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Reading – Context Clues

Reading · Level 4 · CCSS: L.4.4, RI.4.4 · Worksheet 3 of 5

Level 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practice SetsSet 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5 Set 6 Set 7 Set 8 Set 9 Set 10

1 Types of Context Clues

🔑 There are different ways authors help you figure out unknown words. Read each example and identify the clue type.

Definition Clue: The author tells you what the word means. "A habitat is a place where an animal lives."

Example Clue: The author gives examples. "She ate nutritious foods like apples, carrots, and nuts."

Opposite Clue: The author uses an opposite. "Unlike his timid sister, Jake was very brave."

Sentence	Clue Type	Word Meaning
"The arid desert was so dry that no plants could grow."
"He had nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and raccoons."
"A carnivore is an animal that eats only meat."
"While the old car was sluggish, the new one was fast."

2 Context Clues in a Story

📖 Read the story. Use context clues to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.

The expedition into the jungle was exciting. Our group of explorers walked through thick trees and vines for hours. We heard peculiar sounds that we had never heard before — strange bird calls and rustling leaves. Suddenly we came to a massive waterfall. It was enormous — taller than a ten-story building! We felt tiny standing next to it.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
expedition
peculiar
massive

3 Replace with a Synonym

🔄 Use context clues to choose the best synonym for the bold word.

1. The kitten was very agile. It jumped from the table to the shelf with ease.

A clumsy
B quick and flexible
C tired

2. The children were elated when school was cancelled for a snow day. They cheered and danced around.

A confused
B extremely happy
C upset

3. Mom asked me to assist her in the kitchen by stirring the soup while she cut the vegetables.

A help
B watch
C leave

4 Create a Context Clue Sentence

✍️ Write a sentence for each word that gives a reader clues about what it means. Don't use the definition directly!

Word: transparent (meaning: see-through)

Word: courageous (meaning: brave)

Word: ancient (meaning: very old)

5 SBA Practice: Two-Part Evidence Question

On the state test, you must support your answers with evidence from the text. Practice finding the BEST evidence.

Part A: What does the word or phrase mean as used in this text?

Part B: Which sentence or phrase from the text provides the STRONGEST evidence for your answer to Part A? Copy it here:

Part C: Explain how this evidence supports your answer. Use complete sentences.