Vocabulary Lesson 2 Q2 Context Clues

Standards ELACC8RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including connotative meanings ELACC8L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase

Task Each of the follow sentences or sentence groups contains a word from this unit’s vocabulary list. Look at the way each word is used and use the context to determine the word’s meaning and part of speech. Later, we will confirm or add to the definition.

Unblemished (adj.) The floors in the new school building were unblemished and shining, but soon they were marred with scratches and dirt. For 5 years, the school’s state championship record remained completely unblemished; they brought home the trophy each year. Blemished; blemish; blemishes

Negligent (adj.) The dog’s negligent owners left him outside without food for nearly a week; it’s no wonder the authorities took him away. Do not be negligent about your homework, or you will fall behind in school. Negligence; Negligently

Pathogen (n.) Yellow Fever, a deadly pathogen, spread throughout Philadelphia in Washing your hands frequently prevents the spread of harmful pathogens. Pathogens; Pathogenic

Meticulous (adj.) Doctors must be extremely meticulous in their hand washing in order to protect the health of their patients. Jennifer is meticulous in her school work; everything must be exactly perfect in order for her to be satisfied with it. Meticulously; Meticulousness

Eschew (v.) Sam is only interested in writing music; he tries to eschew anything that does not involve it in some way, shape or form. Amanda will often eschew crowded dances and events because she would prefer to hang out with just her real friends. Eschews; eschewing; eschewed

Predicament (n.) James found himself in a bit of a predicament when he realized he’d left his science project on the bus. As the hyenas chased George to the edge of the cliff, he wondered how he’d gotten himself into such a predicament. Predicaments

Balderdash (n.) This essay doesn’t make any sense; it is complete balderdash! We don’t have time for any kind of balderdash today because we have entirely too much to do.

Miasma A terrible miasma of dead fish drifted from the beach. The town was suddenly filled with a miasma of fear when they found that a violent storm was on the way.

Peckish If you are feeling peckish, you should have a small snack. I am only a bit peckish, so I do not need an entire meal.

Din An awful din came from the garage where my brother’s band was practicing. To some people, rock music is melodious, but to others, it’s a terrible din.

Standards ELACC8RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including connotative meanings ELACC8L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase