Subscribe

Grade 5 · English Language Arts · Unit 6 of 16

Context Clues

Crack the meaning of new words

What your child practises

Using the words around an unfamiliar word to figure out what it means, naming the type of clue, and choosing the right meaning of words like “bat” or “bank.”

Nunavut Curriculum approved guide: NWT English Language Arts (2011), Production · using context to work out word meaning

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    What does “nocturnal” mean in this sentence?

    Owls are nocturnal animals; they sleep during the day and hunt at night.

    • active in winter
    • eating only plants
    • living in water
    • active at night

  2. Question 2

    Which meaning of “train” is used in this sentence?

    Kenji will train for the race all summer.

    • a line of railway cars
    • to practise to get better
    • the long back of a gown

  3. Question 3

    What does “spacious” mean in this sentence?

    The new apartment was spacious, with plenty of room for a piano and two bookcases.

    • having lots of room
    • very crowded
    • close to school
    • very old

  4. Question 4

    What does “scarce” mean in this sentence?

    Water is scarce in the desert, so plants there store every drop they can.

    • hard to find
    • salty
    • everywhere
    • very cold

  5. Question 5

    What does “persistent” mean in this sentence?

    Kenji was persistent. Even after his kite crashed six times, he kept trying until it flew.

    • not giving up
    • easily bored
    • always late
    • very careless

  6. Question 6

    What does “dilapidated” mean in this sentence?

    The old barn was dilapidated: its roof sagged, its boards were rotting and its doors hung loose.

    • falling apart
    • freshly painted
    • full of animals
    • very large

More Grade 5