FAST Practice Quiz

Word Meanings
Grade 6 Reading
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.V.1.3
10 Questions
/10
Directions: Read each passage carefully. Use context clues, word parts, and your understanding of connotation and denotation to answer the questions.
The Archaeological Dig

Professor Chen's team had been excavating the ancient site for three months, carefully removing layers of soil to reveal artifacts buried for thousands of years. The work was meticulous, requiring extreme attention to every detail. A careless mistake could obliterate evidence that had survived for millennia.

Yesterday, they made a monumental discovery: a perfectly preserved ceramic vessel decorated with intricate patterns. "This is unprecedented," Professor Chen announced, her voice trembling with excitement. "We've never found anything in such pristine condition at this depth."

The team worked to extract the vessel without damaging it. They would need to authenticate the find before making any public announcements. The implications of this discovery could revolutionize our understanding of ancient civilizations.

1
Based on context clues, what does "meticulous" most likely mean?
A
Quick and careless
B
Very careful and precise
C
Boring and repetitive
D
Dangerous and risky
2
The word "unprecedented" contains the prefix "un-" (not) and the root "preced" (to go before). What does "unprecedented" mean?
A
Something that happened many times before
B
Something that will happen in the future
C
Something that has never happened before; completely new
D
Something that was expected to happen
3
The word "authenticate" contains the root "auth" (related to original/genuine). In the context of the passage, what does it mean to "authenticate" the find?
A
To destroy it for scientific testing
B
To prove that it is genuine and real
C
To sell it to a museum
D
To make copies for display
4
Which word has a MORE POSITIVE connotation: "meticulous" or "picky"? Explain why the author chose "meticulous" to describe the archaeological work.
A
"Picky" is more positive because it shows the team is selective.
B
"Meticulous" is more positive because it suggests professional precision rather than annoying fussiness.
C
Both words have exactly the same connotation.
D
"Picky" is more positive because it's a simpler word.
The Music Competition

Mia had always been apprehensive about performing in public, but today she felt something different. As she walked toward the piano, a sense of tranquility washed over her. The months of rigorous practice had prepared her well.

Her teacher had called her technique "impeccable" - without any flaws. She had learned to infuse her playing with emotion, making the music come alive. Now, as her fingers touched the keys, she didn't just play the notes; she interpreted them, bringing her own unique understanding to the piece.

The judges watched with rapt attention. When Mia finished, there was a moment of profound silence before the audience erupted in applause. One judge wrote a single word on her evaluation form: "Extraordinary."

5
What does "apprehensive" mean in the first paragraph?
A
Excited and eager
B
Nervous and anxious
C
Bored and uninterested
D
Angry and frustrated
6
The word "impeccable" comes from the Latin root "pecc" meaning "fault/sin" with the prefix "im-" meaning "not." Based on this and the context, "impeccable" means:
A
Full of mistakes
B
Without any faults; perfect
C
Difficult to understand
D
Very loud
7
The word "profound" has multiple meanings. Which meaning applies in "a moment of profound silence"?
A
Showing great knowledge
B
Very deep or intense
C
Located underground
D
Said in a loud voice
8
Compare the connotations of "tranquility" and "boredom." Both suggest calmness, but how are their connotations different, and why did the author choose "tranquility"?
A
"Tranquility" has a negative connotation; "boredom" is positive.
B
"Tranquility" suggests peaceful calm (positive); "boredom" suggests dull, uninterested calm (negative). The author chose "tranquility" to show Mia's confidence.
C
Both words have the same connotation.
D
"Boredom" would have been a better word choice.
9
Using evidence from "The Archaeological Dig," explain how word parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes) can help you determine the meaning of "revolutionize." Break down the word and explain what it means in context.
10
How does word choice affect the tone of "The Music Competition"? Identify TWO words from the passage that have positive connotations and explain how they contribute to the passage's overall uplifting tone.
___Multiple Choice (8)
___Written Response (2)
___Total (10)