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Grade 10 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 10 (US) · Year 11 (UK) · Class 10 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext Clues & RootsCCSS L.9-10.4a

Working out the meaning of unknown words from the words around them. This free high school worksheet has 12 questions and a full answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF — every answer is checked by code, not guessed.

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Context Clues

Grade 10 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues & Roots · CCSS L.9-10.4a

Directions: This worksheet has 2 parts. Read the instructions at the start of each part.

Example

Use context: 'She was elated when she won — she jumped for joy.' What does 'elated' mean?

Answer: very happy

RememberContext clue types

Definitionthe meaning is given“…arid, or very dry…”Synonyma word that means the sameAntonyman opposite: unlike, butExamplesuch as, for example
Part A

Use the clues in each sentence to work out what the underlined word means.

  1. 1

    The old bridge was fragile, so only one person could cross at a time.

  2. 2

    He gave a terse reply — just one word — and walked away.

  3. 3

    The instructions were ambiguous, so half the class did the wrong page.

  4. 4

    I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.

  5. 5

    He was so lethargic after the flu that he slept all day.

  6. 6

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

  7. 7

    The road was slick with ice, and cars slid everywhere.

  8. 8

    The scientist was meticulous, checking every number three times.

  9. 9

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  10. 10

    Her benevolent neighbor often brought meals to sick families.

  11. 11

    The puppy was so tiny, it fit in my palm.

Part B

Answer each question. Use full sentences where you can.

  1. 12

    Which kind of context clue is used? 'A biome, or large natural community, covers a big area.'

★ Challenge corner for fast finishers

Unscramble the letters: IVERR (clue: water that flows to the sea)

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/10/context_clues

Answer key (click to show)
  1. 1.easily broken
  2. 2.short and abrupt
  3. 3.unclear / having more than one meaning
  4. 4.very hungry
  5. 5.tired / sluggish
  6. 6.very dry
  7. 7.slippery
  8. 8.very careful about details
  9. 9.quiet / not saying much
  10. 10.kind and generous
  11. 11.very small
  12. 12.definition / restatement clue
  13. ★river (challenge corner)

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How to use this worksheet

  • Use it for revision before a test, as homework, or as a timed practice set.
  • Students can self-mark with the answer key and note which question types they got wrong.
  • Generate several versions of the same topic for spaced practice in the weeks before an exam.

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Grade 10 Greek & Latin RootsGrade 10 Literary DevicesGrade 10 Shades of Meaning & ConnotationGrade 10 AnalogiesGrade 10 Vocabulary BuildingGrade 10 Parallel StructureGrade 10 Phrases & ClausesGrade 10 Sentence Structure

Guides for teaching Context Clues

Context Clues: 5 Types with Examples (and How to Teach Them)Definition, synonym, antonym, example and inference clues — how readers work out unknown words without a dictionary, with sample sentences and a classroom routine.7 Reading Comprehension Strategies Every Student Should UsePredict, question, visualize, summarize and more — what good readers do automatically, and how to practise each one.Literary Devices: 20 Examples Every Student Should KnowSimile, metaphor, personification, irony and more — each with a clear definition, an example, and a quick test for telling similar devices apart.

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