously
b. intelligently
c. silly
d. cautiously
Type of context clue:
9. Some men are loquacious; they love to talk and talk.
a. chatty
b. sensitive
c. violent
d. insane
Type of context clue:
10. Although they appeared quite succulent, the pears tasted bitter.
a. nasty
b. unripe
c. healthy
d. tasty
Type of context clue:
11. He was usually very amiable, so his mean response shocked me.
a. rude
b. cruel
c. tired
d. friendly
Type of context clue:
12. They had always been friends, but this new animosity threatened their relationship.
a. rumor
b. triangle
c. hatred
d. confusion
Type of context clue:
13. The voracious lion devoured the 100 pounds of steak in 5 five minutes.
a. dirty
b. hungry
c. large
d. typical
Type of context clue:
14. The time elapsed so quickly the game was over in the blink of an eye.
a. stopped
b. grew
c. changed
d. passed
Type of context clue:
15. The laceration took ten stitches to close.
a. medicine
b. scalpel
c. organ
d. cut
Type of context clue: