Context Clues — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. The museum guide said the fossil, or preserved remain of an old animal, was millions of years old. Which clue helps explain 'fossil'?
A) antonym clue
B) definition clue
C) example clue
D) inference clue
'Or preserved remain' directly defines fossil, which is a definition clue.
2. Unlike the timid mouse, the brave cat walked right into the room. What does 'timid' mean?
A) loud
B) shy
C) huge
D) fast
The word 'unlike' contrasts timid with brave, so timid means shy.
3. Tropical fruits, such as mangoes and pineapples, grow in warm places. Which type of clue is used?
A) example clue
B) antonym clue
C) synonym clue
D) inference clue
'Such as' introduces mangoes and pineapples as examples of tropical fruits.
4. Lin yawned, rubbed her eyes, and put on pajamas. She must feel drowsy. What does 'drowsy' mean?
A) angry
B) sleepy
C) excited
D) hungry
Yawning, eye rubbing, and pajamas show Lin is sleepy, so drowsy means sleepy.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A fossil, or a preserved remain from long ago, can teach us about animals.
'Or' introduces a definition clue that explains the word fossil.
2. Unlike the timid mouse, the brave cat was not shy at all.
The contrast with 'brave' tells us timid means shy, the opposite of brave.
3. Tropical fruits, such as mangoes and pineapples, grow in warm places.
The example clue lists tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples.
4. Lin yawned, rubbed her eyes, and felt very drowsy before bed.
The inference clues of yawning and eye rubbing tell us Lin felt drowsy.
5. The trail was perilous, but the safer path home was not dangerous.
The antonym clue shows the safer path was the opposite of dangerous.