2024-2025

Guessing Meaning of Unfamiliar

Words

Mohamed Al Mo'omen
01147886114
GUESSING THE MEANING OF
UNFAMILIAR WORDS
Mohamed Al Mo'omen

MOHAMED AL MO'OMEN
Guessing meaning of Unfamiliar Words
 Guessing Meaning of
unfamiliar words

To understand what you are reading from an English text, you need to guess the
meaning of unfamiliar words (words you do not know) from the context. This will help
you read faster and easier. Do Exercise 1 before studying how you can guess the meaning
of vocabulary from context.

Exercise 1 Find the meaning of the underlined word in each sentence.

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. She had often come into conflict with her mother-in-law.

a) announcement b) attainment c) argument

2. The old woman’s blunt questions embarrassed her, making her momentarily
tongue-tied.

a) emit b) ashamed c) loathe

3. We just need a couple more chairs so everyone can sit down.

a) one b) two c) three

4. Please, Uncle Jack, give me a piggyback!

a. a ride on someone's back or shoulder

b. a small bag
c. people who arrived to settle in Bangkok in 2000

5. Ladda does not like to eat papaya or carrots, which are high in vitamin A, so she
lacks it. Her mother keeps telling her that an inadequate supply of vitamin A can lead
to blindness.

a) too big b) not enough c) full

How many did you get right from Exercise 1? _______

Language Focus

Now you will learn how to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words or new words by looking
around the words to find clues. These clues will help you to find their meanings; then you will
better understand what you are reading. There are many ways to help you guess the meaning
of unfamiliar words from the context. Read the explanation below and study the examples.

1. Definition

A definition gives the meaning of words. The writer may use words, phrases, or statements to
define something. The writer will use keywords, or signal words to identify a definition so you
need to look for them. See examples of keywords below.

Keywords
is/are means/mean
is/are called what this means is
is/are known as consist of
is/are defined as refer to
is/are described as maybe seen as

1. Inflation is a rise in the general level of prices you pay for things you buy.

✓ an unfamiliar word = inflation

✓ signal word = is
✓ the definition = a rise in the general level of prices you pay for everything you buy.

2. Someone who explores and studies caves is known as a spelunker.

✓ an unfamiliar word = spelunker

✓ signal words = is known as
✓ definition = someone who explores and studies caves

Exercise 2 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined
words. Circle signal words and write their meaning in the space provided.

1. The encyclopedia defines astrology as “the ancient art or science of divining the fate
and future of human beings from indications given by the positions of stars and other
heavenly bodies.”
astrology means ________________________________________________________

2. Sales literature means printed matters that contain information on the goods.
Sales literature means ____________________________________________________

3. The part at the back of the car used for holding luggage is called the car boot in the
United Kingdom, whereas Americans would refer to this as the car’s trunk.
car boot means ______________________________________________________
 2. Restatement
The writer may use other words, phrases, or sentences to provide the meaning of difficult
words. We call this restatement; the writer describes it again or differently. Signal words for
restatement are in the “Keywords box” below.

Keywords
or
that is to say
in other words,
i.e. or that is
e.g.

The surface of Africa consists mainly of plateaus, or large flat areas, although these occur at
different levels.

✓ an unfamiliar word = plateaus

✓ signal word = or
✓ meaning = large flat areas

Exercise 3 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined words. Circle
signal words and write the meaning in the space provided.

1. According to Indian custom, a great dowry of money and objects is given to the
bridegroom, in other words, it is a dot.

dot = ____________________________________________________________________

2. There are several types of aerosol cans. Simple ones contain a liquefied gas, called the
propellant, in which material is dissolved, i.e., melt.

dissolved =_______________________________________________________________

3. Our youth nowadays should not engage in intoxicating things such as alcohol, cigarettes,
and tranquilizers, that is to say, they should not ingest them.

engage =_________________________________________________________________
 3. Punctuation marks
Punctuation is used to describe the meaning of unfamiliar words. The writer will write
unfamiliar words and then use punctuation, words, phrases, or sentences to explain the
meaning of the new words. Such punctuation is in the “Keywords box” below.

Keywords
, commas
, …..., appositive
( ) parentheses
- - dashes
; semicolon
: colon
e.g.

Full-colour pictures are printed using only black and three colours: yellow, cyan (a light blue),
and magenta (a light purple).

✓ an unfamiliar word = cyan and magenta

✓ signal punctuation = ( )
✓ meaning: cyan = a light blue and magenta = a light purple

The use of computers to handle text or word processing was foreseen in the 1950s

✓ an unfamiliar word = handle text

✓ signal punctuation =, ….,
✓ meaning: handle text = word processing

Exercise 4 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined
words. Circle signal words and write the meaning in the space provided.

1. Both facsimile (known as fax) and electronic mail (email) are ways of sending
documents.
Facsimile =__________________________________________________________

Electronic mail =_____________________________________________________

2. An FM radio DJ (disk jockey) broadcasts over the airwaves.

DJ =_______________________________________________________________

3. Infection? becoming ill through contact with bacteria? of the respiratory system such as
the nose, the throat, and the chest is among the most common of all diseases.
Infection =__________________________________________________________
 4. Examples

Examples help us to understand the meaning of new words. See keywords or signal
words used for showing examples in the “Keywords box”.

Keywords
such as
Like
for example, …
for instance,
is / are

e.g.

Use navigation buttons, such as the “Next” button, the “Previous” button, the “Menu”
button, and the “Exit” button, to go back and forth or jump to other topics while you are
using your English software.

✓ unfamiliar words = navigation buttons

✓ signal word = such as
✓ meaning = buttons on computer programs that are used to turn on pages

Exercise 5 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined
words by choosing the best answer for each question. Circle signal words.

1. Some people in the North of Thailand do wickerwork, for example, they make
elephants, turtles, plates, beds, and chairs, from teak trees for earning money.

a) silver handicraft b) bronze handicraft

c) niello handicraft d) wood handicraft

2. The Savanna grasslands are the home of grazing animals such as elephants,
giraffes, antelopes, and zebras. Lions, leopards, and hyenas also live there.

a) non-backbone animals b) meat-eating animals

c) invertebrate animals d) grass-eating animals

3. A tourist guide advised them to see the elephant round-up. There was racing,
colourful war procession, marching, kicking a ball, and tug-of-war between men and
elephants.

a) show b) breed
c) sleep d) born
 5. Language of Contrast

You can guess the meaning of new words by using signal words of contrast. They will
show the opposite of the meaning of the new words. See keywords or signal words of
contrast in the “Keywords box”.

Keywords

but, instead of, though, although, even though, in contrast to

yet, in spite of, despite, as opposed to, unlike, however, on the
other hand, Whereas, fond of, still, provided that

e.g.
Although Dara and Vipa are very close friends, they are very different. Suda spends a
lot of money to buy things while Vipa loves to economize.

a) spend more money b) save money

c) buy things more than before d) keep things in a safe place

Exercise 6 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined
words by choosing the best answer for each question. Circle signal words.

1. Ladda was promoted to be the chief secretary of the manager of the company,
whereas her colleague, Somechai, was penalized.

a) promoted b) punished
c) exiled d) rewarded

2. Although smallpox has almost been eradicated. Malaria is prevalent in

Kanchanaburi, Thailand. A policeman just died from the PF (Plasmodium Falciparum)
malaria last month.

a) destroyed completely b) commonly found

c) fear of disease d) furbish

3. The plane is scheduled to leave for Phuket at 7:00 am but the plane departure has
been postponed for two hours. That is to say, it will leave at 9:00 am instead.

a) retard b) stop
c) extend d) went back
 6. Language of Similarity

You can guess the meaning of new words by using signal words of similarity. They will
display the same meanings of the new words. See keywords or signal words of
similarity in the “Keywords box”.

Keywords

like, similarly, in the same way

as, the same as, just as

e.g.

Indonesia is producing Ford cars and trucks. Soon, Thailand and Vietnam will be
producing the same products with, no doubt, the same quality.

What do the words “the same products” mean? ___________________________

What is your clue? ___________________________________________________

Exercise 7 Use signal words as your clue to find the meaning of the underlined
words. Circle signal words and write the meaning in the space provided.

1. Learning should not be limited to the classroom or with teachers. We can learn by
ourselves about things that are not taught by teachers. Similarly, “self-learning” is
encouraged in our education system.

What does the word “self-learning” mean?

___________________________________________________________________

2. Thailand and South Korea have made a breakthrough in developing a new

technology that enables high-speed Internet connections, just as phone service
links are made efficiently through electric power lines. Both countries have joined
hands to do business.

What do the words “high-speed Internet connections” mean?

___________________________________________________________________
 7. Surrounding words) Context

If you cannot find any signal words or key words as stated before, you may look
around new words or unfamiliar words and try to guess them. The surrounding
words may help you to understand the new words. See examples below.
e.g.

Children are too young to understand that swallowing gum can cause medical
problems so they shouldn't be allowed to chew it, doctors say.

✓ unfamiliar words: swallowing and chew

✓ What do these words mean?
✓ How do you guess their meaning?

Exercise 8 Find the meaning of the underlined word by choosing the best answer
for each question.

1. Professor Boonmee of the Thai Business Commerce School (TBC), Bangkok, had
to do a presentation in Khonkaen and Bangkok on the same day, to be sure that he
would be back to Bangkok on time, he bought a round-trip ticket.

a) one-way ticket b) two-way ticket

2. In Bangkok on Monday morning, most streets are very crowded, so Penporn came
to school late because she was trapped in traffic.

a) blocked b) caught

3. The accountant clerks are responsible for checking for false signatures, thus they
need to verify all cheques with the original signature before paying the money.

a) fake b) true
 8. Pictures

“A picture is worth more than a thousand words” (an old Chinese saying) so a
picture can help you to guess the meaning of a new word. Look at the pictures
below and choose the best answer to explain the pictures.
1.

Which is the best description for the above picture?

a) computer devices b) computer hardware c) a microcomputer system

Which is the best description for the above picture?

a) Holiday on the beach b) Beautiful beach c) Activity of people
Which is the best description for the above picture?
a) For Sale b) Equipment used in an office c) Instruments for you

Using Affixes is an important way to guess the meaning

There is another pamphlet for this
Affixes (Word Forms & Parts of Speech)
 9. Experience and background knowledge

Reading researchers confirmed that experience and background knowledge play an

important role in reading comprehension. As EFL (English as a Foreign Language)
students, you may read related Thai texts to gain knowledge before reading the
English text. See example.

e.g.

Termites, ant-like insects, found in warm countries like Thailand, love to bite and eat
most wood and paper. Once they start, they never stop until everything is gone, or you
stop them.

Look at the pictures below, which one is the termite? ______________________

Exercise 10 Find the meaning of the underlined word by choosing the best answer for
each question.

1. Most Thais are Buddhists, and they usually make merit by giving donations,
listening to sermons, giving food, and meditating on religious days.

a) do good things b) work hard

2. Thailand has never been under the yoke of any other country. We are proud to
have our own language, culture and tradition

a) dependable b) ruled by
 10. Imagination

You may try to use many strategies as stated previously to understand new words, but
sometimes you still can’t understand. You can use your imagination in that case. Read
the following passage and try to imagine how a father felt when his child got D or
F grades.

Exercise 11 Read the passage below. Answer the questions that follow.

A father examined his son’s report card and suffered mild cardiac tremors as he saw
a solid column of D and F grades. Outraged that a product of his genes could disgrace
the family, he confronted his son and said, “Dave, this just won’t do. I can’t tolerate
these grades, and if you don’t show me an immediate turn-around, you’re going to be
grounded!”

1. Do you think Dave got good grades or bad grades?

____________________________________________________________________

2. Was Dave’s father happy or angry at his school result?

____________________________________________________________________

3. What is his father going to do with him?

____________________________________________________________________

Now, find the meaning of the words below.

1) What do the words “suffering mild cardiac tremors” mean?

a) very angry b) about to die of a heart attack c) very sad

2) What does the word “disgrace” mean?

a) please b) shame c) disappoint

3) What does the word “tolerate” mean?

a) give b) borrow c) admit

4) What does the word “turn-around” mean?

a) complete change from a very bad situation to a good one ___________________

b) convert attitude from a positive one to a negative one _____________________
c) run around when you are unhappy ___________________
 A- Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

A. As the summer sun sent scattered rays through the maple and oak leaves overhead,
the young deer stood frozen, making it almost impossible for the hikers to see her.

1. In the above passage, the word “frozen” means _______.

a. very cold
b. visible
c. not moving
d. not melted

B. Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks
forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll
always be a child during this season.

2. What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?

a. stands up straight
b. peeks at presents
c. drinks too much eggnog
d. goes back to being what he was

C. Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent
it hurdling into our planet.

3. To “divert” is to _______.

a. change the direction of

b. look for really high waves
c. jump into a dry river
d. look through a telescope

D. A wonderful 98-year-old woman works day and night to knit scarves to send as gifts
for the troops. What a selfless person she is!
4. A “selfless” woman _______.
a. is selfish
b. has no name
c. likes to wear scarves
d. cares more about others than herself
 B- Vocabulary - Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

1. In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea.
The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very
determined and brave group of settlers.

A daunting task is that would _______ someone.

a. tickle b. amuse
c. lose or misplace d. frighten or intimidate

2. The original Pilgrims called themselves the “Saints” and referred to others who
joined with them for the voyage as the “Strangers.”

In this context, “original” means _______.

a. one-of-a-kind b. first
c. humorous d. musical

3. The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After
much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact.

The Compact was _______.

a. a container for makeup b. a small item
c. a machine used for mashing corn d. an agreement

4. When the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, they were fearful that the
Native Americans would attack them. However, the people that they encountered, the
Wampanoag Indians, were a peaceful and generous tribe.

To “encounter” is to _______.

a. meet b. note how many

c. fight d. exchange text messages
 C- Vocabulary - Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

1. I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn,
it will be an incentive for them to work harder.

1. What is the meaning of “incentive”? __________.

a. a reason to do something b. a small amount of money

c. a tax d. a good job

2. Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's suffrage. Only men
could vote in the United States until 1920.

2. What is “suffrage”?

a. something that causes physical pain b. an early flag

c. skirts that did not cover ankles d. the right to vote

3. Some people are sure that the new healthcare law will mean better care for everyone.
Others argue that the law will mean less care and longer waiting lines for those who need
to see doctors. It's a controversy that will not go away soon.

A “controversy” is something that people _______.

a. have strong disagreements over b. blow their noses into

c. need to pay for a visit to a doctor d. eat with sweet candy

4. Removing seeds from cotton plants was a slow job until Eli Whitney invented the cotton
gin.

1. What is a “cotton gin”?

a. a drink b. a book
c. a machine d. a cloth
 D- Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

1. No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device
is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances
come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.

If something is ubiquitous, __________.

a. it is fuzzy and will bite you

b. it is everywhere
c. it costs too much money
d. it causes rashes

2. Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!

In the above context, what does “rash” mean?

a. an itchy skin condition

b. funny
c. trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese
d. with little thought or consideration

3. Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before
him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least
once in a while?

What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?

a. hitting hard with a heavy tool

b. going to too many expensive parties
c. speaking or writing harshly about
d. voting for a different candidate

4. Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life-saving
research.

What does “esteemed” mean?

a. held over boiling water b. very old

c. unable to chew gum d. greatly admired
 E- Word Meanings from Context

Use the meaning of each selection to help determine the definition of the highlighted
words.

1. Poor Farmer Chevez labors sixteen hours a day and never has time for a vacation. He
deserves better! Everyone should have at least one day a week for rest and relaxation.

A. plays
B. eats
C. works
D. unions

Note: The word “labor” is spelled “labour” in some parts of the world such as the
United Kingdom.

2. It's not that I'm unfriendly, but sometimes I want to leave society behind and be alone
for a while.

A. people living as members of a group

B. homes with messy floors
C. the fastest runners
D. people who are afraid of Girl Scouts

3. Our new alarm system will wake up the entire neighborhood if an intruder gets in the
house.

An intruder is someone who intrudes. To “intrude” is to __________.

A. paint or repair old buildings

B. wear one shoe on the wrong feet
C. go where one is not wanted or doesn't belong
D. be very noisy

4. Those scientists want to hear what our professor thinks about their theory because he
is the foremost expert in their field.

A. The first or main one

B. craziest
C. least informed
D. loudest
 F. Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

1. Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within
seconds and had no trouble winning the match.

When you describe an event as “transient,” you are saying that __________.

a. it sounds like a train

b. it is quite harmful
c. it helps you win
d. it doesn't last long

2. Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It
would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music.

A “dispute” is a __________.

a. musical instrument
b. choice of music
c. discovery
d. disagreement

3. When they heard the good news about the court’s decision, the angry crowd cheered
and then began to disperse. “It looks like everyone is going home,” one reporter stated.

Which would be the opposite of “disperse”?

a. come together
b. smile
c. fly like a bird
d. sing

4. It’s a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided

about this election. These two candidates are certainly
distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions.

What does “distinct” mean?

a. needing a bath
b. dishonest
c. clearly different
d. about the same age
 G. Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you determine the meaning of each highlighted word.

Another wonderful site, one that I check out every day, is called Science Daily. The site
is constantly updated with news, often about exciting findings that change how we look
at the world and the universe. Whether it's newly unearthed discoveries about creatures
that have been extinct for millions of years or the latest advances in cures for human
diseases, you'll find it at Science Daily.

1. What does “daily” mean?

a. never at night
b. only for scientists
c. every day

2. What does “unearthed” mean in the paragraph?

a. dug up
b. from another planet
c. shot into space

These sites post stories as they become news and also archive all the past articles. That
way you can enter a search term and find articles on just about anything related to science
that they've ever published.

3. What does “archive” mean?

a. a nest in a boat
b. read carefully
c. keep in a safe place
 H- Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted
word.

1. Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It’s time to implement it and see if
it’s as brilliant as you claim.

a. instrument
b. take apart
c. change
d. carry out

2. If your plan fails, we’ll have to find someone who can devise a better one.

a. design
b. dislike
c. appliance
d. to use peanut butter as toothpaste

3. Of course, I’m not saying that your plan is no good. I tend to be optimistic, so I won’t
be surprised when you succeed.

a. expecting the best to happen

b. needing glasses to see
c. full of gas
d. unselfish

4. When your plan brings us great wealth, you will be rewarded for your sagacity.

a. good looks
b. mistakes
c. intelligence
d. huge appetite for herbs

5. No matter what happens, I assure you that I will not forget how hard you have
worked on this project.

a. dare b. promise c. act like a donkey d. forget

 I- Word Meanings From Context

Ryan is a great inventor. However, I don’t think that his latest invention, edible socks, is
likely to be too successful. Not many people want to eat socks. Some things in life should
remain inedible.

1. Which word in the passage means “fit to be eaten”?

2. Which word in the passage means “not fit to be eaten”?

Marsha is really an introvert. When I took her to Jason’s party, she sat in a corner without
speaking to anyone. All she did was eat most of the snacks. The only reason she hangs
out with me is because I never try to force her to be sociable. She would never forgive
me if I introduced her to anyone.

3. An “introvert” is usually _____.

a. friendly
b. hungry
c. unclean
d. shy

Sunshine said, “Amber, why are you making such a big deal about Robert’s hair? Yes, he
did dye it purple. It is rather unusual for a guy to have purple hair. On the other hand, it’s
not exactly going to change the course of world history. It’s really quite a trivial matter.”

4. What does “trivial” mean?

a. strange
b. unimportant
c. disgusting
d. dangerous
 J- Word Meanings From Context

The United States has a new president. Americans are hopeful that George W. Bush will
succeed in dealing with some of the major problems that our nation faces. Some feel that
the task will be made extremely difficult by the controversial way that the election ended.
Others are very confident that our new leader is a man who will bring people together to
get things done.

President Bush’s top priority will be to improve education in our country. He is

determined to see that no child will ever fail. He believes that local school districts should
decide how to meet national standards. The president insists that parents should have
greater choices about which schools their kids attend. He will work hard to find areas of
agreement between the opposing parties so that important education reforms will become
law.

1. Which word in the selection is a synonym of “important”?

2. Which word in the selection is the antonym of “succeed”?

3. Which word in the selection means to “make better”?

4. Use a word from the selection to complete the following sentence.

5. The Giants and the Ravens will be the ___________ teams in the Super Bowl.

6. Which word in the selection is a synonym of “nation”?

7. Which word in the selection means the rank (place in order) of importance?

8. Which word in the selection means “having a lot of disagreement”?

 K- Using Context – Antonyms

Use the context of the selections to identify antonyms

Megan was determined to finish her homework before bedtime. She still had to start her
math assignment; it would take at least an hour to complete. She sighed and thought, “I’ve
been working really hard since right after dinner!”

1. Which word in the paragraph is an antonym of “complete”?

2. Which word in the paragraph is an antonym of “before”?

There are some very different opinions about the outcome of the presidential election.
James insists that Al Gore really won the election and that the U.S. Supreme Court took
it away from him. He didn’t have the same kind of objections when the Florida Supreme
Court ruled for his candidate. Is James right, or is he just a sore loser?

In my opinion, the final decision was correct. The Supreme Court of the United States
ruled against a very bad and unequal process. Votes weren’t being counted, they were
being assigned to people who hadn’t cast legal votes. George W. Bush was the true winner
of the presidential election.

3. Which word in the selection is an antonym of “same”?

4. Which word in the selection is antonym of “against”?

5. Which word in the selection is antonym of “loser”?

L- Using Context - Synonyms

Use the context of the selections to identify synonyms.

Harold is a hard worker who helps our company succeed. We would be well advised to
pay him more money before some other corporation snatches him away. It’s always wise
to compensate employees fairly if you want your business to thrive.

1. Which word in the selection is a synonym of “compensate”?

2. Which word in the selection is a synonym of “corporation”?

 Santa just can’t expect his elves to manufacture all the presents he
needs to deliver to good little boys and girls. That task could never
be done in time. The elves do make many of the toys in Santa’s own
shop. The rest of the toys are outsourced to major companies around
the world. Santa requires a lot of help to get his job accomplished.

3. Which word in the selection is a synonym of “manufacture”?

4. Which word in the selection is the synonym of “accomplished”?

5. Which word in the selection is the synonym of “needs”?

6. Which word in the selection is the synonym of “job”?

M- Word Meanings From Context

1. Both sides in the election contest are throwing accusations at each other. The Gore
supporters claim that Governor Bush is trying to thwart the will of the people. The Bush
supporters say that Mr. Gore is trying to create votes or assign choices to people who did
not really cast votes for president.

What does “thwart” mean?

a. help
b. figure out
c. block
d. tickle

2. There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out.
Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.

What does “expedite” mean?

a. quicken
b. agree on
c. sue
d. discuss
3. The Florida legislature believes that it has the power to choose the winner of the
election if the courts haven’t finished their work by December 12. Both houses are
controlled by Republicans, and they would surely resolve the matter in Bush’s favor.

What does “resolve” mean?

a. cancel
b. consider
c. debate
d. settle

4. The election could actually end up being decided in the U.S. Congress. Al Gore’s vice-
presidential running mate, Joe Lieberman, and perhaps Mr. Gore himself, would be able
to vote on the matter. Some would argue that they should recuse themselves, but they
would probably exercise their right to vote.

What does “recuse” mean?

a. step aside and not be involved

b. admit that you are wrong
c. leave the country
d. insist on being heard

N- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context of the paragraphs to determine the meanings of the highlighted words.)

We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way
had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this
dark planet? We doubted that.

1. Which word is a synonym of “trepidation”?

a. movement
b. worry
c. enjoyment
d. laughter
Only an hour or so had passed before a tremendous roar shook the ground. At that very
moment, a strange grey creature materialized before our eyes. It resembled a lizard in
shape. It was about ten feet high at the shoulders and at least fifty feet long.

2. What did the creature do?

a. It whipped its tail back and forth.

b. It stamped its feet.
c. It showed its sharp teeth.
d. It appeared.

Kathy was looking for a strong but light material to use for making her water jugs.
Unfortunately, she chose noodelite. It proved to be too porous to hold jelly.

3. A porous material _____.

a. is good for holding things that you pour

b. protects you in pouring rain
c. allows liquids to flow through it
d. is necessary for making bowling balls

We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will
become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you
turn forty.

4. Which word is a synonym of “lofty”?

a. high b. shaky c. small d. lowly

O- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context of the selections to choose the correct meanings of the underlined
words).

1. Kim was a very good substitute teacher. She liked working with third and fourth graders
most of all. She especially liked discussing important current events issues with the kids.
She had expected them to be indifferent to such grown-up topics as taxes and social
security. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were really interested in those
issues and wanted to learn more about them.

a. similar
b. very unusual
c. not caring
d. gross
2. Mr. Burke stood before his employees. They had never seen him in such a serious
mood. “I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that your future with this company depends
on how hard you work,” he stated firmly.

a. a girl again
b. honest and trustworthy
c. important
d. not responsible

3. “I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my toys!” T. J. announced

angrily. “I thought you would take good care of them, but I was wrong!”

a. repeat
b. celebrate
c. continue
d. cancel

4. I am working very hard for the same candidate that you support. You are doing it for
pay. I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing it out of conviction.

a. being found guilty

b. strong belief
c. anger
d. a desire to eat prunes

P- Democracy and Freedom

(Use the context of the selections to help you choose the correct meaning of each boldfaced
word.)

1. In a democracy, the people choose their government. In order to make intelligent

choices, the people need to know what those who are running the government are doing.
They must be able to get news that is not controlled by the government. Newspapers and
other news organizations must be able to report all the news. Freedom of the press is a
very important part of any democracy.

a. to push
b. a strong forward movement
c. to keep asking
d. news reporting organizations
2. Freedom of speech is just as important as freedom of the press. That means that all
citizens should have the right to inform others of what they know and express their
opinions. That doesn’t mean being able to lock yourself in a closet and whisper. It means
being able to get your thoughts out to as many people as possible. Beware of politicians
who want to repress that right.

a. control, or hold down

b. push again
c. fight to protect
d. say again

3. In a free society, people can practice their religious beliefs without fear. They may also
elect to belong to no religion at all. Freedom of religion is safest in democratic nations.

a. vote
b. ask
c. find
d. choose

4. In order for people to be able to exercise their rights, they must be able to work
together. They must be able to form groups to give strength to their causes. That right is
known as freedom of assembly.

a. a concert
b. speaking
c. listening
d. joining together

Q- Word Meanings From Context

(Each highlighted word in the selection should be replaced by its synonym or its
antonym. Use the context to help you decide which word should be used and write it in
the blank. The first one has been done for you.)

Missy was usually rarely (commonly, rarely) hungry when she woke up in the
morning. It took at least an hour for her to even want to think about food. She had only
been awake for a few minutes when her father called, “Missy, what do you desire
____________ (want, reject) for breakfast?”
“None ____________ (Nothing, Everything) that I can imagine!” Missy
replied ____________ (responded, asked) as she bounded down the stairs. “Food is
the last thing on my mind, Dad. I’m on my way to meet Jenny so we can go to school
separately ____________ (apart, together).”
“Have you told ____________ (informed, concealed) your bus driver that you
won’t be here?” Mr. Vega stated ____________ (announced, inquired).
“I’m sure ____________ (certain, doubtful) that I mentioned it to her
yesterday. The only question is whether or not she’ll remember,” Missy answered as she
left ____________ (exited, entered) her house. She smiled as the early summer
sunlight chilled ____________ (cooled, warmed) her face.

R- Word Meanings From Context

1. It was a sad and haunting strain that met our ears as we entered the old theater. There
was a beauty in the voice that we’d never forget. This would be a special concert.

What does “strain” mean in the context of the selection?

a. effort
b. injury
c. melody
d. filter

2. I want you to weigh his words carefully. He seems sincere and presents his arguments
well. There is, however, something that doesn’t quite ring true about the candidate.

What does “weigh” mean in the context of the selection?

a. to measure the mass

b. to put pressure on a scale
c. to think about
d. to be important

3. Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential

candidate. That became obvious to me when I found out
how much time he’s donated to the campaign. Perhaps Michael knows what he’s doing.

What does “ardent” mean in the context of the selection?

a. old
b. intelligent
c. foolish
d. very strong
4. Mary, of course, you’re overweight. You eat too much junk food. Even worse, you
exercise infrequently.

What does “infrequently” mean?

a. with a frown on one’s face

b. at a gym
c. while wearing heavy clothes
d. not often

S- Word Meanings From Context

1. Your uncle wouldn’t even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip. That’s
just one more example of his penurious ways. In contrast, many people who have much
less money have donated a great deal to the cause.

What does “penurious” mean?

a. very old b. very wealthy

c. very humorous d. very stingy

2. There is a very interesting article about solar storms in the February 14, 2000 issue of
Time magazine. It tells about how these disturbances not only affect spacecraft but can
also disrupt terrestrial life. For example, they have even caused automatic garage doors
to open in one town.

What does “terrestrial” mean?

a. of or on the planet Earth

b. protective of automotive equipment
c. solar
d. in or near a pond

3. “Michelle, I’m very upset about what you said,” Rosie stated firmly. “You didn’t come
right out and accuse me of eating all your candy. On the other hand, your remarks about
my love of chocolate were made for a reason. You are insinuating that I’m the candy
thief!”

What does “insinuate” mean?

a. to keep something hot or cold

b. to suggest without clearly saying
c. to do something evil
d. to protect from disease
4. I think it would help our basketball team if we allowed girls to play. I’ve seen how
Patty has a knack for making tough shots when they’re needed most. She wants to play
on our team, and we’d win more games with her help.

What does “knack” mean?

a. to throw or toss
b. a hard punch
c. a kind of sports bag
d. an ability

T- Word Meanings in Context - Antonyms

(Somewhere in each selection you will find a pair of words in parenthesis. These words
will be antonyms or opposites. Underline the word that makes sense in the context. Use
a dictionary if you’re not sure of the meanings of both antonyms.)

1. Mr. Surfer was a very good teacher. Everyone agreed that kids learned a lot when they
spent a year in his fifth-grade class. Some kids did wish that he would be a little (lenient,
strict) about the rules. If anyone so much as whispered during study time or happened to
forget a homework assignment, he or she was in big trouble.

2. Jennifer was very (gullible, skeptical). We found it all too easy to convince her that a
mummy was roaming around in her cellar. As we added more and more crazy details to
our story, she grew more frightened. Finally, we decided it was best to confess that it was
just a hoax.

3. Sometimes Chad can be very (insensitive, sensitive) to others’ feelings. Do you

remember the time that Julie told us she was taking a beauty course? Chad said that it
must be a miracle course. He was trying to be funny, but her feelings were really hurt. He
didn’t mean what he said. The problem is that he didn’t think about how Julie would take
the comment.

4. All the trees and all the flowers,

Sunlit clouds that (chill, warm) the sky,
All the gentle April showers,
They have worth we can’t deny.

All the manmade golden treasures,

They have value. They have style.
I’ve found more than all their measure
In the beauty of your smile.
 U- Word Meanings From Context - Synonyms

(There is a word printed in italics before each selection. Use the context of each
selection to identify and underline the synonym of that word.)

1. strange I was really appalled at how Don decorated his new apartment. Almost
everything is solid black. When anyone sits on a chair or couch, a scream comes out of a
concealed loudspeaker. Don thinks it’s hilarious. I think he has a bizarre sense of humor!

2. religions You’ll almost never win an argument about religion. There are some points
where most individuals will agree and many points of disagreement. Of course, you can’t
agree with every faith, but you can respect people of all creeds.

3. stick This tape you gave me doesn’t work at all! I can’t get a single poster to adhere
to the wall. I’m going to have to use my staple gun.

4. smell Patty loves to use an abundant number of garlic in her

cooking. Almost any time you approach her kitchen, the aroma of
that famous plant is unmistakable.

5. write Ronald wanted to establish an advantage over the other boys who were all trying
to win Mary’s heart. Deciding to inscribe his and Mary’s names on the tree in her front
yard turned out to be a blunder. He certainly did not win the affection of her parents.

V- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context of the selections to choose the correct meanings or synonyms.)

1. Connie is never happy when everyone is getting along. She always instigates fights
and then acts like little Miss Innocent.

When you instigate something, you __________.

a. check it out
b. protect it
c. get it started
d. ignore it
2. I like that store. All the employees strive to make the customers feel right at home.

Which word is a synonym of “strive”?

a. complain
b. try
c. fail
d. clean

3. This is a clandestine operation. It is extremely important that no one discovers what

you’re doing!

A clandestine operation is supposed to be __________.

a. dangerous
b. harmful
c. exciting
d. secret

4. If you don’t recover quickly from your condition, it could become chronic. Then you
might have to take medicine for the rest of your life.

If something is chronic, it __________.

a. is very painful
b. won’t go away
c. makes you smell bad
d. isn’t real

5. David hoped that nobody would know that he was in the building. Didn’t he realize
that parking his new car in the driveway made his presence rather conspicuous?

If something is conspicuous, it is __________.

a. important
b. expensive
c. unfortunate
d. noticeable
 W- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context of the selections to choose the correct meanings or synonyms.)

1. Prunella and Paula are sisters, but they’re very different. Just look at how they dress.
Prunella doesn’t care what she wears. Paula, on the other hand, is quite chic [sheek].

a. intelligent
b. stylish
c. full of feathers
d. dressed in old clothes

2. I looked at the plans for your new house. This is an earthquake country. You need to
fortify the frame, or you’ll have a disaster with the first tremor.

a. shake
b. build
c. strengthen
d. destroy

3. Helen’s attitude toward dealing with criminals has changed over the years. She used to
believe that everyone can change and deserves a second chance. She now believes that
some crimes are so heinous that those responsible should be shown no mercy.

a. guilty
b. terrible
c. accidental
d. unimportant

4. There may be some parts of my plan to arrest the thieves that should be changed. But
I feel very strongly that renting the apartment over their headquarters is the linchpin of
the scheme. We must do that immediately!

a. part that everything else depends on

b. piece of metal used to connect things
c. place where people live
d. a computer designed for police work
5. Amy was feeling low. Every business she tried lost money or made only pennies a day.
Her newest idea was selling chocolate-covered baby shoes. She was convinced that it
would be a lucrative business. Her friends tried to warn her that it was not a certain road
to riches.

a. tasting great with vanilla ice cream

b. helping young feet to grow correctly
c. showing no careful thought
d. bringing in a lot of money or profit

X- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context to help you choose the correct meaning of each underlined word. )

1. The signal from the cable is too strong for our television. We’ll have to use a filter to
attenuate it.

When you attenuate something, you _______________.

a. watch it carefully
b. take good care of it
c. make it be less
d. get past it

2. “If you knew the gravity of the situation, you wouldn’t be laughing,” Mr. Farmer said
quietly. He didn’t have to say more to get everyone’s attention.

What does “gravity” mean in this context?

a. a force that draws different objects toward each other

b. seriousness
c. humor
d. enjoyable, or comfortable
3. Her cardinal rule is this: Be kind to others! She believes that everything else in life
will fall properly into place if one follows that rule.

What does “cardinal” mean in this context?

a. main, or most important

b. red
c. like a bird
d. not worth remembering

4. The owner of the restaurant wouldn’t allow Samantha to walk through the door. “I’m
sorry,” she said, “but you started a food fight the last time you were here. You may not
have ingress to my restaurant!”

What does “ingress” mean in this selection?

a. a kind of bird that lives by the sea

b. any food that can be thrown
c. a good price for a meal
d. the right to enter

Y- Word Meanings From Context

(Use the context to help you determine the correct meaning of each underlined word.)

1. Murphy Mole is the protagonist in the new novel by Trent Troll. Murphy must stop
Oscar Rat and Shrimpy Shark from enslaving the inhabitants of Lazy Woods Park. He
risks his life in a series of events that lead to a final battle between good and evil.

What is a protagonist?

a. the main character of a story

b. an animal that lives underground
c. someone whose first and last names start with the same letter
d. someone with bad body odor
2. I just can’t beat Paula when we play chess! Every time I make a move that should lead
me to victory, she makes a better move that thwarts my plan.

If you thwart a robbery, you __________.

a. commit a crime
b. stop a crime from happening
c. imagine a theft
d. give warts to a thief

3. Don’t feel stupid. Yes, you thought this worthless replica was a valuable work of art.
But it even fooled a lot of experts. It certainly looked like the real thing!

A “replica” is __________.

a. a dishonest act
b. something ugly
c. anything that has no value
d. a copy

4. Your poster is very good. The drawing really lets people know what our club is all
about. I do think that you could enhance it by adding some more color. That will tend to
grab everyone’s attention.

When you enhance something, you __________.

a. draw it
b. throw it out
c. ruin it
d. make it better