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Grade 2 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 2 (US) · Year 3 (UK) · Class 2 (India) · English

Unit 4: VocabularyWord MeaningsCCSS L.2.4a

Working out the meaning of unknown words from the words around them. This free early elementary 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 2 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Word Meanings · CCSS L.2.4a

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

Example

Use context: 'The puppy was so tiny, it fit in my palm.' What does 'tiny' mean?

Answer: very small

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 desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.

  6. 6

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  7. 7

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

  8. 8

    Her benevolent neighbor often brought meals to sick families.

  9. 9

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

  10. 10

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

Part B

Write your answer on the line.

  1. 11

    Which kind of context clue is used? 'Unlike the timid kitten, the puppy was bold.'

  2. 12

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

★ Challenge corner for fast finishers

What can you catch but not throw?

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/2/context_clues

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

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How to use this worksheet

  • Keep it short: a few questions at a time works better than a whole page at once for young learners.
  • Read the questions aloud together if your child is still building reading confidence.
  • Check the answers straight after, while the thinking is still fresh, and praise effort as well as results.

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Grade 2 Shades of Meaning & ConnotationGrade 2 Compound WordsGrade 2 Prefixes & SuffixesGrade 2 Short & Long Vowel SoundsGrade 2 Digraphs & BlendsGrade 2 Counting SyllablesGrade 2 Sight WordsGrade 2 Alphabetical Order

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.The 8 Parts of Speech: A Simple Guide with ExamplesNouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections — what each one does, how to spot it, and the words that switch jobs.

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