Context Clues | Answer Keys

Student Concept Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	"Exhausted" means very tired. Clue: "fell asleep on the bus ride home" - this inference clue shows they were so tired they fell asleep.
2	B. Example clue The signal words "such as" introduce examples (frogs, toads, salamanders) that help explain what amphibians are.
3	B. Very cold Inference clues: "made everyone shiver" and "put on our warmest coats and hats" show it was very cold.
4	D. Antonym clue - "scared" is the opposite of "courageous" The word "although" signals a contrast. If Marco is "usually courageous" but felt "scared," then courageous must mean brave (the opposite of scared).
5	"Vast" means very large or huge. Clues: "stretched as far as the eye could see" and "small boat looked tiny" show the ocean was extremely large. This is an inference clue - students must combine details to understand "vast" means enormous/huge.

Practice Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	B. To make a loud, crying sound The comparison "like a wolf" helps explain the meaning - wolves howl with loud, crying sounds.
2	"Torrential" means very heavy or pouring down hard. Clues: "poured down so hard," "couldn't see across the street," "rushed down the gutters like small rivers" Inference clue - multiple details describe extremely heavy rain.
3	B. Extremely loud Clue: "so loud that Maria had to cover her ears" directly explains how loud it was.
4	C. Worried and nervous Clues: "hugged his teddy bear tightly" and "eyes wide with worry" show he was anxious (worried/nervous).
5	Meaning: Comforting, making someone feel better/safer Type: Inference clue Clue: "made him feel safe" tells us her voice was comforting and calming.
6	B. Nervous Type: Synonym clue - "or nervous" directly tells us the meaning The phrase "apprehensive, or nervous" uses "or" to provide a synonym definition.
7	"Innovative" means new, creative, or advanced. Details: "working robots, erupting volcanoes, and even a model solar-powered car" - these examples show creative, new projects unlike simple poster boards. Example/comparison clue - contrasts innovative projects with "simple poster boards."
8	B. To explain in great detail Clue: "He didn't just give a short answer - he explained every detail" tells us elaborate means to give more detail.
9	C. Outstanding and excellent Synonym clue: "truly outstanding work" directly explains what exceptional means.
10	Meaning: Commitment, hard work, devotion to something Clue: "spending hours and hours perfecting every part of his project" explains dedication. Definition/explanation clue - the phrase after the comma explains what dedication means.
11	D. Antonym clue "The opposite of loading" directly provides the antonym to explain unload.
12	"Overwhelmed" means feeling like there's too much to handle. Clue: She "struggled with the heavy box while also trying to hold onto a leash" - too many things at once.
13	B. To play and move around happily Example clue: "jumping, running, and rolling around playfully" shows what frolic means.
14	"Accompany" means to go with someone. Clues: "show you around" and the context of offering to be with Maya Inference clue - Sofia offers to show Maya around, meaning she'll go with her.
15	C. Feeling hopeful and positive Sentence: "I already made a friend on my first day!" - this positive outcome explains her optimism. Also contrast with "lonely" and "this move will be good" - antonym/inference clues.

FAST Format Quiz Answers

Question	Answer
1	B. Dangerous and risky Clues: "loose rocks," "steep cliffs," "one wrong step could send a hiker tumbling" - all indicate danger.
2	C. Alert and watchful Clues: "keeping a close watch on every step" and "pay attention" explain vigilant.
3	B. Example clue - the author gives examples (trees, waterfalls, peaks) "Towering pine trees, rushing waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks" are examples of scenery.
4	B. Something successfully completed Clues: "worked hard to complete the challenging climb" and "proud of what they had achieved."
5	B. Wonder and surprise Inference clue: Watching caterpillars turn into butterflies is something surprising and wonderful.
6	A. Synonym clue - "changed completely" means the same thing The phrase "transformed, or changed completely" uses "or" to provide a synonym.
7	B. Big and noticeable Definition clue: "big, obvious differences at each stage" directly explains dramatic changes.
8	C. Fragile and easily damaged Clue: "could tear easily if handled roughly" explains delicate means fragile.
9	See rubric and sample response below.
10	See rubric and sample response below.

Question 9 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Correctly defines "rewarding" (satisfying, giving happiness/pride) AND identifies specific words from the passage that helped ("happy and proud," "see the butterflies we raised flying")
1	Correctly defines the word but doesn't identify specific clues, OR identifies clues but provides weak/incomplete definition
0	Incorrect definition, no clues identified, or response doesn't address the question

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 9:
"Rewarding" means something that makes you feel happy and satisfied. I know this because the passage says the student felt "happy and proud to see the butterflies we raised flying in the garden." These words show that rewarding means something that gives you good feelings because of what you accomplished.

Question 10 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Identifies a vocabulary word, correctly explains its meaning, AND correctly identifies the type of context clue with evidence
1	Correctly explains the word meaning but misidentifies clue type, OR identifies clue type but has weak definition
0	Incorrect information, no clear answer, or response doesn't address the question

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 10:
I chose the word "transformed" from Passage 2. It means to change completely. The type of context clue is a synonym clue because the author writes "transformed, or changed completely." The word "or" tells me that "changed completely" means the same thing as "transformed."

Quick Reference: Five Types of Context Clues