FAST Practice Quiz

Context Clues & Vocabulary
Grade 3 Reading
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.V.1.3
10 Questions
/10
Directions: Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions about vocabulary words using context clues from the text.
The Amazing Octopus

The octopus is one of the most remarkable creatures in the ocean. It is truly amazing and fascinating! With eight flexible arms and a soft body, the octopus can squeeze through incredibly tiny spaces.

When threatened by a predator, the octopus has several ways to defend itself and stay safe. First, it can squirt a cloud of dark ink to confuse enemies. Second, it can change colors instantly to blend in with rocks and coral—this is called camouflage.

Scientists have discovered that octopuses are intelligent animals. Unlike many sea creatures with simple brains, octopuses can solve puzzles, open jars, and even recognize human faces. They can learn new skills quickly.

The octopus is also solitary. It prefers to live alone rather than in groups. It hides in rocky dens during the day and comes out at night to hunt for crabs, clams, and small fish.

Each of the octopus's arms can function independently—they can work and move on their own. This allows the octopus to taste, touch, and grab objects with any arm while its brain focuses on other tasks.

1
What does the word remarkable mean as used in the passage?
A
common and ordinary
B
amazing and fascinating
C
scary and dangerous
D
slow and lazy
2
Which words from the passage help you understand what "remarkable" means?
A
"eight flexible arms"
B
"amazing and fascinating"
C
"tiny spaces"
D
"soft body"
3
What does defend mean in this passage?
A
to attack first
B
to protect and keep safe
C
to run away quickly
D
to hide underwater
4
Read this sentence from the passage: "Scientists have discovered that octopuses are intelligent animals."
A
strong
B
colorful
C
smart
D
fast
5
What type of context clue helps the reader understand the meaning of "intelligent"?
A
Definition clue—the meaning is directly stated
B
Antonym clue—an opposite word is given
C
Example clue—examples show what the word means
D
Synonym clue—a word with the same meaning is given
6
What does solitary mean as used in the passage?
A
preferring to live in large groups
B
preferring to live alone
C
living near the surface of the water
D
sleeping during the night
7
Which phrase from the passage is the BEST clue to the meaning of "solitary"?
A
"hides in rocky dens"
B
"hunt for crabs, clams, and small fish"
C
"prefers to live alone rather than in groups"
D
"comes out at night"
8
What does the word function mean in the last paragraph?
A
to grow larger
B
to work or operate
C
to change colors
D
to feel pain
9
What does camouflage mean based on the passage?
10
Choose ONE vocabulary word from the passage. Explain its meaning AND identify the context clue(s) that helped you figure it out.
___Multiple Choice (8)
___Written Response (2)
___Total (10)
FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.V.1.3
Practice quiz format mirrors Florida FAST assessment style