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Grade 12 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 12 (US) · Year 13 (UK) · Class 12 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext Clues & RootsCCSS L.11-12.4a

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 12 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues & Roots · CCSS L.11-12.4a

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

Example

Use context: 'I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.' What does 'famished' mean?

Answer: very hungry

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

    She was elated when she won — she jumped for joy.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    The once-thriving town became desolate after the mine closed.

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

    Her benevolent neighbor often brought meals to sick families.

  7. 7

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

  8. 8

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  9. 9

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

  10. 10

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

  11. 11

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

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: HTA (clue: you wear it on your head)

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/12/context_clues

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

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