1. Context Clues

2. Use the clues in the passage to try to figure out the meaning of an unknown word.

3. Why do we practice using context clues? Context clues are helpful in every subject area. They help us to better understand what we are reading. Even grown-ups still read and use context clues.

4. After 2 years with no rain, our land became barren. 2 years of no rain? Something happened to the land? What happens after 2 years with no rain? I think that it is very dry. I think that nothing will grow. Barren probably means nothing will grow.

5. Carrie prevaricates so often that now no one believes her. Prevaricates is something that Carrie does. It is an action verb. She does this very often. Now no one believes her. I think it means that she doesn’t tell the truth.

6. His valiant rescue of the child from the burning car earned him a medal. Valiant describes a rescue in this sentence. If you rescue someone from a burning car that is very dangerous. This man saved a child. He got a medal for it. He is a hero. I think valiant means brave.

7. I can never get my homework done with others around. I need solitude. Solitude is something I have to have. I have to have it to get my homework done. I don’t like others around. I think it means that I want to be by myself.

9. We had to restrain our dog to keep it from chasing the rabbit. A.Strain it again B.Tie it up C.Teach it again D.Train it some more

10. We were so famished after our long hike in the woods that we ate our lunches in no time. A.Being with your family B.Famous and well-known C.To disappear D.To be very hungry

11. Since Josh’s elderly grandfather retired from his job 2 years ago, he has been a volunteer at my school. A.A type of tree B.A kind of deer C.Quite old D.Nice

12. Did you read the inscription on the bottom of the statue? A.Written words B.Medicine from the doctor C.What it looks like D.Metal